An Active Weekend in Waterton

Spend a few days in the Park and hike these not to be missed trails. And leave the lunch to the pros: Pearls Cafe, Windflower Coffee Corner and Switchback Micro Cafe all offer Hikers Lunch options, some of them will even let you order ahead and pick up on your way to the trailhead so you know you’re going to be properly fueled for your adventure. If you’re interested, you can also hire a local guide at Tamarack Outdoors and get a guided experience.

Upper Rowe Lakes

One of the must hike trails in Waterton is Upper Rowe Lakes. Begin your trip with a drive up the Akamina Parkway to the trailhead for Rowe/Tamarack. This moderate day hike takes you up through a wooded forest alongside Rowe Creek. You will arrive at Lower Rowe Lake first and it is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the pretty alpine lake.
Continue along the trail, eventually crossing a wooden bridge into Rowe meadow, a natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountain walls with wildflowers in abundance. You can find Waterton’s unofficial flower Beargrass growing here in the right season!

From here you hike a series of steep switchbacks to your destination of Upper Rowe Lakes. Enjoy the view from this hanging valley, looking down into the Akamina valley and Lower Rowe Lake below. This hike is a favourite in the fall months due to the Larch trees and their golden hue.

Distance: 12.8 km/8 miles
Elevation: 575 m/1886 ft.
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Wall Lake

Wall Lake is another one of Waterton’s best hikes, though it is technically not in Waterton. To access this remote wilderness area, you could drive over 100 km by gravel road from B.C, or the more attractive option is to access it via Waterton.

The trailhead can be found along the Akamina Parkway just before to Cameron Lake, watch for the trail sign for Akamina. As you begin hiking and make your way through the Akamina Pass, you’ll pass the provincial border into B.C., don’t forget to stop for the photo op!
From there the trail slightly descends, and continues on until the junction for Forum Lake. Take a quick jaunt off your planned route to see Forum Falls. This beautiful waterfall is well worth it!

Hike back to the Junction and continue onto Wall Lake. You will pass the Backcountry campground, and continue to hike through burnt forest and open meadows, arriving at the jewel toned lake sitting beneath a towering wall of rock.

A perimeter trail wraps around the lake, offering many beaches and lake access. Perfect for a picnic or a swim. Wall Lake trail is a bike friendly trail so you have the option to bike in.

Distance: 10.4 km / 6.5 mi (return)
Elevation: 110 m / 361 ft.
Hiking Time: 8 hours

In and Around Town

If you need a break from hiking or want a change of pace, take an evening stargazing tour with Dark Sky Guides, go horseback riding with Alpine Stables or grab a bike and explore the Park on two (or 4) wheels from Pat’s.

Enjoy a day on the water and explore Cameron Lake with a watercraft from Cameron Lake Boat Rentals.

Staying closer to the townsite, head to Blakiston and Co and rent your choice of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards to explore Waterton Lakes.

After hiking or adventuring you always need a great meal! The Taco Bar brings traditional Mexican food to Waterton Lakes National Park. Their slow-cooked meats, sauces and salsas are all made from scratch, right in front of you in a kitchen not unlike the one in your home- albeit more colourful than your average kitchen but it’s real home cooking. Try the Spicy Burrito, it’s a local favourite.

Trappers, known for the coldest beer in Waterton! Choose from a large variety of tasty, homemade dishes and Waterton’s only authentic BBQ. They prepare and smoke their meats and trout on site. Ask for the Brisket, you won’t be disappointed.

Red Rock Trattoria offers a fine dining experience in the mountains. There’s nothing like enjoying some downtime as you wine and dine to world-class Italian cuisine. Pasta and sauces are made fresh from scratch everyday. The Gnocci is the most popular and for good reason.

Spend the night at the newest (oldest?) addition to Waterton. The Kilmorey Lodge offers rooms with mountain views, balconies, and old time charm with new amenities. Dining Room and Pub on site, lakeshore patios provide the ultimate dining experience.

Enjoy the nostalgia at the Bear Mountain Motel, a Classic 1950’s motel with clean, comfortable, and affordable rooms. Kitchenettes and full kitchen suites available and the motel is also pet friendly.