A park less travelled

Located near the park gate, the Maskinonge is primarily wetland, featuring much of what makes Waterton special - clear, cold, clean waters, colourful and abundant plant life and a rich gathering of wildlife. Spend the day at one of the many picnic sites in the area. Siksikaisitapi (Blackfoot) people trace the origins of the sacred Beaver Bundle to this place. The Beaver Bundle is central to Niitsitapi cultural and spiritual practices. Parks Canada’s archaeologists have found Indigenous campsites throughout the surrounding area. This sacred landscape is also home to a Blackfoot Confederacy Marker.

Before driving the Bison Paddock Loop road, stretch your legs at the Bison Paddock Overlook for a one-of-a-kind view! Watch the plains bison herd roam in the summer paddock, and gain a new perspective of the Horseshoe Basin area. When the sun dips behind the mountains, visit the overlook to view the park’s incredible night sky. In 2017, Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park of the United States were recognized by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) as an International Dark Sky Park.

This is a great place to check out wildflowers in spring and summer. Watch the eagle migrations in the fall along the eastern mountain slopes. Walk in the footsteps of Indigenous peoples who have visited this special place for thousands of years. Make it a full day by completing the Horseshoe Basin Trail (21.3km return, 350m elevation gain).

This 7 km trail links the Horseshoe Basin access road and Red Rock Parkway. Most commonly accessed off Red Rock Parkway, this hike follows the prairies where they border the mountains. With minimal elevation gain, it is excellent for wildflower viewing, especially in late spring. Parks Canada’s Archaeologists have found evidence of Indigenous presence in this landscape for thousands of years.

The eastern view overlooks the old bison hunting drivelanes, and campsites scattered along the base of the mountain. Continued efforts are underway to restore these native grasslands through use of prescribed fire and restoration projects. You can help by practicing Play, Clean, Go, always staying on trail when hiking, and reporting any chance archaeological finds to the park without disturbing them.

Don’t forget to bring your camera! This roadside pullout, with washrooms, delivers a picture-perfect view of Lower, Middle and Upper Waterton lakes. It offers sweeping vistas of the Waterton and Blakiston valleys, where the mountains meet the prairies. In the winter months, the road is closed to vehicle traffic making it a good winter walking and snowshoeing destination.