FOCAL POINT
steep hike, which climbs 225 metres over three kilometres and 18 switchbacks. Find the trailhead behind the information centre. QUICK FACT: The hike gets its name from the rocky outcropping you climb, which resembles the distinctive hump on a grizzly bear. 6. Prince of Wales Hotel National Historic Site Built on a bluff high above Waterton Lake, this hotel is the park’s most recognized landmark. Stop by for high tea and panoramic views. When the west wind is blowing (and that’s often), the bluff is a great spot to experience Waterton in all its hair-tussling glory. QUICK FACT: During construction, winds estimated at 145 km/h blew each of the hotel's wings about 7.5 cm off their foundation. Three months later, strong winds pushed the fully framed building completely off its foundation. 7. Bison Paddock Loop Road Just inside the park boundary, take a drive along Bison Paddock Loop Road to see bison in their natural grassland habitat. Bring your telephoto — it’s not safe to leave your vehicle for photos. 8. Kootenai Brown Trail This scenic, multiuse trail opened in 2010, in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Canada’s national parks. Hike, bike, run, inline skate — the choice is yours. The trail runs seven kilometres from the entrance gate to Linnet Lake townsite. Breathtaking views and rest spots are found along the way.
3. Upper Waterton Lake
watertoncruise.com Cruise across the deepest lake in the
Canadian Rockies on your way to the Goat Haunt Ranger Station, just across the U.S. border in Montana. You’ll need your passport to stay longer than 30 minutes. The popular day hike to Crypt Lake starts here — National Geographic rates it one of the world’s 20 most thrilling trails. 4. Red Rock Parkway and Red Rock Canyon Drive 15 kilometres along an ancient bison trail once used by First Nations hunters. Enjoy the rolling grasslands, alpine meadows, and mountain views, before arriving at Red Rock Canyon, where iron- rich shale layered with limestone makes a colourful display. Stroll the short Canyon Loop or hike another two kilometres through a fragrant pine forest to Blakiston Falls. 5. Bears Hump Hike There are plenty of hikes to enjoy in Waterton, but one of the most popular is Bears Hump Hike up Mount Crandell. Uninterrupted views of Waterton Valley are your reward for tackling this short but
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