still Making Waves on top of the world: Waterton Lakes National Park Other Hikes & Sights

For this wayward escape to Waterton Lakes National Park, seeing as it was for a shorter time away than I would normally go for, I did not take much time to lounge about. These days here were truly a gift, it was summer like in every way with hot weather, excellent trail conditions, all stores hotels restaurants and facilities were open, yet the tourist numbers were very low as it is still early season. The Chief Mountain Border which is about a 30 minute drive down the road from the entrance to Waterton, is now open after closing in 2020 due to the way our world was. The local lady told me they are beginning to see more of our American neighbours now which is a good thing because afterall, Waterton Lakes National Park is a Peace Park with Montana's Glacier National Park.

Waterton Townsite

Walking a loop from my home away from away, along the shore of Upper Waterton Lake, around the townsite, by the campground, by Cameron Falls, past the school, playground, visitor centre and other locations then back to my home away from home is roughly a five kilometre walk, which I did numerous times. These are a few photos from those walks.

from the calm bay looking towards the Prince of Wales Hotel

along the pathway between the main campground on the left and the walk-in tent sites on the right

Cameron Falls

the Visitor Centre showing it was a gusty day with the flags waving

Rainbow Sorbet in a Vanilla Waffle Cone

(I already devoured half of the sorbet.)

the boat tours run even when the winds are high

view towards the USA from the shore of Upper Waterton Lake

Buffalo Paddock

It can be hit or miss when you drive through the Buffalo Paddock. On this day, I would call it a hit! Not only did a get to see a buffalo up close but the yellow bouquets of wildflowers were everywhere. Even though there has not been much moisture, the greens were vibrant.

entering the Buffalo Paddock

view from along the narrow dirt hilly road that winds through the paddock

the Buffalo are those brown dots in the middle

a zoomed in shot of the Buffalo

When I rounded a corner, this Buffalo swiftly ran off the road up onto the hill.

Akamina Lake

Walking into Akamina Lake has been on my list of things to do when in Waterton but I never got around to doing that until this day. Gosh what a pretty trail and lovely lake! A new kiosk has been constructed since last summer. Also, it appears new boardwalks have been built and the trail more defined. There is lots of work being done to clear deadfall near the entrance.

view from along the boardwalk

Wilsons Warbler

Northern Waterthrush

(collecting twigs to build a nest)

view along the section of dirt trail

Akamina Lake

at the end of the trail is a platform with a bench

(a most gorgeous spot to sit awhile)

view of the rock lined section of trail

Cameron Lake Trail

On one of my two visits up to Cameron Lake, I walked the Cameron Lakeshore Trail to the end. I was surprised how dry and snow free the whole area was for May. The local lady told me, a few of the local hiking guides already tried the one way Carthew-Alderson trek and it was doable, so Tamarak will begin their shuttles in a couple of weeks which is much earlier than normal. Today was a hot day and some people were even swimming in the lake. It is early season yet so the platforms are not in place nor are the canoes and kayaks available for rental yet.

view of Cameron Lake

a pond near the parking lot

right beside the trail

near the end of the trail looking back at where I started in the far centre

view near the end of the trail

Bellevue Trail

Hiking along the Bellevue Trail is always so pleasant. It is an easy out and back and you can go out for many kilometres. The wildflowers are in abundance and this trail was the perfect place to be to admire them. It was breezy which was a good thing as the temperature was up there. The ground was very dry yet everything was thriving.

pretty in pink