3 Best Sights in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Goat Haunt Ranger Station

Reached only by foot trail, private boat, or tour boat from Waterton Townsite, this spot on the U.S. end of Waterton Lake is the stomping ground for mountain goats, moose, grizzlies, and black bears. It's also the official border crossing for the U.S. side of Waterton Lake. In recent years, the crossing has not been staffed by U.S. Customs personnel, and, consequently, tour boats do not allow passengers to disembark at Goat Haunt as they once did. If you want to explore the trails on this end of the lake, you will need to hike or paddle in on your own. Check-in before arrival by using the CBP ROAM app. Visitors to this area must carry their passports and proof of ROAM trip approval. The hikes on the U.S. side of the lake were unaffected by the wildfires of recent years.

Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre

The Blackfoot consider the area around the Waterton Lakes to be sacred. Paahtómahksikimi is the Blackfoot name for Waterton Lake. It means "inner sacred lake." The Paahtómahksikimi Cultural Centre helps visitors connect with the Spirit of Waterton and learn about Blackfoot culture. You can participate in various activities and programs and purchase authentic handcrafted artisan products in the on-site craft store.

Ranger-led Activities

Free ranger-led programs, most of them held daily from July to early September, include guided hikes, group walks, evening talks, historical tours, gaze-at-the-stars parties, and naturalist discussions. For the Native America Speaks program, tribal members share their history and culture through stories, poetry, music, and dance. In winter, guided, two-hour snowshoe treks take place in the Apgar area. Among the activities for children is the Junior Ranger Program, for which children between ages 6 and 12 complete fun educational tasks to become Junior Rangers.

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