WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 421

can raise temperatures by up to 20°C (68°F) in an hour. Ski trails are set on weekends, and
the ski-touring opportunities are endless. Trails in the backcountry are not marked. Groups
should carry avalanche beacons, be capable of self-rescue, and register with the warden
before setting out.
Ice climbing, snowshoeing, and backcountry winter camping are also popular. Winter
camping is possible at Pass Creek, where you'll find a kitchen shelter, woodstove, and
pit toilets. Three accommodations stay open year-round and offer all-inclusive winter
packages. Gas may or may not be available in winter. Obtain trail information and
weather forecasts at the park administration office (Mount View Rd., 403/859-2224,
8am-4pm Mon.-Fri. year-round). For information regarding backcountry skiing conditions
and avalanche danger, contact the Canadian Avalanche Association (250/837-2435,
www.avalanche.ca ) .
Entertainment and Events
Roasting marshmallows at your campsite, sitting around a roaring fire at your lodge, listen-
ing to a park interpretive program, or going for a moonlit walk along the lakeshore—these
are the best ways to spend your evenings, and they can all be yours at no charge.
Interpretive programs typically begin in late June and run through to the first weekend
of September. The subject matter changes from year to year, but you can rely on inter-
esting, interactive topics that mix learning with fun. Presentations at the Falls Theatre
(in town, across the road from Cameron Falls) and at Crandell Theatre (Crandell Camp-
ground) usually begin nightly at 8pm, with guest speakers appearing at the Falls Theatre
Saturday night. Ask at the Waterton Visitor Centre (403/859-5133) for a printed schedule.
Waterton's few bars and lounges are all affiliated with lodgings. Wolf's Den Lounge
(Waterton Lakes Lodge, corner of Windflower Ave. and Cameron Falls Rd., 403/
859-2151) is more modern and has big-screen TVs and bands on high-season weekends.
Being the biggest and most central bar in town, the Thirsty Bear Saloon (Bayshore Inn,
Waterton Ave., 403/859-2211, 11am-2am daily) gets crowded with young seasonal work-
ers. It pours happy hour 3pm-6pm daily, and a band plays two or three nights a week. In the
Prince of Wales Hotel, the staid Windsor Lounge (403/859-2231) has panoramic views
across the lake and live entertainment most summer nights.
Waterton Lakes Opera House (309 Windflower Ave., 403/859-2466) shows movies
daily at 7:30 and 9:30pm.