Friday, September 28, 2007

Google Earth image of Waterton area.


After spending a gorgeous, warm sunny, fall day at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, it seemed that a visit to nearby Waterton Lakes National Park was in order. The park adjoins the much larger Glacier National Park just across the US border in Montana. Together they form

Waterton-Glacier International
Peace Park - A World
Heritage Site


I took a lot of pictures in Waterton because the fall colours were so beautiful, and it was hard to reduce the numbers that I wanted to post here!

One of the first sights you see as you approach the townsite of Waterton is the Prince of Wales Hotel, which sits on a high bluff overlooking the lakes and the townsite. It is one of the most-photographed hotels in North America.




Prince of Wales Hotel




The townsite is quite quaint, with a mixture of modern buildings, and some straight out of the fifties! We spent some time looking around in town, eating at Zum's Eatery, while Harley made friends on the sidewalk.




Harley making friends in town.







The road leading out of town towards Cameron Lake gives some good views of the townsite, and down the lake towards the south.




Waterton Townsite from Cameron Lake Road






The road continues on past a separate National Historic Site of the very first oil well in Canada!





First Oil Well in Canada National Historic Site









The road continues south to Cameron Lake, the south end of which is across the line in the US. A trail leads down the shore, but stops short of leading into some prime grizzly bear habitat.
A plaque there has a map and some informaion on international and interprovincial grizzly management.








Signs on plaque at end of Cameron lakeshore trail.


Along the road there are a number of scenic spots that beg to be photographed, including this small little waterfall.




Falls along Cameron Lake Road












Waterton Park Map











Further east in the park is the road to Red Rock Canyon, Crandell campground, and Blakiston Falls.










It was a very peaceful area to camp, with inviting slopes to hike and glass all around. It was cool at night and the stars were very bright.









Hiking and sight-seeing took up most of the next day, leading to a rather late departure for home. But on the way, we were rewarded with a spectacular sunset on the highway west of Pincher Creek.














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Remember that most of the photos can be viewed full size by clicking on them. Also check out some of the other links supplied. Waterton area is fairly high resolution in Google Earth, so you can take your own look at the area.
Check out some of the advertisers - if you can still find the ads among all the other content.
There is an e-mail link, and a comment link if you wish to comment on anything or ask questions.


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