The Rocky Mountains are some of the best views in Alberta, and they come with some pretty spectacular small towns.
World Atlas, one of the largest publishing resources in geography, recently released a list of the eight top-rated small towns in the Rockies, and Waterton made the list.
“Waterton stands at the exact line where Alberta’s prairie meets the mountains. The drive in crosses flat grassland until the peaks rise without warning, which is why the town goes by the tagline ‘Where the Mountains Meet the Prairie,’” reads the list.
Located just under three hours south of Calgary, Waterton sits in Waterton Lakes National Park, which was the fourth national park in Canada. It also stands along Upper Waterton Lake, which is the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies.
It’s home to some pretty impressive sights, including the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, which was built in 1927, stunning mountain scenery, and easy wildlife spotting.
The national park itself is part of the first international peace park in the world, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, because it borders Montana’s Glacier National Park, and the two were joined in 1932. The park also carries a Dark Sky designation, making it a perfect spot for stargazing.
There are tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation, like hiking, paddling, and scenic drives, which means it’s a must-see spot for nature lovers. With dramatic landscapes, turquoise waters, and breathtaking viewpoints, residents can enjoy everything the town has to offer right in their backyards.
Only two other Alberta spots made the list: Jasper and Banff. Jasper was touted for its abundance of wildlife, while Banff was noted for its impressive history.
You can find the full list online.
Originally published on Daily Hive.
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