“Fly-Fishing Paradise”Alberta • Canada

Dancing Waters Estate

“Fly-Fishing Paradise”ALBERTA • CANADA

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INTRODUCTIONNotwithstanding the vastness of the Pacific Northwest, one is challenged to find the ideal property that encompasses all of the attributes most sought by buyers; gorgeous scenery, substantial Live Water frontage on a pristine trout river, abundant wildlife, a wide range of sporting and recreation opportunities. Even more exceptional: finding an affordable property with all of these attributes, with private year-round access and, in close proximity to urban conveniences, health care and transportation infrastructure.

Rarely do properties come on the market graced with virtually all of the attributes that comprise greatness. They usually trade quietly to neighbors or friends that have coveted the property over time. In real estate parlance they are known as “Signature” properties; Dancing Waters displays all of the attributes of a “Signature” property.

A recreational gem nestled amongst the foothills at the base of the Rocky Mountains, this fly-fishing estate and the surrounding area form part of the Waterton-Glacier Ecosystem. The area is adjacent to Montana’s and Alberta’s Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and includes a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and two new Provincial Parks. Prime conservation lands that offer world-class fly-fishing from seven blue Ribbon trout rivers.

Dancing Waters EstateALBERTA, CANADA

Photographers and hunters will discover an abundance of Elk, Moose, Mule deer and White tailed deer sustaining a healthy population of predators including Grizzlies, Black bear and Cougar. Five surrounding Wildlife Management Units offer a wide variety of hunting opportunities.

Situated a short drive north of the Montana-Alberta border, the area presents a variety of year-round recreational opportunities, from golf to cross country & downhill skiing. For those willing to leave the pavement, it serves as a gateway to the alpine backcountry and the many miles of horse trails to the west of Alberta’s “Cowboy Trail.”

LOCATION& ACCESS

A “one-of-a-kind property”, Dancing Waters is situated on the Waterton River about 30 miles north of the Montana-Alberta border, 17 miles south of Pincher Creek and a few miles east of the British Columbia border. Within a half-hour drive from the Pincher Creek Municipal Airport with 6,597 feet of asphalt runway, Dancing Waters is easily accessed by road from Montana or, via Lethbridge (60 miles) and Calgary (150 miles) International Airports.

RIVERSIDE ACREAGEDancing waters consists of 10.3 surveyed acres of riverside “bench land” comprising a quarter mile of river frontage with panoramic views of the river valley and the Rockies. At an elevation of 3,800 feet, favoured by temperate Chinook winds, the estate occupies a sheltered river valley and is accessible year-round via well-maintained municipal roads.

Fully serviced with electricity, natural gas, landline telephone, internet and satellite communications, Dancing Waters has additional features to facilitate optional “off-grid” stand-alone capability.

THE WATERTON RIVERThe Waterton is glacier-fed from unobstructed waters originating in Montana’s Glacier National Park and Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park. These are prime waters for Brown, Rainbow, Brook and Bull Trout. The nearby Waterton Reservoir and Waterton Lakes offer a variety of still water fly fishing to complement the river’s drift fishing and wading.

RIVER ACCESS & FLY FISHINGThe Waterton River, with adjacent lands privately owned, has extremely limited public access and thus receives minimal fishing pressure. With over 20km of unrestricted pristine fly-fishing habitat between Dancing Waters and the park gate, the river traverses a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and lands managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

LIVE WATERSIX MORE “BLUE RIBBON” TROUT FISHERIES

Dancing Waters is an easy drive from six other Blue Ribbon trout rivers: the Oldman River, the Castle River, the Crowsnest River, the Livingstone River, the Belly River and the St-Mary River. Driving distances range from 8 to 45 miles.

IMPROVEMENTSAn impressive custom-designed 2,106 sq ft handcrafted log home is optimally located on a bench overlooking the Waterton river valley and the Rocky Mountains.

The main house is designed with large south-facing windows with panoramic vistas of the river valley and the Waterton range. Built in 2008, the ranch style home consists of a modern open floor plan with Northwestern style elements. Covered decks extend the living space by a further 1,200 sq ft, making it ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. River stone highlights accentuate the timber design and natural materials.

