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S01 E03 - 5 Scenic Hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park
Words by Steve Fennell
Sometimes when you hear the terms ‘hike’ and ‘Canadian Rockies’ in the same sentence, it’s only natural to think of steep switchbacks, intense exposure, bears, and rugged narrow trails with loose footing. We admit that these exist. What would adventurous outdoor experiences be like without them? But not all National Parks in Western Canada are the same and the trails within them are just as diverse for every skill level.
Travel Alberta Johannes Hulsch bokehm0n
Just one of the many scenic drives in the area, which is sometimes required to access the trailheads.
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Waterton Lakes National Park and admire one of the most scenic regions in Alberta. Located in the southwest corner of the province, the park has 200 km (120 mi) of trails and Parks Canada touts their routes from easy and moderate (for seniors and young families) to difficult for the more adventurous.
This means there’s access to the region’s natural attractions for practically any type of RVer. Since they are under the management of the park’s staff, all are well-maintained and details are available about their accessibility and conditions.
Travel Alberta Celestine Aerden
Why Consider Hiking in Waterton Lakes?
Waterton Lakes National Park covers an area of 505 sq km (195 sq mi) and most of the trails lead to diverse ecosystems, lakes (Upper Waterton Lake is the deepest in the Canadian Rockies), streams, towering forests and panoramic views. What makes the park diverse is its four ecoregions including the foothills, parklands, montane forests, plus subalpine and alpine landscapes.
According to Parks Canada, more than half of the province’s plant species can be found throughout the park and there are over 175 rare species. Twenty-two are exclusive to the region including the western wakerobin, Lewis' mock-orange, and white-veined wintergreen while over 50 are rare in Canada. These include the Bolander's quillwort, Lyall's scorpionweed, and Brewer's monkeyflower.
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The scenic shores of Waterton.
Depending on the area of the park, avid bird watchers can commonly see bald eagles soar and even though only approximately 37 species inhabit the park annually, more than 255 have been recorded here. Another 112 can be seen throughout the summer and 149 nests in the park.
Some popular birding spots include the Maskinonge area (near the park entrance), as well as the Bertha, Rowe and Carthew-Alderson trail systems, to name a few. The best time for bird watching is late fall when large numbers of waterfowl make their annual migration through the park.
Jess Dales
Red Rock Canyon Trail.
As the park inhabits more than 60 species of animals, wildlife sightings are also common. Expect to see deer, bighorn sheep and small mammals along mountain trails while grasslands inhabit elk, mule and white-tailed deer.
Black bears also roam the various landscapes and may be seen on open slopes, in forested areas, along roadsides, and among berry patches in the lower valleys during late summer. If you’re an avid photographer, the best time to capture the animals is in the late summer or early fall when they are at their healthiest.
Hiking Waterton is a unique experience. It puts you on the front lines to see some of the most beautiful scenery and you never have to hike very far, very long or very hard for a great Rocky Mountain experience. Here are a few trails to get your adventure started.
Travel Alberta Celestine Aerden
Waterton also has diverse ecoregions, from rocky mountain vistas to prairie grasslands seen here.
1. Townsite Loop
Many of the National Parks in Canada have some variation of a loop trail system that is easily accessible and provides an excellent way to initially discover an area. In Waterton, it’s the Town Loop Trail. It consists of a paved 3.2 km (2 mi) path that leads around the community of Waterton, along the shores of Upper Waterton Lake and Emerald Bay. It’s along this path where you can admire Cameron Falls and visit the International Peace Park Pavilion. It can even be accessed (or discontinued) at various points.
The trail takes approximately an hour to complete making it ideal for casual outings anytime. Chances are likely you’ll spot Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep along the way.
2. Red Rock Canyon
Another easy way to see a very scenic side of the park is by going to Red Rock Canyon, located approximately 18 km (11 mi) from the townsite of Waterton via the scenic Red Rock Canyon Parkway.
