Much of Waterton remains closed following 2017 fire
WATERTON, AB — In some ways, Waterton looks the way you would expect it to when you approach – mountains still covered in snow, grass starting to green up, businesses open in the townsite.
But take a closer look at the mountainsides west of the entrance road, and you’ll see scorched trees poking up through the snow. Familiar turnoffs remain barricaded, and the stone remnants of the old visitor centre are still standing behind a temporary fence.
The Kenow Fire burned 38 per cent of the park in 2017, according to Parks Canada, totalling 20,000 ha. More than 30 park assets were destroyed or significantly impacted. But the park still expects to have a busy season.
After an evaluation, Parks Canada says the townsite, facilities along the entrance road, Chief Mountain Highway, and Upper, Middle, and Lower Waterton Lakes have been made available for use.