Discovering the Beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park Alberta

If you’re looking for a stunning summer destination in Alberta that combines breathtaking mountains, pristine lakes, and a charming small-town feel, Waterton Lakes National Park should be at the top of your list. Located in the southwest corner of the province and part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this gem offers everything from dramatic scenery to easy access to trails, boat tours, and cozy amenities.

I visited a couple of years ago in early June, and it was absolutely magical — wildflowers starting to bloom, crisp mountain air, and fewer crowds than peak season. These photos from that trip capture just a slice of why I love it there so much.

The Iconic Prince of Wales Hotel

Your first photo perfectly showcases one of Waterton’s most recognizable landmarks: the Prince of Wales Hotel. Perched high on a hill overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, this historic gem was built in 1927 by the Great Northern Railway. With its distinctive green roof and Swiss-chalet style architecture, it’s a National Historic Site and a photographer’s dream. On a clear day (or even with those moody clouds like in the shot), the views are unbeatable. Boat tours depart right from the dock area below — a fantastic way to experience the lake and spot wildlife.

Lakeside Views & Hiking Paradise

Waterton is all about the outdoors. The second image shows that classic lakeside promenade with turquoise waters lapping against the shore and rugged peaks rising in the background. The third photo highlights the raw beauty of the park — a lone birch tree standing tall against the mountain backdrop on a moody day.

There are trails for every level here, from gentle lakeside strolls to more challenging hikes with rewarding views. Early summer is a wonderful time to visit — the weather is pleasant, and the park feels alive with possibilities.

Camping & Townsite Convenience

One of the best things about Waterton is how accessible it feels. The Townsite Campground is right in the heart of Waterton Village — super handy for walking to restaurants, shops, and the lake. It offers a mix of serviced and unserviced sites and is open through the summer months. Staying in town means you can easily explore on foot without needing to drive everywhere. There are other campgrounds nearby too if you want more seclusion.

Food, Shopping & That Small-Town Charm

The village has a relaxed, welcoming vibe. There are several dining options, including spots with great views of the lake. Near the campsite area you’ll find places to grab a meal and browse souvenirs — gift shops with unique keepsakes, local art, and Canadian treasures were highlights during my visit (and still seem to be going strong).

Why Visit Waterton This Summer?

With its mix of natural wonders, historic charm, and convenient amenities, Waterton delivers that perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re hiking, boating, snapping photos of the Prince of Wales Hotel, or just soaking in the mountain scenery, it’s easy to see why people rave about it.

If you haven’t been yet, this is the season to make the trip! Pack your hiking boots, camera, and a sense of wonder — Waterton Lakes National Park is waiting.

Calgary Outdoor & Adventure Show 2025 – Worth the Visit?

 

 

Planning to check out the Calgary Outdoor & Adventure Show at the BMO Centre? This fast-paced short from KassDays answers the key question: Is the $14.80 ticket worth it?

We spotlight must-see gear—rooftop tents, ultra-compact Jet Boil stoves, e-bike demo rides—and share hidden Alberta hiking tips you won’t find everywhere. Then brace yourself for the Jump Jam highlight reel: massive bike tricks in glorious slow motion, perfect landings, and epic (but always safe) wipeouts that had the crowd roaring.

 

Show details:  Admission: $14.80 at the door (kids 11 & under free)   

Easy parking at Stampede Park   
Running TODAY until 5 PM! 
 
Whether you camp, cycle, or crave new adventures, this teaser delivers the thrills and practical info in under a few minutes. Watch it now, then head straight to the full-length video for the complete walkthrough. 

https://youtu.be/CLPDm6QRHnM

Catch more real-deal outdoor adventures, gear reviews, and Alberta escapes on the KassDays blog. Bookmark, follow along, and let’s keep exploring together!

 

Great Falls KOA Holiday with KassDays

My Absolute Favorite: Great Falls KOA Holiday – A Prairie Oasis Worth the Drive

Hands down, Great Falls KOA Holiday in Great Falls, Montana, is my absolute favorite campground I've ever stayed at. Tucked into an oasis of mature trees, vibrant flowers, and beautifully landscaped gardens, it feels like a peaceful escape on the wide-open prairie—offering views reminiscent of what Lewis and Clark saw when they explored the Missouri River's "Great Falls" centuries ago.

