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. To help you explore this serene corner of the Canadian Rockies, we’ve put together this Crandell Lake Trail hiking guide, including details on trail difficulty, estimated hiking time, and the scenic highlights that make it such a pleasant hike.
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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 Park
Best Things to Do in Waterton Lakes National Park – Complete Activities Guide
Crandell Lake Trail Location and Map
Crandell Lake 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 the Crandell Lake Trail & Waterton Lakes National Park
As we noted earlier, the lake can be reached by trails starting from either the Akamina Parkway (link to Google Maps) or the Red Rock Parkway (link to Google Maps). Although the Akamina trailhead is closer to the townsite (a 10-minute drive), this guide focuses on the route that begins from the Red Rock side (a 15-minute drive).
The Red Rock Parkway offers one of the most scenic drives in the park. The road winds for 15 km through sweeping mountain valleys and vibrant foothill meadows. Along the way, you’re treated to broad views of rugged peaks and excellent chances to spot wildlife such as deer and bighorn sheep (we also saw black bears along the road once). Honestly, the drive here is as much a highlight of the park as the hikes that start from it.
To reach the car park, you can follow this itinerary. When on the Red Rock Parkway, follow signs for the Crandell Mountain Campground access, and continue across the bridge over the river until you see a large car park to the right.
Unofficially, the trail begins at the locked vehicle gate on the gravel road, just beyond the car park, which also services the campground (which is currently temporarily closed). The true (pedestrian-only) trail begins about 1.5 km later.
Note that there is no transportation service within the park to get to the trailhead, 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.
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.
Crandell Lake Trail Access, Fees, and Parking
Trailhead & car park location: As mentioned above, the trailhead (link to Google Maps) is located near the Crandell Campground along the Red Rock Parkway.
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 Red Rock Parkway, which provides vehicle access to this trail, is not plowed and closes for the winter. This seasonal closure typically runs from November 1 to April 30, though exact dates can vary from year to year. Crandell Lake is best reached from the Akamina Parkway during the winter months.
Parking lot: The parking lot is both new (built in 2021) and quite large (one of the park’s largest), offering ample space for vehicles.
Facilities: There are vault toilets by the car park.
Crandell Lake Trail Details and Map
Distance: 6.8 km*
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation change: 120 m (difference between trail high and low point)
Elevation gain: 154 m ( cumulative elevation gain)
AllTrails rating: (4.4, 201 ratings (2025))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in 1h30-2h.
*As of September 2025, AllTrails incorrectly lists the trail distance as 5 km, as it refers to the old car park location.
The official Waterton Lakes National Park website lists the trail length at 4 km, as this measure ignores the distance covered along the gravel road between the car park and the true trailhead.
Crandell Lake Additional Trail Details
– Canine companions: Dogs are permitted on leashes.
– Summit: The trail doesn’t climb a summit, but its highest point by Crandell Lake lies at an elevation of 1533m.
– Trail environment: Sub-alpine forest, but most of which was burned during the 2017 Kenow wildfire. There is, however, significant regrowth along the forest floor.
– Route Signage: Yes – but the trail is also very easy to follow.
– Trail Surface / Technical trail: The trail is not technical and presents no significant challenges. It follows a mostly flat, well-established path, though the early sections can be narrower where vegetation has grown in.
– Average trail slope grade: 4%, 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 other than a slight but progressive elevation gain.
Crandell Lake Trail Description and Summary
From the Red Rock Parkway trailhead, the hike to Crandell Lake begins with a short walk along a wide gravel road (for about 1.7 km) that stays nearly flat, offering an easy warm-up before the trail proper starts.
Once you leave the road, the trail path begins a steady but gentle climb through the forest. The elevation gain is gradual, so you’ll hardly notice the ascent as you wind your way upward through the recovering forest.
Most of the tall trees that once shaded the trail were lost to the 2017 Kenow wildfire, but fortunately, the landscape is far from barren today. Thick new growth now carpets the forest floor and, in many spots, has shot up well above head height, creating a surprisingly lush green corridor. Young shrubs and wildflowers (when in season) add bright pops of color. Also, with the canopy gone, you’ll catch wide-open views of the surrounding slopes as you make your way up.
The trail connecting the gravel road to Lake Crandell is only 1.5 km long, so you’ll likely reach the lake in no time. The trail levels out as you approach the lake, and suddenly the landscape opens to reveal quiet Crandell Lake cradled beneath its namesake mountain.
The setting feels more secluded and desolate than Waterton’s better-known lakes, and that solitude is part of its charm. While Crandell may lack the shimmering alpine hues of Bertha or Cameron, its still waters and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Crandell nonetheless make it a beautiful, tranquil spot to rest, enjoy a picnic, or soak in the views before heading back the way you came.
Although it’s not specifically part of the trail, you can walk around most of the lake’s shoreline fairly easily (though some sections are more rocky) for further exploration or to find a quieter corner if it’s a busier day.
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 Crandell Lake trail, we did cross some deer several times on other trails.
Crandell Lake Hiking Tips
Hiking Experience
The Crandell Lake 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 Crandell Lake Trail, though proper hiking footwear is recommended.
Weather and Exposure
Waterton Lakes National Park is notoriously windy, though the Crandell trail tends to be less exposed to wind compared to other trails. However, because the 2017 Kenow wildfire removed much of the forest canopy, there is now very little shade, leaving hikers exposed to the sun for most of the route.
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, including around Crandell Lake. Access to the lake is simplest via the Akamina Parkway trailhead, which is still open up to that point in winter, unlike the Red Rock Parkway. If visiting in winter, be aware that most trails in the park traverse avalanche terrain, though the risk is low along the Crandell Lake trail.
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 Crandell Lake
As we have alluded to earlier, you can reach Crandell Lake from a second trailhead along the Akamina Parkway (link to Google Maps). The trail is slightly shorter than the one described above, at 4.8 km in length, but climbs a similar level of elevation.
Alternatively, if you are a group that has two vehicles but that can all fit into one, you can park one car at the Red Rock lot and another at the Akamina lot and do a point-to-point hike, which in this case would cover 5.8 km.
Some of Our Other 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 probably tell you that the best views in Waterton Lake National Park are from the top of the Bear’s Hump, the endpoint of the park’s most popular trail – and we would have to agree: the panoramic views from the top are simply sublime and somewhat reminiscent of those from atop a Norwegian fjord. The hike up the Bear’s Hump trail is quite steep, but it is also very short, meaning that it is accessible to most novice hikers and is generally considered to be family-friendly.
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Bear’s Hump hiking guide.
Where to stay near the Crandell Lake Trail
The best place to stay when visiting Waterton National Park is within the Waterton townsite (unless you are camping in one of the park’s campgrounds). The following are some of the best mid-range options in town.
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 Waterton Hiking Guide for the Crandell Lake Trail and that it will prove useful for planning your hiking trip.
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