The custom designed gourmet kitchen is joined to the great room by French doors, facilitating interaction between rooms. The spacious kitchen features custom cabinets/counters, a butcher-block island and commercial quality appliances. A beautifully stacked river rock fireplace provides ample heat and rustic charm to the great room. A large master bedroom with Jacuzzi bathroom and a generous guest bedroom with bathroom make for spacious ground floor living.

The many extras include commercial grade fire suppression and security systems, backup electrical and a large unfinished walkout basement. It would be very easy to take this property off-grid.

Great room, guest bedroom, master bedroom, jacuzzi in master ensuite bathroom

The Square Timber Guesthouse adds 1,092 sq ft of luxurious living space for guests and family. Comprised of two custom designed suites with a large covered deck overlooking the river valley. Four queen beds can accommodate up to eight guests, laundry and storage room form a privacy and sound barrier between suites.

Three outbuildings offer ample overflow and storage space. The Shop/Garage (1,253 sq ft), Bunkhouse (224 sq ft) are constructed in the same wood and river stone motif as the main buildings. Riverside, a 12’ x 14’ tent frame camp shelters guides, campers and rafters.

From top: Front view of Guesthouse.

Living/dining area/kitchenette, Bedroom, Ensuite bathroom

Oversize garage and 1-room bunkhouse

WILDLIFEAll pictures taken on the property or within close proximity to Dancing Waters. Photos © TVidricaire. All rights reserved.

Sharp-tailed Grouse, Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, Gray Partridge, Brown Bear.

Wild Turkey, Bald Eagle, Rufous Hummingbird, Juvenile Northern Harrier

Sandhill Crane, Badger, Weasel (Ermine), Black Bear Cubs

AREA HUNTINGOutside park boundaries, four Wildlife Management Units (#300, 108, 302, 400) are open to hunters. Located in WMU 300, Dancing Waters and neighbouring ranches have hosted hunters and fly-fishers from far afield. In the 50s and 60s, celebrities such as Bing Crosby joined prominent businessmen and politicians to hunt Mule deer and Elk, fishing the crystal clear waters for trout. In recent years, hunters from Alaska, Wyoming, Texas, New York and further afield enjoyed the Guesthouse’s comforts after stalking trophy Elk, Mule deer and Whitetails. Local ranchers welcome coyote hunters and gopher snipers.

HUNTING ACCESS LEASEA local landowner with several square miles of land has expressed an interest in leasing access to bird and deer hunters. The owner’s feed crops attract multitudes of deer, migratory waterfowl and upland birds, especially during and after harvesting.

ALPINE CLIMATEPark visitors and area residents experience mostly sunny, dry summers with cooling breezes. In July & August, the average high temperature is 75 degrees with an average overnight low of 47 degrees. January is usually the coldest month of the year. Annual precipitation typically occurs in winter and spring as snow or rain, with drier summer & fall months.

Shown is just a sampling of some of the many varieties of wildflowers that can be found on the property.

AN AREA STEEPED IN HISTORYA vast panorama unfolds as one nears Dancing Waters; a million acres of riverine and alpine scenery located where old-west Buffalo Country meets the Rocky Mountains. Dominated by Chief Mountain and the Waterton Range, when first discovered by fur traders and mountain men, these lands were hunting grounds prized by the Blackfoot Confederacy and contested by Cree and Kootenay. Historic buffalo jumps, some dating as far back as 6000 years, are found in river valleys throughout the wider region.

When the first pioneers settled the Twin Butte area in the late 1880s, they established a ranching economy that now thrives alongside a deep-rooted and vibrant Cowboy culture. Dancing Waters is located at a river fording point along a historic pioneer wagon & cattle route from Montana to Calgary. The land has never been broken, with many types of native wild grasses, flowers and abundant berries in evidence.

