Day Hiking Trips in the Canadian Rockies

Waterton, Castle Parks and Crowsnest Pass, Alberta

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Upcoming Day Hiking Trips

Waterton Advanced Hikes (May - October)
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Locations & Days:
Avoin Ridge & Newman Peak (Thursdays)
Vimy Peak (Fridays)
Lineham Ridge (Saturdays)
Carthew-Alderson (Sundays)

Highlights: Stunning views, alpine flora, remote mountain lakes

**Book multiple days to save.**

Physical Difficulty
WATERTON INTERMEDIATE HIKES (May - October)
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Locations & Days:
Bertha Lake (Saturdays)
Upper Rowe Lake (Sundays)
Boundary Bay (Mondays)
Goat Lake (Tuesdays)

Highlights: Alpine lakes, beautiful colours, wildflowers

**Book multiple days to save.**

Physical Difficulty

CASTLE PARKS DISCOVERY WEEKEND (June - October)
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Locations & Days:
Our trips are located within Castle Parks (north of Waterton). We meet at Castle Mountain Resort and pick two hikes as a group based on the ability and interest of the group.

Highlights:
Uncrowded trails, off-the-beaten-path beauty, mountains for days

Ask to join as a drop-in if you can only make 1 day.

Physical Difficulty

Adventure Club
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Location: Around Crowsnest Pass
Days: Year-Round
Women's Beginner Adventure Club (Tues PM)
Retired & Ready to Adventure Club (Wed AM)
Making-Friends-As-An-Adult Club (Wed PM)
Intermediate Adventure Club (Thurs PM)
Weekend Warrior (Sunday)

Highlights: Off-the-beaten-path, new adventures every week, trip organizer and local knowledge

Physical Difficulty ranges from beginner to intermediate

Private Guided Tours
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Location: Waterton, Castle Parks, Crowsnest Pass
Days: Year-Round
You let us know what you want to see, do, or what you like to do. We will plan the rest. Contact us directly to set up your private guided tour.

Highlights: We plan for you, hidden gems, local knowledge, amazing guides

Physical Difficulty ranges from beginner to advanced

man hiking

"Our group spent two days hiking, first to a stunning summit in Castle Provincial Park and then another trek the following day up to one of the lesser known hidden gems in the area (of which I'm to understand she has many up her sleeve). Our party consisted of relatively experienced backcountry enthusiasts and everyone agreed that this rare guided excursion was adequately challenging with breathtaking views that can only be earned through a healthy dose of exertion - great value for the fee!"

JM_HIKES
TRIP ADVISOR

Waterton Advanced Day Hikes

Book NowWaterton Advanced Day Hikes

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.

Waterton Intermediate Day Hikes

Book NowWaterton Intermediate Day Hikes

The intermediate hikes are for people who want to see Waterton, have some physical fitness, and want to get outside for 5 - 8 hours. All of these hikes are hand-picked and are personal favourites. We love to share our passion for all things mountains, so join us in Waterton Lakes National Park.

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

Saturdays: Bertha Lake

Sundays: Upper Rowe Lake

Mondays: Boundary Bay

Tuesdays: Goat Lake

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

Bertha Lake (Saturdays)

Bertha Lake is a sight to see and an alpine lake worth adventuring to enjoy. Along the way, we see some of the most incredible wildflowers in Waterton, while also getting views of Upper Waterton Lake. We get a little bit of everything along this trail. We will see mountain vistas, wildflower galore, waterfall paradise, and an alpine lake. Can we ask for another more? The only thing to complete this hike is you and the incredible people to enjoy it with. This is an in and out-hike. We will head back the same way we came.

This hike is rated as moderate (relative to other mountain hikes) and will require 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: 10.4km

Elevation Gain/Loss: 460m

Hiking Time: 5 – 7 hours

Upper Rowe Lake (Sundays)

Have you heard about the larch trees in Waterton? Upper Rowe Lakes is one of the best places to visit the subalpine larches. While they only turn golden yellow in the fall, they are still a spectacular tree to see. Our guides love all flora and fauna and know the correct names and facts to these National Park gems. Visiting Rowe Lakes is special all times of the summer and the wildflower meadow after Lower Rowe Lakes makes July – August a great time to hike. Then the turning of the golden larches, makes the end of September another great time to visit this hike.

