Waterton Lakes National Park may be the smallest of the Canadian Rockies’ national parks, but it packs an incredible variety of trails into its dramatic mountain-and-lake landscape. From gentle lakeside strolls to steep climbs that reveal sweeping alpine panoramas, every hike offers its own mix of wildflowers, wildlife, and ever-changing views. To help you plan your adventures, we’ve put together this guide to the best hikes in Waterton, focusing on the routes we think offer the very best effort-to-reward ratio. Inside you’ll find details on trail difficulty, estimated hiking times, and the scenic highlights that make each outing memorable, whether you’re after a quick climb like Bear’s Hump, a longer trek to a glacial lake such as Bertha Lake, or something in between.
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Wildlife Watching in Waterton Lakes National Park
Best Things to Do in Waterton Lakes National Park – Complete Activities Guide
Waterton Lakes National Park Location and Map
Waterton Lakes National Park is located in the extreme southwestern corner of Alberta (link to Google Maps), immediately north of Glacier National Park in the US.
How to Get to Waterton Lakes National Park
The simplest way to reach the national park is by driving there with your own vehicle, as there is no public transit service to the park. There is, however, an airport charter service available from Calgary, though this is a rather expensive means of reaching the park, and obviously isn’t very useful for getting around the park afterwards.
If coming from outside the park, you can expect the following drive times from the nearest major cities:
From Lethbridge: 130 km (1h30 min drive)
From Calgary: 280 km (3h drive)
From Medicine Hat: 300 km (3h15 min drive)
From Banff: 360 km (3h45 drive)
If you need to book a rental vehicle for your hiking excursion, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Alberta.
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Gas Station
The nearest gas station is in the town of Waterton (there’s only one) (link to Google Maps). Otherwise, the nearest gas stations are outside of the park, in Mountainview to the east (20 km away) and in Pincher Creek to the north (45 km).
About Waterton Lakes National Park
Where Mountains Meet the Prairies: The park’s range lies between the Canadian Rockies and the Prairies, and is often referred to as the “park where mountains meet the prairies.” Waterton Lakes became Canada’s fourth national park in 1895, though its official status, park boundary and name have varied over the years.
Small in Size, Grand in Scenery: Although Waterton Lakes is currently the smallest of the National Parks located in the Canadian Rockies, it has about 200 km of hiking trails, making its backcountry the most developed of the Canadian mountain parks.
International Peace Park: Waterton Lakes National Park shares a border with Glacier National Park in Montana, United States: together they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, designated as a World Heritage Site in 1995 for the parks’ distinctive climate, physiographic setting, and mountain-prairie interface. The Peace Park was first established in 1932 and was the first of its kind in the world. It was intended to promote goodwill between nations and highlight the international nature of protecting wilderness.
Diverse Park Flora: Waterton Lakes National Park is home to many rare plants, more so than any national park in the Canadian Rockies. More than half of Alberta’s plant species are found in Waterton, which is also the only Canadian national park that preserves foothills fescue grasslands. Several different ecological regions converge in Waterton, with prairie plants of the Great Plains, Rocky Mountain plants from northern areas, and coastal plants from the Pacific Northwest all overlapping.
Impressive Wildlife: Waterton Lakes National Park is home to more than 60 species of mammals, including elk, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, plain bison, cougars, lynx, bobcats, wolves, coyotes, cougars, black bears and grizzly bears.
Dark Skies: Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park in the United States are now recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) as an International Dark Sky Park and together form the first transboundary IDA International Dark Sky Park.
Hiking In Waterton Lakes National Park
Signature routes for every style – For waterfall lovers, the Bertha Lake Trail offers cascading falls and a dazzling alpine lake at the top. Adventurous hikers can tackle the famous Crypt Lake trail with its ladder, tunnel, and airy ledges, while those seeking something gentler can enjoy a peaceful lakeside stroll along the Cameron Lakeshore Trail, where flat paths and stunning mountain reflections make for an easy, unforgettable walk.
Outstanding effort-to-reward ratio – Whether you want a leisurely stroll or a heart-pumping climb, Waterton makes it easy to match a hike to your energy level. Gentle routes like the Townsite Loop or Red Rock Canyon provide postcard views with minimal elevation gain, while short but steep climbs such as Bear’s Hump reward you with panoramic vistas after less than an hour on the trail.
