Montana Has An International Peace Park, And It’s Stunning
Everyone in Montana (and beyond) has heard of Glacier National Park… and if you’re lucky, you’ve already spent some time there. But did you know that our state, which borders Alberta, also shares an international park with the Canadian province? The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park ties Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada with our beautiful Glacier National Park, and every Montanan should see it.
You'll find the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park on the Canadian border at the northern part of Glacier.
This is obviously quite a trek for most Montanans, even those already spending some time at the massive national park.
Glacier National Park is, hands down, one of the most beautiful parts of North America -- and this area is no exception.
It's impossible to determine which part is more stunning, as both the American side and the Canadian side offer their own unique attributes.
The union of the parks happened in 1932, when the efforts of Rotary International members from Alberta and Montana combined.
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was created to commemorate the peace and goodwill between the U.S.A. and our neighbors to the north in Canada.
At the time, this was the first and only International Peace Park in the world.
The trend must have taken off, as there are now 170 peace parks globally!
Among other things, the park is a mecca for all sorts of wildlife.
Be on the lookout for deer, elk, mountain goats, wolves, and coyotes, just to name a few.
The two parts are administered separately and have separate entrances and entrance fees.
And since there's technically a border between them, you will need your passport if you choose to cross over to the Canadian side. The wildlife, however, can roam freely.
While both parts of the park are also open year-round, the primary tourist season tends to take place during July and August.
That being said, the park is nearly 1,800 miles in size, so social distancing won't be a problem.
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is a true treasure, and we're so lucky to share it with Canada.
If you've never been, make this the year you check it out.
Have you ever been to the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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