It's not too far from Calgary, Alberta—just grab your passport, pack up the RV or gear, and head south for a rewarding cross-border adventure. The drive is straightforward, and once you're there, the convenience is unbeatable: many restaurants, shops, and attractions in Great Falls are within easy walking distance or a short drive.What sets it apart? Year-round operation, clean private bathrooms and showers, a splash park with small water slides (perfect for families), playgrounds, a hot tub, pet areas, free firewood, a snack bar/gift shop, and even live music on weekends during peak season. Sites are spacious and well-maintained, with plenty of shade from the trees. Whether you're relaxing by the fire, enjoying the views of the plains and distant mountains, or using it as a base to explore nearby history and nature, it delivers that perfect mix of comfort and serenity.

If you're craving a standout camping spot that's welcoming, scenic, and loaded with thoughtful amenities, make Great Falls KOA your next stop. You won't regret it! Check it out on koa.com or follow along on KassDays for more road trip vibes.

More photos can be found here 

https://x.com/MagdeleneFeher/status/2022391311488405865?s=2

Muncho Lake Northern British Columbia

Evening Serenity at Muncho Lake: A Hidden Gem in Northern British Columbia

Nestled in the rugged wilderness of northern British Columbia, Canada, Muncho Lake Provincial Park offers breathtaking vistas that capture the essence of untamed nature. This stunning photo, taken in the evening of September 2024 during a one-night camping adventure, showcases the lake's tranquil jade-green waters reflecting the deepening blue sky, framed by silhouetted mountains and foreground foliage. The scene evokes a sense of peaceful isolation, far from the hustle of everyday life, making it a perfect spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Muncho Lake itself is located along the iconic Alaska Highway (Highway 97) in the Northern Rockies region, approximately 240 kilometers north of Fort Nelson and about 681 kilometers from the highway's starting point in Dawson Creek. The lake stretches for 12 kilometers, its unique color derived from copper oxide minerals leaching into the water, creating a mesmerizing emerald hue during the day that shifts to deep blues at dusk.

For those looking to camp right on the lake's edge, the provincial park features two vehicle-accessible campgrounds: Strawberry Flats and MacDonald. Each offers 15 sites, making for a total of 30 spots in the park, intimate and often first-come, first-served, emphasizing the area's remote charm. These sites are basic, with amenities like pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, but no electrical hookups or showers, encouraging a true back-to-basics experience. The campgrounds are open from May to September, weather permitting.

Camping fees are affordably priced at approximately $20 CAD per party per night, with overflow options at $13 if needed, ideal for budget-conscious travellers exploring the Alaska Highway. Reservations aren't available; it's all about arriving early, especially during peak summer months.

Getting to Muncho Lake is an adventure in itself. The primary route is via the Alaska Highway, a historic road built during World War II that winds through stunning landscapes. From major cities like Vancouver, head north on Highway 97 through Prince George and Fort St. John to Dawson Creek (Mile 0), then continue northward past Fort Nelson. The drive from Fort Nelson takes about 3-4 hours, passing through boreal forests and potential wildlife sightings like Stone sheep, moose, and caribou. Be prepared for gravel sections, variable weather, and limited services, stock up on supplies in Fort Nelson.

Whether you're road-tripping to Alaska or seeking a quiet retreat, Muncho Lake delivers unforgettable evenings like the one captured here. If you're planning a visit, pack your camera and embrace the serenity, just as our photographer did on that memorable September night.

KassDays made a video on that stop, follow the link to KassDays YouTube to watch the video.

BC Parks   Camping and RV BC

Simple, Affordable Nature Getaways with KassDays

Escape to Alaska’s Wild with KassDays: Simple, Affordable Nature Getaways

Join Kass, the Calgary YouTuber from KassDays Channel, on a breathtaking Alaskan journey through Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Seward in his latest video! This isn’t just a trip—it’s your invitation to escape the daily grind, immerse yourself in nature, and breathe in the fresh air. Kass shows how simple and inexpensive it can be to get away, relax, and let Alaska’s wild beauty recharge you. Ready to unplug and unwind? Here’s why this video will inspire you to go!

Fairbanks: Pure Nature, No Cost Needed

Kass starts in Fairbanks, where Alaska’s wide-open interior invites you to leave stress behind. Camping along the Chena River, he soaks in the free beauty of boreal forests and endless skies. No fancy gear required—just a tent and a desire to relax. Kass’s footage of free trails and quiet riversides shows how nature’s peace is yours for the taking. In Fairbanks, fresh air and simplicity are all you need to feel alive.

Anchorage: Nature’s Free Escape, Steps Away

Next, Kass hits Anchorage, where mountains and coastlines offer a quick, budget-friendly retreat. He explores free spots like Flattop Mountain trails and camps near the city for next to nothing. Kass’s laid-back vibe highlights how you can ditch the hustle without breaking the bank. His shots of Cook Inlet’s breezes and open parks prove that nature’s therapy is right there, waiting for you to breathe it in.

