Eight Fun Things To Do

It’s breezy atop Prince of Wales hill, but the bighorn sheep don’t seem to mind. The herd grazes placidly as lambs chase and headbutt each other. Far below, the M.V. International sails across Upper Waterton Lake, stand-up paddleboarders ply the calmer waters of Emerald Bay, and deer roam the streets. It’s a typical summer afternoon in Waterton Lakes National Park, but the experiences to be enjoyed are far from ordinary. Check out these eight fun things to do in Waterton this year.

1. Cruise Waterton Lake

For a more leisurely exploration of the area, take a sightseeing cruise on the historic M.V. International. Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company’s crew are as knowledgeable as they are engaging. They’ll give you the scoop on local history, geography, and where to view wildlife. Some tours include a short stop at Goat Haunt ranger station, Montana so you can get out and stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. Cruises are offered multiple times a day beginning in early May all the way through early October.

Waterton Shoreline Cruise also offers a moderately strenuous hike to Crypt Lake. The full story can be found on pg 18.

2. Canoe or Kayak

Lower Waterton Lake, is known locally as Knight’s Lake. In honour of Herbert Knight who was Waterton’s park super-intendent from 1932-1939. Smaller than Middle and Upper Waterton Lakes, Lower Waterton Lake is 2 km long and tends to have calmer water for paddling. Put in at Hay Barn Day Use Area – a fun wading spot – then paddle down the Waterton River to Lower Waterton Lake. Prevailing winds are from the southwest, so going north is easy. For a longer paddle (add 1 km one way), take a side trip to the Maskinonge, a reed-lined lake that is prime bird habitat. Rent a watercraft from Pat’s Waterton or Blakiston and Co. Also check out Cameron Lake for a quieter