Do you wish to travel to a place where the major attraction is the great outdoors? A place with so much natural rugged beauty you are literally left speechless. Or, how about to a place where capturing a photo of wildlife is not only possible but guaranteed?

If this sounds like somewhere you want to visit, then Waterton Lakes National Park is the place for you!

Waterton Lakes National Park

A recommendation from my Father-in-law had us making the trip to Waterton, while on route to Yellowstone National Park.

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, and tucked into the far south-west corner of Alberta, this 505 square kilometres national park, is full of gorgeous mountain views, water landscapes, and wildlife.

Besides visiting a zoo, I have never before seen so many animals in one place. It’s a place where grizzly bear, black bear, wolf, coyote, cougar and 55 other mammal species thrive.

Prince of Wales

While standing on top of a bluff overlooking the picturesque town of Waterton village, with the aptly named Prince of Wales historic hotel behind me, I truly had a “Sound of Music” moment. I felt this undeniable yearning to sing from the top of my lungs “The hills are alive…”.

I am sure my children and husband were glad I refrained from doing so.

Built in 1927, the historic Prince of Wales Hotel is a must-see place while visiting Waterton. Stroll through the lobby and explore, and/or enjoy a cup of tea accompanied by harp music while you look out over the expansive view.

A Piece of My Heart

As my friends can attest, there aren’t too many places I yearn to go back to once seen (there is just too much to see in the world for one lifetime!). Waterton, however, absolutely broke that internal rule.

I find myself longing to return to this secret hideaway.

I can’t exactly pinpoint what it is about Waterton that captivates me so. All I know is that this magical corner of the world honestly got in my soul in a way no other place has to date. It just has a way of awakening your senses.

Even Better than Yellowstone

Upon returning home from our road trip to Yellowstone National Park, with its hoards of crowds, I look back on my time in Waterton with even more fondness (if that’s even possible).

Sure, Yellowstone is a sight to behold in its own right, but I am ever so grateful we had the opportunity to discover for ourselves this seemingly secret hideaway called Waterton.

I left feeling abundantly privileged for having the opportunity to explore yet another little piece of heaven my beautiful country gets to showcase.

The natural wonder of Waterton Lakes National Park is a prime example of the fact we truly do live in the best place on earth, and it makes me feel even more blessed to call Canada home!

Must-Sees in Waterton

There are several places that you must see while in Waterton.

• Red Rock Canyon (image below) – an easy 0.7 km walk, called the Canyon Loop, offers fantastic views of the colourful rock. The Red Rock Canyon Parkway is also a spectacular place to spot bears.

• Cameron Falls – is one of the parks most photographed landmarks, and it’s located right in town.

• Walk through the Prince of Wales Hotel – built in 1927 during one of Waterton’s windiest and snowiest winters, the hotel is the park’s most recognized landmark.

• Bison Paddock Circle Drive – this drive-thru paddock on native grasslands is home to a small heard of plains bison.

• Head to Cameron Lake – at the end of a beautiful drive you will arrive at the tranquil Cameron Lake. While there you can walk, hike, canoe, or just sit and enjoy the view.

• Visit the Village – walk around the picturesque village of Waterton and pop into some of the shops and/or restaurants.

So, have I convinced you to put Waterton Lakes National Park on your travel wishlist?

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