10 Best Hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park Overview

Waterton Lakes National Park is located in the southwest corner of Alberta, across the US-Canadian border from Glacier National Park. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-colored streams, colorful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area. The best hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park are described in detail below.

Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park

Akamina RIdge and Forum Peak 

Akamina Pass is a wide trail with steep sections which leads to the boundary of British Columbia and Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park. Continuing into the provincial park gives access to Wall Lake and Forum Lake, each surrounded by their own set of sheer rock walls. A short side trip from the Forum Lake trail will lead you to Forum Falls and Forum Peak. Akamina Ridge then follows the boundary between British Columbia and Alberta before descending to Wall Lake and back to the trailhead. One of the triple crown hikes in Waterton Lakes. 

• 13.8 mile (22.2km) loop
• 4,200’ (1,280m) elevation gain
• Strenuous

Crypt Lake 

Not only is this one of the best hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park but it is one of the best all around adventures. Be prepared for a varied all day hike with spectacular mountain views, several waterfalls, climbs along steep slopes, and a tight tunnel opening onto a narrow ledge above a cliff. A 20-minute side trip off the main trail provides views of Hell Roaring Falls and a steep canyon below. This hike requires a boat shuttle to and from the trailhead. Contact Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. for shuttle schedule and availability, particularly during spring and fall. A much longer way to access the trail involves hiking/biking 14 km of the Wishbone trail. One of the triple crown hikes in Waterton Lakes. 

• 10.8 miles (17.5km) out and back
• 2,215’ (675m) elevation gain
• Strenuous

Bear’s Hump

This short, but very steep trail takes you to a bluff on the side of Mount Crandell, known to the Blackfoot as Bear Mountain. Views from the top are spectacular, including the Townsite, the Waterton Valley and lakes, south into Glacier National Park, U.S. and northeast to prairie ranch land. For family-friendly options, this is easily one of the best hikes in Waterton National Park.

• 1.8 miles (2.8km) out and back
• 740’ (225m) elevation gain
• Moderate

Vimy Peak

A wide trail leads through forests of aspen and birch, crosses streams and traverses some wide stretches of open prairie. The terrain steepens and is more forested just before reaching the junction with the Vimy Trail. The trail to the left climbs steeply to the end of the Vimy trail and crosses montane and subalpine forests of fir and larch. Please note that the final km from the end of the trail to the summit of Vimy Peak requires a scramble and route finding in steep terrain with loose rock and short cliff bands.

• 13.0 miles (21.0km) out and back
• 3,405’ (1,038m) elevation gain
• Strenuous

Alderson-Carthew

A steady climb from Cameron Falls in Waterton townsite to Alderson Lake below the towering cliffs of Mount Alderson, then ascend steep switchbacks to alternating shale and shrubs surrounding the Carthew Lakes. A steady climb gives way to a steeper trail along the slope leading to the Summit, where you can gaze back at the Carthew Lakes and out to the Waterton Valley and prairie in the distance. Switchbacks lead down to Summit Lake and onwards to the trail’s end, complete with stunning views of Cameron Lake. One of the triple crown hikes in Waterton Lakes. 

• 11.9 miles (19.2km) one-way
• 3,355’ (1,020m) elevation gain
• Strenuous 

Rowe Lakes and Mt. Lineham Summit

The trail starts along Rowe Creek as it tumbles over mossy ledges and bright red argillite rocks. Walk through forests and along open slopes to a junction and short path off the main trail to Lower Rowe Lake. Continue from the junction to the wildflowers and stream at Rowe Meadow and then up steep switchbacks to Upper Rowe Lakes. At Rowe Meadow another set of steep switchbacks leads north onto the ridge above the sparkling chain of Lineham Lakes. Continue up the ridge and scree field to the summit of Mt. Lineham! 

• 11.3 miles (18.2km) out and back
• 4,250’ (1,295m) elevation gain
• Strenuous

Bertha Falls & Bertha Lake

This trail starts with a moderate climb from Waterton townsite to a viewpoint overlooking Upper Waterton Lake. From there you can follow the creek to Lower Bertha Falls. Then you can continue up steep switchbacks, past brief views of Upper Bertha Falls and on to Bertha Lake. The lake is surrounded by a walking path below magnificent peaks and cliffs.

• 6.4 miles (10.4km) out and back
• 1,510’ (460m) elevation gain
• Moderate

Blakiston Falls

Walk past the kitchen shelter, cross the bridge over Red Rock Creek, then left across the bridge over Bauerman Creek and turn right.A short walk from Red Rock Canyon leads to a waterfall with viewpoints

• 1.2 miles (2km) out and back
• No elevation gain
• Easy.

Lineham Falls

Steady uphill hike to a viewpoint below a stunning 250-metre high waterfall. Excellent views of Mount Lineham and Mount Blakiston, the highest peak in the park.

• 5.6 miles (9km) out and back
• 1,150’ (350m) elevation gain
• Moderate

Red Rock Canyon

A paved trail around and across a colorful canyon with red, white and green rock. Trail includes interpretive panels.

• 0.4 miles (0.7km) loop
• No elevation gain
• Easy

Featured Image: Waterton Lakes National Parks, Photo by Jan Mosimann

Don’t forget to stock up on the essentials before you plan your next hiking or camping trip! We have recommendations on:
TENTS
HIKING BOOTS
AND MORE!