WATERTON HIKING TRIP - HIDDEN GEMS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
This hiking trip takes you into Waterton Park, one of the most majestic places to hike in Canada. There is so much to do and see that this trip could last a whole summer. Located in the southwest corner of the Canadian Rockies, this Alberta gem shares a border with the state of Montana and Glacier National Park. We hand-picked the best hikes to give you the opportunity to pack your 5 days with the most stunning views of Waterton lake and the awe-inspiring mountains.
- Explore Waterton, the most remote national park of the Canadian Rockies
- Wildflower capital of Canada hiking trip
- Includes ferry rides across pristine alpine lake to reach remote hiking
- Comfortable lodgings in a quaint mountain town
- Hidden gem in the Southwest corner of Alberta
ITINERARY
DAY 2: Drive to Waterton, where a gorgeous hike to Summit Lake is waiting for us.
DAY 3: Wild flowers, breath taking scenery and possibly mountain goats are waiting for us on the Goat Lake Hike.
DAY 4: A ferry takes us across the lake to the Crypt Lake Trailhead.
DAY 5: Breakfast, followed by transfer to Calgary. Your flight must be after 2pm for domestic, and after 3pm for international.
Day 1 Arrive to Calgary
Make your way to booked hotel in downtown Calgary.
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, Calgary
Day 2 Summit Lake
Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast, following which we’ll head out towards Waterton. When we get to Waterton, we will take a lunch break and then head out for a beautiful hike towards Summit Lake. After a series of switchbacks, we will reach the mountain views you joined this trip for!
Elevation Gain: 300m. Distance: 8km. Duration: 3-4hrs
Overnight: : Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Goat Lake
The first 4 kilometers of this trail is an easy stroll that will warm our legs up for the switchbacks to come. The 3 following kilometers will gain a lot of elevation, but we have time to take it at our rhythm and enjoy the amazing views as we get higher. Mountain goats are a common sight along that trail and the Lake is brimming with Cutthroat Trout.
Elevation Gain: 400m. Distance: 13km. Duration: 5-6hrs
Overnight: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Crypt Lake
This is the perfect hike to finish this trip, we first cross Waterton Lake by boat to reach the start of the trail to Crypt Lake. The trail climbs from the shoreline through montane forest towards Hellroaring Creek Valley, which is prime bear habitat, and past several waterfalls. The trail continues by a climb up a ladder and into a 25m long tunnel, which we must crawl through! Our goal is the beautiful Crypt Lake. Which lies at 1945m and straddles the US-Canadian border; we walk in and out of the US. Back in Waterton, it will be time for our farewell dinner.
Elevation Gain: 700m. Distance: 17km. Duration: 6-8hrs
Overnight: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Transfer to Calgary
After breakfast our trip concludes with transfers to Calgary. Your flight must be after 2pm for National flights, and after 3pm for international flights.
Meal Included: Breakfast
**NOTE: Drive times provided above are approximate and may vary according to weather, traffic and changes in road conditions.
INCLUSIONS
Cost Includes:
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 Dinner
- 4 nights in hotels/lodges 3-star category
- Private transport from Calgary beginning on Day 2 and ending in Calgary on Day 5
- Professional hiking/interpretive guide
- National park entry fees and sightseeing as indicated
- All permits, sightseeing and National Park entrance fees
Cost Does Not Include :
- Personal expenses
- Air fares
- Travel insurance
- Meals not indicated
- Tips
FAQ
How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?
This program is designed for fit walkers. No previous mountain hiking experience required.
This Canadian Rockies walking trip involves hiking for up to 6 to 7 hours per day, usually with distances of 10-14 kilometres. The final walk may be longer with a possible distance up to 21 km. Elevation gains will vary from 300 m up to 800 m. (2,800 ft) on the final day. You will need to carry a daypack large enough for spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink each day.
Guides and Group Size
Your guides are experienced professional hiking guides with certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and/or from the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association. They are chosen for their enthusiasm and interest in sharing their knowledge of these mountains.
The minimum group size will be 4, maximum 8.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation is double occupancy. Each of the lodgings we have chosen were selected for their unique character and relatively easy access to other amenities. Banff, and Lake Louise are very interesting communities and we have found over the years that most people who visit the Canadian Rockies also want to get a feel for the local culture. Kananaskis on the other hand is a little bit more remote and will provide a perfect way to connect with nature from day 1. Banff’s tourism heritage is going back to the 1880’s and Lake Louise is renown for its spectacular scenery.
We will be happy to book rooms for you before and after the tour; please contact us for the most recent rates.
All breakfasts are included as are picnic lunches and trail snacks. Dinner on the final night is included. Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on your application so we can incorporate them into our lunch menus.
Transfers to and from Calgary
We will arrange a shuttle for you from Calgary or Calgary Airport to Waterton and back to Calgary. Once the final group is confirmed your guide will plan a group shuttle departure that fits most arrivals. If your arrival does not fit this departure, we will arrange a shuttle for you with one of the scheduled services. Return to Calgary will be arranged in the same manner. Driving time from Calgary to Waterton is approximately 3 hours.
Climate
This trip operates during the main months of summer, though snow can linger at high elevations until well into the season. Weather is unpredictable at any time of year, but is generally quite warm in July and August. Daytime highs range from 15-25 C and nighttime temperatures can drop to 5-10 C. Temperatures in June and September can be cooler with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. As with alpine environments throughout the globe, the higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes. Ensuring that you have the correct clothing for an alpine environment is crucial. Please see below for information on clothing and equipment requirements.
Insurance in the National Parks
Please ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra travel insurance if necessary.
FORMS
Multiday Trip Waiver
Please read this waiver carefully. You will be required to sign this waiver once you meet your guide.
MAP
- July 1-5, 2026
- July 29 -August 2, 2026
- August 12-16, 2026
- September 9-13, 2026
$3,095.00 + 5% GST (Double Occupancy)
Single supplement - add $800
Contact us if you like to book this trip as a fully private and customized adventure!