Waterton Lakes Alberta, Canada - Frequently Asked Questions

Daily Passes

	Adult	$7.80
	Senior	$6.80
	Youth	$3.90
	Family/Group	$19.60
	Commercial Group, per person	$6.80
	School Groups, per student	$2.90
	School Groups, Entry and a Heritage Presentation Special Program, per student	$3.90

Annual

	Adult	$39.20
	Senior	$34.30
	Youth	$19.60
	Family/Group	$98.10

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 with a maximum of two adults arriving at a national park in a single vehicle or visiting a national historic site together.
School Groups: Students of elementary and secondary schools

Fees listed are valid from April 1, 2009 until March 31, 2010. Please check back on April 1 of each year for new and updated fee information.

Annual Passes are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Entry fees are charged at most national parks and national historic sites. Most of the money raised through admission fees remains in the particular park or site where it is collected. This means every time you visit a park or site you are investing in its future and in a legacy for future generations.

The gate is only manned from May to Thanksgiving Weekend . Otherwise it is free. Take advantage of the off peak time.

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

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!

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 1-403-859-2462. 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 1-403-653-2413.

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.

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 Courseis 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
Green Fees: 9 holes - $31.00, 18 holes - $47.00
Cart Rental: 9 holes - $22.00, 18 holes - $32.00
Club Rental: partial set - $7.00, full set - $20.00

6. What are the local attractions near Waterton Park?

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 October end.) Have no doubts 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?

Here in Waterton Park we have three front-country and 13 back-country campgrounds as well as three campgrounds just out side the park.

Town site Campground: mid-April to mid-October, 238 sites, 95 fully serviced. Full service, un-serviced and walk-in tenting sites. Sorry open fires are only permitted in camp kitchens wood stoves. Gas stove or barbecue only. Flush toilets and showers. First come first serve. (rates see table)

Crandell Campground: May Long Weekend to Labour Day,129 sites. All semi-serviced. Approx. 15 minute drive from town site located along the Red Rock Parkway in the scenic Blakiston Valley. Situated in a pleasant montane forest. Firepit & picnic table on site. Water taps and kitchen shelters throughout the campground. Chemical flush toilets.

Belly River Campground: May Long Weekend to mid-Sept. 24 sites. Primitive camping. Located along the Chief Mountain Highway, 26 km from Waterton Park townsite. Fire pit on site. Water pump, chemical and pit toilets.

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 $11.70 non-refundable fee. You must pick up a Wilderness Pass before heading out on a back-country trip. The Wilderness Pass has a cost of $9.80/person/night. A maximum of 6 persons/party/campground is allowed. A maximum of one tent may be put on a pad. The are no campfires allowed. You should bring a cook stove, toilet paper and a 10m rope for slinging food and garbage.

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

There are lots of tips for "bear safety". Keep a clean site. Remove garbage regularly throughout the day. Do not keep food in your tent. Put all utensils, pots. dishes etc. into the vehicle. Do not leave food out. Etc.

8. Do you sell gift certificates?

We do sell gift certificates starting at a minimum of $25.00 and we custom fit them to your needs. If you would like to purchase gift certificates for a gift or for yourself please feel free to e-mail us at info@waymarker.ca or call us at (403) 859-2150.

9. How do I apply for a job in Waterton?

Both our properties, the Kilmorey Lodge and Aspen Village Inn, are accepting resumes for the upcoming season in the departments of Front Desk, Lounge, Dining Room and Housekeeping. Higher consideration will be given to those candidates who can continue their employment through to at least the end of September. Year 'round and seasonal positions also available. Please feel free to forward your resume with cover letter and references by fax at 403-859-2229, Please E-mail us at info@waymarker.ca or snail mail to:

Box 100
Waterton Park, AB.
T0K 2M0

10. 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.

11. Can you snowmobile in the park?

Unfortunately, snowmobile is not allowed within the boundaries of a National Park. However, the Castle River Region which borders the park has some great snowmobile 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?

13. What facilities do you have for a wedding?

Past experience suggests Waterton Park is an ideal location for a memorable celebration. We have a variety of indoor and outdoor locations for your big day whether you want a small intimate wedding or a large celebration with all of your friends and family.

For large groups we can cater to the Community Hall. The hall contains a full kitchen and a bar setup. There is capacity in the hall for up to 150 people.

Please contact our group coordinator for your personalized wedding package or more wedding information. E-mail to info@waymarker.ca Phone: 403.859.2150 Fax: 403.859.2105

14. Do all the rooms at the Aspen Village Inn, Crandell Mountain Lodge and Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort have private baths?

Yes, each room at the Aspen Village Inn Crandell Mountain Lodge and Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort have a private bathroom. Some bathrooms have a jetted tubs, others may have full tubs, European size tubs or a shower.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to get into the park?