• 1. How much does it cost to get into the park?
• 2. When are the Going-To-The-Sun Highway and the Chief Mountain Border Crossing open?
• 3. What is there to do in Waterton?
• 4. Can you tell me about the hiking trails in Waterton?
• 5. What is the Waterton Golf Course like?
• 6. What are the local attractions near Waterton Park?
• 7. What about camping in Waterton Park?
• 8. How do I apply for a job in Waterton?
• 9. Are dogs allowed in the park?
• 10. Can you snowmobile in the park?
• 11. Greyhound Bus lines Pincher Creek to Waterton Park?
• 12. Do all the rooms at the Aspen Village Inn have private baths?

Maps, Gallery and Reference Links on this site.

• 1. How much does it cost to get into the park?  THESE FEES NEED TO BE UPDATED

  FEES
  Entry and service fees are charged at most national parks and national historic sites. Most of the money raised through these fees remains in the particular park or site where it is collected. This means, that every time you visit a park or site you are investing in its future—and in a legacy for future generations. The following definitions apply to entry and service fee categories unless otherwise specified: 
  Adult: Person 17 to 64 years of age 
  Senior: Person 65 years of age or over 
  Youth: Person 6 to 16 years of age 
  Family/Group: Up to seven people, regardless of age, arriving in a single vehicle at a national park or visiting a national historic site together with a maximum of 2 adults
  Children under 6 years of age are admitted free, otherwise specified. 

  All fees listed include applicable taxes and are valid till April 1, 2006.

Gate opening and closing dates are subject to change, please contact 
Parks Canada at (403) 859-2224 for details.

• 2. When are the Going-To-The-Sun Highway and the Chief Mountain Border Crossing open?

  The Going-To-The-Sun Highway generally opens around the middle of June. This opening is highly weather dependent so depending on the snow cover the opening date may change.
  Further information contact:
  Glacier Park Information,
  P.O. Box 128,
  West Glacier, MT, 59936
  Phone: 406-888-7800
  Website: www.nps.gov/glac

  Chief Mountain Border Crossing open May 15 9am to 6pm. Starting June 1 summer hours will be 7am to 10pm. Ph (403)653-3535 (Canadian side), (406)732-5572 (USA side) Carway Alberta Port of Entry Headquarters, crossing the border information Ph (403)653-3009

• 3. What is there to do in Waterton?

  Between WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK and GLACIER PARK to the south, there are over 1400 km (850 miles) of maintained World Class hiking trails. This is some of the most spectacular hiking in the Rockies!

  CANADIAN WILDERNESS TOURS are the local Interpretive & Guiding experts. They offer programs including Interpretive Village strolls, guided fishing experiences, Step- Aboard narrating services (in your private vehicle) as well as guided hiking programs on the above mentioned trails, plus much more! CWT offers top-quality services at very affordable prices. Included in all CWT programs is information on bird-watching, flower identification, incredible edibles, local culture & history, fascinating geology, tales of resident ghosts, etc.  Canadian Wilderness Tours also specializes in Kid's Programs. (Usually a couple of hours in length...perfect time to allow the parents to break away for a Romantic Dinner!) CWT programs may be arranged through the Kilmorey Lodge or the Aspen Village Inn.

  Waterton Park also has 3 main trails specially designated for mountain biking. All trails are over 10 km each way in length, and can be combined with spectacular hiking for an incredible experience. Mountain bike rentals are available at "Pat's" located in the Village of Waterton.   

  The boat cruise runs from mid-May to late September.  The cruising time is approximately 2 1/2 hours and this historic trip passes through a series of deep scenic bays past sheer vertical mountains and beautiful wilderness surroundings and across the border to Goat Haunt Ranger Station in the United States.  The boat does make photographic stops and it is not unusual to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the shore.  Special rates for the Crypt Trail Hike may apply.  If you wish, you may contact the marina ticket office for schedules at (403)859-2362. Waterton Lakes Golf Course is an 18 hole facility with a spectacular setting with panoramic views of Waterton Lakes and the surrounding mountain peaks.

  There are several short scenic drives within the park. The Red Rock Canyon Road is a winding mountain trail which passes by grizzly and black bear habitat and leads to a mountain canyon where you often see big horn sheep.

  The Akamina Parkway leads to Cameron Lake, a glacier formed alpine lake where there are paddle boats and canoes available for rental.

  There are several small shops in town and it is very easy to spend an afternoon browsing. There is also a small movie theatre in town and a couple of lounges, a bar and stables in the park.

