Hiking

Take a free guided hike with a Parks Canada interpreter (from June through September).

Our interpretive trails include information panels that tell a story about the park - the plants, wildlife and people that have shaped the area.

There are four trails with interpretive panels in Waterton Lakes National Park:

• Townsite Loop
• Linnet Lake Loop
• Red Rock Canyon Loop
• Cameron Lakeshore

Hikers need to take individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely. Even short trips from the Waterton townsite can have serious consequences. Minimize your risk by planning ahead.

Parks Canada provides information to help people understand and assess the risk so that they can make travel decisions. Make sure you have the knowledge, equipment and supplies to have a safe and enjoyable hike.

• Study trail descriptions and maps before starting.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Check current trail conditions and any trail cautions or closures.
• Consult our list of current infrastructure projects for potential impacts to your trip.
• Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather.
• Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your group.
• Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps and gear.
• Carry a first aid kit and bear spray.
• Tell somebody where you’re going, when you’ll be back and who to call if you don’t return (call 911).
• Travel with a friend or group.
• Ticks carrying Lyme disease may be present in the park. It is important to check yourself and your pet after hiking.

Kenow Wildfire

Areas affected by the Kenow Wildfire may have increased hazards. These hazards may be triggered at any time with little or no warning.

Snowy and icy trails

Snow can remain on some trails until early summer. Travel through hard snow and ice can be unsafe. Be prepared and check trail conditions before heading out.

Avalanche risk

Much of the mountain area within Waterton Lakes National Park is avalanche terrain. Until late June, trails may be subject to avalanche hazard.

• Trail guide and map
• Full water bottle or thermos
• High energy food
• Bear spray
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
• Hat and gloves
• Hiking poles
• Rain/wind jacket
• Extra warm clothing in case of an emergency
• Cell phone or satellite emergency communication device.

Our trails are shared by different types of users. Please be considerate of others and stay to the right of the trail to allow others to pass. As a best practice, hikers should yield to horseback riders, and cyclists should yield to both hikers and horseback riders.

Parks Canada encourages visitors who are planning to travel in the backcountry to practice Leave No Trace skills and ethics. Leave No Trace is a national program that promotes and inspires responsible outdoor recreation and stewardship of public lands.

The program depends more on attitude and awareness than on rules and regulations. The time you spend in the backcountry can be safer and more rewarding if you strive to Leave No Trace of your visit on the resources, or on the experiences of other visitors.

Please practice the following seven principles of Leave No Trace.

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of others

Waterton Lakes National Park is home to both grizzly and black bears, and other wildlife including elk, wolves and cougars. Although the chances of having an encounter with an aggressive bear are low, proper planning before you head out can help reduce your risk.

Hiking in bear country requires some extra precautions when it comes to staying safe, for both you and the bears.

Dogs are welcomed on trails in Waterton Lakes National Park, but only if they are kept on leash and under control at all times. Staying on-leash is important, not just for your dog’s safety but for the safety and preservation of many of the park's wildlife species. Please stay safe and respect this rule. And, of course, always scoop that poop and dispose of it responsibly!

Waterton Lakes National Park offers good opportunities for wilderness recreation. See our Backcountry camping section for information on travelling and staying overnight in the backcountry.