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All in the Family
Between the awe-inspiring scenery and the welcoming atmosphere, Waterton has it all. Many of the businesses are run by multi-generational families who call this place home. Here are the people who make Waterton such a great place.
The Baker/Tetzlaff Family
6 Generations
Tamarack Outdoors and Adventures, Switchback Micro-Café
Favourite Waterton Experience: Kayak over to ’ski beach’ in the early morning and drink coffee on the dock!
About: Celebrating 102 years of calling Waterton home, the Baker family has deep roots in Southern Alberta. They have owned many businesses over the years and worn many community hats. These days you’ll find them running Tamarack Outdoors and adventures, a mountain lifestyle store, guiding hiking and kayak operations, and driving hiker shuttles all over the park. In 2021 they added Switchback Micro-Cafe, with espresso and alpine eats to fuel Waterton adventures.
The Suleman Family
3 Generations
Bayshore Inn & Spa, Waterton Glacier Suites
Favourite Waterton Experience: Listen to live country music at the Thirsty Bear!
About: The business was originally purchased by the family matriarch, Razia, who saw a picture of Waterton and instantly fell in love. Over 33 years and 3 generations later, Shameer Suleman now runs the family business and hopes to pass it on to his own children one day. The Suleman’s love to give back with their charitable organization helping refugees in Canada and building schools overseas.
The Robinson Family
4 Generations
Dark Sky Guides, Evergreen Gifts, and Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.
Favourite Waterton Experience: Whether it be cycling the bike trails, paddling around the lakes, or scrambling to the top of the mountains, we love going into the backcountry!
About: Tracing their Waterton roots back to the early 1950’s, the four Robinson brothers are Certified Interpretive Guides and passionate storytellers that love to share their home. The brothers continue to assist with their family’s tour boat business, Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. The Robinson name is behind the Dark Sky Guides stargazing tour company, as well as the recently acquired Evergreen Gift Store.
The Barrus/Watson Family
5 Generations
Alpine Stables
Favourite Waterton Experience: Riding up Vimy mountain is special to us as this is the mountain who watches over us at the Stables.
About: The Barrus/Watson family has been operating Alpine Stables since 1969 with 4 generations involved in the business and the 5th generation currently learning the ropes. We all enjoy the many outdoor activities in Waterton National Park but we really love riding our horses together.
The Cook Family
2 Generations
Subway, General Store
Favourite Waterton Experience: We enjoy walking up Red Rock as a family on a hot day, paddle boarding on Emerald bay, then stopping at Trappers for burgers and BBQ.
About: Layne and Stacey Cook opened the Subway Restaurant in 2002. In 2011, we purchased the local grocery store. After a winter of renovations we had everything under one roof. In 2021 our three daughters decided we needed to add the pop shop. Our family has enjoyed working together in Waterton for the past 21 years. Waterton is a beautiful place to spend the summer. When our family is not in Waterton, you can find us at the family cattle ranch south of Cardston.
The Craig Family
1 Generation
Waterton Lakes Lodge, Aspen Village Inn, Crandell Mountain Lodge, Kilmorey Lodge & Pizza of Waterton
Favourite Waterton Experience: Cross-country ski to Cameron Lake to watch the moon rise in winter.
About: Great, great grandfather William Aldridge trapped with Kootenai Brown in the 1890s, giving this family a deep historical connection to the area. He was the first to commercially use oil from the seepages at Cameron Creek in 1898, and he lived at Linnet Flats and Oil City where he raised his family for a time. The family’s grandmother was raised nearby in Twin Butte.
The Cruickshank Family
6 Generations
Zum’s Eatery & Mercantile, Beavertails, and Akamina Gifts
Favourite Waterton Experience: The Stanley Hotel, est 1927, is one of Waterton’s first commercial buildings. It still stands today and looks almost exactly the same.
About: Our family starts with the MacLean family. Archie is the original MacLean who hauled logs to build the Prince of Wales Hotel. David and Neil were his sons who owned the MacLean General Store and Dance Hall. Today, Akamina Gifts is owned and operated by Carol and Dave Cruickshank and Zum’s Eatery and BeaverTails are owned and operated by Bob and Krystal Cruickshank and Laura and Rod Bullock. The next generation includes Levi, Zoe, and Mia Bullock and Willa and Margot Cruickshank.
The Kretz Family
3 Generations
Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.
Favourite Waterton Experience: The family has a great passion for the outdoors and enjoys hiking, climbing, and fishing around the park.
About: The Kretz family story unfolds across 3 generations and 70 years. Stan and Vivian laid the foundation in 1954 with the inception of Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co, a venture that has safely navigated the waters for 7 decades. Today, the third generation, Matthew and Jeremy, raised on the park’s boundary, proudly carry forth the family tradition. Their passion lies in sharing the park’s beauty with visitors worldwide, while enjoying their favorite pastimes within its borders. The cruises, made possible by the hard work of the Shoreline Crew, are an integral part of this family tale.
The Low Family
2 Generations
Wieners of Waterton
Favourite Waterton Experience: When they’re not grilling dogs, you’ll find them out on the trails with their kids, or jumping in the crystal clear, freezing cold mountain lakes.
About: It was 14 years ago when Max and his brother opened the doors of their little hotdog shop in the mountains, but they had no idea that it would quickly turn into a household name and draw people from all over for “an unforgettable hot dog experience”. Wieners of Waterton has fuelled thousands of visitors on their adventures in the park, and Max and his family, alongside their amazing team, continue to bring smiles to their guests—one weenie at a time.
The Tangren/Hacking Family
4 Generations
Northland Lodge
Favourite Waterton Experience: Carthew-Anderson hike. When I see the lodge roof, I know I’m home.
About: In 1948, two fishing buddies, Earl Hacking and Hugh Black, purchased Carthew Lodge, changed her name to Northland Lodge. She’s always been run “by the ladies” from Great Grandma Edna Jensen to Bessie Hacking, and daughter Joanie Tangren. Since the 90’s, Stacy Tangren-Bates has been the chatelaine of the beloved building. Cousin Jeanne helped Bessie as a young girl and helps manage to this day. The family includes all those who keep the lodge running and prepare for her 100th birthday in 2028.
The Uibel Family
2 Generations
Caribou Clothes, Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour, Bear Mountain Motel
Favourite Waterton Experience: Making sandcastles and playing with the snake grass at Marquis Hole with Nana Uibel.
About: Ross Uibel started working at Prince of Wales Hotel as a teenager in 1958. He worked summers in Waterton until 1969. In 1977, he and his wife, Lorna, opened Caribou Clothes. In 1986, they built the current home for The Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour, The Big Chunk Fudge Shop, and Caribou Clothes. Their business in the neighboring town of Mountain View is run by the 3rd generation of Uibels. In 2016, Bear Mountain Motel joined the family.
The Wammes Family
4 Generations
Pat’s Waterton
Favourite Waterton Experience: If we are not proudly running Waterton’s Favorite Gas Station, then you can probably find us at the Golf course.
About: The Wammes Family is honored to carry on the Pat’s Waterton Tradition. We are proud to call Waterton home and are grateful to be able to work, live and play in such a beautiful and special place. Welcome to Waterton! Stop by Pat’s where you’ll find at least one family member plus our great staff, we are here to help enhance your Waterton Experience.