Waterton Lakes National Park May 23, 2026

 

This is what it looked like today when I went wandering in Waterton Lakes National Park.

My focus this morning was to get up and out the door then get over to the lakeshore before sunrise which these days is well before 6:00am.  I made it in plenty of time as did a few others.  We waited and we watched!  Pinks began to turn to oranges!

waiting 

I took many photos while I waited.  

This photo shows the second the sun peeked above the horizon. 

A new day has dawned! 

While I was waiting for the sun to rise, I also watched behind me as the alpenglow changed the colours of Mount Crandell. I also zoomed in to see people up on Bear's Hump. They would have hiked up to the summit in the dark.  The following three photos show the changing shades as the moments went on.

Once the sun was up, I drove the Akamina Parkway to get another look at Cameron Lake during the early hours of the morning.  No other vehicles were to be seen neither in front of me nor behind me.  I took the liberty to stop to snap shots of the beautiful views though my front windshield.

The reason there were no vehicles in front of me nor behind me during the drive up the Parkway to the lake was because they were already here when I arrived. This is where they chose to watch the sun rise this morning. I wondered what that looked like!  I have never driven up the Parkway in the dark. Hhmmm! This is what Cameron Lake looked like this morning.  No more ice and not even the slightest breeze.  The absolutely crystal clear reflection was a sight to see! 

A stroll along a very short section of the lakeshore offered up some sweet songs and sights.

male Barrow's Goldeneye

Cassin's Finch

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Spotted Sandpiper

During the drive back down the Akamina Parkway, I came upon this group of Mountain Sheep but they were in the middle of the road, in no rush to go anyway.  Eventually, they moved off the road to this grassy area in search of breakfast.  

a close up of the Sheep at far right

I saw so much already yet it was still very early in the morning. Waterton Lakes National Park always offers up so much, the usual along with many surprises. Everything about this place keeps me wanting to go back for more!