July 5 - William Watson Lodge

Before the floodwaters changed our holiday plans, I had meant to write about William Watson Lodge.  So, here is a little write up now. The lodge is in the southern part of the Kananaskis Valley in what is known as Peter Lougheed Park. The setting is quite beautiful, with views of both the mountains and the lake.

William Watson Lodge was especially designed to suit the needs of Albertans with disabilities and also senior citizens who reside in Alberta.  The facility has a large meeting room for day use. The room is set up with multiple chairs and small tables with an adjoining kitchen area. There are several nooks with comfortable chairs, a piano, book collection and fireplace.

For longer stays, there are twenty-two cabins arranged in clusters of two or three, and a campground with fourteen sites. All are accessible for wheelchair use. Each cabin has twin beds and bathrooms are set up for total accessibility. Fees are minimal but reservations are recommended, especially in the summer months.

All the trails are paved. This makes them great for walking, but they are also good for wheelchairs, strollers and bikes. The trail leading down to the lake is especially popular. Because the lodge is open year round, the trails can be used for cross-country skiing in the winter months. The paths are groomed for both a skier and an accompanying guide.

Universal design means universal access and it is this aspect of William Watson that I appreciate the most. The paths are even under my feet and my cane. There aren’t any unexpected steps or curbs. If the trail is beside a steep drop off (as in the case at the head of the path to the lake, there is a safety railing. At intersections of the different pathways, there are brightly painted yellow strips with tactile elevations or bubbles. It is an extraordinary place for someone with sight challenges. You might also be interested to learn that the manager of the lodge is blind, although this has nothing to do with his excellent management capabilities.

As I am writing this, the lodge is closed because of the recent heavy rains and road closures. I am sure that there are many disappointed campers. Until Highway 40 is reopened, the lodge will remain closed, but I do recommend it as something to include in your future plans. As an aside, I am also hopeful that we will soon be able to retrieve our motor home so that we can use it for the remainder of what is usually a very short summer season.