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Waterton Lakes National Park offers wildlife, majestic mountains and lakes, plus hiking for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level
“Make some time to move every day and play sports when you can. Whatever your age, and however busy you are, everyone can make an effort to move more. This will be good for your physical and your mental health.” — His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Nairobi, August 27, 2025
Malik Merchant at Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, April 2026.
I normally like to visit the provincial and national parks and gardens in Alberta in all four seasons. I drove into Waterton National Park, a 3-hour drive from Calgary, in April 2026, as temperatures rose into the teens. I experienced massive temperature and weather contrasts — one day sunny skies with temperature peaking at 24 °C, followed by heavy snowfall and grey skies with very low clouds. I took advantage of the sunny skies, walking 3 km from the Little Prairies parking area to Cameron Lake – a section of the Akamina Parkway that remains closed during winter.
Start of 2.8 km trail from Little Prairies parking lot to Cameron Lake, Waterton National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Arrival at Cameron Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Visitors enjoy a stunning view across Camaron Lake of Forum Peak alongside Mount Custer — part of the Akamina Mountain Ridge, which forms the border between Alberta and British Columbia — Waterton National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A stunning view across Cameron Lake of Forum Peak alongside Mount Custer — part of the Akamina Mountain Ridge, which forms the border between Alberta and British Columbia — Waterton National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
There were five other visitors at the lake, and while we all heard small avalanches coming down from mountains across the lake, with a couple of visitors catching glimpses of one, I missed the sight. Always carry binoculars! While they left, I stayed a little longer, wearing bear spray around my neck, just in case. On the way back, always looking for any sign of a bear, I reached my car, and a beautiful young couple on mountain bikes asked for my opinion. I assured them the scenery at the lake was breathtaking. Then, during the middle of my stay, Central and Northern Alberta, as well as sections of Southern Alberta, experienced harsh winter conditions. Waterton received about 20 cm over two days. However, to my surprise, the roads, including the Akamina, were clear. The little hikes and walks were fantastic, and I am pleased to include a piece on hiking and moving by Murad Nensey, who writes inspirational posts for his WhatsApp group. Take his advice, and I encourage readers to visit Waterton for scenic views, fantastic wildlife, and wonderful hiking trails for all fitness levels. The website Waterton.ca has a piece for all hiking enthusiasts that describes the almost 320 km of hiking trails within the park’s boundaries. Please click WATERTON HIKES for a fantastic overview of the Waterton Park trails, along with an informative grid that highlights each trail’s total distance, difficulty level, elevation gain, and estimated time to complete.
Enjoy the article by Nensey and the photos.
A lookout point approaching Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Elks grazing along the Entrance Parkway, Waterton Lake National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Waterton Village with the marina, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A picture taken from Prince ofWaless Hotel as a tour boat takes visitors through stunning scenery along Waterton Lak,e wher,e further ahead, it will cross the USA border into Montana, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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The iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A stunning photo of big horn sheep on the lower edge of Prince of Wales Hotel, overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Bid Horn Sheep making their way to the top of the Prince of Wales Hotel Hill, Waterton National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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An informative exhibit by Parks Canada highlighting trails around the Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton Lakes National Park. Click on the image for enlargement.
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A family, including a child, at the top of the famous Bear’s Hump, which offers a stunning view of Waterton Lakes and the Village. The trailhead for the 2.6 km Bear’s Hump trail is located across from the Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
More photos below, after Murad Nensey’s reflection
Moving your body is the physical foundation for your mental and spiritual growth. Just as reading sharpens the mind and prayer nourishes the soul, regular exercise is the “maintenance of the self” that enables you to fulfil your potential.
Here is a breakdown of why this movement is so vital:
1. The Trinity of Wellness: True health is a balance of the Mind, Body, and Soul. When you move your body, you aren’t just building muscle; you are clearing mental fog and creating the stillness needed for deeper prayer and focus. A strong, active body serves as a vessel, allowing the mind to think more clearly and the spirit to feel more vibrant.
2. Building Self-Confidence and Discipline: There is a profound psychological shift that happens when you exercise. By setting a goal—whether it’s walking a mile or playing a sport—and achieving it, you build self-confidence. This “inner win” radiates into other parts of your life, giving you the mental toughness to handle stress and the confidence to lead others.
