Get back to nature at Waterton Lakes National Park Image Credit: Chris Istace |
1. Waterton
Waterton Lakes National Park Image Credit: Chris Istace |
Famous last words from our server on a visit to Waterton many years ago: “Be careful out there – a grizzly’s been seen around town.” Wondering how much bears like pepperoni pizza, we paid extra attention to our surroundings on the walk back to our lodge (with a half-full pizza box in hand). Golden light danced on wildflowers and Upper Waterton Lake as deer grazed along the shore. Fast forward more than a decade and little has changed in the townsite; it’s still close to nature and down to earth. While the west side of the park was severely affected by the Kenow Fire of 2017, several trails have recently re-opened and the park’s wildflowers are more plentiful than ever.
Discover the best things to do now in Waterton on ZenSeekers: A jewel of a park: Waterton will make you feel rejuvenated.
2. Cypress Hills
Paddling serene waters at Cypress Hills Provincial Park Image Credit: Chris Istace |
As you turn onto Highway AB-41S, say farewell to the prairies and begin the ascent to Cypress Hills Provincial Park. The air is rarer here – the hills are perched at the elevation of Banff (1,234 metres) – and as you approach the lake, it gets greener. Glades beckon mountain bikers and hikers, and are home to deer, elk, coyotes, and cougars.
Elkwater Lake, and the village that shares its name, is a hub of activity, but it’s easy to find solitude in this large park. If you’d like to learn more about the unique plants and animals you see, sign up for an Alberta Parks interpretive program at the Elkwater Visitor Centre! Guided tours and equipment rentals are also available.
3. Crowsnest Pass
Witness the power of nature at Frank Slide Image Credit: Matt Bailey |
The Crowsnest Pass is home to five friendly mountain towns that are rich in history and surrounded by rugged beauty. To experience nature first-hand, ditch the car and bike the Crowsnest Community Trail or mountain bike trails at Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill, fish the legendary Crowsnest River, or take a hike. Frank Slide Interpretive Trail is a must-do. Hike through the boulders of Canada’s deadliest natural disaster and witness the power of nature.
4. Castle Provincial Park
Castle Provincial Park is southwest Alberta’s best kept secret! Image Credit: Chris Istace |
Escape to Castle Provincial Park, Alberta’s newest provincial park, for a wilderness experience just off the beaten path. Fish for golden trout in backcountry lakes, hike unofficial trails to incredible viewpoints (don’t worry, there are official trails too), then camp at one of four rustic campgrounds. It’s rare in the Rockies to land a campsite by water without a reservation, but you still can here.
Learn how Castle Provincial Park is being made more accessible on ZenSeekers: Accessibility at its finest: Castle Provincial Park truly for everyone.
5. Lethbridge
Explore Helen Schuler Nature Reserve in Lethbridge Image Credit: Matt Bailey |
It’s easy to get close to nature in Lethbridge’s river valley. Wind and water sculpted coulees (steep, V-shaped valleys) dominate the landscape, but you can also find groves of cottonwoods, cacti, wetlands, and grasslands along the Old Man River. As you hike, bike, or paddle through the river valley, keep an eye out for wildlife who take refuge in the coulees. Learn more about the local flora and fauna at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.
Check out Five cool ways to explore the river valley of Lethbridge on ZenSeekers.
If You Go
Visit Alberta Parks – Cypress Hills to learn about fun things to do in Cypress Hills Provincial Park
Check out the Go Crowsnest Pass website to get planning your trip.
Head over to Alberta Parks – Castle to book your campsite or cabin in Castle Provincial Park.
Check Tourism Lethbridge to start planning your trip and find other activities in the area.
Canalta Hotels has partnered with a collection of destinations across Southern Alberta to save you money on local attractions: Stay a Night & See a Sight.
Visit Travel Alberta for more information on things to do and places to see in southern Alberta.
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