Southern Alberta Explorer

After picking up your RV in Calgary, head south on Highway 22 towards Lundbreck and Pincher Station before taking Highway 6 through Twin Butte to Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada for your first night’s stay. Note that you will need a Canada Parks pass for Waterton Lakes. These are available through CanaDream or at the entrance gate to the park.  Book your campsite well in advance, particularly if you plan to stay at the Parks Canada campground in the town itself.

There’s so much to do here, particularly if you are an avid hiker, but there are family friendly activities on offer as well.

Some must-dos here include:
• The Iconic Prince of Wales Hotel – offers unmatched views of Upper Waterton Lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Stroll the downtown area – perhaps find a keepsake to remind you of your trip!
• The Bear’s Hump Trail – Famous for its panoramic views, this is a 2.8km steep trail rated moderate and should take about an hour each way. Good for a family hike but it can get busy.
• Red Rock Parkway – access to Red Rock Canyon, Blakiston Falls and many hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. • Cameron Lake – Vehicle accessible route to a beautiful, mountain surrounded, lake – walk the lake trail.
• Cruise on Upper Waterton Lake. Perhaps take the trip up to Goat Haunt in Glacier National Park.
• Kayak or Paddleboard on Waterton or Cameron Lakes. Outside watercraft are not permitted in the Park but you can rent a paddleboard, canoe, kayak, rowboat or peddle boat in the town.
• Stargazing. Waterton is a designated dark sky preserve, making it the perfect site for stargazing.
• Snap a photo of Cameron Falls – an easy walk from downtown.

Waterton Lakes National Park forms the Canadian side of the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park. Whilst in Waterton, you may like to set aside a day to visit Glacier National Park, the US side of this UNESCO World heritage site. Here the big attraction is the Going to the Sun Road. Vehicles over 21 feet in length and more than 8 feet wide (including mirrors) are not permitted to drive this road between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun so we suggest you book a Glacier National Park Red Bus tour from St Mary’s or use the Park Shuttle to travel this road. The complete road is seasonal and is usually open by early July, closing around late September-early October.

Watch the scenery change as you travel from mountainous terrain to Milk River, then on to another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Writing on Stone Provincial Park. Known for its stunning sandstone formations and ancient rock art, Writing on Stone Provincial Park has an important indigenous history. Here, tall sandstone pillars rise high, like old guards watching over the land, telling a story from long time ago. Amazing rock art shows battle scenes, spirit images and the daily life of the Blackfoot people who called this area home. Camping is available in the park, 32km east of Milk River with reservations being available 90 days in advance of arrival.

The best time to visit is in the summer months. Guided tours are available of the petroglyph sites with Parks Canada staff members.

Key highlights
• Discover thousands of rock carvings and paintings, known as petroglyphs and pictographs, created by Indigenous peoples over thousands of years.
• Hike through a captivating landscape of sandstone hoodoos, sculpted by centuries of erosion, and soak in the serene beauty of the Milk River Valley.
• Explore the archeological treasures left by the Blackfoot people, for whom this area holds deep spiritual significance.
• Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that call this park home, from majestic birds of prey to elusive reptiles and mammals.
• Learn about the fascinating history of the North-West Mounted Police, who once had an outpost here to curb illegal activity along the border.
• Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated for its outstanding universal value.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park straddles the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta, offering a great experience for every kind of traveller. The main park area on the Saskatchewan side has vehicle entry off Highway 21 whilst the more remote Western Block, which is home to historic Fort Walsh National Historic Site, is accessible via Highway 271. Open late May to late September, Fort Walsh is a living fort from the 1870s when the North West Mounted Police brought Canadian law to the West. Take a guided tour to hear stories of the Cypress Hills Massacre and the Battle of Little Big Horn then drive east to the centre block for an overnight stay there. Campground reservations are required.

Spend the day hiking, relaxing or on the water at this beautiful park. The Loch Leven Marina in the park offers bike and mountain bike rentals along with canoe, paddleboat, paddleboard and kayak rentals. 27km of trails allow visitors back-country hiking opportunities to see nature untamed.

Highlights:
• Check out the highest point of land in Canada, located between Labrador and the Rocky Mountains.
• Explore a unique ecosystem featuring the only Lodgepole Pine forest in the Canadian prairies.
• Enjoy many activities like hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and ziplining.
• Take in the beauty of Cypress Hills with amazing views of tall hills, green forests, and fescue prairie.
• Experience front-country camping with great amenities at Centre Block or try rustic adventures in the West Block.

The western section of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is centered around the small community of Elkwater on the south shore of Elkwater Lake. The Visitor Centre here has oodles of suggestions for things to do including hiking, sightseeing and scenic drives. Overnight at one of the campgrounds here (reservations essential).

Highlights
• Embrace the night sky at the Cypress Hills Dark Sky Preserve for unforgettable stargazing.
• Unwind with various activities like golfing, fishing, and paddling on picturesque Elkwater Lake.
• Discover fascinating history at nearby historical sites and encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

The most direct route back to Calgary is on the Trans Canada which will take you through the city of Medicine Hat. Stop here to visit the Saamis Tepee or some of the beautiful parks in the surrounding area before continuing on the Calgary.

A more scenic route will take an hour longer travelling through Lethbridge then up through historic small villages and crop farms until you reach the outskirts of the southern end of Calgary.

If you have time, stop in Fort Macleod and wander the main street, a location often used in movies. Nearby is the Fort Museum of the Northwest Mounted Police and worth a visit. A short diversion west of Fort Macleod on highway 785 will take you to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site.

Take your time heading back to Calgary as the long summer days will give you plenty of time to take in the sights.

Some Highlights if you decide to take the Lethbridge route:
• The High Level Bridge/Lethbridge Viaduct
• Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
• Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump
• Nanton – Preserved Grain Elevator and quaint main street with antique stores

Tonight, you can choose to stay south of the city or find a camping spot close to the CanaDream location for an easy drop-off on Day 11. The closest campground to CanaDream is at Balzac, only ten minutes from our Calgary branch. If you have a later drop-off time, you may like to consider staying at our partner campground in Okotoks, an hour south of the city.

Note your drop-off time at our Calgary location and leave your campsite with plenty of time to arrive there within your drop-off window.  Sadly we have to bid you goodbye today but, if you are spending a little more time in Calgary, we have suggestions for things to do.  Please read our blog on the top attractions in Calgary for more information.