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.  

Waterton Lakes National Park May 6, 2025

Bear’s Hump

The National Park website said the Bear’s Hump Trail was in good condition for hiking. I hiked it today, and it was in excellent condition.  This steep route gets you up high quickly with immediate viewing rewards. It was a fresh cool start with a clear blue sky and a very slight breeze.  I planned for a slow go making sure to not miss a thing,

I find it much easier to hike beside the steps than using the steps. Don’t let this view give you a false sense  that it may be flat at the top of the stairs.

the view behind me very early on in the ascent 

a male Mountain Bluebird

Looking back to see the Prince of Wales Hotel looking like a toy model. 

It opens for the season on May 12th.

a Townsend’s Solitaire 

The climb is done and it’s a short flat walk from here to the view.

The View!

Upper Waterton Lake & Waterton Townsite 

My summit shot!

I stayed on the summit for forty minutes taking in the views in all directions, sitting for awhile and listening to sweet silence, admiring the tiny wildflowers and then listening to birds.  Time came to descend the Bear’s Hump as I had another plan in place to get going to.

 Cameron Lake

The gate to Cameron Lake at Little Prairie remains closed while they wait for more snow to melt at the Cameron Lake parking lot. The hike along the road is roughly three kilometres each way with some ups and downs.  I had no idea how much snow to expect when I got to the Lake.  I have hiked this route in winter a few times when it was full on big snow.  It’s a few minutes walk from where I am parked to the gate.  

I like when I can freely walk where ever I want on a road!  

I walked the line!  

I stayed on high alert the entire time for wild life.  

I had to share the road with a Robin.

still dry pavement as I near Cameron Lake parking lot

I see the Lake between the trees.  The parking lot was more pavement than snow yet it was obvious lots of work would be needed to the area before the road could be fully opened. 

very small sections are ice free

my destination shot

I absolutely love views like this. That open section of water is about two feet wide, big enough to offer up a reflection.  The edge of the Lake was clear of snow for a little distance so I went as far as I could.

another small opening of a few inches in the ice

I took a little time for some sips and snacks and to savour every single second of scenery before heading back.  The only thing I shared space with for the hike back was this American Kestrel.

This time driving back on the Akamina Parkway, the Mountain Sheep had not made it down to the road yet but they were aiming for it. I slowly drove by and captured some photos.

When I got by I stopped and looked in my side view mirror.  

I got past them just in time.

Waterton Lakes National Park May 5, 2025

Before driving down the winding road that leads to the Park Gate to Waterton Lakes National Park, I like to stop at the Overlook and get an overview of the lay of the land and mountains.  I planned to leave Calgary at a time that would get me to Waterton after the snow/rain that was forecasted would have stopped. At the Overlook, bits of snow were left and the grey sky was slowly perking up.

I had a number of hours ahead of me to pass before I could check into my home away from home so I made the most of those hours wakking and sightseeing at many locations. One of my favourites is The Moskinonge Wetlands area.  This is a view from the bottom of the trail along with other sweet sights.

Trumpeter Swan

The gate is still closed at the top of the Akamina Parkway as Parks People wait for more snow to melt in the parking lot before opening up. The Mountain sheep have been enjoying the limited traffic. I came upon this group as they were crossing the road, once the big guy settled down on the road, the others did not bother to carry on but stopped with him. I drove a very slow wide enough circle around them praying no one would be driving fast around the curve from the other direction.

The Chief Mountain Highway is open part way.  

Along the drive I spotted two Sandhill Cranes in a wetlands beside the road.

With still time to pass, I hiked the Linnet Lake Loop and the Prince of Wales Loop. 

These are photos from those areas.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 

White-crowned Sparrow

While hiking the Prince of Wales Loop, I saw brown lumps across the water.  I zoomed in to see a small Grizzly Bear scratching its back on the log.  I snapped some shots then turned on the video.  This is what I captured.

Mom and her two juniors!

The two juniors playing!

Playing with Mom!  I watched them for about a half hour.  They were across the lake so I felt safe.  I used the camera zoom to get photos and videos.  Eventually they moved on and disappeared around the corner.

crystal clear water with no wind

Time came to check into my home away from home.  When I eventually loaded the photos and videos onto my iPad, I thought “OH WOW” that’s just Day 1.