WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK CANADA VISITORS' GUIDE Accommodation FOREWORD Name Capacity Daily Rates Location and Description Single Double The National Parks of Canada are areas of natural beauty Waterton Lakes and special interest that have been "dedicated to the people of Waterton Lakes National Park, situated in the extreme Canada for their benefit, education, and enjoyment." Established Townsite southwest corner of the Province of Alberta, was set apart in Prince of Wales primarily for the preservation of the unspoiled natural landscape 1895. It covers an area of 204 square miles along the eastern Hotel 90 rooms $11-$13 $20424 (A) and for the protection of the native wildlife, they are to be "main­ slope of the Rocky Mountains immediately north of the Waterton Lakes tained and made use of so as to leave them unimpaired for the International Boundary. Its western boundary is formed by Hotel 16 rooms $3 the crest of the Rockies, which separates Alberta from British $4.50. (E) enjoyment of future generations." and Chalets 16 chalets $3-$4 Columbia; its northern boundary by the Crowsnest Forest $445 (E) The discovery of mineral hot springs bubbling from the Reserve of Alberta; and its eastern boundary by the undulating Ballinacor Hotel 17 rooms $3 $4.50 (E) slopes of Sulphur Mountain, by engineers exploring the route prairie land of foothill ranches and homesteads. To the south Kilmorey Lodge 24 rooms $2.75 $3.5045.50 (E) for Canada's first transcontinental railway led to the establish­ lies Glacier National Park in the State of Montana. Crandell Lodge 50 persons $445.50 (E) Stanley Hotel . 50 persons $2.50 (E) ment of Canada's first national park. From this small area of In 1932, through legislation enacted by Canada and the Waterton Lakes ten square miles at Banff, Alberta, set apart in 1885, the national United States, Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Parks Bungalows . 25 cabins $2-$7.50 (E) parks system has been extended until it embraces 26 separate were proclaimed the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Reeves Auto areas totalling more than 29,000 square miles. Camp Waterton Lakes Park headquarters is located at Waterton 20 cabins $648 (E) Although a few parks have been devoted chiefly to .the con­ Park townsite. In the business section of this townsite are Cameron Lake servation of certain species of big game animals once threatened to be found the customary services of a modern community. Cameron Lake with extinction, some contain sites memorable in the early There are four general stores, three grocery stores, a drug Bungalows . 6. cabins $2.50-$3 (E) history of Canada. Others have been developed so that park store, two butcher shops, a beauty parlor, and four garages Waterton River visitors may more conveniently view the magnificent scenery and and service stations. A motion picture theatre and a dance Bridge pavilion are operated throughout the summer season. The relax in the enjoyment of the inspirational and peaceful environ­ International Post Office is open daily except Sunday, and long distance Coffee Shop ment. From the sea-girt hills on the Atlantic Coast across the telephone calls may be made at the office of the Park and Cabins 7 cabins $4 $6 (E) rivers and lakes of Central Canada to the alpine vistas of the Transport Company. Rockies and Selkirks, these national playgrounds provide ideal (A) indicates American Plan (with meals) areas for nature study and for recreation. Waterton Lakes Park is one of the most colourful and (E) indicates European Plan (without meals) charming of Canada's mountain playgrounds. Its mountains NOTE: Rates quoted are the latest available but may be It is the responsibility of the National Parks Service of the rise almost abruptly from the plains; their remarkable colouring subject to minor revision from time to time. Lands and Development Services Branch, Department of Mines of purple, green, and gold give to the peaks a warm and Unless visitors are carrying their own camping equipment and Resources, to administer these natural areas for the enjoy­ brilliant tone. Some have sharp pyramids formed of yellow or have automobile trailers, it would be advisable to reserve shale outcroppings which glisten in the sunrise and sunset, ment of Canada's present and future generations. By progressive accommodation in advance. stages the parks have been made more easily accessible, wildlife while others have summits and slopes banded with. red. scientifically managed, public services provided, and accom­ Upper Waterton Lake, one of the outstanding features of the CAMPING modation and recreational facilities expanded. A staff of park, is crossed by the International Boundary; its attractions experienced wardens keeps constant vigilance throughout these are thus shared by both Canada and the United States. Camping has always been popular in the Waterton Lakes park areas to ensure the protection of the flora and fauna, as well area. Since it became a national park, many of the most as