Winter Trails in Waterton

Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing Trails

Waterton is truly for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get off the beaten path. The backcountry of Waterton offers a different taste than trails offered at other national parks. What is the difference? Uncrowded. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking on uncongested trails will leave you refreshed and reconnected with your friends and family.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Most of these trails are considered Backcountry Avalanche Terrain. Please review Parks Canada Trail Condition Reports and Avalanche Terrain Ratings before you go.

What does “Backcountry” mean?
Backcountry is a term that refers to land that is isolated, undeveloped, remote and difficult to access. Only non-motorised travel is allowed. Backcountry travel always comes with inherent risks and winter safety should be considered. Please visit Parks Canada Winter Safety for more information.

Please see our list of winter trails:

Linnet Lake Trail
A short loop around Linnet Lake at the base of the Prince of Wales is a perfect winter hike. Sheltered from the elements, this short walk around the forested lake gives a sense of quiet and serenity. Start at the parking area across the entrance road from the Parks Canada Operations Buildings. Learn about the area with the unique interpretive displays around the trail. Continue up the Prince of Wales hill trail if you want to catch the view.

Distance: 1 km / 0.6 mi (return)
Avalanche Rating: Simple Class 1
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Rating: Easy
Timing: 20 minutes

Prince of Wales Hill
Start at the day use area on Waterton Lake located across the road from the Akamina Parkway entrance. Beautiful winter views of snow capped mountains as the iconic Waterton Valley follows you as you walk along Waterton Lake. Once you reach Linnet Lake parking area, continue on the trail to the top of the hill and view the historic hotel in all its winter splendor.

Distance: 2 kms/1.2 miles
Avalanche Rating: Simple Class 1
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Rating: Easy
Timing: 45 minutes

Kootenai Brown Trail
This paved trail follows the entire length of the entrance road and can be hiked in the winter. This trail is not cleared so wear proper foot wear. Follow the sidewalk out of the townsite and continue along this 16 km round trip walk. Head out to Driftwood Beach for those classic winter photos or use this trail to practice your snowshoeing skills before choosing one of our other winter trails.

Distance: 16 km/10 miles total but distance options available
Avalanche Rating: Not Avalanche Terrain
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Rating: Easy
Timing: Activity dependant

Townsite Loop
Experience the solitude of Waterton in the winter and see the townsite under a blanket of snow. This trail loops around the town and ends at Cameron Falls, which can be an amazing frozen watertfall in many of the winter months. See more wildlife than people and enjoy this quiet lakeside escape.

Distance: 3.2 km/2 miles
Avalanche Rating: Not Avalanche Terrain
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Rating: Easy
Timing: 1 hour*

Bertha Point and Falls
See this favourite trail in the winter time on snowshoes or just enjoy a winter hike. Views of snowy mountain peaks and a frozen waterfall are the highlights of this trail. Bertha Point is a great place to stop and enjoy a warm hot chocolate while gazing out onto the winter Waterton valley.

** NOTE: This trail is in Avalanche Terrain. Be prepared with the proper equipment and please review Trail Condition Reports and Avalanche Terrain Ratings before you begin. **

Distance: 5.2 km/3.2 miles
Avalanche Rating: Challenging Class 2
Elevation: 175m/574 ft.
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Timing: 1.5 hours

Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake
To get to Cameron Lake from Akamina Parkway you will first embark on a 15.5 km/9.6 mile scenic drive(one way). Please be prepared for winter road travel. Once you reach the Little Prairie parking area, leave your vehicle and snowshoe, cross-country ski or walk into Cameron Lake (approx. 1.5 kms). If you are interested in seeing Cameron Lake in its winter slumber overnight, you may want to contact the Alpine Club of Canada to book their Backcountry cabin that sits just 0.2 km/0.1 mile from the lake. There are other trails along this parkway, you will see the trailhead signs, thhey include Crandell Lake and Loop (6 km), Lineham Falls (10km), Rowe Lakes (12km) and Akamina Pass (to BC Border) (15km).

** NOTE: This road is classified as Backcountry and Class 1 Avalanche Terrain. All trails along this road vary in difficulty and in Avalanche Terrain rating, so be prepared with proper safety equipment and please review Trail Condition Reports and Avalanche Terrain Ratings before you begin. **

Crandell Lake and Loop
The first trailhead along the Akamina Parkway, this short 3.6 km trip to an alpine lake makes a great snowshoe trip. Keep going past the lake and follow the trail to the Red Rock Parkway to complete the Crandell Loop back to the townsite, or return the way you came (approximately 6 km).

Distance: 3.8 km / 2.4 mi (return)
Avalanche Rating: Simple Class 1 to Lake, Challenging Class 2 for Loop
Elevation Gain: 75m / 246 ft.
Timing: 1 hour