Wilderness Tipi
Tipi Tatonka
Magnificent Beauty, Serenity & Awe
near Waterton Lakes National Park
Alberta, Canada
To reserve,
or for more information,
email Eric at:
eric@latts.com
... to Tipi Tatonka, as we affectionately call it, a wilderness experience of magnificent beauty, serenity and awe. On the bank of the winding Lee Creek, surrounded by rocky-ridges and rolling hills, lies this 440 sq. ft. (50 sq. m.), 2-single bed tipi. The mountains, dominated by Old Chief Mountain, provide a beautiful backdrop to this undulating landscape, hosting a variety of terrains. Lee Creek, fast-running, clean and fish-bountiful, curves it's way through the 75 acre (30 hectares) native grassland property.
Located in South-Western Alberta, half-way between Waterton Lakes National Park and Cardston, often described as the area where "the prairies meet the mountains", the land hosts an outstanding variety of flora and fauna. From the beauty and tenacity of the Bluebird, to the glorious soaring flight of the Bald-Headed Eagle, from the quickness of the weasel, to the elusiveness of the raccoon, Tipi Tatonka is a nature-lover's utopia. Watch the hundreds of varieties of flowers put-on their various shows over the summer; watch the deer as they walk-by your front door.
Located approximately 2 miles (3 km.) from your nearest neighbor, Tipi Tatonka does not have a developed road. While the "trail" allows for access by motor-vehicle, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended. Complete with 2 beds (with linens), solar electricity, wireless internet, solar-heated shower, chemical toilet, wood stove, propane fridge, stove & light, and more, Tipi Tatonka gives you a feeling for the way it used to be, with a few modern-day conveniences thrown-in.
Walk to the river. Imagine the tipi's huddled at the bend of the river, protecting the Blackfoot Indians from the discomforts of winter; imagine the cowboys, tending their small fires among the Aspens in the river-valley.
Listen to the silence. Can you take it? Watch the stars dance at night. And the full-moon? Oh, the beauty! Welcome to Tipi Tatonka!
Tipi Tatonka is situated on 75 acres (~30 hectares) of rolling hills, a steep 1000 year-old cut-away, river-valleys of sand, rock or grass, treacherous mountainous fall-offs, leisurely walks through thick brush or 200 year-old aspens, natural prairie-grasses of numerous varieties, water gullies emptying into Lee Creek, river shoreline, and more. The wonderful variety of terrains is enough to fit any mood or desire. It's 100% natural, unaffected by the sometimes inconsiderate human populations.
Tipi Tatonka is set in the river valley, about 50 steps from the river, giving you views in all directions--east, west, & north, but primarily southern exposure to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. And there, in the southern sky stands the spiritual, massive Chief Mountain.
The variety of flora and fauna is infinite. With the huge river cut-away housing an animal world of it's own, from the numerous burrowing animals, to a variety of 4-legged mammals, from the massive varieties of woodpeckers, jays, song-birds, eagles, hawks, to the flower show that goes on all spring and summer, it's a place to enjoy every thing nature has to offer.
And Lee Creek runs through it. Feeding from the heights of the Rocky Mountains, then into the St. Mary River, then to the Oldman River, then into the South Saskatchewan River, and finally into Hudson's Bay, Lee Creek is a clean, fish-inhabited water source with continuous flow all year 'round.
Tipi Tatonka is 440 sq. ft. (21 ft. / 7 meter diameter), giving you plenty of room to maneuver. With 2 single-beds, complete with linens and feather pillows, you can be assured you'll sleep like a baby, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Solar-heated water bags, filled from the clean waters of Lee Creek, coupled with an enclosed shower area, keep you as clean as you chose to be.
The tipi, operated with a combination of solar-energy (electricity), propane & wood, achieves all necessary comforts, although sometimes with just a little more work than you might be used to. With a wood-stove for heating and cooking, the cooking is supported with a small propane cook-stove, and small propane-refrigerator.
Wireless internet is provided, although it's use must be coordinated with the satellite internet source about a 1 km. away. Satellite internet, while sufficient for sending email, does have it's limitations--VOiP does not work.
Food-and-garbage tree-lift is provided to keep the creatures from sharing your items.
A picnic table is provided for your comfort.
Drinking water and cooking-water are provided.
With a chemical toilet, situated close-by (but not too close), it's just like home! Well, not really, but it is a tipi.
Lighting is achieved with a propane-light, supported with candles and flashlights. A battery-operated radio, if you chose to keep in touch with the world, is also provided.
A protected wood-pile is provided near the tipi, and another near the fire-pit. The fire-pit is located 30 steps away from the tipi, under the shelter of the aspens, complete with cutting-stumps and axe. Various chairs and benches are also provided.
Let's make one thing very clear....getting in-and-out from Tipi Tatonka is not recommended without a 4x4 vehicle. With a non-maintained "trail" for entry and exit, combined with the necessary cross-field excursion, it is best to be prepared for the worst. Heavy rains or snows make the "trail" virtually impassable, although aggressive driving skills can sometimes get you to your destination.