At .7 km (.4 mi) with minimal elevation gain, the trail is considered easy and takes about 30 minutes to complete. However, you’ll want to take your time to admire the argillite, which is the red and green coloured bedrock that has been formed due to water erosion over millions of years. It’s complemented with rich vegetation, thriving seasonal wildflowers and a flowing glacial stream as Rockies tower overhead in the distance.
While it can get busy during peak season, escape some of the crowds by taking any number of the easy day hikes that lead from Red Rock Canyon (or the parkway) including Snowshoe Cabin (16.4 km (10.2 mi)), Crandall Lake (3.8 km (2.4 mi)) or Blakiston Falls (2 km (1.2 mi)).
Travel Alberta Stevin Tuchiwsky @stevint
Best wildlife practises must always be adhered to during any hike in the park.
3. Bellevue Prairie Trail
This hike leads to another scenic area of Waterton Lakes National Park. Also accessed from Red Rock Canyon, the Bellevue Prairie Trail is 7 km (4.4 mi) (return trip) and the relatively flat terrain among grasslands and beautiful aspen groves offers 360-degree views of rolling hills that meet the Rockies. Sightings of wolves, coyotes, and black bears are common. Plan your trip in the spring and summer to view the magnificent wildflowers and be sure to bring your digital camera to capture a stunning, memorable moment in the fall.
4. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Hike
You can also plan a longer day of exploring the park without too much of a workout by taking the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park Hike that is accessed from the Bertha Trail Head in Waterton.
It spans 14 km (9 mi), meanders along the western shore of Waterton Lake and will take you to Goat Haunt, MT, in Glacier National Park with a return -trip by ferry back to Waterton. It’s conveniently led by park interpreters in both Canada and U.S. and pre-registration is required up to three days in advance. There is a fee of $23 CAD for the ferry and participation is limited to 35 hikers.
For more information call or to register contact the Waterton Visitor Center at (403) 859-5133 or St. Mary Visitor Center in Glacier National Park at (406) 732-7750.
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Guides and park interpreters are available to learn more about nature and wildlife.
5. Lower/Upper Rowe Lake
Located about an hour from Waterton just off Akamina Parkway, this hike is 12.8 km (8 mi), takes about three to five hours to complete and is rated moderate. Nevertheless, your efforts will be rewarded. You can experience scenic Rowe Creek and Lower Rowe Lake before venturing to Rowe Meadows and the upper lake. Visit in the fall to experience the glowing Larch trees.
With an elevation gain of 575 m (1,886 ft) you’ll have beautiful views of the area and don’t be surprised to see bighorn sheep wandering its slopes.
These are just a few of the starting points to discover Waterton National Park and you won’t be disappointed with any one of the choices. For more information be sure to visit Parks Canada at www.pc.gc.ca or www.mywaterton.ca
Travel Alberta Jeff Bartlett @photojbartlett
Goat Lake, which is a difficult yet scenic hike.
RV Parks In and Near Waterton Lakes National Park
At the end of the day, relax at any one of the RV parks in and outside of the park. Some popular choices include:
RV Parks In and Near Waterton Lakes National Park
Although other moderate to difficult hikes include Alderson-Carthew Trail, Goat Lake Trail, and Lakeshore Trail, which all offer a true Watertown experience, at the end of the day relax at any one of the RV parks in and outside of the park. Some popular choices include:
Townsite Campground: With 237 sites, 94 are fully serviced with pull-through accessibility while 46 are back-in with electrical. Located at the south end of Waterton. Reservations are recommended.
Crooked Creek Campground: Approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) from Waterton National Park (on Hwy 5 and Township Rd 292), you have a choice of 95 serviced sites with 30/50 amp power and pull-through or back-in sites. Reservations are suggested.
Fort Heritage & Frontier RV Park: Located 10 minutes east of the park on Hwy 5, this park is located on private farmland with 16 powered and gravel padded sites.
Payne Lake Campground: Payne Lake Campground has 65 sites and even though they are unserviced, there’s a choice of lake view or shaded locations with fire pits and even a boat ramp onsite to launch a variety of recreational boats.