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BigT's avatar
BigT
Explorer
May 17, 2015

Columbia Falls to Waterton

We will be staying at Columbia Falls for a week in September and plan to spend a day on the "Red Bus" tour of Glacier up to Logan Pass and back. We visited Glacier 30 years ago but did not go to Waterton on our way to Banff on that trip. We were thinking about going driving over to Waterton and I have two questions. Is it worth the effort to go to Waterton, and would it be entirely nuts to try to do a day trip from Columbia Falls to Waterton and back in one day? I think I know the answer to the last part of the question, but I still would like your opinions. Thanks!
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  • BillMFl's avatar
    BillMFl
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    Its an easy day trip from St Mary's and the KOA at St Mary's has great views of the peaks nearby. We like that side because since its the dry side of the mountains there are much fewer trees and clearer views compared to the West side. Waterton is lovely. There is a back road to the lake before entering Waterton where we saw 4 grizzly bears feeding right by the side of the road.
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    May 17, 2015
    I don't think it's nuts, though a day trip from a base camp on the east side would be better, due to the amount of time it takes to get across the park. It's a beautiful location (Waterton) and worth the drive. I believe it took us perhaps an hour or so from St. Marys to get there. Be sure to stop & visit the Prince of Wales Hotel and check out the view from their "front yard," and check out the town as well.

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