WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 413

of Cardston (or on U.S. Highway 89 north of St. Mary in Montana, depending on your dir-
ection of travel).
From the border, it's 50 kilometers (31 miles) to St. Mary and the spectacular Going-
to-the-Sun Highway through Glacier National Park. Stop by the park's St. Mary Visitor
Center (406/888-7800, 8am-5pm daily mid-May-June and Sept.-mid-Oct., 8am-9pm daily
July and Aug.). A good source of pretrip information is the official park website
( www.nps.gov/glac ).
If you are crossing the border into Canada from the south, your initial impression of the
park will be misleading, as this section lacks the high peaks and impressive lakes farther
west, near the town site.
Recreation
HIKING
You can soak up the park's beauty along the scenic drives, but you'll be cheating yourself
if you don't walk at least one trail. While the park does have its fair share of uphill slogs,
don't be too daunted by the surrounding mountains—there are also some pleasant walks
that everyone can enjoy, including the trail along Cameron Lake.
Although the park is relatively small, its trail system is extensive; 224 kilometers (140
miles) of well-maintained trails lead to alpine lakes and lofty summits affording spectac-
ular views. One of the most appealing aspects of hiking in Waterton is that with higher
trailheads than other parks in the Canadian Rockies, the tree line is reached quickly. Most
of the lakes can be reached in a few hours. Once you've finished hiking the trails in Water-
ton, you can cross the international border and start on the 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) of
trails in Glacier National Park.
The eight hikes detailed comprise only a small cross section of Waterton's extensive
trail system. The popular Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, sold in local stores, includes a
chapter detailing all hikes. Government topographic maps (one map covers the entire park)
are available at the Waterton Heritage Centre, but the best map for hikers is the Gem Trek
version, also widely available. If you are planning to stay overnight in the backcountry,
you must obtain a permit ($10 per person per night) from Waterton Visitor Centre or the
park administration office.