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Best trails in Waterton Lakes National Park

Best trails in Waterton Lakes National Park

4.4(24,207 reviews)

·

Canada
#3 of 49 national parks

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.

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Showing results 1–10 of 98
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Waterton Lakes National Park charges a fee to enter.

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Trail reviews for Waterton Lakes National Park

20,028 trailgoers Busiest in August
Sep 2, 2024Hiking
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
Aug 11, 2024Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

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!

Carthew Alderson Trail
Aug 1, 2024Hiking

One of the best views in Waterton Lakes National Park!

Conditions: Great!
Crypt Lake Trail
Jun 7, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

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!

Conditions: Dusty
Mount Crandell West Route
Nov 2, 2024Hiking
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
Sep 19, 2024Hiking
Great views

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.

Parking: Entry fee, Medium lot
Difficulty: Moderate
Bear's Hump
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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 4,044 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 98 trails in Waterton Lakes National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 24,207 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 3,173 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Waterton Lakes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 31 running trails in Waterton Lakes National Park and the most popular is Bear's Hump with an average 4.7 star rating from 4,044 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Waterton Lakes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 16 biking trails in Waterton Lakes National Park and the most popular is Crandell Lake Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 537 community reviews.