Moon and Mountains Waterton Lakes
Moon and Mountains Waterton Lakes National Park Alberta

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta Canada and Glacier National Park in Montana, United States form the first International Peace. Waterton Lake, inside the Waterton portion of the Peace Park, provides access to the Goat Haunt portion of Glacier National Park.

Buffalo Flats entering Waterton National Park
Buffalo Flats on the way to Waterton National Park

The view of Buffalo Flats is a must stop as you approach Waterton National Park. Although the Buffalo Flats is not part of the Waterton National Park, the view of the broad valley with the mountains in the background is worth the stop. There is a historical marker that gives the early history of the settling of the area around the park.

We were there in September, 2013 and the part had not recovered from the severe damage from the 2013 spring floods in Alberta. Most of the trails and roads were closed and several areas we planned to visit were still off limits. This limited our exploration to the Red Rock Canyon area and the area around the Waterton Township.

Red rocks of Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon
Waterfall
Waterfall

The Prince of Wales Inn dominates the view of the Waterton Lakes. Even if you're not staying in the inn you can enter it and enjoy the lobby. It is quite a place.

Prince of Wales Inn and Waterton Lake
Prince of Wales Inn

The boat trip to Goat Haunt in Glacier National Park, US is a must do. Even you you don't want to explore the Goat Haunt area, the scenic trip around Waterton Lake is worth the time and money. Be sure to watch for bold eagles on the trip. If you plan to explore the Goat Haunt area you will need your passport. If you don't have a passport, you are limited to looking around the area around the US Customs building.

Boat on Waterton Lakes
Boat on Waterton Lakes
Bold Eagle
Eagle

The Waterton Townsite is worth exploring. The views of the mountains and the lake were wonderful. And there numerous places to eat and shop. And if you get up early in the morning you'll find deer all over the place. This is also the place to stay or camp.

Mountains and Waterton Lake
Waterton Lakes
Black and white sunset
Waterton Lakes
Color sunset
Sunset
Deer
Deer

Waterton Lakes National Park is home to a small herd of buffalo (bison). The buffalo are not free range animals and are confined to a fenced in paddock. The buffalo paddock is just north of the Waterton Lakes Park entrance. You can take a loop road around the paddock.

Buffalo (bison)
Buffalo
Cameron Falls, Waterton Lakes
Cameron Falls, Waterton Lakes National Park