The Cameron Lakeshore trail is another Waterton gem, offering one of the best effort-to-reward ratios in the entire park, although 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. To help you discover this beautiful area of the Canadian Rockies, we put together this Cameron Lakeshore Trail hiking guide, which includes details on trail difficulty, estimated hiking time, and the incredible viewpoints that make it such a memorable hike.
Disclosure: This page (Cameron Lakeshore Trail – A Waterton Hiking Guide) may contain product affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. More details can be found on our disclosure and policies page.
You might also be interested in these Waterton Lakes National Park pages:
Best Hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park
Wildlife Watching in Waterton Lakes National Par
Best Things to Do in Waterton Lakes National Park – Complete Activities Guide
Cameron Lakeshore Trail Location and Map
The Cameron Lake Trail is located in Waterton Lakes National Park, in the extreme southwestern corner of Alberta (link to Google Maps).
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.
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.
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, lynx, bobcats, wolves, coyotes, cougars, black bears and grizzly bears.
How to Get to Cameron Lakeshore Trail & Waterton Lakes National Park
The Cameron Lakeshore trail is located at the very end of the Akamina Parkway, in the western portion of Waterton Lakes National Park, about a 25-minute drive from the Waterton townsite.
Note that there is no transportation service within the park to get there*, and there is no outside public transit option with service to Waterton Lakes National 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.
*There is a one-way shuttle that brings you to Cameron Lake, but it is for those wanting to hike the long Carthew Alderson Trail, which connects Cameron Lake to the Waterton townsite. More details about the trail and shuttle will be provided further below.
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.
We also highly recommend Airalo (eSIM card) for your connectivity needs when travelling abroad. Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
Nearest 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 away).
Roadside wildlife
It’s important to drive slowly throughout the park’s roads, as there is abundant wildlife around every corner. Deer are often seen throughout the Waterton townsite, and deer, elk and bears are often seen alongside many of the park’s roads.
Cameron Lake Trail Access, Fees, and Parking
Trailhead & car park location: The trailhead (link to Google Maps) is located at the very end of the Akamina Parkway, one of Waterton’s popular and scenic roadways.
Trail access and 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.
Trail opening Hours: 24 hours – but access is limited during winter.
The Akamina Parkway, which provides vehicle access to Cameron Lake, is not plowed and closes for the winter beyond the Little Prairie Day Use Area. This seasonal closure typically runs from November 1 to April 30, though exact dates can vary from year to year.
Parking lot: The parking lot is one of the park’s largest, offering ample space for vehicles. Serving both the Cameron Lakeshore trailhead and the Camerone Lake day-use area, it can accommodate numerous passenger vehicles, small RVs, and buses.
Facilities: There are washrooms, picnic tables, and boat rental facilities adjacent to the parking lot and trailhead.
Cameron Lake Trail Details and Map
Distance: 3.5 km
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 28m (cumulative elevation gain)
Start point: Car Park
AllTrails rating: (4.3, 534 ratings (2025))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in 45-60 minutes.
Not an AllTrails member yet? We highly recommend signing up for either their free or paid membership plans. The free plan allows you to find new trails and plan routes but it can only be used while hiking if you have access to mobile data. The paid membership plan (AllTrails+) allows you to download trail maps for offline use and provides live progress updates and off-route notifications.
If you are still uncertain – you should know that the All Trails mobile application was voted the 2023 iPhone App of the Year by Apple.
We find that AllTrails is a great tool to have when hiking, particularly for assisting with navigation when the trail is hard to locate and to help monitor your progress along the trail, which helps estimate how much time you’ll need to complete the trail.
Additional Trail Details
– Canine companions: Dogs are permitted on leashes.
– Summit: The trail doesn’t climb a summit, but its highest point by Cameron Lake lies at an elevation of 1670m.
– Trail environment: Sub-alpine forest – you will find yourself under partial tree cover during most of the hike.
– Route Signage: Yes – but the trail is also very easy to follow.
– Trail Surface / Technical trail: The trail isn’t a technical one, and the trail surface doesn’t present any particular challenges. It follows a mostly flat, well-established path, with only occasional tree roots to navigate.
– Average trail slope grade: 1%, which is considered a very easy average incline.
– Trail difficulty level assessment (based on our personal assessment, taking into account the trail length, slope grade and trail surface) :
Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
Overall, the trail does not present any significant challenges.
Cameron Lakeshore Trail Description and Summary
From the day-use area at Cameron Lake, the trail begins as a wide, well-groomed path that immediately offers open views across the emerald water to the towering peaks of Glacier National Park in the US, including the imposing Mount Custer in the center.
The route stays almost entirely flat, winding gently through patches of spruce and fir forest that provide welcome shade and, depending on the season, occasional glimpses of wildflowers. The path occasionally gives way to a wooden boardwalk over sections that tend to be more muddy.
A few small clearings along the shore make perfect spots to pause for photos or a quiet rest.
