Best trails in Waterton Lakes National Park
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
Visitor info
Waterton Lakes National Park charges a fee to enter.
Guides
Trail reviews for Waterton Lakes National Park
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.
Most iconic trial in beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park. We have seen 15 lakes along this hike. Great trail conditions and weather conditions today. It helped us finish the Triple Crown Of Waterton. It’s easier if you starts from Cameron Lake. Have fun and be patient!
One of the best views in Waterton Lakes National Park!
Stunning hike! No scrambling at all on this route. If you go a little further on the SE ridge after the summit, you can see the full Waterton Lakes. Good scree skiing for 100m after coming down from the West Ridge. Views are really impressive all around, especially on the horseshoe ridge and at the summit. Trail was really quiet on this beautiful Saturday morning. Be safe and enjoy!
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.
Hiked on an overcast day in mid September. Super easy trailhead to find... right near town in Waterton. It's a short/painful trail, with a 700+ foot climb over 3/4 of a mile. The trail is easy though... well maintained with steps etc. and the views from the top are fantastic, overlooking the town, Upper Waterton Lake, the Prince of Wales hotel, and prairie. A must do hike if you're visiting Waterton Lakes.