Big scenery in a compact park – Waterton Lakes may be the smallest of the Canadian Rockies’ national parks, but its trail network delivers outsized rewards. Towering peaks plunge straight into deep blue lakes, and you can reach sweeping viewpoints in just a short hike, so dramatic mountain scenery is never far from the trailhead.
Wild and ever-changing landscapes – Wildlife sightings are common—bighorn sheep, deer, and black bears roam the valleys (we saw all of them during our time in Waterton)—and the 2017 Kenow wildfire opened up new sightlines while sparking remarkable regrowth. Expect vibrant wildflowers in summer and wide-open views where dense forest once stood, making each visit a little different from the last.
Fewer visitors, more breathing room – Waterton welcomes a fraction of the annual visitors seen in better-known Canadian Rockies parks like Banff or Jasper. That means quieter trailheads, easier parking, and a more relaxed pace, even in midsummer, so you can soak up the scenery without the bustle.
Waterton Park Trail Access Fees
Anyone visiting Waterton Lakes National Park, whether for a hike or simply to enjoy the scenery, must first pay the applicable Parks Canada entrance fee.
Daily Fee: $11 (adults; discount for seniors and free for children)
Annual Waterton Lakes Pass*: $54.50 (adults; discount for seniors and free for children)
Parks Canada Discovery Pass**: $75.25 (adults; discount for seniors)
The Parks Canada Discovery Pass is valid for 12 months after the date of purchase, which can be purchased online here (includes access to all Canadian National Parks)
As of 2025, the Waterton Day Use and Annual passes can only be purchased in person.
*If you plan on spending at least 5 days in Waterton Lakes National Park, you are better off purchasing the Annual Waterton Lakes Pass.
**If you plan on spending at least 7 days within a Canadian National Park during any 12-month period, you are better off purchasing the Parks Canada Discovery Pass. This is usually easily achieved during road trips through the Canadian Rockies.
For up-to-date fee information, consult the Waterton Lakes National Park fee page.
Best Hiking Trails In Waterton Lakes National Park
For many, exploring Waterton’s hiking scene is all about finding trails that give you the biggest payoff for the effort. In this guide, we’ve hand-picked the trails that, in our view, offer the best effort-to-reward ratio: routes that deliver spectacular scenery without requiring a full day or a mountaineer’s stamina. To help you plan, we’ve grouped them by location: the classic hikes around the Townsite, the vibrant routes along the Red Rock Parkway, and the serene forest and lakeside trails off the Akamina Parkway.
Trails Near the Townsite
Don’t be fooled by their proximity to the townsite, as the park’s best (and some of our favorite) trails are found here. All the following trails can be reached on foot from pretty much anywhere in the Waterton townsite.
Bear’s Hump
Difficulty level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
Most people will tell you that the best views in Waterton Lakes National Park are from the top of the Bear’s Hump, the endpoint of the park’s most popular trail, and we’d have to agree. The sweeping panorama from the summit is simply sublime, reminiscent of the dramatic vistas you might see above a Norwegian fjord. The hike itself is fairly steep, but because it’s so short, it remains accessible to most novice hikers and is a good option for families who don’t mind a brief, vigorous climb.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Bear’s Hump hiking guide.
Townsite Loop
Difficulty level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
Many visitors overlook the Townsite Loop, but it’s one of the most pleasant and surprisingly scenic walks in Waterton Lakes National Park. Starting right in the village, this easy circuit traces the edge of the townsite, offering constant views of Upper Waterton Lake, the surrounding peaks, and the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel perched high above the valley. The path is almost entirely flat and well-maintained, making it perfect for families, casual strollers, or anyone who wants to stretch their legs without straying far from cafés and shops. The loop can be completed in less than an hour and also rewards walkers with lovely views of Cameron Falls.
Prince of Wales Loop
Difficulty level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
The Prince of Wales Loop is a short but scenic walk that showcases some of Waterton’s most iconic scenery. Beginning near the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, the trail circles the grassy bluff on which the hotel sits, offering sweeping views in every direction: south across Upper Waterton Lake into Montana, west toward towering peaks, and east over the rolling prairie. The path is level and well-groomed, making it an easy stroll for all ages, yet the open setting means the famous Waterton winds can be especially strong here. In less than 30 minutes, you can complete the loop, pause at several benches to admire the panorama, and capture classic photos of the hotel framed by mountains and the lake.
