On Sunday morning we checked out of the St. Mary’s Lodge and headed for the Visitors’ Center about a half mile into the park. We watched a video on Glacier that we hadn’t seen, then we were off for Waterton Lakes. This is the part of Glacier comprising the northern part of the park which is in Canada. The two countries work together and the combined area is known as The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
We had to cross the Canadian border. From our tour book we had been warned not to take meat and fruits. The border patrol man was very nice and didn’t even ask us anything about our food. We must have looked harmless.
Our first stop was the Visitor’s Center at Waterton. After picking up maps and getting some suggestions, we decided to try to hike up the Bear’s Hump. The trail started right by the center’s parking lot. It is a steep 1.7 mile trail which leads to an overlook with a great view of the Upper Waterton Lake and the townsite. The tour book listed it as an “easy” hike.
We all started hiking. However, it was a very steep incline. Our comrades stopped early on, while Frank and I forged ahead. We turned around about 2/3 of the way to the top. It was pretty cloudy, so we weren’t sure the view on the top would be worth the time and effort. Oh, for a clear day!
Next we drove to the Prince of Wales Hotel. This is one of the grand hotels that was built by the railroads to attract tourists to Glacier. It was built between 1926 and 1927 and was named a National Historic Site in 1995.
Frank and Marty in front of the Prince of Wales Hotel.
The hotel sits on a bluff over the Upper Waterton Lakes. From the bluff the view is usually amazing, but unfortunately the tops of mountains were covered with clouds. Tour buses had arrived so the lobby was pretty full. Tea is a popular tourist activity and quite a line was forming. We opted to venture into the townsite for lunch.
After lunch, Judy, Frank and I walked along the Cameron Lake Shore Tail which surrounds the townsite. We saw a some deer and two adorable fawns but no other wildlife. Here is a picture of Cameron Falls.
After dinner we drove to the Red Rock Canyon. Along the way we saw cars pulled over. Armed with our cameras, Judy and I hopped out of the car ready for action.
On the way back from the canyon, we once again saw cars pulled off the highway. This time it was a mother black bear with cubs. A ranger drove by and was encouraging everyone to move on. He did not want the mother to get separated from her cubs and become violent. Undaunted, I still was able to get some good pictures.
Wow! What a great evening for spotting wildlife. Waterton turned out to be a very interesting little town indeed!
Love the wildlife!! The hotel was pretty too!!!!
We spent a night at the Prince of Wales Hotel. It is very old and creaks when the wind is high. Very interesting place.
Wow! That must have been amazing! Especially the view!