Waterton Lakes National Park in Southern Alberta is a staggeringly beautiful area filled with an incredible abundance of wildlife and birds. There is no place quite like it in Canada.
It’s my favorite park in the Alberta Rockies. Banff and Jasper get all the love, don’t get me wrong, I love those places, but there is something special about Waterton Lakes National Parks.
I really believe it is the small-town charm that Waterton offers. It’s much less busy than other parks. The village of Waterton is located in the park and is surrounded by picturesque mountains and located right on the shores of Waterton Lake.
It’s not unusual to see Deer and Bighorn Sheep stroll through town. Mule Deer in Waterton are considered lawn ornaments. You may have your afternoon tea with a Mule Deer relaxing mere feet away.
Waterton is a small village, and you'll find most of the necessities within a 10-minute stroll, including restaurants, a general store, gas stations, and cozy coffee shops.
Waterton Lakes National Park is located about a 3 1/2 hour drive southwest of Calgary and the park shares the United States and Canadian border with Glacier National Park in Montana.
It’s where the Prairies literally meet the Rockies. Combining the two habitats together gives you an excellent cross section of the birds and animals that inhabit both prairie and mountain habitats.
Here’s a link to a short video of driving into Waterton Lakes National Park.
You would be amazed by the sheer variety of birds that inhabit the area.
Prairie Falcons, Swainson’s Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, Mountain Bluebirds and Western Meadowlarks, White-faced Ibis, and Cinnamon Teal are common in the prairie areas right outside the park boundaries.
Inside the park we can find Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, American White Pelicans, American Dippers, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, American Three-toed Woodpeckers, Rufous Hummingbirds, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeak and the list goes on.
Along with the spectacular birdwatching opportunities, the park really shines with its abundant wildlife.
Inside and outside the park provides excellent habitats for Black Bears which are plentiful. There is a high concentration of cinnamon-colored Black Bears in the Waterton area. They are quite attractive and something we don’t get to see in eastern Canada. There are some Grizzly Bears in the area, so we always have an eye out for them.
But it’s not just the bears, Elk, Mule and White-tailed Deer that are common.
Waterton Lakes National Park is a true sanctuary for nature lovers, offering incredible opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation. With its vibrant and diverse landscape, Waterton Lakes National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who wishes to explore the wonders of nature.
Wildlife and bird viewing is an enchanting experience, offering a glimpse into a magical world of beauty, wonder, and adventure. It is a captivating journey of discovery, allowing us to observe the grace and resilience of nature in all its amazing forms.
Wildlife and bird viewing also offers a sense of peace and tranquility, allowing us to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty of the world around us.
We’ll be visiting spectacular Waterton Lakes National Park for a bird, wildlife and scenery filled week from June 19 - June 26, 2023.
I have 2 available spots available. If you are interested, let me know. You can contact me at info@natureacrosscanada.com or at torontonaturelovers@hotmail.com
You can also visit my new website at natureacrosscanada.com
It is still a work in progress, but I hope you’ll still visit.
.
Your commentary and pictures capture every magical moment of Waterton. I hope to go back some day, but not this year.
Great article Murray!