Located where Montana, British Columbia and Alberta meet, the Waterton Lakes National Park attracts over400,000 visitors annually,many of who come from around the world to experience the unique topography, flora and fauna encompassed by Glacier and Waterton Parks and the Waterton Lakes UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Waterton Lakes National Park – Rugged mountains rise abruptly out of gentle prairie grassland in spectacular Waterton Lakes National Park. Here, several different ecological regions meet and interact in a landscape shaped by wind, fire, flooding, and abundant plants and wildlife. The park helps protect the unique and unusually diverse physical, biological and cultural resources found in the Crown of the Continent: one of the narrowest places in the Rocky Mountains.

Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump – Located where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, one of the world’s oldest, largest, and best preserved buffalo jumps can be found. Head-Smashed-In – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – has been used continuously by aboriginal peoples for nearly 6,000 years.

Skiing Castle Mountain – World Class Snow – Situated 30 miles west of Pincher Creek in the Westcastle Valley, Castle Mountain Ski Resort operates on the slopes of Mount Haig & Gravenstafel Ridge. Blessed with an annual snowfall of over 9 meters (30 feet), Castle Mountain Resort hosted the 1975 Canada Winter Games downhill ski races.

With a vertical descent of 863 meters from a 2773m summit, Castle Mountain operates 7 lifts serving 8 alpine bowls & over 3500 acres of skiable terrain. It offers 94 runs for differing skill levels, the longest of which is 7km.

RECREATIONResidents and guests have a number of seasonal recreational options. During the warmer months they can try their hand at fly-fishing, golf, rafting, kayaking, biking, hiking, horseback trail adventures or, a scenic cruise on Waterton Lake to Glacier National Park in Montana. Winter offers cross-country & downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

CONSERVATION & WATER RIGHTSDancing Waters is not subject to Conservation easements that limit water access. The landowner is entitled to a household water right from any source below, adjacent or across the property. The water right is one acre-foot of water per year, which is equivalent to 1250 cubic meters of water or 300,000 US gallons per annum.

UNIQUE FEATURE – UNRESTRICTED TITLEThe Province of Alberta places restrictions on foreign ownership of ranchlands and farmlands. Dancing Waters is unique: overlooking the river, surrounded by ranchlands but, by virtue of “Country Residential” zoning, not subject to ownership restrictions that apply to area ranches and other lands with substantial “Live Water” frontages.

TURNKEY BUSINESS WITH ESTABLISHED REVENUEEstablished in 2008, the Guesthouse has consistently earned Five-Star Trip Advisor ratings and received numerous Certificates of Excellence. Revenues from hosting park visitors and fly-fishers are approximately $50,000 per annum. The peak season runs from late May through mid-October. The Guesthouse benefits from its proximity to both Glacier National Park and the Waterton Lakes National Park, which together receive 1.4 million visitors annually.

FLY FISHING REVENUE OPPORTUNITYRevenues can be grown exponentially by converting to a fly-fishing operation with five-star riverside lodging. Dancing Waters is centrally located to 6 other “Blue Ribbon” rivers, a large reservoir and the Waterton Lakes. An estimated 95% of the 1.4 million annual visits to Waterton-Glacier Parks occur during fishing season. Existing Guesthouse revenues facilitate a transition to fly-fishing operations while mitigating start-up risk. Additional revenue can also be generated from Elk, Deer and Waterfowl seasons.

SUMMARY– 10+ acres with 1300+ feet of glacier-fed Live Water on Alberta’s Waterton River– Six other Blue Ribbon trout rivers minutes away– Custom Log home & Timber Guesthouse with breathtaking scenery– Large Shop, Bunkie, Kennels & riverside Tent-frame camp– Near Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park & UNESCO Biosphere Reserves– 17 miles south of Pincher Creek, easy drive to Calgary & Lethbridge Int’l airports– Trophy Elk & Mule deer in adjacent Wildlife Management Units– Upland birds in the area & migratory waterfowl flyway– Ideal for buyers seeking a base for fly-fishing, photography, rafting, hunting, skiing, golfing, hiking, biking and equestrian lifestyles and outdoor business opportunities

DIGITAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE1 – Drone Footage of riverfront & property, see YouTube Sports video: “TroutH20”2 – Video Tour of Lodge & Guesthouse