Having the worst concern behind us, one can go for weeks and months with no difficulties in entry or exit. Depending on the rain, the sun and the wind, the "trail", even with heavy rains, can dry very, very quickly. If you are capable of dealing with the unknown, and letting nature determine your immediate destiny, the experience can be exhilarating.
If you chose not to have a 4x4 vehicle, as several guests have done, you will not be able to park near the tipi. Instead you will have to park at the top of the river-valley, and walk to the tipi, a distance of about 200 meters (600 feet). A 2-wheeled vehicle will NOT be able to make the climb out of the river-valley.
Tipi Tatonka is situated roughly half-way in-between Waterton Lakes National Park and Cardston. Even more specifically, off of Highway 5, which runs between those 2 locations, you go about 5 km. south at the hamlet of Leavitt. The following interactive link to MapQuest will help orientate you...again, Tipi Tatonka is about half-way between Cardston and Waterton Park, about 5 km. south of Highway 5. Specific instructions for getting there will be provided to you upon confirmation of your stay.
Using Google Earth, the following image provides a clear indication of the 'prairies meets the mountains' description...
To get your own image from Google Earth of the location of Tipi Tatonka, go to www.earth.goggle.com. Then enter either "Waterton Lakes, AB'' or "Cardston, AB", refine it to show international or provincial borders, terrain, hospitals, or other things, and experience a satellite image of Tipi Tatonka's wonderful location.
Tipi Tatonka has been designed to allow you some of the comforts of home, but constantly reminds you of the awesome effects of nature and it's beauty.
The leasing manager is Eric Kassian. Eric's mandate is to create satisfied customers. He knows the advantages of repeat customers. Eric will work to ensure an effective and efficient check-in process, a clean, safe environment for your stay, and will attempt to meet your every need.
You see, we want you back a second time, and a third time. We will work to ensure you remain satisfied ... throughout your stay, and beyond.
We want to see you again!
Tipi Tatonka, as we affectionately call it, is a quaint well-equipped tipi, surrounded by 75 acres (30 hectares) of natural "where the prairie meets the mountains" terrain. Full of life, with creatures big and small, it's an amazing piece of river-front seclusion.
We've all heard it...it takes the first week of a vacation to 'begin to learn' how to slow-down, the second week to 'practice' how to slow-down, the third week to 'partially achieve' real serenity, and by the fourth week, maybe, just maybe, you experience what 'getting in touch' really means. To that end....
| RATES IN $CDN* |
|
Weekly | Monthly |
| Dec. 1 - April 30 | $595 | $1,685 | |
| Sept. 1 - Nov. 30 | $595 | $1.685 | |
| May 1 - August 31 | $595 | $1,685 |
- *rates are based on double-occupancy; add $75/person/week for more
than 2 people.
-
*weekly rentals require payment of 5% GST; monthly
rentals do not pay GST.
If the circumstances allow you to consider a stay at Tipi Tatonka, upon contact from you we will forward a simple 2-page Lease Agreement for review and completion. Once comfortable with it's content, you are asked to print, complete, sign, then mail the completed form, with the necessary credit card information and payment. A minimum earnest-deposit of $500 is required, payable by check. For those staying longer than 1 month, a deposit of $500 is necessary for each month you reserve. This will hold your reservation until your arrival at Tipi Tatonka.
Then, on an agreed upon date and time, we will meet you at Tipi Tatonka to introduce you to the services and complete the walk-through.
Upon move in, and the completion of a detailed walk-through, the earnest- deposit will subsequently be held as a security deposit. At the end of your lease period, a second detailed walk-through will be completed. Assuming no extraordinary wear-and-tear or damage, your security deposit will be returned by check within 20 days, less $50 for cleaning.
The non-refundable lease amount is due and payable, in total, 2 months prior to move-in. For those staying more than one month, the lease amount is payable on the first day of every month, payable one-month in advance of the month.
You’re payment options for monthly lease payments are varied. We accept cashier's checks, post-dated checks, direct-deposit of checks, VISA and wire transfers. NOTE: Wire transfers are subject to a US$20 service charge. Credit card payments (for lease payments only, rather than earnest deposit) are subject to a 4% service charge.
Tipi Tatonka does not typically accept pets, although we are prepared to review each situation independently. An additional pet-deposit may be necessary.
Email Eric at eric@latts.com or call Eric at 1.401.441.5055 if you wish to proceed, or if you simply want more information.
We look forward to meeting your every need.
Booking (Availability) Calendar ...
We suggest you open the above link in another tab. By clicking on the 'Availability Calendar' link above, you will be taken to the web site of Homeaway.com, a third-party site that manages our bookings. From there, you can see if your desired time is available. Use your browser "back" button to return to this site.
Guest Book...
