Airports & Flights

Journey Through Diverse Landscapes

This route is like flipping through a picture book of the Crown of the Continent. You roll out through the vast prairies of the Blackfeet Reservation, where the horizon feels almost exaggerated. Then the wetlands appear — cool air, quiet water, and the occasional flash of wildlife.

And then Chief Mountain rises up. A ranger once told me, "That peak changes color with the weather." He wasn't kidding — I've seen it glow pink at sunset and turn steel-blue when a storm stacks behind it.

As you continue north, the mountains tighten around you and the valleys of Waterton come into view. Even if the kids have drifted into snack-coma mode in the backseat, the scenery pulls everyone upright again.

Local tip: Pull over often — this is one of those drives where the journey is the itinerary.

Navigating Your Route

Your drive begins about 13 miles north of St. Mary on US-89. You'll turn left onto Chief Mountain International Highway (MT-17), and from there it's a straight shot to the border before the road becomes Provincial Route 6 in Alberta.

The entire highway is paved and — surprisingly — has wide shoulders, which makes it a rare cycling-friendly option in this part of Montana. Just be warned: the hills are no joke. You'll earn that lakeside lunch in Waterton.

Tiny "been-there" anecdote: One summer we stopped halfway to let the kids scramble around on a safe pullout, only to discover we'd forgotten our water bottles back at the cabin. Don't be us — pack more water than seems reasonable.

Essential Border Crossing Checklist

To cross at the Chief Mountain Border Station smoothly, here's what you'll need:

This border crossing is friendly, relaxed, and straightforward — but don't forget to declare everything, even snacks. We once had to explain a suspicious-looking bag of trail mix. Declare it and avoid the awkwardness.

Insider Tips for a Smooth Crossing

Be patient, answer clearly, and expect 5–30 minutes depending on traffic. Officers aren't trying to trip you up — they just need honest answers. Kids find the whole "two countries" thing pretty cool, so let them soak it in.

Alternative Routes

If Chief Mountain is closed, the Piegan–Carway border crossing near Babb is open year-round. It adds 45–60 minutes, but it's reliable.

Every family needs a Plan B in the Rockies.

Chief Mountain's Enduring Spirit

Chief Mountain — Nínaiistáko to the Blackfeet — is one of the most sacred places in North America. It's central to creation stories, ceremonies, and vision quests. You can feel that significance when you see it.

My kids once asked why we couldn't hike up to it. The answer: this mountain is not a recreation area — it's a living, sacred landscape. The tribe protects it, and we honor that by admiring from a respectful distance.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

Please:

• Stay on paved roads and designated pull-offs
• Don't stop at private driveways
• Don't walk onto tribal or private land unless explicitly invited

Respect here isn't complicated — it's simply good travel manners.

Wildlife Spotting Guide

This drive is one long wildlife corridor. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Hawks and golden eagles above the prairie
• Moose in the wetlands
• Deer and pronghorn in the grasslands
• Black bears, and occasionally grizzlies, near forest edges

Keep kids in the car for safety, and use real pullouts, not the road shoulders.

Maskinonge Lake: A Birder's Paradise

Just before Waterton Townsite sits Maskinonge Lake, a massive wetland where more than 250 bird species have been spotted.

At sunrise, this place feels enchanted — cranes calling, osprey diving, the whole lake waking up. Bring binoculars, and if you want a different angle, rent a canoe or kayak.

The Blackfoot people trace the origins of their sacred beaver bundle to this area, adding another layer of meaning to the landscape.