At the far end of the trail, you reach a broad open area where the shoreline narrows and the scenery is at its most dramatic. Here you can sit and take in the sweeping panorama of the glacial valley before retracing your steps along the same easy lakeside route.
Another fun thing about this trail (like many others in Waterton Lakes National Park) is that you are quite likely to come across some local wildlife along it. Although we didn’t see any specifically on the Cameron Lakeshore trail, we did cross some deer several times on other trails within the park.
Cameron Lake Hiking Tips
Hiking Experience
The Cameron Lakeshore Trail is suitable for most novice hikers, as it is not technical and requires no special skills. It’s an excellent option for families with young children.
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.
Ticks are also present in the park and the surrounding area. They are most active from April to June, especially in dry, grassy slopes.
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.
Equipment
No specialized equipment is required for the Cameron Lakeshore Trail, though proper hiking footwear is recommended.
Weather and Exposure
Waterton Lakes National Park is notoriously windy, and this might be particularly true for the Cameron Lakeshore as it hugs the lake’s shoreline. However, the trail passes through enough tree cover in places to provide shade and reduce sun exposure.
Current Trail Conditions
Check this page of the Waterton Lakes NP for up-to-date trail conditions and any notices of temporary trail closure.
Best Time to Hike the Trail
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, particularly along the Cameron Lakeshore Trail. As noted above, vehicle access to the trailhead beyond the Little Prairie Day Use Area is closed in winter, so reaching the lake requires skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking. If visiting in winter, be aware that most trails in the park traverse avalanche terrain.
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.
Other Ways to Reach Cameron Lake
Aside from cycling to the lake along the Akamina Parkway (16 km, one-way, 670 m of elevation gain), the main alternative is to hike the Carthew Alderson Trail. This is a challenging 18.7 km hike (one-way), with nearly 900 m of elevation gain, which takes most people 7-8 hours to complete.
As this is a point-to-point hike, visitors will either need two vehicles (one parked at Cameron Lake and the other at Waterton townsite) or park a single vehicle at the townsite and take a shuttle to Cameron Lake to begin the hike. It is recommended that the shuttle be booked in advance, as spaces are limited and may sell out.
You can book the shuttle online here. It’s best to book it ahead of time, as places are limited (24) and there is only one daily shuttle, which typically departs either at 8 am or 8:30 am, depending on the season. The shuttle costs $25 (2025), and note that there’s also a minimum number of passengers (4) required for the shuttle to run. The shuttle each year runs until mid-October.
Other Things to do at Cameron Lake
Cameron Lake is more than just a trailhead. It can be a full-day destination for anyone who loves mountain scenery and calm alpine waters. In summer, the Cameron Lake Day-Use Area offers a peaceful spot for picnics and soaking in the dramatic views of Mount Custer reflected in the stunning Cameron Lake.
One of the most popular activities here is getting out on the water. The on-site boathouse rents canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats. Boat rentals can be pricey for solo paddlers at $40 for the first hour, but the cost is more manageable for groups: $50 for two people or $55 for two adults with two children. Stand-up paddleboards are less expensive, at $30 for the first hour. For more information on rates and schedules, you can consult the Cameron Lake boat rental website. A full loop along the lake’s shoreline covers about 6 km, and will take about 1h30-2h to complete.
Note that non-motorized watercraft brought from outside Waterton Lakes National Park are prohibited to help protect the park’s waters from invasive species.
For those who prefer to stay on land, a short, easy trail leads from the Cameron Lake day-use area to the smaller and more secluded Akamina Lake. This quick 1.5 km round trip offers a quiet, forested escape from the busier Cameron Lake shoreline and a chance to spot wildflowers along the way. Don’t expect the sweeping vistas of Cameron Lake, though, as Akamina Lake has more the look of a large pond bordered by marshland.
Some of Our Other Nearby Favorite Trails in Waterton
Bellevue Prairie Trail
If you are looking for a family-friendly and uncrowded hiking adventure, the Bellevue Prairie Trail might be for you. While it may lack some of the “wow” factor that some of the park’s more popular trails are known for, it still offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while you traverse gently undulating grassland hills. With mountains on one side and open blue skies on the other, the Bellevue Trail perfectly exemplifies the park’s motto, “where the mountains meet the prairies.” The trail ends by the park’s bison paddock, offering you a chance to see Bison roam the fields.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Bellevue Prairie Trail hiking guide.
Bear’s Hump Trail
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.
Where to stay near the Cameron Lake Trail
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
SafetyWing is a travel insurance company that offers comprehensive coverage for travellers. Includes Medical Insurance and Travel Insurance. Primarily geared towards long-term travellers, digital nomads, and expats.
e-Sim cards
Airalo is the world’s first and largest eSIM store with eSIM plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide. With Airalo eSIMs, travellers can get connected the moment they land at their destination and avoid nasty data roaming charges
eSIMS are a sustainable alternative to single-use SIM cards – they are 100% digital, require less energy to produce and be re-used rather than disposed of.
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 Waterton Hiking Guide for the Cameron Lake Trail and that it will prove useful for planning your hiking trip.
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