We suggest you open the above
link in another tab. By clicking on the 'Guest Book' link above, you will be taken to the web site of Homeaway.com, a
third-party site that manages our bookings. From there, you can see if your desired time
is available. Use your browser "back" button to return to this site.
To contact Eric Kassian, Leasing Manager, the following alternatives are provided.
Email:
eric@latts.com
Phone: Eric at 1.401.441.5055
Please note: This phone number is a
Skype (VoIP) phone number, not as readily checked as email. While you are
invited to phone, email is typically better monitored. We apologize in advance
for any inconvenience this may cause.
Postal Service:
Eric Kassian, Leasing Manger
P.O. Box 2789
Cardston, AB, Canada
T0K 0K0
How much time do you have? This South-western Alberta location, combined with the proximity of Montana, USA, gives you more to see and do then you can ever get done. Of course, doing nothing isn't a bad option either. But for those with the urge to explore, here, in no particular order, are some ideas:
Waterton National Park
(Parks Canada)
Glacier National Park (Parks
USA)
Glacier Park, Inc (Glacier Park
Concessionaire, Columbia Falls, MT)
Southern Alberta Tourism
(Government of Alberta)
Southwest Alberta Tourism
(Chinook Country Tourism Association)
Crowsnest Pass Tourism (Crowsnest
Pass Tourism Association)
The Cowboy Trail (The Cowboy
Trail Tourism Association)
Town of Fort Macleod (Fort Macleod,
AB)
Town Of Cardston (Cardston, AB)
Horse Trail Rides
(Mountain Meadow Trail Rides, Mountain View, AB)
Golfing (Waterton Lakes National
Park)
Golfing (Cardston, AB)
Kimball River Sports (Mountain View,
AB)
Given you are likely making your accommodation decision from afar, we have attempted to provide you with the necessary information to ensure an informed decision.
Upon your commitment to Tipi Tatonka, near Waterton Lakes National Park, our goal is simple:
To make your stay at Tipi Tatonka comfortable, enjoyable and carefree.
And that's because … We Want You Back!
We know the best customer is the one we already have. And that could be you. If we earn your trust, we hope you will choose us again, and again, and again.
We will work hard to keep you satisfied.
From the point just before you drop-down into the river-valley, sits Tipi Tatonka, with river on 2 sides, and a day-use area in the trees, complete with beautiful fire-pit and shower.
Standing near the tipi, this image is about actual size. In other words, the spiritual Chief Mountain creates a beautiful and awesome backdrop for the river-valley in the foreground.
Chief Mountain, in all it's glory! The First Nations people of Alberta and Montana consider Chief Mountain to be spiritual, with plenty of stories to go with it. The Canadian / US border arbitrarily divided the Blackfoot people, now citizens of 2 different countries. Chief Mountain is actually situated in Montana.
Looking in the front door of Tipi Tatonka, you see
a permanent wood-stove, with chimney, 2 single beds, solar-battery and
area-carpets. It's very, very comfortable!
A closer look at the 2 IKEA- beds and mattresses, feather pillows, quality sheets and a fleece blanket.
Look-up, way-up! With the tipi top-flaps closed, you're protected from the elements. Open them up, and let the sun shine in.
With shelves holding your pots-and-pans, dishes, dish-towels, and cutlery, the kitchen-essentials are ready for you.
Two bags of water heat in the summer sun, ready to be hung off the tree for that glorious shower. But be careful, this water can be real, real hot. In the back, the solar-panel, mounted on a moveable-stand, charges the battery giving you a limited-supply of electricity.
Just out the front door of the tipi (not shown), you
will find a picnic-table, complete with dish-washing tubs and a
propane-stove with propane-tank. The recently-added propane-fridge is now
situated in the treed-area, out of the wind.
Your home-away-from-home, showing the 2 poles with which you control the top-flaps.
The river curves to the left past the tipi to make it's way past the rocky face of the hill, creating swimming-holes and fishing-holes galore. Have fun!
From the north again, you can see your vast hiking-playground. Follow the river, climb the hills, watch the birds or the numerous creatures that roam. It's all waiting on a frontier with limited human degradation. Please, if you could, we graciously ask you to do your best to keep it that way.
Not shown
in the photo's:
- propane fridge
- AM / FM radio
- wood supply, with kindling
- towels & wash-clothes
- dish-clothes and towels
- dinnerware setting
- quality pots & pans
- cooking utensils
Also not shown
in the photo's:
- the stars dancing at night
- the brilliant light of a full-moon
- the abundance of differing terrains
- the wildlife
- the flowers and grasses
- the fishing holes
- the swimming holes
More Photos...
No, this photo has not been altered. This is an actual early morning image; can you imagine what the night must have been like?
In the aspen grove to the right, within site of the tipi, is the fire-pit and shower.
The fire-pit and the shower, in the aspen grove, with a lots of canopy-cover.
Spend hours sitting on the bench, staring into the fire. And maybe, cook a little something too.