Category Archives: waterton national park

Indian Summer

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View from the Prince of Wales

The view that breaks my heart. So beautiful.

Last weekend it was +30C in the mountains, and that automatically calls for a beach day…  at Bertha bay, that is.

To get to the calm, secluded cove, it’s a short (30 min) hike from the townsite. First, find this trailhead: (it’s near Cameron Falls). To ward off bears, dress like a hippie mountain climber. Bears hate that kind of thing.

The hike itself is a little steep and rocky in some parts, but the effort is worth it. See for yourself:

We had the beach to ourselves for the entire day!

By the time we reached Bertha bay, it was sweltering, humid and smoky from multiple Montana forest fires.  We decided to brave the icy waters and take a quick dip. The anticipation leading up to jumping in was terrifying – it’s that cold! Court was angry with me because I kept running up and down the dock instead of jumping in. After convincing myself I wasn’t going to die from hypothermia, I went for it!

Glacier lakes are so cold they burn! If that makes any sense? Court made me jump three times because he didn’t get a good shot the first two times. In return, I made him jump nineteen times. Jerk.

After I was airlifted by Stars air ambulance back to the shore to dry off, we had lunch, dozed and took a few more mini-dips in the late afternoon sun.

This squirrel made me laugh – he seems like an old soul. It sat there for the longest time watching the sun  set behind the mountains.

If you don’t feel like walking back to the townsite, convince your spouse to walk back along the beach. There are plenty of cliffs, but don’t worry, while your spouse is trying not to fall to their death, a boat will come along and pick you up. Court thought he could walk along the shoreline, (now it was my turn to be angry) and while I was standing on the shore like a helpless female, a guy in a speedboat picked me up! Yes!  We decided to be good samaritans and pick Court up.

After nearly being stranded like castaways, we were hungry. Court and I agreed we needed (gourmet) hot dogs from Wieners of Waterton.  I asked for the ‘healthiest’ hot dog on the menu – a locally made lean beef dog on a fresh baked bun, loaded with toppings. I ruined my hot dog with too many toppings: stone ground mustard, red onions, jalapeños, sauerkraut, relish and a giant pickle. They even have potato chip toppings!
The best part of WOW are the sweet potato fries, seasoned with coarse sea salt and served fresh out of the fryer. Plus your choice of dipping sauce. (Rosemary parmesan is my favourite)

We felt a little guilty for not eating any veggies (first world problems) so we headed over to Trappers and ordered ONE side salad and two beers.  I think they were furious with us. I blamed it on Court and told the server he’s on a strict diet.

Bearry Season

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Guess where I went a few days ago?  Waterton! Shocking, I know. I’ve been there three times in the past week and I’m going again this weekend.

Each summer I fall deeper in love with the mountains. It’s the place where I’m most at peace… I feel grounded, calm, energized and like I have a place in the world. Being in the mountains is like my church, it’s where I’m most connected to ‘everything’.

I went by myself… its important to experience alone time, especially in nature. I hit the highway during early morning, with the Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces blaring (sometimes I like country music, but only when I’m alone, or on a road trip). When I got to the park I headed straight for Red Rock Canyon for a workout/photo sesh.

On my way up to the canyon I saw a black blob on the side of the road and I became really excited.

Black bears! Before they walked across the road, mama bear was sitting right next to my passenger door munching on vegetation. She didn’t seem to mind my presence and casually continued on with her cubs in tow. It’s currently berry season in Waterton, which means prime bear viewing.

My morning workout was awesome – I climbed down an embankment into Red Rock canyon where I jogged, jumped and climbed through the creek bed as far as I could go. Check out these views…

Nothin like a change of scenery, right?

Lakeshore Trail Hike, Waterton National Park

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Hike: Lakeshore Trail, Waterton Lakes Natl Park
Distance: 13km – one way (return by boat)
By far my favourite hike in the park, a true paradise! Highlights: an ever changing diverse forest, beaches, turquoise streams, tons of edible berries (saskatoons, hucks, thimbles) and a suspension bridge.
Bring: Passport and return boat ticket.

I brought my Dad along on this guided hike, led by two guides (Canadian and American). I wanted to learn more about the biodiversity in the park, along with some history lessons about Waterton-Glacier Peace park. We all met at the Bertha trail head at 10am sharp and began our trek along the west side of upper Waterton lake. From there we headed south along the shore to our destination, Goat Haunt, Montana.

beach at Bertha bay

Bertha bay

At the halfway mark you cross into Montana, but you won’t find any custom officials here. You don’t actually check into the ranger station until the end of the hike.

Continental Divide

We took a break for lunch, where we relaxed on the dock with our feet in the cool glacial water.

From there, we continued on our journey, passing through lodgepole and aspen forests, meadows, with a few streams along the way.

Towards the end of the hike we crossed a suspension bridge hovering above a crystal clear turquoise stream. Definitely one of my favourite parts of the hike!

We arrived at the ranger station at Goat Haunt around 5pm, with a few minutes to spare before boarding the boat.

On the boat ride back to Waterton, I leaned back into my chair, closed my eyes and dozed for most of the trip. So relaxing. When my Dad and I stepped off the boat we made a beeline for the closest restaurant… we needed beer and food. Asap.

An ice cold Rickards in a frosty mug definitely hit the spot! We each had two beers, a light dinner, then stopped by a candy store for (birthday cake) ice cream and lime turkish delights before hitting the highway. If you have a day to spend in Waterton, put this hike on your bucket list!