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Waterton Lakes National Park + Geocaching

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Paula
Waterton Lakes National Park + Geocaching

Details

*This Event is weather dependent*
*This Event has Geocaching activities*

Today, we will head to Waterton Lakes National Park and explore the following areas:
(a) Red Rock Canyon Trail: This is an 0.8km loop, with 36m elevation gain. The trail loops around and across the colourful canyon, with its red, white and green rock. A sparkling stream on the canyon floor completes the picture. More adventurous hikers can descend along a trail to the stream. As a reward, soak your feet in the cool water before heading back up.

This is a super short and easy hike that is more of a walk to a viewpoint than a true nature hike. The short path follows a nice route that moves along the canyon at lower levels, high levels, and even through the water during the summer when water levels are lower. It is best to head down into the canyon, since this section of the trail really does highlight the beautiful and colourful geologic formations that people come here for.

(b) Blakiston Falls: this is a 2.4km out & back hike, with 85m elevation gain. Once we reach the south end of Red Rock Canyon, we will cross Bauerman Creek and walk up the hill on a gentle slope. As we get closer to the waterfall, the trail goes alongside Blakiston Creek and opens out to give fantastic views of the park’s tallest mountain, Mount Blakiston (2910m). This was named after the first European to record his travels here, Lieutenant Thomas Blakiston.

Blakiston Falls is a lovely waterfall. It has two drops that curve around a corner, plunging around 15m. There’s a great viewpoint right above the falls. There are plenty of stairs here, so take your time.

(c) Driftwood Beach: after the two hikes, we will head to Driftwood Beach and enjoy lunch. This spot is perfect for a picnic, with iconic views of Mount Vimy framing middle Waterton Lake and the Prince of Wales hotel atop the hill in the distance.

If the parking lot at this location is busy, we will head to another location. If all else fails, we can head towards the Waterton Lakes National Park Red Chairs Lakeshore parking lot.

(d) Akamina Parkway: the Akamina Parkway is a winding mountain road which starts in the Waterton townsite and runs 16 km along the Cameron Valley, ending at Cameron Lake. Along the way, we will stop at the First Oil Well in Western Canada National Historic Site. While on this Parkway we will do the following hikes:

  • Akamina Lake: this is a 1km, minimal elevation gain. Trailhead is located at the Cameron Lake Parking Lot (next to the washrooms, on the left when facing the lake)

Cameron Lake has a day use area with interpretive exhibits. A pleasant trail follows the western shore of the lake for 1.6 kilometres. The washrooms at the Cameron Lake Day Use Area are open and cleaned regularly.
The Akamina Parkway remains open year round and provides access to many locations and activities in all seasons.

Alert: Waterton Lakes National Park may charge a fee to enter. For more information, please visit https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton

This is a very busy area. Arriving early is a great way to see everything and to ensure that there is enough parking.

Hiking Pace: slow, beginner level, with lots of stops for photos.
What to bring:

  • water, snacks and lunch
  • rain/wind jacket and layers; dress for the weather
  • good hiking boots/shoes
  • water shoes if want to go in the river
  • hiking poles
  • bug spray
  • bear spray
  • sunscreen/sun glasses
  • camera
  • most importantly, you are bringing a smile

Waiver: anyone joining this event must sign the waiver form before the start of the event (either at the meeting location or at the trailhead). You must also provide an emergency contact name and number of someone who is not currently joining you in this event.
Disclaimer: You acknowledge that organizers/hosts are not professional guides, and as such, by joining this event you assume full responsibility for your safety. You further attest to be prepared for the event (e.g. you have water, gear, food, etc.) and that you are physically capable to participate in this event.

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Canadian Explorer Series
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AB-5 · Waterton Park, AB