Waterton National Park - Day Hiking

Top 5 Day Hiking Trails

Image of Bertha Lake in Waterton National Park with reflective mirror-like surface reflecting the Rocky Mountains with glaciers and a pine forest under a blue sky

Bertha

Hike up the Bertha to see the beautiful Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake.

This is a moderate trail that will take you about 4.5 hours (roundtrip) to complete.

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Scenic image of Akamina Pass in Waterton National Park from above on a high elevation overlooking a hiking trail towards a glacier lake and Rocky Mountain cliffsides

Akamina Pass

Hike to see British Columbia’s Wall and Forum Lakes, with a short detour to see the Forum Falls.

This is a moderate hike with minimal elevation gain that will take you about 1 hour to complete.

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Image of the lakeshore of the Waterton Lakes in Waterton National Park with clear waters, with the Rocky Mountains in the background and trees in fall colours.

Lakeshore

Hike to enjoy a scenic view of the Waterton lakes. From there continue on to see Bertha Bay, Boundary Bay, and the United States’ Glacier National Park.

This is a moderate trail that will take you about 4 hours to complete.

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Image of Lineham falls in Waterton National Park, a waterfall that falls from the peaks of Mount Lineham, showing the mountain's cliff face.

Lineham

Hike up the Lineham to see a stunning 250m tall waterfall and scenic vistas of Mount Lineham and Mount Blakiston.

This is a moderate trail that will take you about 3 hours to complete.

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Image of the Rowe Lakes with emerald green waters and calm reflective surface reflecting the background pine forest and rocky mountain vistas.

Rowe Lakes

Hike through the forests, across red argillite rocks, and spend a scenic afternoon at the Rowe lakes.

These are moderate trails that will take about 3 hours for the Lower Rowe Lake or 5 hours for the Upper Rowe Lake to complete.

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Hike with Majestic Wildlife

Waterton is home to a diverse mountain fauna. Deer and Big Horn Sheep can be spotted even in the middle of the town, and birds sing as you make your ways through the many trails.

Feel free to admire, but remember to keep your distance, especially during mating season when the animals may display more aggressive than normal behaviour.

Image of a rodent, perhaps a prairie dog, looking at the camera being photographed on the Bear's Hump rock formation looking over the town of Waterton in Waterton National Park and the Waterton Lakes as well as the Waterton valley.
Image of a Brown Grizzly Bear in nature at Waterton National Park looking at the camera in the middle of a forest on grass.

Bears and wildcats such as cougars and lynxes also make Waterton their home. When you choose to day hike or multi-day hike in Waterton, remember to respect the wildlife and to prepare yourself with knowledge to avoid dangerous encounters with wildlife.

Make noise, travel in groups, and carry gear such as sprays in the chance that you may have to defend yourself and/or those around you.

Read More about Waterton's Wildlife

Famished after your day hike? Worry not!

The town of Waterton is home to many restaurants and diners. From the classic burgers, pizzas, pastas, steaks, to even a specialty waffle shop. Fill your stomach with a variety of cuisine in the town, all while enjoying the breathtaking lakeside mountains views!

Image of Restaurant Lakeside Chophouse in the town of Waterton in Waterton National Park by the lakeside with views of the mountains on a clear day
Start your Foodie adventure here!
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