Spotlight on Glacier International Peace Park, USA and Canada

 

             Glacier National Park is located in Northern Montana and is associated with Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, the two together comprising Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, an interesting concept involving cooperation of two separate countries to preserve an area of exceptional beauty.  The area is, of course, known for its glaciers (which, by the way, are receding significantly), but there are other attractions, such as, wildlife, lakes, hiking trails, etc.

            Going-to-the-Sun Road, a spectacular 50 mile (80 kilometer) scenic drive, bisects the park and offers breath-taking vistas throughout. Stop at the Logan Pass Visitor Center, roughly halfway across, at the Continental Divide, for information and access to several trails. Nearby, the road hugs the cliffs of deep, steep valleys allowing unobstructed views of mountains and glaciers. Be on the lookout for Rocky Mountain Goats which are quite common at the high altitudes. There are many other hiking trails but few other roads.

            The two major lakes of the park, Saint Mary Lake, on the eastern side of Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Lake McDonald, on the western side, offer aquatic activities.  

 

            Gary’s Gem:

                        Travel north from the St Mary (eastern) entrance of the park about 100 km (60-70 miles) to the Waterton Lakes region in Canada. Visit the beautiful, old, Prince Of Wales Hotel (one of the stately Canadian Railroad Hotels which are found across Canada) on the shores of Lake Waterton and sample a slice of the Canadian version of this truly international park.

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