Tips to Experience the Best of Waterton

Nestled in the far southwest corner of Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is as unique as it is diverse. The National Park is so distinctive that it has four joint international designations – International Peace Park, Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage Site and the first transboundary International Dark Sky Park (IDA). With an ecosystem that supports an abundance of rare wildflowers and wildlife species, you can see the best that the Rockies have to offer. The small village of Waterton is non-commercialized and offers experiences accessible for everyone in the family. In Waterton, there is plenty of space, jaw-dropping views and adventures of a lifetime. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a deer, a bighorn sheep or both while you’re there.

Hiking in Waterton

If you’re looking for some of the best hiking in the Rocky Mountains, you’ve found it here. Waterton Lakes National Park is known internationally for its hiking trails with over 200 Kilometers across the area. You can find everything from short hikes for the whole family to multi-day backpacking adventures. Prime hiking season is July through September, but the winter months offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing treks. Whether you choose a short stroll around the village or a long hike up the challenging ridges, the rewards of stunning vistas, waterfalls and overlooks are worth the trip.

New to Hiking in Waterton?
If you’re new to hiking, don’t stress! It’s never too late or early to start! The same place that you can pick up the gear also offers Guided Hikes and Hiker Shuttles. All of the guides at the Tamarack are licensed, experienced and have a long connection to the local area. They’re also trained in first aid and equipped with bear spray. They offer everything from full-day hikes to kayak tours.

Hiking Footwear
If you’re heading out to the trails, you’re going to need some proper footwear. There are lots of styles to choose from depending on the type of hiker you are. They range from day-hiking shoes or boots for the easier or intermediate trails or backpacking boots for more rugged terrain. These types of shoes or boots will give you the support and grip you need to make the most out of your hike.

Where to Buy Hiking Equipment in Waterton
For over six generations, the Tamarack Outdoors family has offered the best outdoor lifestyle clothing and gear. Pick up your footwear, poles or any other equipment you might need for the perfect adventure. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for advice on which trails to check out – they know their stuff!

Be Sure to Hydrate
One of the most important things you need to make sure you bring on your hike is water. Staying hydrated even on short hikes is crucial, especially on hotter days in Waterton. For shorter ones, you should have at least 1L of water, and on those longer hikes, you need 2L to 4L depending on how hot it is that day and how strenuous of a climb.

Waterton Lakes National Park Top Hikes
Located in the Crown of the Continent, the hikes here are legendary. Here we cover some of the best hikes to check out in the National Park from easy to difficult. No matter which hike you choose, you won’t’ be disappointed with the sights, sounds or experience in the historic National Park.

Easy Hikes

Bear’s Hump
The Bear’s Hump trail is one of the most popular in Waterton because it’s so accessible. This is a shorter hike that lasts about one hour with incredible views at the top of the valley. The trail begins at the Waterton Visitor Resource Centre, which has lots of available parking and a clear marker of where it begins. The path is maintained very well with wooden beams to hold on to as you climb and switchbacks to help.

Distance: 2.8 km/1.8 miles
Elevation: 225 m/738 feet
Timing: 1 hour

Bertha Point/Bertha Falls
Bertha Point is another great hike for beginners and is also fun for the whole family. These landmarks in the National Park are named after a well-known early resident of Waterton – Bertha Ekelund. Enjoy the wildflowers and forest as you climb up and look over the Waterton Valley and the Glacier National Park. If you’re up for it, you can continue onto the beautiful Bertha falls and Lakeshore Trail.

Distance 3 km/1.9 miles round trip
Elevation: 150 m/492 feet
Timing: 1 hour

Blakiston Falls
This is one of the best waterfall hikes in Waterton, and you will find it in the Red Rock Canyon area. It’s well suited for first-time adventurers and their families (including dogs). Great news! It was recently renovated with some amazing new lookout points. The whole trek is about 2K and offers views of the mountains, lush forest and of course the Blakiston falls. This serene trail is the perfect place to experience your first hike in Waterton.

Distance: 2 km / 1.2 mi (return)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Hiking Time: ½ -1 hour (return)

Intermediate/Difficult Hikes

Crypt Lake
Of the difficult hikes in Waterton, this is probably the most popular and for good reason! The Crypt Lake Trail is listed as one of the most thrilling trails in the world by National Geographic, with four waterfalls to see – Hell Roaring Falls, Twin Falls, Burnt Rock Falls and Crypt Falls. Start with a short but scenic ferry ride across Upper Waterton Lake that takes you to the Crypt Lake trailhead. The 17K adventure will test your fitness, but the lush forests, multiple waterfalls and unbelievable vistas make it all worth it.

Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 mi (return)
Elevation Gain: 700m / 2300ft.
Hiking Time: 5-8 hours

Carthew-Alderson
This hike is one of the top trail destinations in all of Canada and a favourite of the locals in Waterton. This one-way hike is difficult and is about 20K. You’ll encounter spectacular gem-coloured lakes and 360-degree views of the park. If you want a challenging hike with lots of wildlife, scenery and some of the best views in the Rockies, don’t miss this one. Learn more.

Distance: 20.1 km/12.5 miles one-way hike
Elevation: 650m/2132 ft.
Timing: 6-8 hours

Akamina Ridge
This trail is challenging but the views as you reach the top are unlike anything else in the Park. Start at the trailhead located in the Akamina parkway, here you can choose to hike towards either Forum or Wall Lakes. The highlight of this hike is the ridge walk, which gives you impressive views of Upper Kintla Lake and even Glacier Park located just across the border. Learn more.

Distance: 18.2 km / 11.3 mi (return)
Elevation Gain: 905 m / 2970 ft.
Hiking Time: 8 hours

Don’t Miss Waterton Views

Whether from horseback, boat or foot – the scenery in Waterton is picturesque. With some of the oldest exposed rock in the Rocky Mountains, multiple waterfalls and splendid lakes there are countless sites that you must see for yourself in the Park.

