Wee Waterton Wanderers - Hiking with Kids in Waterton

Waterton is a fantastic family hiking destination! From baby-on-back to adventure-ready teens, there is a trail for you. With two kids under 15, we have hiked all over the Park since they were newborn. This is what we recommend! 

A few tips for hiking with kids: 

-As a parent with a little kid, you should be prepared to not always get to the destination. The initial goal of getting on the trail is to make the experience fun! Think on the level of your little one: enjoy all of the sites and sounds the trail has to offer. 

-snacks, snacks and more snacks. Sometimes a snack means the difference between the parking lot and the lake so make sure to pack a lot of snacks to keep everyone happy! (water too) 

-take your time! Hiking with your children isn’t a race. Sometimes our long legs forget that for every step we take, they take 3 or 4! Slow it down, take a breath, and look around. It’s amazing what you miss on the trail when you don’t stop to smell the flowers…. 

-teens love a challenge, but make sure you do your homework! This is the time to hire a guide, read up on your trail beforehand, or get them to investigate the history/ interesting facts about the area you are roaming in. You can also fish in many of the lakes in Waterton- just make sure you get your National Park License and read up on the Regs! 

Best for the under 6 crowd: 

Bellevue Prairie Trail: Accessed via the Red Rock Parkway (park at the fake bear sign!), this ambling trail is a huge hit for the little one that is just getting their hiking legs. Wonderful for wildflower viewing in the Spring, and equally great for wildlife viewing in the Fall! 

Distance: 3.5 km/ 2.2 mi (one-way) or 7 km/4.4 mi (return) 

Elevation Gain: Minimal 

Rating: Easy 

Hiking time: 1.5-2.5 hours

Crandell Lake:

 A short and sweet hike that actually ends at a lake! Start at Akamina Parkway (better parking than starting at Red Rock!). There is a bit of elevation gain and loss in this trail but it is short and so exciting for everyone when they can see the lake! Hot days make swimming here a fun ‘extra’. Distance: 3.8 km / 2.4 mi (return) 

Elevation Gain: 75m / 246 ft. 

Rating: Easy 

Hiking Time: 1 hour 

Mixed family group fun (toddlers to grandparents, and everyone in between!) 

Forum Lake: Hiking into BC on this beautiful trail is always a good time! Stop at Forum Falls for a breather as you head up (it’s a bit steep in parts). The wildflowers have been amazing here in the late Spring and the Lake itself has outer-space vibes. Think lots of looking for moon rock..;) 

Distance: 8.8 km/5.5 miles 

Elevation: 350 m/1148 ft. 

Rating: Moderate 

Timing: 2-3 hours 

Summit Lake: This is the first rest stop for more ambitious hikers going across the Carthew-Alderson Summit but it is a gem in itself! We usually see moose wading in the water and the beargrass can be spectacular! Lots of opportunity to discover the ‘post-fire’ landscape up here….count the switchbacks as you head up! 

Distance: 8 km/5 miles 

Elevation: 305 m/1000 ft. 

Rating: Moderate 

Timing: Easy 

Places you can usually push a stroller to (off-road stroller!) 

Cameron Lakeshore: not always quiet, but a fun chance to explore the alpine beauty of Cameron Lake. Wildflowers can be great in the early Summer. At the end of the trail, look for ‘icebergs’ in the Lake, it’s a beautiful view! Can be buggy- pack 

Accordingly! 

Distance: 3 km / 1.9 mi (return) 

Elevation Gain: Minimal 

Rating: Easy 

Hiking Time: 1 hour

Linnet Lake: newly paved and accessible, Linnet is a short but sweet loop at the base of the Prince of Wales Hill. Tonnes to see for little ones, benches to rest on and perhaps wait out a nap? 

Distance: 1 km / 0.6 mi (return) 

Elevation Gain: Minimal 

Rating: Easy 

Hiking Time: 20 minutes 

Blakiston Falls: more of an incline than our other choices, but oh so beautiful. The Falls are a MUST! Lot’s of stairs that aren’t stroller friendly, but a good chance to stretch the legs. 

Distance: 2 km / 1.2 mi (return) 

Elevation Gain: Minimal 

Rating: Easy 

Hiking Time: 30 min. -1 hour (return) 

Full Day Adventures for the tween and teens: 

Upper Rowe Lake: Hands down, our favourite family hike. Rest stops at the Lower Lake and the Meadow, then a straight shoot up to the hanging valley that hides the Upper Lake. Gorgeous views, crystal clear water…what’s not to love about Rowe? 

Distance: 12.8 km/8 miles 

Elevation: 575 m/1886 ft. 

Rating: Moderate 

Timing: 3-5 hours 

Goat Lake: challenging but doable for older ‘mountain goats’. Views are outstanding but make sure everyone is comfortable hiking on shale and with exposure! The little hanging valley where the Lake hides is perfect for a siesta…maybe a bit of fishing? 

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi (return) 

Elevation Gain: 500m / 1640 ft. 

Rating: Difficult 

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours