Glacier National Park Travel GuideWaterton Lakes National Park & Goat Hauntby Joseph A. Sprince - Photography by Gerald B. Allen
The Glacier National Park Travel Guide is a resource for those planning to tour Glacier National Park and/or Canada's adjacent Waterton Lakes National Park. The adjacent national parks are typically visited at the same time and offer a variety of experiences. Both parks offer outstanding opportunities to view wildlife. Using the Interactive MapPlace your mouse pointer on any KEY item or place name on the map. A brief description will appear. Click on the box for a link to detailed information. For easiest use, scroll map to top. Detailed Glacier National Park Map in separate window.
Waterton Lakes National Park & Goat HauntCanada's Waterton Lakes National Park in the province of Alberta borders along the northern edge of Glacier National Park. In 1932, the United States and Canada agreed to join these two national parks as a symbol of their longtime peace and friendship. In recognition of this historic agreement, the parks were officially designated as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The two countries do continue to administer the parks separately, and you will notice subtle differences in the experience at either park. The highlight of Waterton Lakes National Park is, fittingly, the Waterton Lakes, most notably, Upper Waterton Lake. The upper lake runs from north to south across the international border into Glacier National Park. Spectacular mountain ranges tower over the lake on either side. The Waterton townsite at the northern end of the lake is the park's center of activities. Boat cruises run from the town to Glacier National Park's Goat Haunt at the lake's southern end. This is the only way to access the Goat Haunt (except by hiking); there is no road access to this remote wilderness area. The boat cruise can be combined with hiking trips to shorten the distance of the hike. Most notable is the famous Crypt Lake Trail, considered by some to be the best hike in all of Canada. A 5.4 mile (one way) trail climbs into the mountains from the boat dock past waterfalls and through an enlarged natural tunnel in the cliff face to reach Crypt Lake in a hidden spectacular cirque. Many hikers take the cruise to the Goat Haunt where there is a network of excellent trails. There are several ranger-led hikes available during the summer. One outstanding ranger guided hike is the International Peace Park Hike. The hike starts at the Bertha Lake Trailhead in Waterton town and proceeds along the west side of Upper Waterton Lake across the border to Goat Haunt. Hikers then return to town via boat. The popular hike requires advance registration (available for the next scheduled hike only) at the St. Mary Visitor Center (406-732-7750) or the Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre (403-859-5133).
Waterton Lakes offers several outstanding scenic drives. The Red Rock Parkway travels up the Blakiston Valley ending at Red Rock Canyon where there is a short nature trail. The valley consists largely of rolling grassland in an area where the "praries meet the mountains". Good wildlife viewing (plentiful deer near the campground) and good wildflower displays in late spring. The Akamina Parkway is winding mountain road which goes through Cameron Valley and ends at Cameron Lake, one of Waterton Lake's gems. The lake has an interpretive exhibit, a trail on its west side, and boat rentals. Just north of Cameron Lake, the Akamina Pass Trail leaves the road heading west to British Columbia's Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park. This primitive wilderness is accessible only via this trail; there are no roads. The park features high alpine ridges, deep secluded valleys, windswept passes and is rich in wildlife, especially grizzly bear, big horn sheep, and mountain goats. It is an exceptional adventure for the hearty outdoorsperson. Photo, above right: The Goat Haunt boat dock and ranger station.
There are a number of easy hikes to beautiful sights from the Goat Haunt ranger station, near the boat dock. Please note that the mosquitoes are ferocious in the Goat Haunt area! Goat Haunt and Backcountry Customs Regulations. From the National Park Service brochure: People in tour boats and private boats arriving from Waterton Lakes National Park to Goat Haunt are not required to clear customs and immigration unless they travel beyond the immediate shore area of the Ranger Station. Those returning on the same boat will not be considered to be seeking admission into the United States. All hikers crossing the International Boundary from Canada are considered to be applying for admission to the United States, and are required to report to Park Rangers at Goat Haunt for inspection. Only citizens of Canada and citizens or Legal Resident Aliens of the United States of America, who have cleared customs and immigration at the Goat Haunt Ranger Station, will be allowed to travel into the United States beyond Goat Haunt. There are restrictions on all backcountry travel from the United States into Canada, within the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. For more information, please contact the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in advance of any trip at (403) 653-3535. For specific requirements on crossing the border from the United States into Canada, call (250) 887-3413. For information on crossing from Canada into the United States, call (406) 889-3865. Helpful links
Services in and around Waterton Lakes National ParkFood and Lodging
Nearest camping
Nearest Visitor CenterThe Waterton Lakes National Park main visitor center is open early May to early October. Brochures, bookstore and gift shop. Maps and publications are available for sale. Rangers are present to answer questions, issue backpacking permits, provide emergency assistance, etc. The Goat Haunt Ranger Station is open during the summer and provides maps, brochures, and interpretive programs. Other services in areaAll services available at Waterton townsite. Glacier National Park Guide Index
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