Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Waterton Lakes National Park

I have written about some very large National Parks in Canada, so today I'm writing about the smallest National Park - Waterton Lakes National Park, but even though it is the smallest it is still in the top ten most visited National Parks in Canada - and is a great place to take the entire family!

• Waterton Lakes National Park is in the southwest corner of Alberta, and is coupled with it's American neighbor Glacier National Park in Montana, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is both a World Heritage Site and the oldest transboundary protected area in the world.
• Together, they form the world’s first International Peace Park, established to symbolize peace and goodwill between the U.S. and Canada.
• Because the Upper Waterton Lake spans the international boundary, you can literally cross into the U.S. by water - although you need a passport to do so.
• Waterton Lakes National Park is a vital sanctuary for grizzly and black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and moose.
• It is also incredibly biodiverse; more than half of all plant species found in Alberta grow naturally within its boundaries.
• Waterton Lakes National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it a spectacular destination for stargazing.
• Waterton Lakes National Park offers plenty to keep visitors busy. Sightsee on scenic roadways, watching for abundant wildlife. Explore natural attractions, from a vivid red canyon to mist-cloaked waterfalls.
• The most popular time to visit Waterton Lakes National Park is July and August. The weather is generally warmer, dryer and more dependable, and summertime offers the widest range of recreational activities, events and programs. These two months account for over half of Waterton's annual visitors.
• Late summer and fall are particularly good wildlife viewing times, especially for black bear, elk and deer. The grasslands of the lower mountainsides provide important food for wildlife, as well as open views which make them more visible.
• Skiers and snowshoers can explore Waterton’s trails, and wildlife can be easier to spot against the snowy backdrop.

You will find more information about Waterton Lakes National Park at this link.