John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints

Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Location

In southwestern Alberta, adjacent to the United States border.

Waterton Lakes National Park is adjacent to Glacier National Park in Montana, USA.

There is also a completely separate and much smaller Glacier National Park in British Columbia (Canada), between Revelstoke and Golden, which is nothing whatsoever to do with the US Glacier National Park in Montana.

Waterton Lakes National Park can only be accessed from its eastern side. On this eastern side it is possible to approach from St Mary to the south (on the eastern side of Glacier National Park in Montana) via the highly scenic Chief Mountain International Highway, from Pincher Creek to the north, or from Cardston to the east.

Waterton Lakes National Park is located a considerable distance from the other Canadian Rockies National Parks.

Size

195 square miles. For comparison, the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England has an area of 147 square miles.

What to See and Do

The park's chief attraction is its spectacularly beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery.

When approaching the park from the USA on the Chief Mountain International Highway, be sure to stop at the lookout some miles north of the border from which there is an excellent view over the valley in which the little town of Waterton Park lies.

The town of Waterton Park lies within the park's boundaries. It is pleasant place to explore on foot and offers a variety of accommodation and restaurant choices.

From the town of Waterton Park there are two spur roads. One leads initially over the prairie and then to Red Rock Canyon where there is a footbridge over the canyon and some hiking trails. The other road, the Akamina Parkway, leads to a truly magnificent view of Cameron Lake. Both roads are well worth exploring.

Just off Highway 6 near where it crosses the park boundary there is a bison (buffalo) paddock, through which you can drive on a one-way loop road. When we took this road, at first we wondered were the buffalo were. Later we found them, wandering across the road. To be so close up to such immensely powerful animals is an experience not to be forgotten.

Winter Access

According to the official park leaflet Waterton Lakes is primarily a summer use park and access to the park in winter is extremely limited. Both of the spur roads are closed throughout the winter, although it seems that access to the town of Waterton Park is kept open.

Entrance Fee

In the summer of 2000 the entrance fee for normal cars was $8 per day, although this also provides access up to 4pm the following day. This covers the vehicles' driver and all passengers. It does not include entrance to the adjacent Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, for which there is a separate charge.

There is a reduction of $2 per day for senior citizens.

Quote

In the town of Waterton Lakes there is a display which includes the following comment on the US/Canadian border from Sitting Bull: "The meat of the buffalo tastes the same on both sides of the border".

You may wish to reflect on this quote as you wait to be processed through the border or to pay the separate entrance fees for Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Park.

Some Ideas for Places to Stay

In the Area

Alberta

Canadian Rockies National Parks

Canals, Islands, Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls

Mountains

National Parks

Wildlife Sighting Possibilities

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As with all the other pages on this personal web site, all the information on this page is solely the opinion of the author, who has no connection whatsoever with any of the companies and organisations mentioned other than as an actual or potential customer.
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Most recently modified 9-Jul-00