Waterton Lakes NP
Gorgeous deep blue Waterton Lake, surrounded by steep, majestic mountains, is home to an amazing diversity of plants and animals. As a teenager, our family camped, fished and hiked here in the national park, and it's unforgettable scenery.
The full name of the park is Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, and the park spans the Canada – U.S. border. It's less than a day's drive to Glacier National Park. Remember to bring passports for everyone in the family.
Visitor Information Centre - Stop at the information centre for park maps and recommendations on which route to take with kids through the park lands. June to Thanksgiving, pick up the free Xplorers! activity booklet (identify animals you see in the park, draw wildflowers, listen to Blackfoot stories at campfire programs, puzzles, mazes) and complete the activities for a certificate and souvenir.
Ride the waters -
Cameron Lake - You can rent canoes, rowboats and paddle boats at Cameron Lake on the Akamina Parkway. It's a great spot for families, since it's a calmer lake than some of the others nearby, and no power boats are permitted. Don't plan on swimming here - this water is deep and incredibly cold! Upper Waterton Lake - A great day trip is the 2 hour scenic boat cruise from Waterton, get off at Goat Haunt, hike around, and take the boat back. Cruises May to September. Editor's note: I have fond memories of this boat trip as a teenager on a family camping trip into the back county. Although it was summer, it had started to snow lightly and we eagerly awaited the boat to arrive at Goat Haunt (it was delayed for several hours). A fellow backpacker had a large bag of huckleberries which he shared with all of us, never have huckleberries tasted so good.
Trail rides - At the Alpine Stables, check out the options, including everything from one, two hour trail rides to longer trips. Pony rides for kids under 6, May to October.
Camping - Waterton Lakes has great campgrounds for families, April to October. Townsite campground is the most popular, back country campgrounds are also available, make camping reservations well in advance.