  Alpine Stables is located in Waterton Park and their phone number is 403-859-2462. They do not do a "free range" ride but the scenery is very impressive. You may also want to try Mountain Meadow Trail Rides, located just outside the park. They promise a real western wilderness adventure and it is a working ranch. The phone number there is (403)653-2413.

• 4. Can you tell me about the hiking trails in Waterton?

  Between WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK and GLACIER PARK to the south, there are over 1400 km (850 miles) of maintained World Class hiking trails. This is some of the most spectacular hiking in the Rockies! Depending on the weather, most of the trails start opening in early June, although there is usually still snow at the higher elevations.  Most years you can still hike well into the fall (Oct.), again, depending on the weather.

  Just to mention a few great trails in Waterton:

  *BEAR'S HUMP- This short but steep climb leads to a spectacular view of the townsite and Waterton valley. Moderate/difficult. 1 hour round trip.

  *BERTHA LAKE- The woodland walk to picturesque Lower Bertha Falls...makes a perfect half day hike with a picnic and children. The trail has excellent views of Upper Waterton Lake and a beautiful wildflower show. Along the way, you will pass the long cascade of Upper Bertha Falls. Easy/moderate. 4 hours roundtrip.

  *CARTHEW/ALDERSON- (see photo) Spectacular trail with superb high mountain views. Highlights included passing through old growth forests, the incredible view from Summit Ridge, (Especially looking south into Glacier Park) the ribbon waterfall from Lower Carthew Lakes, the serene turquoise waters of Alderson Lake. (Pretty good fishing too.) Hike is moderate. 7 hours.

  *CRYPT LAKE- This is a very unique and popular trail. Trailhead is accessed by Water taxi only. Trail passes through a natural tunnel, also past several waterfalls. Crypt is a beautiful lake backed with by a massive headwall. Lake has large cutthroat trout...Alpine flowers in Crypt Basin, including the rare pygmy poppy. (Canada's only sighting!) The Crypt Lake trail was rated as one of the top-rated hikes in Canada by a national Outdoor magazine. 7 hours. Camping is no longer allowed up at the lake (for the past two years), only down at the trailhead.

  CANADIAN WILDERNESS TOURS are the local Interpretive & Guiding experts. They offer programs including Interpretive Village strolls, guided fishing experiences, Step- Aboard narrating services (in your private vehicle) as well as guided hiking programs on the above mentioned trails, plus much more! CWT offers top-quality services at very affordable prices. Included in all CWT programs is information on bird-watching, flower identification, incredible edibles, local culture & history, fascinating geology, tales of resident ghosts, etc.  Canadian Wilderness Tours also specializes in Kid's Programs. (Usually a couple of hours in length...perfect time to allow the parents to break away for a Romantic Dinner!) CWT programs may be arranged through the Kilmorey Lodge or the Aspen Village Inn, once you have arrived in Waterton Park.

• 5. What is the Waterton Golf Course like?

  The Waterton Lakes Golf Course is an original Stanley Thompson design with the first 9 holes constructed in 1929 and the 2nd 9 holes constructed approximately 10 years later and is presently an 18 hole facility. The Waterton Lakes Golf Course enjoys a spectacular setting with panoramic views of Waterton Lakes and the surrounding mountain peaks.

  Improvements over the past few seasons have been impressive. The greens and fairways have rarely been in such good shape. New sand has been placed in most traps. Yardage markers at 100, 150 and 200 yards have speeded play. A new fleet of golf carts and greens keeping equipment has been added. The staff on the course, in the pro shop and restaurant, prompt a friendly and courteous environment. Monthly mixed scrambles are a popular feature in the summers.

  The Waterton Lakes Golf Course is a 5-minute drive from the town site. This challenging 18-hole course is open from May - October. Please visit their site for more info!

  You can phone directly for tee times: 403-859-2114, Fax: 403-859-2065

  Fees need to be updated for 2006
  
  Green Fees: 9 holes - $16.00, 18 holes - $28.00, All Day - $40.00, Twilight - $16.00
  Cart Rental: 9 holes - $16.00, 18 holes - $25.00
  Club Rental: partial set - $7.50, full set - $10.00
  Pull Carts $5.00

• 6. What are the local attractions near Waterton Park?

  From the Aspen Village Inn in Waterton Park, you are in a prime area to visit several area attractions, such as the Remington Carriage Centre in Cardston, (North America's largest collection of horsedrawn vehicles) or the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre in the Crowsnest Pass. (Documents the catastrophic landside which buried a Town.)

  Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is located just north of Fort Macleod on Highway #2. This is a very well preserved site where the Plains Indians ran buffalo over a cliff. The interpretive center is a record of these people.

  Glacier Park is only an hour and half drive through the Chief Mountain US/ Canada border crossing. (Open mid-May through  September.) I have no doubt that traversing the Going-To-The-Sun Highway in Glacier Park will be a very memorable experience! There are several Hotels in the Glacier Park area, but your dollar will extend a lot further if you stay in Alberta.
  

• 7. What about camping in Waterton Park?
  
  

  CAMPING 1 Night  - Townsite Campground - Water, sewer, and electrical $33.00  --Townsite - Unserviced with washroom building having toilets and showers $24.00  -- Townsite - Walk-in - Unserviced with washroom building having toilets only $21.00  - Crandell Campground - Unserviced with washroom building having toilets only $19.00

  - Belly River Campground -  - Primitive $14.00   - Group Camping - 1 Night   - Belly River, per person $4.00  BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING Per Permit  * Adult, overnight $9.00  * Annual, season $63.00  * Reservation $12.00  CAMPING SERVICES Type  Fire Permit, per day $7.00

  Here in Waterton Park we have three front-country and 13 back-country campgrounds as well as three campgrounds just out side the park.  For more information on camping or to make a reservation please visit www.pccamping.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE.  Please note that camping fees are subject to change. 

  Town site Campground: 238 sites. Full service, un-serviced and walk-in tenting sites. No open fires. Gas stove or barbecue only. There are kitchen shelters with wood stoves in them to use in the campground. Flush toilets and showers. 

  Crandell Campground: 129 sites. All semi-serviced. Approx. 15 minute drive from town site. Fire pit & picnic table on site. Water taps and kitchen shelters throughout the campground. Chemical flush toilets. Firewood for sale. $6./bundle (and you will need at least 4 bundles to have a fire for a couple of hours). 

  Belly River Campground: 24 sites. Primitive camping. Fire pit on site. Outhouses. Firewood for sale. $5./bundle. Water taps and a kitchen shelter. 

  As you can see, all front country campgrounds in the park are available on a first-come, first-served basis only, and usually sites become available if you show up in the morning early.

  Back Country Camping
  Registration is mandatory for overnight camping.   Most backcountry are primitive campsites and shelters can be reached by maintained trails.  Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis up to 24 hours in advance of your trip and you must book your site in person at the Visitor Reception Center.  Some sites may be reserved up to 3 months in advance for a $12 non-refundable fee.  A maximum of 6 persons/party/campground is allowed.  A maximum of one tent may be put on a pad.  The only flame is with a cook stove should bring it and, toilet paper and a 10m rope for slinging food and garbage out of reach of Bears etc. The Park has taken the camping out of Crypt Lake Trail area, due to Bear activity. 

  For further information on camping you could give the Parks Canada information center a call (summer: 403-859-5133, winter: 403-859-2224), they may be able to offer more information.

  Campgrounds outside the Park
  

  • River Side Campground 403-653-2888 
  • Crooked Creek 403-653-1100 Reservations taken between 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm only
  • Waterton Homestead Campground 403-859-2247 

  Tips for "bear safety". Keep a clean site. Remove garbage regularly throughout the day. Put all utensils, pots. dishes etc. into the vehicle. Put food in Bear prove area. Etc.

• 10. How do I apply for a job in Waterton?

  Contact all hotels and other business directly
  

• 11. Are dogs allowed in the park?

  Yes Pets are allowed, and must be leashed at all times while in the Park. Dogs and other pets may jeopardize your safety and theirs by provoking and attracting wildlife. Dogs have been seriously injured in the spring by female deer protecting their fawns. Avoid walking your dogs or leaving them unsupervised at this time of year. Please contact Parks Canada at 403-859-2224 for more info.

• 12. Can you snowmobile in the park?

  Parks Canada unfortunately feels snowmobiling is inappropriate for a national park. However, the Castle River Region which borders the park has some great snowmobiling and if you are interested in that area please contact the Land and Forest Service at (403)562-3210.  

• 12. Greyhound Bus lines, Pincher Creek to Waterton Park?
  Greyhound Bus lines Pincher Creek, Ph (403)627-2716
  Calgary 1-800-661-8747 or (403) 265-9111  

• 14. What facilities do you have for a wedding?
  
   
• 15. Do all the rooms at the Aspen Village Inn have private baths?
  
  Yes, each room at the Aspen Village Inn have a private bathroom.  Some bathrooms have a jetted tubs, others may have full tubs, or a shower.