Canada/Alberta: Waterton Lakes National Park

And just like that – seemingly neverending open prairie grasslands come to an abrupt end at the Rocky Mountains in the Waterton Lakes National Park. The contrast couldn’t be any more dramatic – the mountains rise very vertically and pretty much from nowhere. Waterton Lakes National Park is a relatively small park centered around alpine lakes and is part of the Canadian Rockies. The park is known for its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. It forms the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park with Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. Key highlights include the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, Red Rock Canyon, and Cameron Falls. And we did get to spot a bear with two cubs, although in a distance.