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Best trails in Waterton Lakes National Park

Best trails in Waterton Lakes National Park

4.4(27,467 reviews)

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Canada
: 
#3 of 49 national parks

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Waterton Lakes National Park is located on the South border of Canada, right next to Glacier National Park in Montana, United States. It was established in 1895. Its landscape is made of mountains, prairies, lakes and waterfalls. It is home to a varied wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, cougars, timber wolves, mountain sheep, mountain goats, etc. It is a great place to backpack, hike, camp, watch wildlife and snowshoe or ski in the winter.

Top trails

1
#1 - Bear's Hump
4.7(4534)
•Moderate
•1.4 mi
•Est. 1h 10m
Bear’s Hump is a short and steep hike from the famous Waterton Lakes. The hike starts from the Visitor Center to rocky outcroppings and offers great views of the Prince Wales Hotel, Waterton Lakes and surrounding lakes and mountain range. On a clear day, hikers will be able to look down the lake towards the United States too. This trail is located in Waterton Lakes National Park and is very convenient and popular as it's one of the shortest hikes starting behind the Visitor's Center. For the...
2
#2 - Crypt Lake Trail
4.8(3623)
•Hard
•11.5 mi
The trailhead for this hike is on the water and is only reachable by ferry (or canoe, kayak, etc.) Tickets for the ferry are available at the marina. Seating is limited and may sell out, so it is best to arrive early to purchase tickets. Pay close attention to the pick-up times for return to town after the hike. After the last scheduled pick-up of the day, there will be no more ferries coming until the following morning. The ferry is also subject to closures. For rates and additional...
3
#3 - Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail
4.7(2437)
•Moderate
•7.4 mi
•Est. 4h 11m
This trail climbs from the shore of Waterton Lake to Bertha Lake. It passes the lower and upper Bertha Falls and offers several great views of Waterton Park, the lake and surrounding Canadian Rockies.The trailhead is right in the village of Waterton. Plan ahead for sun exposure as most of the trail is not covered. The hike is fairly easy at the beginning as it follows the lake shore and splits from the Great Divide trail to link with the Bertha stream. The Great Divide trail continues to...
4
#4 - Lower Bertha Falls and Lake
4.7(2189)
•Moderate
•3.3 mi
•Est. 1h 38m
The Lower Bertha Falls is a good beginner-level hike, but it is not too easy. Especially for those who are not used to elevation gain, slow speeds are the best way to enjoy this relatively short hike to the falls. The first third of the hike is mostly all ascent, with some good points of flatness and views. When hikers finish this section, they roll out onto a fairly flat viewpoint that provides beautiful sweeping views of the lake below. It is also common for people to see animals from this...
5
#5 - Blakiston Falls Trail
4.5(917)
•Easy
•1.5 mi
•Est. 42m
This is an awesome short and sweet little walk to new and improved lookout points for the Blakinston Falls, which were renovated between 2020 and 2021. This adventure will be good one for a little stroll with friends or with young kids. Overall, this is a beautiful easy walk in the forest from Red Rock Canyon day-use area. There are plenty of stairs here, so be sure to come prepared to move those legs.
6
#6 - Carthew Alderson Trail
4.8(869)
•Hard
•11.6 mi
•Est. 6h 52m
This is a point-to-point hike. As such, visitors will either need two vehicles (one parked at Cameron Lake and the other at Waterton townsite), or to park a single vehicle at the townsite and take a shuttle to Cameron Lake to begin the hike. It is recommended that the shuttle be booked in advance, as spaces are limited and may sell out. It is very important that each member of the hiking group is carrying bear spray, as bears and other wildlife are regularly spotted on this trail. Many...
7
#7 - Red Rock Canyon Trail
4.4(881)
•Moderate
•0.5 mi
•Est. 15m
The Red Rock Canyon Trail is a super short and easy hike that is more of a walk to a viewpoint than a true nature hike. The short path follows a nice route that moves along the canyon at lower levels, high levels, and even through the water during the summer when water levels are lower. It is best to head down into the canyon, since this section of the trail really does highlight the beautiful and colourful geologic formations that people come here for. Folks will really see this as more of...
8
#8 - Rowe Lakes via Rowe Creek Trail
4.7(953)
•Moderate
•8.4 mi
•Est. 4h 45m
This is a very pretty hike, that is also quite challenging. When hiking Upper Rowe you will notice that the last kilometre is a pretty good climb up but the viewpoint over Lineham Ridge is breathtaking. The route begins in burnt forest then enters unburnt greenery. Walking along the creek is beautiful and it is worth your while to take the short detour to Lower Rowe. Horseback riding is available from September 1 to June 30.
9
#9 - Wall Lake
4.7(620)
•Moderate
•7.1 mi
•Est. 3h 21m
Wall Lake is the most popular hike in Akamina-Kishinena Park. This lake has a breathtaking setting beneath sheer limestone rock walls. The large snow fields located at the north end of the lake are visible into midsummer add a wonderful contrast to the deep green of the lake and forest.  Up top is the Akamina Ridge another hike in this area.
10
#10 - Bertha Lake Loop from Waterton Park
4.7(504)
•Hard
•9.2 mi
•Est. 4h 53m
This hike starts off on the Waterton Lakeshore trail, which ends up in Goat Haunt, Montana. As a footnote, in the summer months there are semi-weekly International Peace Park interpreted hikes, which are lead by both a Waterton Park and Glacier National Park rangers when the border is open. These outings are extremely entertaining and informative, ending off with a boat cruise back to Waterton. After about 1.5 km (1 mile), the Bertha Lakes trail veers sharply north away from the Lakeshore...
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Waterton Lakes National Park charges a fee to enter.

