The best walks and hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park

Hawkins Horseshoe Route is a demanding, full-day ridge loop scramble that covers roughly 22 to 24 kilometres with over 2,200 metres of elevation gain, summiting Mount Blakiston, Mount Hawkins, and Mount Lineham. This section descends from Mount Lineham over rocky alpine terrain before dropping down steep scree slopes to the Rowe Lakes Trail. Low rock bands, loose footing, and a short bushwhack make this the most technical section of the loop. If you are travelling clockwise and don’t have experience on steep scree, you should turn around at the Lineham saddle before the summit and head across the ridge down to Upper Rowe Lakes Trail. The same is true if you are planning a counterclockwise route; this section is steep and challenging. It’s demanding, but the spectacular mountain scenery is memorable.

This junction sits high on the saddle where the Hawkins Horseshoe Route meets the Lineham Ridge Trail leading to Mount Lineham. If you are planning on the ascent to Mount Lineham, and you're not experienced on steep scree, this is the safest place to turn around and retrace your steps back across the ridge leading down to Upper Rowe Lake Trail. Those who continue are rewarded with spectacular alpine scenery in every direction.

Lineham Ridge Trail is a challenging alpine traverse that follows the Great Divide Trail across exposed scree slopes high above the Rowe Valley. The rugged terrain requires confident footing on loose rock as the route winds along the ridge, but it is navigable and not technical. It’s a relatively demanding crossing, but the expansive views over the Rowe Lakes, Lineham Lakes, and Waterton's breathtaking mountain landscape make the effort well worth the trek.

The Carthew–Alderson Route is a beautiful and well-regarded point‑to‑point trek in Waterton Lakes National Park. It is also part of Section A of the Great Divide Trail, which runs through high-alpine terrain between Cameron Lake and Waterton townsite. Known as one of Waterton’s signature hikes, shorter sections, including the climb to Alderson Lake from Watertown Township, also make for a memorable day hike, offering steady elevation gain and unforgettable scenery in a relatively shorter outing.

This beautiful lake sits at the foot of Mount Alderson’s dramatic cliffs, with noticeably turquoise water and surrounded by subalpine forest and rugged peaks. There is a backcountry campground and a pit toilet, and the lake feels genuinely remote, even though it sits along one of the park’s classic hiking corridors. It’s a natural place to rest during or after a long day of hiking, and is peaceful, open, and well worth the climb. You can also refill your water bottle here, just make sure to treat it before drinking.

This beautiful waterfall is easily reached from the Waterton Townsite and is a must see if you're in the area. While the best views are from the base of the falls there is a short side trail you can take to the top of the falls if you'd like to get a different perspective.

While visiting Upper and Lower Rowe Lakes, Middle Rowe Lake is not one to be skipped, as just nearby, there is a fantastic viewpoint looking down a steep drop into the valley below; approach cautiously.

Lower Rowe Lake is a classic alpine lake, and it is the easiest to access from the Lower Rowe Lake Trailhead on Akamina Parkway. Keep hiking up toward Upper and Middle Rowe Lake for more and more grand views.