This hike is rated as moderate (relative to other mountain hikes) and will require 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: 12.8km

Elevation Gain/Loss: 575m

Hiking Time: 5 – 7 hours

Boundary Bay (Mondays)

The iconic hike from Canada to the United States of America! Find out why Waterton is an International Peace Park and join this fantastic hike to commemorate peace between two countries. This hike boasts views of mountains the entire way as we venture up and down along the Upper Waterton Lakes. After we take some time enjoying the shoreline and the United States, we will return the same way we came.

This hike is rated as moderate and will require physical 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: 13.0km

Elevation Gain/Loss: 528m

Hiking Time: 4 – 6 hours

Goat Lake (Tuesdays)

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 return the same way we came.

This hike is rated as moderate to challenging (relative to other mountain hikes) and will require 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: 14.0km

Elevation Gain/Loss: 500m

Hiking Time: 5 – 7 hours

What to Expect: These are INTERMEDIATE hikes and only people with 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. We advertise these trips as intermediate because they are intermediate for the mountains (that means elevation) and are relative to other mountain-rated hikes. 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.

Castle Park Discovery Weekend

Book NowCastle Park Discovery Weekend

Join us for a weekend away packed with adventure! This package will give you two days of hiking, access a list of hotels, and ideas of other activities in the area. We will use Castle Mountain Resort as our base camp, which is situated in the heart of the South Canadian Rockies. This area was once part of Waterton Lake National Park and still showcases all the beauty of what makes a National Park unique. The South and West Castle Valleys are home to incredible biodiversity, stunning geology, crystal-clear alpine lakes and waterfalls, and wildlife encounters are common and our professional guides can help you discover this.

What to Expect: Typically, the hikes are not beginner hikes. Very few day hikes in the Castle Region are considered beginner. Expect to hike to the top of a mountain, an alpine lake, or another destination. If you are looking for a beginner hike, you might be more interested in one of our interpretive tours.

Join us for even more Summer Activities!

We invite you to join us for some fun exploration during a nature or historical tour, a day hiking trip, or a multi-day backpacking trip this summer.

If you are looking to enhance your outdoor skills, consider taking a course with us. We offer Intro into Backpacking, Intro to Outdoor Climbing, Navigation Courses, and Wilderness First Aid Courses.

Our professional and certified guides will take you out exploring Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Provincial Parks, and Crowsnest Pass.

Please note: When booking an experience, ensure you are aware of the location as Waterton and Crowsnest Pass are approximately a 1.5 hours drive from each other.

Want to try, but don't have the gear?

We rent gear for all our activities, look for the gear rental add-ons in your checkout, or find out more about rental gear here!

Waterton Wildflower
Walks

4hrs, 8 - 12pm or 2 - 6pm
Sun & Wed
May - September

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Lille Historical Tour

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7hrs, 9 - 4pm
Sat & Mon
May - October

Miner's Path
Historical Tour

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3hrs, 12 - 3pm
Sun & Fri
May - October

Intro into Backpacking

Learn backcountry safety, leave-no-trace, risk management, and more. Build your skills to go on your own.

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Navigation
Courses

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Two courses that will enhance your navigation skills: map and compass and/or tech navigation.

Intro into
Outdoor Rock
Climbing

Are you a beginner to outdoor rock climbing?
This course is for you.

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Wilderness
First
Aid

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Prepare yourself for the just-in-case moments in the backcountry.

Waterton Day
Hiking Trips

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Are you exploring Waterton and want to enhance your knowledge of the area? Join our expert guides for a hike.

Adventure
Club

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Year-round hikes several days of the week.
Designed for locals.
Drop-ins are welcome.

Overnight
Backpacking Trips

Pick from 5 signature backpacking trips that get you off-the-beaten-path. Hurry though, these sell out.

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Top Reasons to Book With Us

  1. All of our guides are certified either with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and/ or the Interpretive Guide Association. We provide a high-quality standard because you rely on us to keep you safe and to enhance your experience by providing accurate knowledge.
  2. Our nature and historical tours are thoroughly researched and designed to be fun and engaging.
  3. We love being outside and sharing these special places with you.
  4. Our backpacking trips truly take you off-the-beaten-path. 
  5. We care about you, we care about the environment, we care about our staff.