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Waterton: Haven't Been There. Ain't Done ThatCopyright © 2007-2008 Travel Alberta, All Rights ReservedWritten by: Travel Alberta The best way to absorb Waterton's many landscapes and spy its wild inhabitants is to trek the Carthew-Alderson Trail. This 11 mile (19 km) day-hike ascends far above treeline and offers up some of the park's best views from Carthew Summit: see Alberta's pancake prairies unrolling to the east, Glacier National Park's pointy peaks beckoning from the south and, everywhere, the vivid greens and reds of Waterton's argillite-striated rocky mountains painting colour onto the alpine palette. Trailhead: Start the hike at the Cameron Lake day use facility. Since the trail ends at Waterton townsite be sure and drop off a car en route to Cameron Lake. Trail stats: The long, demanding hike covers 11 miles (19 km) but is well worth the 8 to 10 hour journey. Bring plenty of water, food and extra clothing layers. Other options: Break the trail into smaller chunks by camping overnight at quiet Alderson Lake. To make backcountry reservations within the park call the information centre at (403) 859-5133, after mid-May. Between April 1 and mid-May call (403)859-5140. Boat Tours Visitors daunted by the thought of trekking into the Canadian Rockies wilderness can breathe a sigh of relief. It's easy to see most of Waterton's famous sights including its awesome, fjord-like mountains and their tumbling waterfalls while plying the wind-chopped surface of Upper Waterton Lake. The 200-passenger M.V. International has been sailing the park's namesake since 1927. Equipped with a lively guide who dishes up park trivia and points out landmarks, the boat sails two to four times a day starting May 7. Between June and September the vessel stops, mid-tour, at the Canada-U.S. international border on the far side of the lake, where guests may disembark at the Goat Haunt visitor center. Passengers with valid ID may stay ashore and hike, returning to Waterton on a later boat. Sail away: The two-hour boat tour costs $27 for adults, $14 for teenagers 13-17 and $10 for kids 4-12. Visit the Waterton Inter-Nation Cruise Company or call (403) 859-2362. Crypt Lake shuttle service: The Waterton Inter-Nation Cruise Company also offers a daily boat shuttle to the trailhead for Crypt Lake, one of the park's best hikes. Waterton Puts the 'W' in Wildlife Though Waterton has a reputation for its population of black and, most famously, grizzly bears, guests probably won't see either during a visit. There's a much better chance of spying moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Coyotes are the only predators spotted regularly. If venturing above treeline be sure and listen for the whistles of hoary marmots (big, fat, squirrel-like rodents), and keep eyes to the skies for glimpses of bald eagles. Best places for wildlife viewing: Two scenic drives within the park, the Red Rock Parkway and the Akamina Parkway, often please visitors with photo ops for bighorn sheep, coyotes, moose and elk. So you really want to see a bear: Rent a canoe at Cameron Lake, paddle to the far end, and, with the help of binoculars, scan the avalanche slopes that taper down to the lake because bears often search there for food. About The Author:
*** Digital Reprint Rights *** *** Author Notification *** We ask that you notify the author of publication of his or her work. Travel Alberta can be reached at: travelalberta@raremethod.com *** Print Publication Reprint Rights *** If you desire to publish this article in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: travelalberta@raremethod.com
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