Lakeshore Trail
Difficulty level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
The Lakeshore Trail is one of the most unique hikes in the Canadian Rockies, as it forms part of the Continental Divide Trail that crosses the US–Canada border. Many hikers choose to go only as far as Boundary Bay, just before the international border, but if you have your passport, you can continue into Glacier National Park (Montana) all the way to Goat Haunt. From there, the Shoreline Cruise ferry offers a convenient return to Waterton, or the itinerary can be done in reverse. Even if you prefer a shorter outing, the Lakeshore Trail remains a stunning lakeside hike, with beautiful scenery to enjoy along any section of the route.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Waterton Lakeshore hiking guide.
Bertha Lake
Difficulty Level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
The Bertha Lake Trail has a little bit of everything: panoramic views of the Waterton Valley and Upper Waterton Lake, viewpoints of both the Lower and Upper Bertha Falls, and a stunning glacial alpine lake at its end. It also provides a solid workout, ascending over 500 meters through sub-alpine forest and navigating no fewer than 21 switchbacks. One of Waterton’s most popular trails, it can be shortened by stopping at the Lower Bertha Waterfalls or extended by looping around Bertha Lake, and it offers plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife along the way.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Bertha Lake hiking guide.
Red Rock Parkway
The Red Rock Parkway is one of Waterton’s most scenic drives, winding 15 km through wildflower meadows and rolling prairie before climbing into the rugged front ranges of the Rockies. Along the way, trailheads for several popular hikes branch off the roadway. The drive ends at vivid Red Rock Canyon, where you can explore the colorful creek beds or set out on even more trails into the surrounding mountains.
Bellevue Prairie Trail
Difficulty level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
If you’re looking for a family-friendly and uncrowded hiking adventure, the Bellevue Prairie Trail is a great choice. While it may not have the dramatic “wow” factor of some of Waterton’s more popular hikes, it offers sweeping panoramic views as you traverse gently rolling grassland hills. With mountains on one side and open blue skies on the other, the trail perfectly embodies the park’s motto, “where the mountains meet the prairies.” It concludes at the park’s bison paddock, giving you the chance to observe these majestic animals roaming freely.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Bellevue Prairie Trail hiking guide.
Red Rock Canyon and Blackiston Falls
Difficulty level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
The Red Rock Canyon and Blakiston Falls trails are two of the most accessible and rewarding outings in Waterton Lakes National Park, offering a perfect combination of striking geology and classic mountain scenery. Starting from the same parking area at the end of the spectacular Red Rock Parkway, these easy walks showcase very different but equally memorable landscapes. The short Red Rock Canyon loop follows the vividly colored creek bed where iron-rich rock glows deep crimson, while the gentle path to Blakiston Falls leads you through open forest to a dramatic waterfall plunging into a rugged gorge. Both trails require minimal effort yet deliver outstanding views.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Red Rock Canyon and Blackiston Falls hiking guide.
Crandell Lake
Difficulty level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
The Crandell Lake Trail is a short, peaceful forest walk that generally showcases a quieter side of Waterton, making it a favorite among families and those seeking a relaxed outing. Although the lake can be reached from either the Akamina Parkway or the Red Rock Parkway, this guide focuses on the route that begins from the Red Rock side, though both options are similar in distance and difficulty. The trail winds through what was once a shady pine and spruce forest, much of which was severely burned during the 2017 Kenow wildfire. With only modest elevation gain, it leads to the small but beautiful Crandell Lake, nestled beneath the slopes of Mount Crandell.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Crandell Lake hiking guide.
Akawina Parkway
The Akamina Parkway is a beautifully scenic 16 km drive that follows Cameron Creek into the heart of Waterton’s southern valleys, where dense forest meets towering peaks. Numerous trailheads line the route, making it a perfect starting point for both short walks and full-day adventures. The road ends at Cameron Lake, a serene alpine destination where visitors can hike the gentle lakeshore trail or rent a canoe to explore the crystal-clear water.
