June 19, 2010 - June 26, 2010

Western North America’s major climatic zones converge and plants merge in the Crown of the Continent from the Pacific Northwest, Great Plains, and boreal forests. That adds up to a great diversity of native wildflowers. Waterton Lakes National Park, for example, is home to more than 50 of Canada’s rare flowers, 30 of which are found only in this park. The Waterton Wildflower Festival, June 13-21, disperses petal sniffers across 70 separate workshops and field studies led by about 150 guides.

Rules against large groups tramping across the landscape of Waterton National Park preserve the spring Waterton Wildflower Festival as an intimate tip-toe through fields of rare species. This year, the sixth annual Waterton Wildflower Festival will provide a wide range of opportunities for flower searchers, bird watchers, photographers, hikers, and those who prefer the educational comforts of town.

Its conjunction of prairie and mountain ecosystems makes Waterton National Park a truly unique community of wildflowers and birds. Thirty wildflower species are found only in the park. From tiny, delicate alpine orchids to bold, sensuous bear grass, Waterton has more flowers than any other mountain park. And not nearly as many people.

The mid-June timing means wildflowers are at their effulgent peak while the park is still quiet in advance of summer’s influx of summer vacationers. This is the perfect early-season experience for like-minded singles and couples eager to learn about an ecosystem so special that it is a United Nations World Heritage site.

You can dowlnload the full program of activities online at left and register in advance at www.watertonwildflowers.com.

A two-day session of classroom and field studies for serious amateur photographers begins this years program. Expert nature photographer Paul Gilbert will lead the all-day workshops, which include moderate walking. Fee for the two days is C$179.

“Wildflowers from Horseback” is a morning ride with biologist and trail boss Jo-Anne Reynolds. Bring your own boots and cowboy hat. Horse and saddle are included in the C$70 fee. (Reynolds also leads a series of half-day wildflower walks at a modest C$25.)

World-renown golden eagle expert Peter Sherrington guides amateur ornithologists on one-day, C$35 expeditions by boot and binocular into Waterton’s birding hotspots.

Beth Russell-Towe will lead a meditative outing to consider the daunting challenge posed by invasive weeds to native plants and habitats. Bring gloves for pulling some knapweed along the way.

The less agile are not forgotten: “Flowers of the Shoreline” is a cruise of Waterton Lake with biologist Reynolds, for C$34.

Outdoor Activity

Over 50 of Canada's rare flowers grow in Waterton, 30 of which are found only in the park.

From beargrass to orchids, nature is on display in a panorama of blossoms among prairies and peaks. Join us for guided flower walks, hikes or workshops.

This event, organized by the Trail of the Great Bear and partners, features educational courses on wildflowers, plants, climate, ecosystems and insects; art exhibits; and workshops on photography, water colour painting and drawing.

Courses include: Blossoms and Butterflies, Wildflowers on Horseback, Prairie and Alpine Wildflowers, bio-control of non-native species, native use of plants, and the Park's naturalization program.

Activities throughout the 10 days are led by highly qualified professionals including renowned wildflower photographer Paul Gilbert, who produced the "Wild Colours" book.

All events start from Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters on Mount View Road, the main street of Waterton townsite.