Glacier / Waterton – Peace Park Hike
A great visit to Glacier National Park will also include a jaunt up to Glacier’s sister park, Waterton – just across the border in Canada.
Having skipped spending any real time in Waterton over the last few years, we were happy to include a couple of days there in this year’s itinerary.
We arrived in Waterton early in the day and, again, were discouraged by the number of trail closures due to the late melt. Forced to forego our intended 20+ mile hike on the Carthew-Alderson trail, we happily settled on what is affectionately known as the “Peace Park Hike” that would take us, on foot, back into the United States.
Before we get into the hike… This is overview shot of Waterton and it’s charming township. Impressive setting, huh?
Many hikers use this trail as an opportunity to celebrate the fact that peace and camaraderie can be alive and well in the world as evidenced by the fact that Glacier and Waterton, separated only by a border, pride themselves on a healthy and friendly international relationship.
Plus, how cool to be able to hike from Canada to the United States.
We took this peace-infused opportunity to do some of our advocating and wore our No More Poverty t-shirts in order to spark conversations with others in the backcountry. We wanted to round out our gear with our CARE International hats but were afraid we would end up with heat stroke.
Almost immediately, the trail offered the now expected array of incredible vistas and wildflowers.
At times, the lakeshore was the trail, allowing for some much needed cooling off.
We especially enjoyed the screen-saver-worthy forested sections that emanated tranquility.
Oh, and did we mention waterfalls (thanks to that late melt).
Are you hypnotized yet?
Without a doubt, the highlight was seeing the border at Boundary Bay. We enjoyed lunch there on the lake, looking at that line cutting through the trees and attempting to solve (our version of) world peace while we gobbled down sandwiches and chips.
It was an excellent hike; one that we may never have done had the circumstances been different this season.
We walked away from this day’s adventure even more determined to not let borders and politics keep us from seeing and appreciating the interconnectedness of the world.
Can we get a “Namaste!” all up in here.
Namaste! Ok, guys…..I’m looking at the pics and trying to figure out how I can set my house down in the middle of all of that gorgeousness. I agree, it is cool to hike between the two countries with ease…..sweet!
When you figure it out, let us know!
Are you doing outdoor yoga with these beautiful landscapes?
Is that line really the border? I can’t believe that had to mark that out in this beautiful wilderness! Isn’t it grand how nature can make allow us the opportunity to solve the worlds issues? LOL Everything seems so much simpler when amongst the grand lakes and mountains the world offers us small people.
LOL – That’s the first thing I said “My god, do they have to keep that line up the mountain cleared?!”
Everything IS much simpler when in a setting like that, for sure.
Wow – that first picture is breathtaking! I like that little one-lane hiking trail – tells me it’s very peaceful and not overcrowded.
Thanks, Don – that’s a big compliment coming from you..
Oh i love the phrase “screensaver worthy” never heard of that and love it. This place looks awesome… but um where are the GLACIERS???
Disappearing… and fast. Now… go recycle something and plant a tree
Pretty, pretty, pretty! I went up to Waterton after visiting Glacier a few years ago. Gorgeous place. Just did a quick drive around — must do a hike like you guys did next time.
Yes, you can get a namaste!
I love that you wore your No More Poverty t-shirts on that hike! I thought the forest was especially beautiful– so peaceful and green.
It was the perfect setting for some advo-hiking. It’s hard for people to resist a “all is one” message in those surroundings. We’re sneaky
I wouldn’t call it sneaky. Maybe clever, or strategic
Love it. Seriously though, you can sneak into Canada if you bypass the Ranger station?
Funny – we talked about that on the hike… the possibility of someone going rouge (thanks for that, Sarah) and sneaking in. Hmm… there is that little matter of the wildlife though.
I’m loving your trip to Glacier Nat’l Park… it seems like the perfect place for a summer vacation.
Yes, it is perfect, Michael. Head up there next year; we’ll show you around
Ha! I never knew you could hike across the border.
I am such a sucker for waterfalls… and particularly hiking trails that include and/or end with a waterfall!
Also, Jaime’s comment made me snort. What’s up with that, Jaime?? Way to destroy my inner peace.
Don’t pay any attention to Jaime; he’s a troublemaker
Stay tuned… more pics of waterfalls are on the way. We may never stop posting about this adventure.
Wow I’m Canadian but had no idea this place existed, our country is far too large.
You HAVE to get there, Ayngelina – it’s awesome.
What a beautiful spot. I love the name of the immigration checkpoint, too!
That is pretty impressive. I could see myself living in a place like that. The line through the trees is pretty unusual and that’s a great photograph of the situation.
Them sure are some purty pictures! I live in Calgary and I had no idea it was possible to cross the border from Waterton. Thankfully, it looks devoid of any duty-free shops…
I didn’t know you could hike between Canada and the US. That’s great! Just need the simple sign telling people to report for immigration.
Wow, that place is beautiful! No wonder you enjoy this area so much. You have inspired me to visit Glacier and do some hiking. Still wary of those bears though!!
Oh yeah….I am with Steven, we could so live there! I already added this region and Glacier to The List.
Again beautiful photo guys. Glacier park does not seem to have any bad angles. It is officialy at the top of my list of national parks to visit in the US.
Excellent trip rport and really enjoyed the closeups of the boundary marker at Boundary Bay. On our last venture into Waterton Lakes National Park, the closest we came to the markers was on the ‘International’ Sunset Cruise. It is a special park and you picked a great weather year. Thanks for sharing. Next year I will get back for Carthew-Alderson. Crypt Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park is a forever memorable experience.
Thanks, Barry – we loved that hike. Next year, we want to backcountry camp in that area.