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in Waterton Lakes National Park

Top Picks in Waterton Lakes National Park

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Trail reviews for Waterton Lakes National Park

23,646 trailgoers Busiest in July
Eric Blair
Sep 2, 2024•Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

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.

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Medium lot
Difficulty: Hard
Vimy Peak via Wishbone Trail
Karen Donahue
Jul 19, 2025
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

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.

Mount Crandell West Route
Ellen Bai
Jul 12, 2025•Hiking
Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

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

Mount Lineham
Hanna Hannem
Jul 6, 2025
Great views

It’s LEGS day kind of hike ! It’s all incline. This has been in my bucket list and so glad I got to complete it with my family so that was a bonus. Parking is limited. We tried for 3 days to park here and by the 3rd day, we found a spot driving into town! Blessed. Since after we parked… parking lot was full again by seconds. Bring lots of water, SPF, lip balm, good hiking shoes for grip, poles if needed for balance and support, and light clothing since it is HOT. Due to the fires, this hike has high sun exposure. No shade at all so hike early! … & enjoy the views. Waterton lakes is one of the most beautiful lakes in my opinion. We come here every year! It’s glorious.

Bear's Hump
Cousin Squatch
Nov 2, 2024•Hiking
Not crowdedDog-friendlyGreat views

Bertha Lake is a large hourglass shaped alpine lake with one of Waterton Lakes most coveted and scenic back country campgrounds. This hike is a definite 5 stars for a combination of the views of Waterton Lakes along with Bertha Peak, Mount Richard’s and Bertha Falls on the way up the mountain pass. You will walk through some of the burned areas from the 2017 fire but it is balanced by plenty of lush conifers along the way. This time of year there will be snow at the lake and in the higher elevations as you climb up and over the mountain pass. The lake sits at around 5800ft/1770m. Today there was no need for cleats as the trail was still accessible with good shoes. See pictures for more details. Overall I would consider it a moderate to hard hike depending on various fitness levels. The park did a great job on the number of switchbacks on the trail in order to minimize the grade and make it manageable by more hikers. If you go during the peak season you may struggle to get a parking spot so plan to get there early.

Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail
Jody Evanson
Sep 13, 2024•Hiking

Good trail to lake. Trail is decent to the summit block. Some route finding. Blue and orange ribbons and cairns. AllTrails map is accurate. Very pronounced trail compared to 5 years ago… attests to the popularity of this summit. Easy scrambling. Steep hiking. Incredible views or Waterton Lakes, Bertha Lake and falls, and numerous Waterton peaks.

Bertha Peak Route
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Waterton Lakes National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Waterton Lakes National Park is Bear's Hump, which has a 4.7 star rating from 4,534 reviews. This trail is 1.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 715 ft.

What is the longest trail in Waterton Lakes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Waterton Lakes National Park is Great Divide Trail Section A: International Boundary to Crowsnest Pass. This trail is estimated to be 87.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Waterton Lakes National Park?

There are 101 trails in Waterton Lakes National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 27,467 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Waterton Lakes National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Waterton Lakes National Park has you covered. Great Divide Trail Section A: International Boundary to Crowsnest Pass boasts the most elevation gain with 21,879 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Avion Ridge via Rowe Creek Trail, which will get you 14,940 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Waterton Lakes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 39 camping trails in Waterton Lakes National Park and the most popular is Crypt Lake Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 3,623 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Waterton Lakes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 29 running trails in Waterton Lakes National Park and the most popular is Bear's Hump with an average 4.7 star rating from 4,534 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Waterton Lakes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 15 biking trails in Waterton Lakes National Park and the most popular is Crandell Lake Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 607 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Some popular summer hiking trails in Waterton Lakes National Park are Crypt Lake Trail, Bear's Hump, Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail, Lower Bertha Falls and Lake, and Carthew Alderson Trail.

What are the best fall hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Some popular winter hiking trails in Waterton Lakes National Park are Bear's Hump, Crandell Lake Trail, Lower Bertha Falls and Lake, Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail, and Cameron Lake Trail.

What are the best spring hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Waterton Lakes National Park are Bear's Hump, Lower Bertha Falls and Lake, Crandell Lake Trail, Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail, and Waterton Park Townsite Loop.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Yes, there are 39 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Waterton Lakes National Park, including Akamina Pass, Wall Lake, and Forum Lake Trail Loop, Bertha Peak Route, Mount Lineham, Mount Carthew, and Forum Peak and Akamina Ridge Loop.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Yes, there are 13 trails with waterfalls in Waterton Lakes National Park, including Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail, Lower Bertha Falls and Lake, Carthew Alderson Trail, Bertha Lake Loop from Waterton Park, and Lineham Falls Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Yes, there are 16 trails with scenic viewpoints in Waterton Lakes National Park, including Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail, Lower Bertha Falls and Lake, Carthew Alderson Trail, Bertha Lake Loop from Waterton Park, and Lineham Falls Trail.

Are there any trails with lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Yes, there are 57 trails with lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park, including Crypt Lake Trail, Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake Trail, Lower Bertha Falls and Lake, Carthew Alderson Trail, and Rowe Lakes via Rowe Creek Trail.

Are there any trails with huts in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Yes, there are 5 trails with huts in Waterton Lakes National Park, including Tamarack Trail, Lone Lake via South Kootenai Pass, Lone Mountain, Red Rock Canyon to Rowe Lakes Trail, and Blakiston Peak via Red Rock Canyon.

Are there any trails with rivers in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Yes, there are 19 trails with rivers in Waterton Lakes National Park, including Blakiston Falls Trail, Crandell Lake Trail, Red Canyon Trail and Blakiston Falls, Akamina Parkway, and Mount Crandell West Route.

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with historical ruins in Waterton Lakes National Park, including Akamina Parkway, Hawkins Horseshoe, and Hawkins Horseshoe, Lineham Ridge and Rowe Creek Trail.