There’s nothing quite like wildflower season in the South Canadian Rockies. For a few fleeting months, the valleys, ridges, and meadows explode into colour, from the tiniest alpine flowers clinging to rocky slopes to sun-loving blossoms lining the trails.
Whether you’re out for a casual hike or deep into the backcountry, you’re bound to cross paths with some remarkable floral displays. To get you started, here are three of our favourites to keep an eye out for.
Three Wildflowers We Love to Spot
Mariposa Lily (Calochortus apiculatus)
Delicate and eye-catching, the Mariposa Lily is named for its resemblance to a butterfly (mariposa means butterfly in Spanish). Its soft, cup-shaped petals often feature intricate markings, giving it a whimsical appearance. You’ll typically find them blooming in open, sunny areas.
Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax)
Don’t be fooled by the name—Bear Grass isn’t a grass at all. In fact, it’s actually a member of the lily family. Its grass-like leaves form a clump at the base, while a tall stalk rises up to display clusters of tiny white flowers. It’s been affectionately described as looking like a giant q-tip, and it happens to be Waterton’s official flower. Keep your eyes peeled in meadows and subalpine forests.
Queen’s Cup (Clintonia uniflora)
Queen’s Cup is a dainty forest dweller with a twist. In early summer, it produces a single white flower on each stem, but come fall, that flower turns into a single metallic blue berry—stunning to look at, but toxic to humans. Grouse, however, consider it a tasty treat.
Let’s Talk Lilies
Here at Uplift Adventures, we’ve got a soft spot for lilies. Maybe it’s their graceful shape or the subtle variety of colours they show off, but there’s something especially satisfying about spotting one on the trail. Want to learn how to identify them? Look for the rule of threes.
Lilies typically have three sepals and three petals, though they often look alike and are called tepals. You’ll also notice six stamens and a single pistil with a three-parted stigma. Their leaves have parallel veins, not the branching kind you see in most plants. Once you’ve got the pattern down, it’s a fun game to spot them wherever you go.
Play Along: Guess the Wildflower
Think you’ve got a good eye for wildflowers? Test your knowledge with our “Guess the Wildflower” game! Every Tuesday during wildflower season, we post a close-up of a local bloom on our social media channels and invite you to guess what it is. On Wednesdays, we reveal the answer along with a few fun facts.
It’s a great way to brush up on your flower ID skills, challenge your friends, and get inspired to explore. We keep the game going well into September—right up until the last blooms fade away. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram so you don’t miss a week!
Learn to ID Waterton’s wildflowers like a pro
Want to go beyond just spotting and actually learn how to identify wildflowers? Join us in Waterton Lakes National Park for our Waterton Wildflower Course. Waterton is one of the most biodiverse corners of the Canadian Rockies and an absolute dream for plant lovers.
In this hands-on course, you’ll explore the trails with expert guides, learning how to recognize flower families, identify species, and understand the unique ecology that makes Waterton so special. Whether you’re new to wildflowers or already a plant nerd at heart, this course will deepen your connection to the landscape—and give you a whole new appreciation for what’s growing beneath your boots.