Waterton Lakes National Park May 7, 2025

I hiked to Crandell Lake many times from the Redrock Parkway and only once from the Akamina Parkway.  That time was back in February of 2012 and I needed snowshoes to get there.  It’s a short easy hike from Akamina which was fine by me for this morning as the winds were forecasted to get strong as the hours passed. A portion of this trail turned out being new to me as sections were rerouted after the 2017 fire.

some sights along the way 

a female Mountain Bluebird

one of thousands of Glacier Lilies 

This was my first view of Crandell Lake.  I was excited to see it ice free.

By now I connected up with the trail that comes in from the Redrock Parkway. The Lake sits at the base of that mountain. I was on high alert from the start of the hike and upped it to a higher level as I approached the lake.  

While hiking along the trail, I was sheltered from the wind but it was a different story at the lake itself. Even though, it was an absolutely beautiful view in front of me.  

After playtime came snack time and sitting on this log was the perfect spot for that.

some sights from wandering around the lake area

a log for a seat and a tree stump for a table 

the log where I sat for my snack

After forty-five minutes at Crandell Lake, I was ready to start the hike back to the trailhead.  By the time I was back out in the open at my vehicle, the wind had picked up and it was paired with strong gusts.  Of course it would be, this is Waterton after all!  

I drove to the parking lot at the base of the Prince of Wales Hill and walked up The Hill.

This is the view from just beside the Hotel and this was as close to the edge as I dare go.  It was almost impossible to stand still.  I capture a few photos and then took off back to the trail and back down to my vehicle.

As if I did not have enough of the wild wind, 

I went for more along the shores of Upper Waterton Lake.

That little white spot under the star is the Waterton Lake cruise boat returning from a tour to the end of the lake.  I watched for the longest time as it bobbed in the water not moving very fast.  It was very close to the shore, probably as close as it could go to get somewhat calmer water.  I gave up watching and moved along….

…..to the ice cream store!

The benches in front of the store are sheltered from the wind. 

 I settled in and savoured my child size ice cream on a waffle cone.