This important southern Alberta watershed is a haven for waterfowl

Near the Alberta-U.S. border, there’s a hook-shaped lake that’s the spot to see waterfowl and shore birds.

For photographers and nature lovers alike, it’s a paradise where you can snap pictures of wildlife ranging from badgers to pelicans.

It was once a part of the Red Coat Trail, a route taken by the North-West Mounted Police to travel from Fort Dufferin in Manitoba to Fort Whoop-Up near Lethbridge, Alta.

Not much remains of the former ghost town, but the nearby Pakowki Lake is still an important watershed for migrating wildlife, including birds and waterfowl.

The origins

There are a few possible origins for the name “Pakowki.” In one source from 1855, a traveller named James Doty passed by the lake while seeking out the peoples of the Blackfoot nation. He noted that the water of the lake was clear, but it had an offensive odour, which was caused by hydrogen sulphide due to a lack of outflow.

Pakowki is also a Blackfoot word that loosely means, “bad water.” Another possible origin comes from the word pah-kan-kee, which translates as “unlucky water.”

In 1915, the town of Pakowki sprang up seemingly overnight, a result of the Canadian Pacific Railroad connecting to the community.

The town suffered drawbacks from most of the good homestead land, which lay north and east. As a result, the rails moved north towards a new settlement in Orion, Alta. Settlers preferred to patronize Orion, as it was closer and easier to travel to by horse and wagon.

In the span of a year, businesses in Pakowki began to pack and move up shop. The writing was on the wall for the boom-and-bust town, and by 1916, there was nothing left but a section house, piles of used lumber and the basements of houses.

Today, a set of stockyards keeps watch over the ghost town and Pakowki Lake. Although it wasn’t appreciated by settlers, the lake is still a critical watershed for wildlife.

A wildlife haven

Pakowki Lake sits 25 km southeast of the town of Foremost, Alta. The freshwater lake is a sand dune-wetland complex, and with limited shore access, it’s a perfect haven for birds.

You can spot pelicans, plovers and other shorebirds at this natural space, and it’s the perfect spot to bring your camera.

Along the nearby coulees and rolling prairie plains, you can spot pronghorn, badgers, Richardson’s ground squirrels and other critters poking their heads out from the stubby grass.

It offers an escape from the stressors of daily life and scenic views where you can reconnect with the pace of nature.

You won’t be able to drive up close to the marshy shoreline, but you may be able to wander nearby in a pair of tall, waterproof boots.

If you’re itching to snap some pictures of Alberta’s wildlife in action, this is the spot. Just make sure you tread lightly, as this is a well-preserved and highly utilized natural wetland that’s over 1,500 km large.

And don’t forget to pay homage to the area’s history when you stop by!

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