The prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, colourful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. With an exceptional diversity of wildlife and wildflowers and a cozy little waterfront town to serve as a home base, Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area.
Parks Canada
Wateron Lakes National Park is on the southern edge of Alberta and is adjacent to Glacier National Park (USA) and together they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Like many parks in the Rocky mountains there are plenty of great views of … surprise … mountains. OK, I admit I am more of a mountain person, rather than a beach person, and I am fine with that. Mountains can create their own ecosystems and micro-climates so regardless of how often you visit it is always changing. Not only do you have the four traditional seasons but the weather can change very quickly. You can be standing in snow but still wearing shorts in the Spring, or looking for cover as a hail storm hits in the summer. Mountain ranges can be a meteorologists worst nightmare as how the weather system will be impacted is ever changing.
The park does have a small town, Waterton, where you can find a luxury hotel, plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops and outdoor suppliers. Many of bike paths, parkways and hiking trails, something for every level of activity, or lack of activity.
Alderson Lake Trail
I arrived at the park with no idea what trail I was going to take, actually, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to go on a hike or just wander around. I stopped by the Visitor Centre, I prefer to call it the Ranger Station but I’m old school, anyways I asked for recommendations. A trail that would be 3-4 hours and not too crowded. She recommended a couple of trails but since I wanted less crowded, the trail to Anderson Lake was her choice.
Starting by Cameron falls the trail immediately goes up and up, not very steeply but enough to get the heart going. It is a wonderful trail through the forest and follows Cameron Creek for the first section. Make sure you take a moment to look behind you while you are ascending, otherwise you will miss some great views of the lakes. Yes, you come back on this same path but there is a chance that the view will be different upon your return. I started on a beautiful morning and I finished the hike with thunder roaring overhead and steady rain, even a little hail mixed in. You cannot get those great scenic pictures on the lakes if you are busy wiping rain off your lens or worried that the lightening might be getting a little too close now.
A few people had reported seeing a mama black bear and two cubs on the trail, but I only saw signs of where they had been – be careful where you step. The trail levels off and you need to cross a few streams but the approach to Anderson Lake makes you work with a steady incline and, in my case, snow of the trail. Trail? Where is the trail, it’s under the snow someplace so I tried to follow the footprints of someone else but that didn’t work out. I did find the lake and took a break to just enjoy the peacefulness. Starting to hear thunder meant it was time to head back. I got a little wet but it was great hike and I made a point of finding the ranger that recommending the trail and thanking her for the recommendation.
The park has been undergoing a fair bit of construction and area closures, so I look forward to visiting again when more of the park is open.
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