General Hiking Information

Hiking in the Park

Hiking in Waterton is a natural: great terrain, skilled guides, abundant interpretive trails and loops that suit all skill levels. Throw in the added attraction of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and you have an outdoor activity that anyone can enjoy. Waterton Lakes National Park takes excellent care of its trail systems, many of which become cross country ski and snowshoe routes in the winter months.

Trip Planning / Outdoor Gear / Guides
Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters in Waterton can assist you in planning your daily backcountry adventures. Current trail information, licensed hiking guides, hiker shuttle services, and a large selection of outdoor gear and accessories are available.
If you want to get the most out of hiking in Waterton Lakes National Park, consider hiring a professional guide from Waterton Outdoor Adventures. The beauty of hiring an accredited guide is they make ideal hosts for visitors keen on learning the natural history of the area, as they usually have a greater interest in nature than the average person. Private guides are also employed by those who are timid about venturing into grizzly bear country. Licensed national park guides are also in demand because they make trip planning easy. Contact Tamarack Outdoor Outfitters in Waterton for more information and reservations.

Hiking Trails
There are 255 km (191 miles) of trails in Waterton Lake National Park. They range in difficulty from a short stroll to steep treks of several days duration. Trails are provided for a variety of users, including hikers, horse riders and bicyclists.

Waterton is a particularly good place to enjoy a variety of shorter trails which can be easily completed in a few hours or a day. While appealing backcountry campgrounds are available, few trails require an overnight stay. Watch for information signs at the trailhead for the type of use permitted.

Trails in Waterton also lead to extensive trail systems in adjacent Montana's Glacier National Park and British Columbia's Akamina-Kishenina Provincial Park.

For a current Parks Canada trail report, go to:
http://www.Parks Canada - Trail Condition Report

Trail Etiquette
• Check trailheads for designated uses
• Stay on designated trails. Shortcuts can be dangerous and may increase erosion.
• Walk, ride and cycle in single file to lessen trail widening, erosion or braiding.
• Hikers should move to the downhill side of the trail when approaching horses. Allow skittish horses to pass.
• Cyclists - travel slowly and carefully. Allow wildlife to move off the trail before passing. Signal your approach well in advance when passing hikers and indicate the side you intend to pass on. Pass slowly and with care. Dismount if approaching a horse and stand on the downhill side when possible.

Be Prepared!
Hikers need to take individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely. Before setting out on your hike, stop by the visitor centre to receive current trail conditions, and any trail cautions or closures. You will increase your odds of a safe hike, decrease your disturbance to park wildlife, and lessen damage to resources.

Safety
If undertaking an activity that may be hazardous (mountain or rock climbing, or hiking alone) you may voluntarily register your trip with the Warden's office. Once registered to go out, you must register back in, by returning your registration form as soon as possible. Wardens will investigate all overdue permits.
Waterton Lake National Park is conserved as much as possible in its natural wilderness state, thus some hazards to human use do exist. Risk of injury or death can be minimized by taking reasonable precautions. Please obey all National Park regulations. They are set for your protection and the protection of the Park's environment and wildlife.

Leave No Trace
Visitors who are planning to travel in the backcountry are encouraged 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
• Know and respect park regulations and the inherent risks of backcountry travel.
• Select terrain, distances, and elevation changes that are compatible with everyone in your group.
• Pack adequate food, clothing, maps and equipment.
Travel on Durable Surfaces
• Stay on maintained trails whenever possible. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when muddy.
• Short-cutting switchbacks is destructive and illegal.
• When traveling off trail, walk abreast and choose the most durable surfaces available: rock, snow, dry grasses or gravel.
Dispose of Waste Properly
• Pack out all garbage, never leave or bury food or garbage.
• Use pit toilets when available, for both urine and solid human waste.
• In lieu of pit toilets, deposit solid human waste in a hole 15 cm deep, at least 75 m from any water source. Fill the hole with soil and organic matter. Pack out your toilet paper.
• Urinate on any durable surfaces to reduce vegetation damage from salt-craving wildlife.
Leave What you Find
• Treat our natural heritage with respect and leave for others to enjoy. All natural and cultural resources are protected by law.
• Do not make alterations to campsites or natural features.
• Avoid impacting rehabilitated or closed areas.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Fires are restricted to designated fire pits only.
• When permitted, keep fires small and totally contained within the firepit.
• Collect down and dead wood only (size of wrist).
• Use a gas stove for cooking.
Respect Wildlife
• Enjoy wildlife at a distance. Never feed, disturb or intentionally approach wildlife.
• Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprise encounters.
• Keep pets on a leash. Your pet may return to you with wildlife in pursuit.