Cameron Lake
Difficulty Level: Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
The Cameron Lakeshore trail is another Waterton gem, offering one of the best effort-to-reward ratios in the entire park; it’s really more of a leisurely walk than a traditional hike. Beginning at the tranquil shores of its namesake lake, this gentle path meanders through sub-alpine forest with almost no elevation gain, making it one of the park’s most accessible trails while still delivering spectacular scenery. Along the way, you’ll spot vibrant wildflowers and enjoy serene views of the clear, emerald water framed by dramatic peaks in Glacier National Park in the US.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Cameron Lakeshore hiking guide.
Crandell Lake
If you’re experiencing déjà vu, that’s perfectly normal. Crandell Lake is unique in Waterton because it can be reached by two different—but very similar—trails: one from the Red Rock Parkway and another from the Akamina Parkway. While our Crandell Lake hiking guide focuses primarily on the route from Red Rock, it also includes details for those starting from the Akamina side.
Waterton Trail Favourites
Our Top Three
1. Bear’s Hump
2. Bertha Lake
3. Bellevue
Most family-friendly
1. Townsite Loop
2. Prince of Wales Loop
3. Red Rock Canyon
4. Blackiston Falls
5. Cameron Lake
Best Lakeside Views
1. Bertha Lake
2. Cameron Lake
3. Prince of Wales
4. Crandell Lake
5. Townsite Loop
Best for Waterfall Viewing
1. Blackiston Falls
2. Townsite Loop
3. Bertha Lake
Other Waterton Trails (not presented in this guide)
In addition to the trails we’ve covered so far—which focus on routes offering the best bang for your buck—Waterton is also home to longer backcountry trails that are popular with avid adn experienced hikers.
Crypt Lake Trail – 18.5 km (881 m elevation gain) – One of Waterton’s most famous hikes, the Crypt Lake Trail combines adventure and stunning scenery. Hikers navigate ladders, a cliffside tunnel, and exposed ledges to reach a secluded alpine lake. Access to the trail requires a short boat ride on the Waterton Shoreline Cruise ferry.
Carthew Anderson Trail – 18.7 km (850 m elevation gain) – This backcountry classic rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of the Waterton Valley, rugged ridges, and alpine meadows. The trail gains elevation gradually, offering a challenging but steady climb that’s perfect for those looking to spend a full day immersed in the Rockies.
Wall Lake – 11.4 km (400 m elevation gain) – A moderately challenging hike that meanders through forests and open meadows, Wall Lake Trail leads to a serene alpine lake framed by peaks. The route offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and vibrant wildflowers in summer, making it ideal for hikers seeking a peaceful yet rewarding outing.
Rowe Lakes – 13.5 km (675 m elevation gain) – The Rowe Lakes Trail steadily climbs through sub-alpine forest and opens onto a series of stunning alpine lakes. It’s perfect for hikers who want moderate effort paired with unforgettable scenery. The lakes themselves offer a serene place to pause, take photos, or enjoy a quiet picnic amid the dramatic mountain backdrop.
Lineham Falls – 10 km (525 m elevation gain) – Lineham Falls Trail delivers a satisfying day hike to a hidden waterfall tucked within a forested canyon. The route passes through lush forest, occasional viewpoints, and quiet glades, giving hikers a sense of seclusion and connection to the park’s natural beauty. It’s an accessible yet rewarding trail for those who enjoy both forest walks and striking water features.
Waterton Hiking Tips
Cell Service
Cell service in Waterton Lakes National Park is limited and unreliable. While some cell service is available in the town of Waterton, it is generally spotty and may be unavailable in other areas of the park.
Leave No Trace
Stick to the designated path to protect the surrounding environment.
Bugs
The prairie-meets-mountain environment of the Waterton Lakes National Park means you can encounter both wetland-loving mosquitoes and sunny-meadow-loving horseflies when visiting Waterton Lakes National Park.
Late May – Mid June: Mosquito activity begins in low-lying, wet areas (near lakes, streams, marshy valleys).
Late June – Mid August: Mosquitoes are most active around dawn/dusk, especially near vegetation and water. Black and deer flies are worse during calm, sunny days in open areas.
Late August – September: Bug activity drops sharply as nights cool.
In summary, be sure to pack insect repellent for your visit to Waterton. We can recommend visiting in late August, which is when we spent most of our time in Waterton, as we didn’t find bugs to be a nuisance during our time there.
