Best trails in Waterton Lakes National Park

Rowe Lakes is a popular trail in Waterton Lakes National Park with the lower lake at 4km and elevation gain of 350m, and upper lake another 3km and 220m gain beyond that. A beautiful three tiered waterfall can be seen about 1km prior to arriving at the lower lake.

Access via Wishbone/Vimy Trailhead located along Highway 6 in Waterton Lakes National Park. At 26km this is a full day hike so be sure to bring plenty of water, or for those with a water filter you'll find two stream crossings along the way. Vimy Peak is a distinct landmark throughout the park however panoramic views from its summit are beyond words.

Flipped the calendar to September and thought, would this be a great day to tackle Bertha Peak? Damn straight! Did this hike September 1st, 2025 (Labour Day). Solo hike. Trail head is right in the Waterton town, off of Evergreen ave. Lots of parking and bathrooms across the street. Not much elevation for the first few km’s, basically until you get to the waterfalls and cross the bridge. From the waterfalls to the lake you gain about 300 meters over 4 km, so nothing too difficult. Lots of switchbacks and gentle inclines. Sun and shade and overgrown in places but a lovely walk. The lake is nice, not as beautiful as some others (Wall, Haig, Window etc) but still cool. And cool! You walk around a quarter of the lake basically on the north side until the obvious trail heading up. As I’ve said before in other reviews, this is where the work starts. Pretty tough uphill for the next few km’s. No summit in site so you are fooled into thinking you are close. You’re not. Some route finding may be needed as the trail isn’t always obvious. Used the GPS a few times to keep me on track. There’s actually two trails leading up. The AllTrails route and another dotted line on your app. I suggest the dotted line called ‘Bertha Peak Route’. Took this going down and it was much more of an obvious trail. You gain lots of elevation here until you get to a small larch forest where you unfortunately lose about 100 meters, before emerging into the open and climbing again to the summit. Still can’t see it until you’re almost there. The walk along the cliff edge is very cool with great views of Vimy and Waterton lakes and back down to Bertha Lake. Once on the summit the views are spectacular. Crandell and Buchanan and Lineham and Blakiston are all there. Gorgeous. Huge cairn! There was zero wind on the summit and so lots of flies all around the cairn. Very strange. Took some photos and videos and enjoyed the hot sun and then started the descent. After getting down to the lake I chilled on the beach and enjoyed the solitude. Long walk back to the trailhead but lovely, passed a few folks heading up and made my way. Stopped at Driftwood beach for a quick dip in the freezing water of Waterton Lake and saw a small black bear along the parking area. Hard hike. The middle section is tough and the grind to the summit as well, but so lovely. Perfect Waterton day. 1272 meters 17km 5:30:00

We hiked the weekend before Labour Day long weekend. You can buy the ferry tickets before departure 8:30am. There is an early boat at 8:15am for 28 people. Chain section is doable but not dog friendly. Leave enough time for the return, and I highly recommend take Hell Roaring Falls -- a beautiful falls down, and several lookout for Upper Waterton Lake. Our 2-day trip at Waterton Lakes NP: https://skihiketravel.com/waterton-lakes-national-park-things-to-do/

We didn't find the phone!!! This is an extremely hard 14.5 km hike. Straight up some reprieve on the ridge and then more uphill climbing. The trail is tricky with rocks and sand and scree. Coming down is equally challenging as going up. Beautiful views of Waterton Lakes when you get to the top.

Great hiking trail with picturesque surrounding mountains and lakes. One of best scenic trail in Waterton lakes NP.. Love it.