Day Hiking Trips in the Canadian Rockies

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.