When I was a young girl, my family took a weekend trip to Waterton Lakes National Park, situated in Southern Alberta close to the US border. I don’t remember much, but what I do recall is standing on a grassy area staring out to the lake and feeling so much happiness and bliss. How can a young girl feel so elated? Because it’s the magnificent lake of Waterton.
Recently, I took another trip to this area almost 30 years later. After a short drive from Calgary, we entered the national park and immediately headed to the Prince of Wales Hotel. This hotel was built in 1927 and sits on a bluff that overlooks the town of Waterton. It also has some spectacular views of the lakes. We toured the inside of the hotel and then ventured outside. If you are a bit adventurous, I’d recommend taking a walk down to the lake to soak your feet in the crisp, clean water. It was a great way to start this three day journey.
As we entered this small town that only has a population of about 40 people year round, we decided to make our way to Cameron Falls, nestled inside Waterton. Immediately driving into the parking area, you get a glimpse of the falls. The sounds are healing, the mist from the falls are refreshing and the surrounding greenery is calming. There are paths alongside the falls if you wish to climb to the top and catch a different view or you can try your hand at fishing. Afterwards we headed to our accommodations in the heart of Waterton. Given that there were five of us, we chose to make the Aspen Village Inn our home for the next few days. If you want an even more spectacular lodge, head over to the Bayshore Inn Resort and Spa situated right on the lake. Upon checking in and meeting our new neighbors, the three deer on the lawn on the property, we made our way to find a meal. Trapper’s Mountain Grill & Smokehouse offers a variety of dishes but I decided to indulge in a delicious taco salad with ground bison. We then strolled along the main street, took in the views and did a little souvenir shopping. There are some unique shops with trinkets that can be purchased to remember this quaint town. You can also spend hours sitting by the banks of the lake taking in the spectacular views all while enjoying delicious ice cream from the Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlor.
On the second day we chose to spend a lot of time on the lake. We started with an outdoor brunch at the Lakeside Chophouse, the only restaurant with lakefront views. Afterwards we made our way to the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. This area shows the united front of two countries and two gorgeous national parks, Waterton and Glacier National Park. After the short stroll, we got on to the Miss Waterton Boat and sailed into the lake crossing into the US and back. During this excursion, we saw a black bear, tons of scenery and the Canadian/US dividing line. The best part is you don’t need a passport to be in two countries during the short 1.5 hour scenic cruise. Immediately after, we rented a canoe at Blakiston & Co. and paddled our way onto the lake in many directions stopping to breathe the fresh air and take in the stunning views. A delicious meal with live music was in order following our extremely busy day. The best place with an energetic atmosphere was the Thirsty Bear Kitchen & Bar.
On our last day we decided to grab some food and eat on a picnic bench by the lake. Before leaving the national park, we made one last stop at Red Rock Canyon and Blakiston Falls. Driving to this location shows the destruction of forest fires that had occurred in the last decade but yet there is still loads of beauty to it. The canyon itself is a combination of red and orange hues and you can descend to the bottom and dip your feet in the fresh water. The falls are beautiful as well and provide lookout points to see them from a few angles. Lastly, we left the national park on our way back to Calgary and stopped at the Lundbreck Falls, which feeds the Crowsnest River. This is another gorgeous place that allows you to go down the canyon and take a dip in the water.
Lots of falls, lakes, scenery, wildlife and peace. Waterton Lakes and surrounding areas, in Southern Alberta, offers a blissful getaway with lots to do but ample time for relaxation. Make this location, close to the border of two amazing countries, your next stop in amazing Alberta.
Story & Photography By Alaa Razoky