Trip Out West Part 4: Day 7 at Waterton Lakes (Glacier & Sparwood too)

Part Four: In which we hike to waterfalls, enter Canada, relax on the beach, see bears and make an unexpected detour through British Columbia.

 

Day 7 - Wednesday, August 3:

On Wednesday morning we woke up at a campground by Two Medicine Lake in Glacier. The view from our campsite was outstanding. I wish I would have had more time to explore the campground.

We loaded up the vehicles, and then went on two short hikes to waterfalls. The first hike to Appistoki Falls was the longer of the two and the waterfalls it led to were somewhat disappointing. It was a pretty hike though.

A grouse we saw on our hike

At Appistoki Falls

Back at the trailhead

Our second stop was much more rewarding at Running Eagle (Trick) Falls. It was a short hike to a pretty large waterfall and stream.

Running Eagle Falls

After some photos, we drove an hour and a half to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. This was our first visit and Adam and I were really excited to see it.

Once we got into Canada, we saw some bear cubs playing on the side of the road. They sure were cute, but I’m glad we didn’t encounter mama bear!

The one on the right climbed into the tree and was messing with the one on the left.

Upon our arrival to the town of Waterton, everyone went off to eat while Adam and I walked down to the lake to relax and take pictures for an hour. This was probably my favorite time of the whole trip. I loved Waterton Lakes. It was more beautiful than I had imagined.

Marina at Waterton

Looking north towards the Prince of Wales Hotel

Looking south (Upper Waterton Lake)

The Prince of Wales Hotel

Adam and I on the beach at Waterton

When it was time to meet up with everyone, they wanted to do some shopping and looking around. Adam and I hadn’t eaten yet, so we got some wraps and took them down by the lake to enjoy the view. It was so peaceful and beautiful.

Relaxing at the beach
Photo by Adam

Photo by Adam

 Before meeting up again, we shared a sundae with Saskatoon berry ice cream and Saskatoon berry topping. I didn’t even know such a berry existed! It was a delicious treat. It had the shape of a blueberry but the texture and flavor of a cherry.

Then we drove up to The Prince of Wales hotel to look around. The view was amazing. I would love to stay there and have high tea sometime.

The front of the Prince of Wales Hotel - built 1926-1927

In the lobby. Straight ahead is where they were serving High Tea. Look at that view!!!

Chandelier in the lobby

View of the town of Waterton from the back of the hotel

The back of the Prince of Wales Hotel

View of Upper Waterton Lake

View of Middle Waterton Lake

The day got a little unpleasant after that. Without getting too much into the drama of the decision, our group plans changed. Rather than staying over night in Waterton Lakes as planned, it was suggested we take a different longer and more “scenic” route up to Banff. The direct north route that was planned up to Banff was replaced with a windy way up passing through British Columbia. Adam and I (and others) were really disappointed that we missed out on a boat cruise on Waterton Lake and more time in that beautiful park (including Akamina Parkway, Red Rock Parkway and Red Rock Canyon).

We made a brief stop at Frank Slide and the Interpretive center. It is the site of a landslide that buried half the town of Frank in 1903.

The Frank Slide

Turtle Mountain and the debris from the slide

We only made it as far as Sparwood, BC that night. After setting up camp it was still early, so Adam, Stine and I went into town to find something to eat. I was excited that A&W had poutine. Too bad it wasn’t very good! While in Sparwood we also saw the Terex 33-19 Titan, the biggest truck in the world (according to the signs). It was HUGE. Pictures just can’t do it justice.

Adam counting all the rivets

Stine and I
Photo by Adam

Sitting in the tire
Photo by Adam

The Titan, made by GM!

Final Comment:
I still don’t really understand the logic of leaving Waterton Lakes. After leaving Waterton Lakes and driving a few hours to Sparwood, we still had as long of a drive ahead of us to Banff than if we had stayed put and spent the night in Waterton Lakes and saw more of the sights there. This is why I refuse to travel in groups ever again.