We’ve spent time in Waterton Lakes National Park in every season and I’ll have to say, I’m partial to the fall! The colors are absolutely spectacular with the reds, oranges, and golds frosted by the first snow falls! So… get ready to start planning your fall hiking adventure in Waterton!
There’s quite a bit to see right around the townsite. There’s a walking path along the lake with benches overlooking the amazing scenery.
And, the Prince of Whales hotel is definitely worth a few photos!
Just outside the town about 1/2 mile is this waterfall. It’s close enough to town to walk, but there’s also parking if you drive. This area is also the end of a great through hike starting from Lake Cameron, passing through some beautiful country and many lakes, ending at this waterfall! (Hoping to post about that hike later this summer!)
If you want the most spectacular color, October is when the leaves turn the color of gold in the above picture.
The Bear’s Hump hike is also right near town, and it gives you some great views for such a short hike. It’s just under 1 mile and it’s fairly steep, but well worth the effort as you’ll see in the photos below.
On our way out of the park, we spotted a black bear by the side of the road. It was the first time I’ve been able to get all the pictures I could want from the safety of the car, (and by the way, the pictures are zoomed in – we weren’t that close)! See you soon for another Waterton adventure!
I have been here 4 times in the last 2 years. It’s a 4 hour drive from Central Alberta. Jasper and Banff are beautiful, but Waterton “speaks” to me in a way. Sounds cliche, but I feel like it’s “where I should be in the world”. Less people helps too. Awesome hikes, excellent photography opportunities. A great place to enjoy nature and unwind.
I know what you mean about Waterton, I always enjoy the relative peace and quite there compared to many other parks we’ve been to. We’re hoping to spend some more time there in 2016 and see some more of the park, maybe summit a few mountains instead of sticking to just the usual hiking trails.
Wow, that place looks out of this world. Another park in my to-visit list!
About the bear…for a moment I thought you crossed paths while hiking, thank God you were in the safety of your car *phew*
😉
I’ve only seen a bear twice while hiking, (which is rather lucky considering how much time I spend in the mountains) all the rest of sightings have been from the car – luckily!