Weather and Exposure
Waterton Lakes National Park is notoriously windy, and this will be particularly true along the early sections of the Bertha Lake trail, particularly when at Bertha Point. The lack of tree cover (until there is significant regrowth) also means you will be at the mercy of the weather along the trail, whether that be a strong sun or pouring rain.
Be sure to wear sunscreen on sunny days – you won’t find any shade along the trail.
Current Trail Conditions
Check this page of the Waterton Lakes NP for up-to-date trail conditions and any notices of temporary trail closure.
Wildlife
You may encounter wildlife along the trails, and it is important to know how to react in the presence of wild animals appropriately. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife, whether deer, big-horned sheep, elk or wolves. Never attempt to feed wildlife, either — feeding wildlife in a Canadian national park is prohibited by law and may lead to a fine of up to $25,000.
Bears: Waterton Lakes National Park is bear territory, so you should carry bear spray at all times (keep it easily accessible in a bear spray holster) and know how to use it.
When possible, hike in groups, and try to make frequent noise while you hike to avoid surprise encounters.
Follow Waterton’s advisories and Trail Condition pages for more information on current bear sightings and trail closures.
For more tips on wildlife encounters and safety precautions, be sure to check out our guide on Wildlife Watching in Waterton.
Hiking Packing List
All Trails subscription – This comes in really handy for areas with little or no cell reception, as the annual subscription allows you to download trail maps for offline use.
External Battery – If you are using your phone to track your progress along the trail or to help with navigation, you certainly don’t want your phone to die on you. That’s especially true in the unlikely event that you might get hurt or need assistance.
Hiking poles – These can be particularly useful in steep trails or muddy/boggy trail conditions.
Water Filter Bottle – The Life Straw bottle is an advanced water bottle with a filter that not only improves water taste but more importantly filters out bacteria and parasites, chemicals and microplastics.
Headlamp – very practical and a smart choice if you plan to start your hike before sunrise or finish it after sunset.
Best Time (Months) to Hike In Waterton Lakes National Park
The best months to hike in Waterton are generally late May through early October.
June & September: These shoulder season months offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. You might encounter some rain or cooler temperatures, but you’ll also experience more tranquillity on the trails.
-Wildflowers will start to peak in late June.
-Mosquitoes can be quite active in June.
-Fall colours are apparent in late September.
July & August: Best weather (warmer, drier and more dependable) but more crowded trails – the park attracts around 500,000 visitors each year. Nearly 50% of visitors come in July and August.
-July is peak wildflower season.
-Bugs are still quite active in July, with their activity decreasing throughout August.
May and October*: These months are more unpredictable, with the possibility of snow, especially at higher elevations, and hiking may be limited to lower-elevation trails.
Quick Summary
If you want wildflowers and smaller crowds, late June to early July is ideal. Daylight hours are also significantly longer during these months, allowing you more time to explore every day.
If you want fall colors and fewer people, aim for mid-to-late September. Cooler temperatures make longer hikes more comfortable.
During the peak summer months, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the trail’s most crowded times.
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing are also popular in Waterton during the snowy months. Be aware, however, that most trails in the park during winter traverse avalanche terrain. While infrequent, they can occur, and it’s best to be prepared and well-informed.
Where to stay in Waterton Lakes National Park
Unlike many national parks, Waterton Lakes National Park offers several lodging options right inside its charming lakeside townsite, putting visitors just steps from the trails, restaurants, and waterfront views. Staying within the park means you can enjoy sunrise and sunset over the lake without ever needing to drive far.
Prince of Wales Hotel – One of the most iconic places to stay in the park, this historic 1920s landmark is perched dramatically on a bluff overlooking Upper Waterton Lake. Its vintage interiors, elegant tea service, and panoramic views make it one of Canada’s most memorable national park lodges.
Bayshore Inn & Spa – For those who prefer to stay closer to the heart of the village, the Bayshore Inn & Spa offers modern comforts right on the lakefront — ideal for travellers who want easy access to restaurants, shops, and boat rentals.
Aspen Village – Meanwhile, the Aspen Village Inn provides a relaxed, family-friendly alternative with spacious rooms and great value, all within walking distance of the park’s main attractions.
Want to Discover More Hiking Trails In The Canadian Rockies?
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Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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e-Sim cards
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Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Best Hikes In Waterton Lakes National Park guide and that it will prove useful for planning your hiking trip.
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