Day Hiking Trips in the Canadian Rockies

The advanced hikes are for people who are seeking a challenge and have a solid foundation of physical fitness. These hikes are not for people who are just starting off and cannot complete a physically demanding day with 8 – 10 hours of physical activity. While it can be exciting to do a big adventure, it is more important to sign yourself up for something that you can do. We have adventures for all levels, so if you are unsure, ask one of our experts. We want to set you up for success!

Here is our summer schedule (May – October; weather depending) for Waterton Advanced Hikes:

Thursdays: Avion Ridge & Newman Peak

Fridays: Vimy Peak

Saturdays: Lineham Ridge

Sundays: Carthew-Alderson

Book for a one-day advanced hike, or book for multiple consecutive days of advanced hiking and save! This applies to advanced hiking and consecutive days options only. We do offer intermediate hiking options in Waterton, but the offer does not allow for mixing of intermediate with advanced hiking options. Sorry, eh.

Avion Ridge & Newman Peak (Thursdays)

This is an in and out-hike and is not for the faint at heart or beginners. The trail starts relatively flat and easy at Red Rock Canyon, and then once we turn off of the Snowshoe Trail, the climb begins. Sections of this trail will feel exposed to the elements and if you step off the trail, it might result in a long and rocky fall. Just short of the lake, we will be greeted by a quaint waterfall. Goat Lake is a great rest stop to search for mountain goats on the cliffs above. Once our rest stop is done, we will continue towards the Avion col and then up to Newman Peak, which is actually located in Castle Provincial Parks. We always think that we need to spend some time on the summit; we worked so hard to get there, now let’s enjoy! We will then head back the same way we came.

This hike is rated as very challenging and if it is a hot day, you can easily struggle. Our professional guides are certified as hiking guides with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Interpretive Guide Association. We are certified, insured, and permitted to work in Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Parks, and Crowsnest Pass. Safety is our number one priority and our second priority is to ensure that you get our expert knowledge and leave with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Round Trip

Distance: 20.1km

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,164m

Hiking Time: 8 – 12 hours

Vimy Peak (Fridays)

This is an in and out-hike and equals a long day on the feet. We will start this hike along the west side of Waterton on the Wishbone Trail. The Wishbone Trail is very easy, depending on the time of year, may have some unbridged creek crossings, and will give a great perspective on why Waterton is known as ‘where the mountains meet the prairies’. Once we reach the main trailhead for Vimy Peak, we will then start our climb up the mountain. This is the difficult part. Vimy does offer more shade than other parts of Waterton. Once we make it to the top, we will get fantastic views looking into the United States and down at Crypt Lake and Waterton Lakes. The views are certainly worth it! We will head back the same way we came.

This hike is rated as very challenging and will require a lot of physical and mental strength. Our professional guides are certified as hiking guides with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Interpretive Guide Association. We are certified, insured, and permitted to work in Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Parks, and Crowsnest Pass. Safety is our number one priority and our second priority is to ensure that you get our expert knowledge and leave with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Round Trip

Distance: 26.2km

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,168m

Hiking Time: 10 – 12 hours

Lineham Ridge (Saturdays)

This hike is actually one of our favourites. We love the views from the top of Lineham Ridge and they never get old. Along this trail, we often see a lot of wildlife and we walk through a beautiful wildflower meadow. There is no part of this trail that we rate as easy, although there are easier sections. We start the hike with a somewhat gentle incline going towards Rowe Lakes. After Lower Rowe Lake, we walk through a stunning wildflower meadow, and then the real elevation gain starts! We will venture on switchbacks up to the ridge, but it is worth it when you get views looking at a sea of mountains and peering down at alpine lakes. We will head back the same way we came.

This hike is rated as very challenging and will require a lot of physical and mental strength. Our professional guides are certified as hiking guides with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Interpretive Guide Association. We are certified, insured, and permitted to work in Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Parks, and Crowsnest Pass. Safety is our number one priority and our second priority is to ensure that you get our expert knowledge and leave with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Round Trip

Distance: 17.2km

Elevation Gain/Loss: 960m

Hiking Time: 8 – 10 hours

Carthew-Alderson (Sundays)

This hike is known for being part of the Triple Crown and a crowd pleaser. Starting at Cameron Lake, we will then end in the townsite of Waterton making it a thru-hike. Along this hike, we will come to several lakes and view several more alpine lakes in the distance. Skirting the border of Canada and the US, we maybe tempted to hop over to the other side, but we continue on check out stunning ridges before making our decent towards town. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lakes that will quickly cool you off on a hot day.

This hike is rated as challenging and will require a lot of physical and mental strength. Our professional guides are certified as hiking guides with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Interpretive Guide Association. We are certified, insured, and permitted to work in Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Parks, and Crowsnest Pass. Safety is our number one priority and our second priority is to ensure that you get our expert knowledge and leave with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.

Round Trip

Distance: 20.1km

Elevation Gain/Loss: 650m

Hiking Time: 6 – 9 hours

What to Expect: These are ADVANCED hikes and only people with a high physical endurance should attempt these hikes. You can expect that your guide is physically fit and extremely knowledgeable about the area. If someone signs up for this trip who is not physically able to make it to the destination, then everyone will need to return to the trailhead together. Don’t be that person. We advertise these trips as advanced because they are advanced. If you want something easier, then let’s set you up with something easier. It’s that simple. We are professional guides who want to see you succeed and share our knowledge of the places we love.