Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is an expansive World Heritage Site spanning the provinces of Alberta in Canada and the state of Montana in the United States. Due to the heavy snow cover in winter, the park is only accessible for about three and a half months during the summer. That limited, precious period offers breathtaking scenery—truly a Canadian treasure! Let us introduce the mystical World Heritage Site of Canada: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
What is Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park?
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is a rare World Heritage Site that spans both Canada and the United States. The Canadian side is Waterton Lakes National Park, and the U.S. side is Glacier National Park. It was registered in 1932 as the world’s first International Peace Park.
Since the park is open only for about three and a half months in summer, you must plan your visit carefully, but that also means the untouched natural landscape is wonderfully preserved. The vast park, including valleys still being carved by glaciers and beautiful lakes, is about twice the size of Tokyo—astonishing! Glacier Park is located in the Rocky Mountains, and within the park lie over 200 lakes and ponds, forests, and rivers—pure wilderness. With luck, you might even spot rare animals. You can also enjoy glacially carved valleys by boat.
Name: Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Address: Waterton Lakes National Park SR 17 & HIGHWAY 6, WATERTON PARK, Alberta T0K 2M0
Official/Related Site URL: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/354
Access to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
If entering from the Canadian side, it takes about 3 hours by car from Calgary, a city in western Canada. Joining a tour is highly recommended.
2 recommended highlights of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Going-to-the-sun road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic highway running east to west through Glacier Park, approximately 85 km in length. Connecting St. Mary Lake and Lake McDonald, both set among flower-filled meadows, this road offers panoramic views and is the only scenic drive in Glacier Park. The sheer scale of the landscape is truly worthy of a World Heritage Site. Designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the road reveals one magnificent vista after another—take your time driving and fully enjoy the World Heritage experience.
Reaching Logan Pass, part of the Continental Divide, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Driving along steep cliffs offers quite a thrill—this World Heritage Site is not short on excitement! You might also spot rare animals like moose, mountain goats, or bighorn sheep that inhabit the park.
Many Glacier
If you've made it all the way to the expansive Glacier Park, don’t just go back in one day! Stay overnight in a hotel near Many Glacier and take your time soaking in the World Heritage scenery. The views from the hotel are stunning. Don’t forget to watch the sunrise. The dark, ominous rocky mountains gradually glowing red are truly mystical.
After enjoying the sunrise, explore the Grinnell Glacier Trail, which leads through valleys carved by glaciers. Though it involves a steep climb, you’ll be rewarded with views of the intensely emerald-green Lake Josephine below. You’ll also find rare alpine flora and plants unique to Glacier Park, making for a delightful hike. For peace of mind, consider joining a ranger-led lake tour. Since this is a popular World Heritage destination, hotels and tours fill up quickly, so it’s best to book early.
◎ Summary
This has been an introduction to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. It’s a park where you can experience the overwhelming beauty of vast mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and large lakes up close. Be sure to join a tour and immerse yourself in the grandeur of this World Heritage Site.