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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park |
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PO Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936
Phone: 406-888-7800
Open All Year
Overview. Straddling the international border between Montana, U.S.A. and Alberta, Canada, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park protects some of the most stunning mountain scenery in western North America. Throughout the ice ages, the monumental movement of glaciers carved sharp peaks out of the Continental Divide and gouged deep valleys where hundreds of lakes now glisten. Though not of ice-age origin, today more than 30 glaciers grace this stretch of the Rocky Mountains. A haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna, Waterton-Glacier boasts more than 1,800 plant species, over 260 species of birds, and at least 60 native mammal species. White mountain goats are often seen within the parks, and hikers also may catch glimpses of coyotes, marmots, moose, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears.
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was established in 1932. The first park of its kind, Waterton-Glacier is a cooperative effort of the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada. Although the two nations work together in certain areas, such as wildlife management and coordination of some visitor services, Waterton-Glacier is actually two parks, administered separately by each respective government. Waterton Lakes National Park was established by Canada in 1895, while Glacier National Park was designated a United States National Park in 1910.
To contact Glacier National Park, write Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936. To contact Waterton Lakes National Park, write Waterton Park, AB, T0K 2M0, call 403-859-2224 or 403-859-5109, or FAX 403-859-2650.
What to see and do. Park highways, such as Going-to-the-Sun Road, Chief Mountain International Highway, Akamina Parkway, and Red Rock Parkway bring motorists into the heart of the mountains, but keep in mind that these are rugged roads and not super-highways. Vehicles that exceed 21 feet in length (including bumpers) and 8 feet in width (including mirrors) are not permitted to drive the steepest parts of the Going-to-the-Sun Road; Glacier Park, Inc. and Sun Tours, concessionaires, provide guided tours to those unable (or unwilling) to negotiate this narrow, winding highway. Other undeveloped roads lead farther into the backcountry.
If you have time and stamina, the best way to experience the beauty, scale, and power of the mountains is to hike them. There are more than 700 miles of trails available to park visitors, ranging from short, relatively easy nature paths to long, difficult mountain treks. Both parks offer a variety of ranger- or interpreter-led hikes and presentations to enhance your understanding and enjoyment.
Both parks experience their heaviest visitation during the summer, and an extensive schedule of interpretive programs is in place for the months of June through September. Campgrounds contain just over 1000 campsites. Most are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are available at Fish Creek and St. Mary campgrounds and may be reserved through a central reservation system (800-365-2267).
Many of the glacier-fed lakes within the park are open to swimming and boating. The average temperature for park lakes is 45 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Canoes and rowboats are allowed on many of the larger lakes, while motorboats are restricted to Upper and Middle Waterton Lake, St. Mary Lake, Bowman Lake, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lake, and Sherburne Lake. Waterton Lake, Cameron Lake, and Crandell Lake are among the many lakes and streams where trout abound. Several outfitters offer rafting trips along the pristine drainage of the Flathead River; consult the parks for more detailed information. Horseback riding and bicycling are popular summer pastimes, and tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course are located at Waterton, Alberta.
Although summer is the most popular season at Waterton-Glacier, a number of visitors opt to experience the parks in the off-season, when crowds decrease. Each season brings an ever-changing panorama to the mountains, from the profusion of spring and autumn wildflowers to the beautiful cloak of winter snow. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular park activities in winter. Both parks are open year-round, although park services are limited in the off-season. Snow closes many park roads and trails from October through mid-May, with some remaining snowbound through June and beyond. Winter visitors will find plenty of services in nearby communities.
| Activities and Services |
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Bicycle Trails |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Motor Boating |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Water Skiing |
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Whitewater Sports |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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