Waterton Lakes preparing for a busy summer season

By Lethbridge Herald on May 19, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALD

Waterton Lakes National Park expects a busy 2022 summer visitor season with Parks Canada asking visitors to plan ahead before visiting.

 Waterton Lakes National Park is planning ahead for a busy summer, and visitors are asked to do the same with some tips to make the most of your next visit to Waterton Lakes.

 The Waterton Lakes National Park website provides detailed information on what locations are open, what to expect, how to prepare, and what services are available. In addition, construction projects are underway and may impact visits to the area. Parks Canada recommends checking the website before you travel.

“As Canadians, we are fortunate to live in a country with such diverse landscapes and rich history. Every one of the protected areas within the Parks Canada network of sites is a perfect gateway to discovering, learning about, and connecting with natural and cultural heritage,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, in a press release. “As summer approaches, I encourage all Canadians to get out and explore locations such as Waterton Lakes National Park as they walk in the footsteps of history and enjoy the important physical and mental benefits of being outdoors.”

 Parks Canada also explained how popular day use areas are congested during peak periods in late spring, summer and early fall. They are asking people to consider using the park less traveled webpage which highlights quieter places in the park. The park is busiest on weekends in July and August between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and is especially busy on long weekends according to Parks Canada. They said to consider visiting during the early mornings, evenings or weekdays for a quieter experience.

They also said to be cautious when observing wildlife in their natural habitat as it is a privilege and never follow, approach, entice or feed wildlife. They recommend people keep a minimum of three bus lengths (30 metres / 100 feet) away from elk, deer, moose and bighorn sheep and ten bus lengths (100 metres / 325 feet) away from bears, cougars and wolves. 

Parks Canada also recommends visitors carry bear spray at all times on the trail and know how to use it. The best thing visitors can do for bears is limit their exposure to humans according to Parks Canada. Visitors should slow down and consider not stopping if they see a roadside bear, put all garbage in a bear-proof garbage bin or pack it out and keep their picnic or camping site attractant free.

All non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, are subject to a mandatory inspection before entering park waters according to the release. The inspection station is located on the north side of the intersection of Highways 5/6 and the Entrance Road.

 Red Rock Parkway is now reopened to vehicle traffic after its annual winter closure. Construction projects are underway around Red Rock Canyon and day use areas around the park. Parks Canada asks visitors to respect all warnings and closures.

Akamina Parkway is currently open to vehicles until the Little Prairie Day Use Area. Cameron Lake is accessible on foot but Parks Canada said to expect snow and winter-like conditions in and around Cameron Lake at this time.

The Townsite Campground is now open for the season and they said reservations are encouraged. Belly River Campground opens on May 13 with campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Parks Canada prides itself on providing visitors with high quality and meaningful experiences across the country. The Parks Canada team works extremely hard to ensure that each and every person leaves with memories that will last a lifetime,” said President and CEO of Parks Canada Ron Hallman, “We are excited to welcome new and returning visitors back to Waterton Lakes National Park this season, to help them create new memories and discover everything that this treasured place has to offer.” 

The new Parks Canada visitor centre is now open according to Parks Canada and the facility includes modern interpretive exhibits, interpretive programming and visitor information services.

 Waterton Lakes National Park, originally protected in 1895, represents the southern Rocky Mountains Natural Region where some of the most ancient mountains in the Rockies abruptly meet the prairie.

More information can be found at the Parks Canada website at pc.gc.ca or go to mywaterton.ca.

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