Find some altitude

The best parts of Waterton Lakes National Park aren't visible from the parking lot. To see the real magic like hidden waterfalls, alpine ridges, and large meadows teeming with wildlife, you have to hit the dirt. Join our knowledgeable guides for great backcountry adventures that go way beyond the basic tourist spots.

Pick your path below, lace up your boots, and let’s go find some altitude.

Bertha Lake

If Waterton had a "Greatest Hits" album, the Bertha Lake trail would be track number one. This hike gives you a little bit of everything. You'll get sweeping views of Upper Waterton Lake, wildflower-filled meadows, a cascading waterfall paradise, and even ancient fossils, all before reaching the stunning alpine lake at the top.

It’s an out-and-back trail, meaning the hike down is just as gorgeous as the climb up.

Route: 14 km (In & Out)

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 5 – 7 hours

What to expect

This is a rewarding day on the trail. It’s rated moderate and definitely requires some endurance, but the changing scenery keeps your mind off your burning calves. You just need to bring yourself and your sense of adventure, we'll supply the expert guide and the safety gear to complete the experience.

Upper Rowe Lake

Have you heard about the larch trees in Waterton?

Upper Rowe Lake is one of the best places to visit the subalpine larches. While they only turn their famous golden yellow in the fall, they are still a spectacular tree to see all year round.

As a bonus, wildlife is abundant in this valley with bighorn sheep and bears commonly roaming near the trail.

Route: 12.8 km (In & Out)

Difficulty: Moderate

Time: 6 – 8 hours

What to expect

Visiting Rowe Lakes is special all times of the summer. The wildflower meadow after Lower Rowe Lakes makes July and August a great time to hike, and the turning of the golden larches makes the end of September another great time to visit. You won't just be looking at the scenery, either, our guides love all flora and fauna and know the correct names and facts to these National Park must-sees.

Carthew–Alderson

Experience one of the most scenic alpine hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park on a guided journey along the Carthew–Alderson trail.

We will travel from Cameron Lake through wildflower-filled meadows to stunning high-elevation lakes and sweeping mountain views. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the area’s unique geology, plants, and wildlife.

Route: 20 km (Point-to-Point)

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Time: 6 – 9 hours

What to expect

This isn't a "walk in the park", it's a full point-to-point expedition, meaning we start at one trailhead and hike all the way across to another! Rated moderate to difficult, this is a big day on your feet. You'll tackle a 700 m (2,300 ft) elevation gain, but the grand finale is a massive 1,200 m (4,000 ft) scenic descent into town. It requires endurance, but the backcountry secrets you'll discover are absolutely worth it. And of course, bragging rights over dinner.