Waterton Park in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Waterton
ENGLISH INSCRIPTION
Welcome to Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada
National Parks protect the natural landscapes of Canada and also provide great places for outdoor adventures and connecting with nature.
As you enjoy the park today, thank local rancher F.W. Godsal for your experience. He initiated conservation efforts by sending a letter to Ottawa in 1893 recommending that the area be set aside as a protected reserve. Protected in 1895, Waterton is Canada’s 4th national park.
As part of Canada’s family of national parks, Waterton Lakes National Park represents the southern Rocky Mountains Natural Region – where ancient mountains rise abruptly from gentle prairie, and surround a spectacular chain of lakes. Shaped by wind, fire, and flooding, this landscape maintains a rich variety of plants and animals.
Waterton helps protect:
- over 1,000 species of plants,
- over 250 species of birds,
- over 60 kinds of mammals,
- 24 species of fish,
- 10 species of reptiles and amphibians,
- thousands of invertebrates,
- over 300 cultural resources.
(Left Photo Caption)
“... Waterton Lakes have been for years a common resort for the surrounding neighbourhood ... and there being but few such places in the country, I think they should be reserved for ever for the use of the public ...”
F.W. Godsal, September 12, 1893
(Lower Middle Photo Caption)
Cameron Falls cascades over ancient dolomitic rocks. The sediments which became these rocks were deposited over 1,500 million years ago, when only the simplest forms of life existed (e.g. bacteria and algae).
FRENCH INSCRIPTION
Bienvenue au parc national du Canada des Lacs–Waterton
Les parcs nationaux protègent les paysages naturels du Canada et sont des endroits formidables pour mener des activités de plein air et communier avec la nature.
Vous pouvez remercier l′èleveur F.W. Godsal de pouvoir profiter du parc aujour′hul. Il envoya une lettre à Ottawa en 1893 pour recommander que la région soit établie comme une réserve protég&ée. Wateron fut protégé en 1895 et devint le quatrième parc national du Canada.
Le parc national des Lacs–Waterton représente la région naturelle du sud des Roucheuses – là où d′anciennes montagnes se dressent soudainement dans la douce prairie, et ceinturent une chaîne de lacs spectaculaire. Façonné par le vent, le feu et les inondations, ce paysage abrite une riche diversité de plantes et d′animaux.
Waterton aide à protéger:
- plus de 1 000 espèces de plantes;
- plus de 250 espèces d′oiseaux;
- plus de 60 types de mammifères;
- 24 espèces de poissons;
- 10 espèces de reptiles et d′amphibiens;
- des milliers d′invertébrés; et
- plus de 300 ressources culturelles.
(Photo de Gauche Légende)
«... Les lacs Waterton sont depluis des années un lieu de villégiature pour la région ... et il existe si peu d′endroits comme cela au pays que je crois qu′ils devraient être réserveés au public pour toujours ...»
F.W. Godsal, Le 12 septembre 1893
(Inférieure Légende de la Photo du Milieu)
Les chutes Cameron se déversent sur d′anciennes dolomies. Les sédiments qui formèrent ces roches furent déposés il y a plus de 1 500 million d′années, lorsque seules les formes de vie les plus simples existaient (p. ex. bactéries et algues).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical date for this entry is September 12, 1888.
Location. 49° 3.079′ N, 113° 54.974′ W. Marker is in Waterton Park, Alberta, in Waterton Lakes National Park. Marker is on Evergreen Avenue south of Cameron Falls Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 312 Evergreen Ave, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 6 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Oil & Architecture (here, next to this marker); Western Canada's 1st Producing Oil Well (approx. 5.6 kilometers away); Dream Town (approx. 6.4 kilometers away).
Also see . . . Waterton Lakes National Park. Official Parks Canada website entry (Submitted on May 5, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 361 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 5, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.