the safety and convenience of park visitors. Conservation of suitable camp-sites have been improved. Some have been the forests, the flowers, and the natural wildlife is their chief equipped with electric light, running water, kitchen and HOW TO REACH THE PARK community shelters, tables, stoves, fuel and sanitary facilities. concern, and the co-operation of all visitors in this important Most of these camping sites are within reasonable distance of work is greatly appreciated. Waterton Lakes National Park is reached by the Provincial Highway system of Alberta, which connects with the park supplies. In marking, preserving, and restoring sites of national highways. From the east, approach may be made from The main camp-ground in the park is located in the historic importance the National Parks Service is advised by the Medicine Hat via Lethbridge and Macleod to Pincher Creek southern part of Waterton Park townsite and covers an area Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, an honorary (town) and from there south to the park. An alternative route of about 35 acres. It is traversed by Cameron Creek and is body of recognized historians representing various parts of the from Lethbridge is through Cardston. From British Columbia part of the alluvial "fan" upon which the townsite is laid out. on the west, approach may be made via Crowsnest Pass and A gravel subsoil ensures good drainage and there are country. From the Fortress of Louisbourg in Nova Scotia to Pincher. From the north, a hard-surfaced route may be sufficient trees to provide shelter for tents. The area is Fort Prince of Wales on Hudson Bay, nine such sites are followed from Edmonton to Calgary and Macleod, and from equipped with kitchen and community shelters and has administered as National Historic Parks, and many other places there to the park, via Pincher. The park is also accessible via electrical outlets for the convenience of those bringing cabin of historical importance have been suitably commemorated. the Canadian Pacific Railway to Pincher or Cardston, and trailers. Fresh milk is delivered daily. A caretaker and a by a convenient bus service from these points. Buses leave matron are on hand during the summer season. Also of historical significance was the act of linking two great Lethbridge for the park twice daily in summer, one at 12 noon Camp-grounds with kitchen shelters are also located at national parks in Alberta and Montana to be known as Waterton- by way of Pincher Creek and one at 4 p.m. by way of Glacier International Peace Park. Commemorating the peace Alderson, Bertha, Cameron, Crandell, and Crypt Lakes, and Cardston. The trip takes approximately four hours. A station at Red Rock Canyon. At Cameron Lake and Red Rock that has existed for over 130 years between adjoining nations, bus operates between Pincher Station and Pincher Creek for Canyon, caretakers are in attendance during July and August. this unspoiled area of natural beauty is symbolic of the goodwill the convenience of those travelling by train. enjoyed by these two peoples. Camping in the vinicity of park highways is permitted only The most direct approach to Waterton Lakes National Park at places designated for that purpose. Camping fees are as The National Parks of Canada are part of a great national from the United States is over the Chief Mountain International follows: Ordinary tents—one day, 50 cents; over one day and heritage, and under careful administration will continue as a Highway from Glacier National Park. The Glacier Park up to two weeks, $1.00. Trailers—50 cents per night up to perpetual asset—undiminished by use—for all future generations. Transport Company operates a frequent service over this two nights; over two nights and up to two weeks, $2.00. route. This highway also forms a link in the new hard-surfaced Permits may be obtained from the camp attendants or at route between Glacier National Park and Banff National Park. Front Cover Photo: the office of the Park Superintendent. Visitors travelling by air are served by the Trans-Canada Facilities are provided in the Park for youth camping under Cameron Lake and Mount Custer Airlines and the Northwest Airiines which make scheduled the- auspices of the Boy Scouts, Y.M.C.A., and church organ­ stops at Lethbridge. izations. J CANADA V ^/ DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND RESOURCES \ LANDS AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES BRANCH NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE 1949 WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK ALBERTA GENERAL INFORMATION A fishing licence is required for all mountain national TRAIL RIDING WILDLIFE PROTECTION parks, except Glacier and Mount Revelstoke. The co-operation In the development of Waterton Lakes National Park much As the chief purposes of Canada's National Parks require of anglers in completing creel census cards is greatly thought has been given to the preservation of the landscape that they be maintained in their natural state, all wildlife appreciated.