3. Leading by Example, the legacy of Ismaili Imams: We have been given beautiful examples of active lifestyles through Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, and his predecessors, Mawlana Shah Karim and Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah. Their engagement in sports isn’t just about leisure; it is a testament to the importance of being “in the world” and of maintaining the physical vehicle Allah has granted us. Whether it is skiing, soccer, or golf, these activities demonstrate that an active life is a disciplined one. By running in marathons, Mawlana Shah Rahim has shown us that movement is for everyone, regardless of age, and that “leading from the front” includes taking care of one’s physical health.
Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, the 48th Ismaili Imam (d. July 11, 1957), believed that sport, with its rapid movements, would make the body feel alive. He was an avid golfer and is seen here with Willie Nolan, the great Irish golfer.
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Mawlana Shah Karim Aga Khan IV (d. February 4, 2025), seen at the giant slalom race during the Alpine World Ski Championships in Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, France, in 1962. When he was presented with a gift of tennis racquets in Bangladesh in 1964, he said, “I have been particularly touched by your gift of tennis racquets and tennis balls. I have always had one principle which you all should follow, that is, a little bit of exercise every day is the best thing to improve the quality of one’s work, to rest one’s mind, and to be well and fit for the following day of hard work.” Photograph: 25 Years in Pictures, The Silver Jubilee of the Imamat of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, published by Islamic Publications Ltd., London, England, 1983.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan is running the Chicago Marathon on his 54th birthday, October 12, 2025. In his Farmans to the Jamats, he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of moving. He said, “Make some time to move every day and play sports when you can. Whatever your age, and however busy you are, everyone can make an effort to move more. This will be good for your physical and your mental health.” (Nairobi, August 2025). Photograph: IPL / Akbar Hakim.
4. Health as Your Greatest Wealth: We often hear that “health is wealth,” but it is truly the only wealth that allows you to enjoy all other blessings. With physical and mental health, you have the energy to serve your community, provide for your family, and engage in your faith.
6. Gratitude through Action: Exercising is an act of gratitude. By taking care of your body, you show Allah that you value the gift of life and health He has bestowed upon you. It is a daily prayer in action. When you stay fit and vibrant, you naturally inspire those around you to do the same, creating a community that is resilient, focused, and grateful. No matter your age, a body in motion stays healthy. It is never too late to start moving and honouring the temple that houses your soul.
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Big-horn sheep grazing on the grounds of Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A stunning view from Akamina Parkway following heavy snowfall, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Elks on Highway 5, between the entrance gate and Waterton Village, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Elk running through a mountainside on the Akamina Parkway, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Elks grazing along the Akamina Parkway after heavy snowfall, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A beautiful portrait of an elk at Akamina Parkway, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Red Adirondack (or Muskoka) Chairs on the Lake Shore Trail in Waterton Village facing Waterton Lake, before snowfall, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Red Adirondack (or Muskoka) Chairs on the Lake Shore Trail in Waterton Village facing Waterton Lake, after a heavy snowfall, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Cameron Falls after a snowfall, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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The 14 km drive along Akamina Parkway in Waterton Lakes National Park offers stunning scenery of mountains, Cameron Creek, waterfalls, and wildlife, with access to trails, day-use areas, and lookout points, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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One of several waterfalls along the Akamina Parkway, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A view of Prince of Wales from near Linett Lake Loop, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Waterfall, Akamina Parkway, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Sandhill Cranes at Maskinonge Wetland Marsh, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Sandhill Cranes at Maskinonge Wetland Marsh, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A Mountain Bluebird perched on a fence pole at Horseshoe Basin Trail, near the Bison Paddock Loop, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A beautiful view from the Chief Mountain Highway, Hwy 6, on the Canadian Side, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Evening twilight hour, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Big horn sheep grazing on the Akamina Parkway, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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Evening twilight hour, Waterton Lakes National Park, April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
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A view of Montana’s iconic Chief Mountain, left, from a bridge above the Belly River crossing the First Nation Blood Reserve on the Chief Mountain Road ( Hwy 6, Alberta), April 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
Date posted: May 11, 2026.
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Murad Nensey
Murad Nensey is a distinguished businessman in the oil and gas industry, known for his strategic leadership. A dedicated lifelong learner, he explores technology, psychology, and the arts to broaden his perspective. Deeply committed to volunteerism, he currently supports the Alzheimer’s Association alongside Chair Princess Yasmin Aga Khan. Through his “Knowledge Society” group, Murad fosters community strength, acting as a curious learner who empowers others by sharing insights and promoting awareness for a more connected society.
