Top Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park
Top Hotels in Waterton Lakes National Park
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Top 10 Nature & Parks in Waterton Lakes National Park, Canadian Rockies
Discover the best top things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta including Crypt Lake Trail, Carthew - Alderson Trail, International Peace Park Hike, Bertha Lake, Snowshoe Trail, Bertha Falls, Cameron Lake, Red Rock Canyon, Upper Waterton Lake, Blakiston Falls.
Restaurants in Waterton Lakes National Park
1. Crypt Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By Burkendah - Cold Lake, Canada
No trip to Waterton National Park would be complete without a hike to Crypt Lake. It is probably one of the most difficult hikes but it is well worth it. The landscapes are stunning, the views are amazing, the lake itself is one of the most beautiful I have ever soon (and I have traveled all over the world). The trail is full of plants, insects, birds and mammals (mule deer, squirrels, prairie dogs, marmots) The feeling of accomplishment when you complete the hike is genuine. It is a tough hike but anyone with enough determination can do it.
2. Carthew - Alderson Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By SandyJ158 - Cochrane, Canada
We debated the choice of Crypt Lake or the Carthew- Alderson trek. The C.A. pass won out and we had the pleasure of booking and riding the early shuttle bus to the Cameron Lake trailhead with the Waterton Outdoor Adventures service. Bookings for the morning trip (7:30 a.m.) were easily made the day before with a very pleasant and personable staff member at Tamarack Outfitters. We had a lovely and informative ride up to the starting point with our knowledgeable owner/driver and knew exactly where to begin as she walked the group right to the trailhead. This was a reasonably priced, extremely handy service, complete with complimentary tea/coffee and a great way to start the day. The hike itself was spectacular, with views of 5 different stunning lakes, a myriad of waterfalls and incredible 360 degree views from the summit. With bluebird skies and a rare day without any wind, this rates as a lifetime hike. It is a strenuous day hike but worthy every bit of effort to get to each new view. Go on a day with sunshine as the views are outstanding!
3. International Peace Park Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Azxsdfr
Owned by the Canadian government, so no new development allowed. Like being back in the 50's in the town of Watertown. Lots to do, but plan ahead for reservations at a number of locations
4. Bertha Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By ChefRobHarrison - Regina, Canada
Apart from the climb after the falls, which could be a challenge for some, this is a must do hike. The lake is beautiful and can be walked around, although the trail is not maintained. It is worth the effort
5. Snowshoe Trail
6. Bertha Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Greenlakereener - Vancouver, Canada
The Bertha Falls trail was one of the only trails open and accessible by car as the two main roads in the park are currently closed due to the forest fires of 2017. But because the trailhead for the falls hike was located close to the town, we were able to drive to the parking lot and access this trail. The hike began with a climb in elevation that took us high above the lake, through the burned out forest, with great views of the lake and town, until we reached a series of pretty waterfalls. It was steep in places but not too hard. You really get a good look at the devastation the fire caused as you hike past many burned trees. You reach a series of small waterfalls first and then you come to the big lower falls. At this point you can see the trail rising steeply above the falls so we chose to turn around at this point. It took us a little less than two hours roundtrip to complete this portion of the hike. Take lots of water as there is no shade and you do climb uphill a lot.
7. Cameron Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
The climax of a 16 km (10 mile) scenic highway known as the Akamina Parkway, is Cameron Lake. Nestled between the majestic mountain peaks of the Akamina Ridge, this sub-alpine lake is one of many serene bodies of water that makes up Waterton Lakes National Park. Beautiful Cameron lake is a great place to rent a canoe and grizzlies are often seen on the far slopes.
Reviewed By sandraburke9189 - Lacombe, Canada
Beautiful lake and inlet to Waterton Lake Townsite. Tour boats are on hand; canoeing and paddle boats are allowed. US border just across the way! Mountain backdrop awesome. Didnt take part in this activity, weather was too cold, rough and very windy but just imagine the locations; awesome. Visit in 2021 Spring.
8. Red Rock Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 859 reviews
Reviewed By GallantJ - Alberta, Canada
We visited Red Rock Canyon in July 2020. The drive along Red Rock Canyon was beautiful and scenic. We were disappointed that we didn't see any wildlife as others had mentioned, but the landscape is amazing and shows the devastation left by the fire. The wild flower ground cover is impressive, as it grows up where the trees were once super thick. There are two parking lots at the canyon, both of which fill up quickly by mid-day. There are also washrooms on site. We arrived at 9:30 on a Thursday, well before the crowds, and had the place almost to ourselves. I've seen pictures of the canyon crowded with hundreds of people, which is the way it was by the time we left a few hours later. Definitely go early for a more serene experience. One of the bridges was out, so it wasn't possible to do a complete loop around the canyon. The park is undergoing lots of repairs and upgrades since the fire. It's great to see the area coming back since the fire, so this is all part of the process. It's a super easy hike around the canyon, and we were able to safely venture down into it and explore. The kids liked playing the cold water. Some people sat and had a lunch. From the canyon, there are a number of hiking paths and horse trails of varying difficulty levels. We chose to hike up to Blackiston Falls (about 1 km), and while we turned around here, there is a much longer hike that continues past this point. The path is clear all the way and the scenery absolutely beautiful. At the falls, they have built two look-off platforms. It is an easy hike for all ages. I highly recommend going early in the day, or perhaps even later in the evening. By the time we left, people were circling the parking lot looking for spaces, the canyon was full of visitors, and the place just didn't feel as nice. Overall, a great experience. A beautiful spot!
9. Upper Waterton Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By Altius10 - Calgary, Canada
Our first trip here so decided to stay for a couple of nights. A quiet and very quaint town in mid September. We still had warm weather with some sun trying to break through the smoke from the California wildfires. Loved the trails around the lake. The picnic tables beside the lake were perfect for an outdoor lunch. Finally - the view of the lake was outstanding from the hiking trails at higher elevations.
10. Blakiston Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By GallantJ - Alberta, Canada
Started at Red Rock Canyon and hiked the short 1 km in to the falls (2 km return). The hike up is beautiful. The trails can be busy at midday, so go earlier in the day for a more serene experience. We went at 9:30am and it was peaceful with not many people around. The trail is pretty easy and would be fine for all ages. The route in inclined, so it's a bit more work than on the way out. The scenery is amazing. Since the wildfire of 2017 burned most of the trees in that area, you can actually see further and have a great view of the mountains. The wildflower ground cover is like nothing I've ever seen before, with beautiful flowers native to the mountain range. It's like looking at a tree graveyard and provides a glimpse of the devastation. Once you get to the falls, there are two new viewing platforms. The trail continues for 10+ km past the falls, although we turned around there and made our way back. The trail is clearly defined. Definitely wear proper sneakers or hiking boots. Would recommend this beautiful hike if in Waterton!