Seward: Coastal Calm on a Dime

Kass wraps up in Seward, where glaciers and fjords deliver pure relaxation. Camping at affordable spots like the Seward KOA Journey, he dives into the free wonders of Exit Glacier and Resurrection Bay. Kass’s easygoing take on Seward’s trails and waterfront shows how a simple walk can melt stress away. With minimal costs, you can let Kenai Fjords’ fresh air and quiet vistas reset your soul.

Why You Need This Video

Kass’s Alaskan escape is your nudge to get out and expose yourself to nature’s magic. His journey proves you don’t need much money—just a willingness to go, camp, and breathe. From Fairbanks’ forests to Anchorage’s peaks and Seward’s shores, this video’s stunning views and chill vibe will inspire you to find affordable outdoor havens near you. It’s about getting away, keeping it simple, and letting nature do the rest.

Go Breathe with KassDays

Watch Kass’s Alaskan adventure on the KassDays Channel on YouTube and plan your own budget-friendly nature escape. Check out KassDays.com for tips on cheap getaways and outdoor relaxation. Grab a tent, find a trail, and let the fresh air work its magic. Nature’s calling—go answer!

Follow KassDays on YouTube for more simple, nature-filled adventures. Share your own budget escapes in the comments!

There is a cost of course to camping, in most cases, and fuel and so on, but you can explore in a thrifty way, perhaps spend a bit more the one out of 10 stays. Cook your own food, shop at a regular grocery store for better pricing most times, as opposed to a corner convenience store.

40 Mile Park Campground in Southern Alberta

Discover 40 Mile Park Campground: Your Southern Alberta Camping Escape

As camping season approaches, there’s no better time to explore the hidden gem of 40 Mile Park Campground, nestled in the heart of Southern Alberta. Located near the scenic 40 Mile Reservoir in the County of 40 Mile No. 8, this campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, just waiting for you to pitch your tent or park your RV. Our latest video captures the essence of this tranquil spot, and we’re here to share why it’s a must-visit for your next getaway.

Surrounded by the expansive waters of the 40 Mile Reservoir, the campground boasts stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, as seen in our video’s sweeping shots of the shoreline and open plains. With 68 sites—some powered, others unserviced—there’s space for every kind of camper, whether you’re seeking a rustic retreat or a bit of comfort. Rates are affordable, with powered sites around $30 per night and unserviced sites at $20, making it an accessible escape for families, couples, or solo adventurers.

Spend your days fishing for walleye or pike in the reservoir, kayaking along its calm waters, or hiking the nearby trails to spot local wildlife. The campground’s sandy beach area, visible in our video, is perfect for a relaxing picnic or a refreshing dip on a warm summer day. Modern amenities like clean washrooms, showers, and a sani-dump ensure convenience, while the vast, open landscape lets you unplug and soak in the quiet beauty of the prairies.

Calgary AB to Alaska Day 3 of the Journey with KassDays - Camping at Muncho Lake BC

Driving from Calgary, Alberta to Alaska is a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and exciting adventures. On day 3 of your trip, after hours of driving through the ruggedly beautiful scenery, you'll find yourself at Muncho Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia. This provincial campsite is the perfect place to spend the night and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Muncho Lake Provincial Park, located along the Alaska Highway, is renowned for its stunning turquoise-blue waters and towering mountain backdrops. The campground at Muncho Lake offers a range of amenities, including clean and well-maintained restroom facilities, fire pits, picnic tables, and access to potable water. Whether you prefer to rough it in a tent or enjoy the comfort of an RV, the campsite at Muncho Lake has options to accommodate any traveler.

One of the highlights of camping at Muncho Lake is the opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife that calls the park home. Keep an eye out for moose, bears, and a variety of bird species as you explore the area. Additionally, the lake itself is renowned for its abundant fish population, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

40 Mile Campground in Southern Alberta

Nestled in the breathtaking Southern Alberta landscape, the 40 Mile Campsite is a truly ideal destination for all outdoor enthusiasts. This stunning campsite offers a pristine natural environment, with an array of amenities that make for an unforgettable camping experience.

Situated amidst the picturesque surroundings of the South Saskatchewan River, the 40 Mile Campsite provides a serene and peaceful setting for campers to enjoy. The expansive campground offers plenty of space for tents, RVs, and trailers, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect spot to set up camp.