Waterton Lakes National Park

 

Special Events 2012

Waterton Winterfest
February 17-20

Come and enjoy four days of winter fun in the magic surroundings of Waterton Lakes National Park.

The Waterton Winterfest, with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, horse-drawn carriage rides and other activities, takes place on Family Day weekend in February.

Join us at the Little Prairie picnic shelter on the Akamina Parkway for a hot drink before warming your soul on the ski and snowshoe trails. Bring your own gear or rent skis and snowshoes from the Waterton Lakes Lodge or Waterton Glacier Suites. Guided trips will also be available.

Tour the village on a horse-drawn carriage ride. Chill out and warm up indoors with family activities, crafts and board games or maybe enjoy a splash around in the pool.

Take in a special performance by one of Parks Canada's Mountain W.I.T. actors. All ages will enjoy the songs, stories and sketches about the nature and culture of Canada's mountain national Parks.

This event is organised by Parks Canada and the Waterton Chamber of Commerce, including Waterton Lakes Inns and Resorts, Waterton Glacier Suites, and Waterton Outdoor Adventures.

Spring Plant Count
May 26 & 27

Annually, on the last weekend of May, the Federation of Alberta Naturalists organizes a spring plant count. For more information visit our Citizen Science Page

Spring Bird Count
June 2 & 3

In support of a province-wide program of the Federation of Alberta Naturalists, Waterton Lakes National Park staff contribute to a count of birds in the park during the first weekend of June each year. For more information visit our Citizen Science Page

Waterton Wildflower Festival
TBD

This event features guided wildflower walks, hikes, educational programs, art exhibits and workshops on photography and water colour painting and drawing.

Canada Day
July 1

Morning
10:00 Bike Parade - kids, meet at the RCMP station with your decorated bicycle!
11:00 Flag-raising Ceremony - sing 'O Canada' as the flag is raised at Lions Hall
11:30 $3 BBQ and free cake and lemonade at Lions Hall

Noon
Xplorers launch
Music
Children's Activities

1:30 Traditional native drummers and dancers performance at Waterton Lakes Lodge tipi

Evening
8:00 Falls Theatre - 'So, You Think You Know Your National Parks?'

Parks Day
July 16

Activities, games and demonstrations will highlight visitor experience, resource conservation and ecological restoration at Parks Canada. Try our new geocaching challenge!

Butterfly Count
TBD

We need your help to learn more about our beautiful winged friends! Join butterfly experts on July 18th to help catch, identify and count Waterton’s butterflies.

Eighth Annual Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Science & History Day
TBD

Learn what the scientists have been up to in the parks and hear the latest research results. This event will be in Waterton in 2012.

For more information contact Janice Smith at 403-859-5127.

Knapweed Rodeo on the Blakiston fan
TBD

Get out there and round up those aggressive purple invaders!

Waterton protects over 1,000 species of vascular plants, more than half of all the species found in Alberta and almost 200 that are not found anywhere else in the province or in Canada.

Spotted Knapweed is an invasive species that threatens the health of the Park’s plant communities. It can take over native landscapes by releasing toxins from its roots and producing thousands of seeds.

Volunteers play an important role in controlling this outlawed noxious weed by pulling it up before it releases seeds. Join the park restoration crew for a half-day shift or more. Families are welcome and no previous experience is necessary – just a desire to help pick and bag knapweed.

For more information email David Musto or call 403-859-2702.

Blackfoot Arts and Heritage Festival
TBD

Join the Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society and Parks Canada for an art show and exhibition pow-wows.

Waterton Natural History Association Moonlight Cruise 
TBD 

Cruise the Upper Waterton Lake to Goat Haunt and back while enjoying live music and great food. This event is put on by the Waterton Natural History Association (park cooperating association).

Boat Parade
TBD

Decorate your boat and join the boat parade.

Waterton Wheels Show & Shine
TBD

Waterton Wildlife Weekend
TBD

Waterton's wildlife is at its best in the fall. This weekend features a variety of wildlife events.

3rd Annual Ride the Red Rock Parkway
October 1

Red Rock Parkway will be closed to all vehicle traffic and you can ride as far as your interest takes you - just a short distance or all the way to Red Rock Canyon and back (30 km round-trip).

After the ride, join us at Pass Creek for a BBQ and draw prizes.

Helmets are mandatory for anyone under 18, and highly recommended for everyone else. We encourage children to come with a legal guardian.