Cameron Lake
This emerald colour lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Waterton and is known as a frequent hot spot for Grizzly visits. This lake is international, bordering two provinces and one state ¬– Alberta, British Columbia and Montana with some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll experience while you’re in the park. Whether you’re cross-country skiing in the winter or kayaking in the summer, don’t miss this memorable stop! Learn more.

Prince of Wales Hill
When you think of Waterton, the first thing that usually pops into people’s minds is the historic Prince of Wales Hotel that sits on a hill overlooking Waterton Lake. Loop around the bottom of the hill of this popular spot and enjoy the impressive Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes. Don’t forget to check out the top of the hill to grab a very Instagrammable photo or pop in for a bite at the famous hotel. Learn more.

Red Rock
This area is named after the iron-rich red rock called Argillite that runs through the layers of mountains that surround the valley. The Red Rock Canyon has a beautiful backdrop for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter and hiking or scenic drives in the summer. With multiple trails and viewpoints, this is an extremely popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Cameron Falls
This is one of the most famous spots in Waterton and it’s located right in the townsite! Cameron Falls is found in the corner of the village and has one of the oldest rocks in all of the Rocky Mountains dating to 1.5 billion years old. Take a photo from the viewing bridge or walk up a short path to see the falls and the ancient rock from a unique perspective. It’s a picture-perfect spot for an evening walk or an afternoon jaunt.

Waterton Lakeshore (Townsite Loop)
Experience the beauty of the village of Waterton as you take a stroll along the lakeshore. This townsite trail is paved and travels past Emerald Bay and Cameron Bay along the Upper Waterton Lake. Stop for a snack or check out the shops as you enjoy the sites of the village. This is also stroller and wheelchair-friendly so the whole family can come along for the trek.

Unique Waterton Activities

Waterton Shoreline Cruise
You can’t miss the famous Waterton Shoreline Cruise. This family-owned business has been crossing the lakes for over 60 years and they make fantastic tour guides to help visitors see Waterton from a unique perspective. This two-hour scenic cruise offers views of Waterton’s incredible ecosystems, wildlife and rocky cliffs. Make sure you bring a camera because you will want to capture the magic the park while you stand on the observation deck.

Surrey Bike Rides
You’ve never been on a bike ride like this! These bikes sit three riders across a bench and a basket in the front for the kids. It’s the best way for the whole family to see the sites of Waterton village. Pick up your bike at Pats Waterton, which has been a family-owned and operated business in Waterton for years. Grab some fresh coffees and slushies for the kids and enjoy the ride.

Dark Sky Guides
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Rockies, you’ve found it with the Dark Sky Guides. Winner of a 2019 Alberta Tourism Award, this tour is operated by the Robinson brothers who have over 40 years combined experience in Waterton. Join them for a night-time journey where they will provide you with stargazing equipment and take you on a tour of the night sky learning about star clusters, deep-sky objects, constellations, Aurora Borealis and nocturnal creatures that call Waterton home. You won’t want to miss this!

Horseback Riding
One of the best ways to experience Waterton is on horseback. The Alpine Stables family have nearly 60 years of horseback riding experience in the area. These guided rides include stories about the local history and fun facts about the renowned wildflowers and wildlife found in the area. Choose from hourly, half-day, full-day or overnight trips for individuals, families or large groups. See why generations of visitors have chosen to see the sites on horseback.

Cameron Lake Boat Rentals
Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park, Cameron Lake is a must for those who like to live life on the water. Cameron Lake Boat Rental is located at the end of Akamina parkway and has a wide selection of rentals including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and fishing poles. The staff can tell you the perfect place to get the day’s best catch or see some of the wildlife.

Wildlife and Wildflowers

Wildlife Thrives in Waterton
There is no shortage of incredible wildlife to see in Waterton. Despite being one of the smaller National Parks, Waterton has a huge variety of wildlife and no other National Park protects so many species per square kilometre as Waterton. It’s because they love it here! And what wildlife wouldn’t with over half of all plant species in Alberta found within Waterton? More than 60 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, 24 species of fish and 10 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found in the National Park including grizzly and black bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars and bighorn sheep.

Wildlife Safety
While we do consider them locals, we recommend watching wildlife from a distance. We need to remember that we’re in their territory so we have to be respectful. Make sure any food or drinks you have been put into a bear-safe trashcan. When going for a hike make sure to carry bear spray, make some noise and travel in a group.

Where are the best places to see them
Many animals are most active in the early morning hours (sunrise), in the early evening (sunset) and during the night. For your safety, always hike during the day and check the weather and trail conditions before leaving.

When on the trails, remember to:

• Always carry bear spray, ensure it is accessible and know how to use it before heading out on the trails;
• Make noise to let wildlife know you are in the area;
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and never wear ear buds or headphones to avoid surprise encounters that do not give wildlife time to decide how to react; and
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• To learn more about wildlife safety, please visit Parks Canada website.

Waterton Wildflowers
Waterton is where the wildflowers grow. That’s because there are four different eco-regions and 45 vegetation communities in the park – 16 of which are considered rare, fragile or threatened. Experiencing the colourful orchids, pink meadowsweet or glacier lilies in the area is like seeing a painting brought to life as you travel throughout the park. There are thousands of plant and flower species in Waterton with over 100 listed as rare in Alberta, 39 are nationally rare and one is globally rare. That’s why it’s so important to be careful not to step on them or pick them.

With extraordinary natural charms and unique activities, Waterton Lakes National Park offers plenty to keep visitors busy each and every time they visit. You will never run out of things to do in this incredible place. We hope this guide will help you on your next adventure in Waterton!