Backcountry
Back packing, hiking or camping can be an incredible experience in Waterton National Park. The spectacular unspoiled wilderness of Waterton National Park offers users superb opportunities for solitude, personal and physical challenge, freedom, and adventure.
Camping
All primitive campgrounds have dry toilets, and lake or creek water sources. Each site has a 12 person and 4 tent maximum (with the exception of Boundary Bay which has a maximum capacity of 9 people and 3 tents). Most have fire grates and some have open kitchen shelters. Locations are on the Park Visitor Guide.
To camp in any backcountry area, visitors must book a site and purchase a Wilderness Pass from the Visitor Reception Center. Wilderness Passes are $6.00/person/night (children 16 & under are free), with a maximum trip fee of $30.
Enjoy an incredible backpacking, hiking or camping experience in Waterton National Park.
Hiking
Waterton National Park boasts world class hiking with incredible scenery and many opportunities to view wildlife. Venture out on your own, or hire an interpretive nature guide for an unforgettable time! There are 255 km (191 miles) of trails in Waterton National Park, and they range in difficulty from short strolls to steep treks of several days duration.
Waterton National Park boasts world class hiking with incredible scenery and many opportunities to view wildlife.
Basic Trail Safety
Waterton National Park offers a unique brand of challenges, not only in daring, but also in judgment. Be smart! Keep the summer filled with excitement, and follow these guidelines when hiking:
Be sure to hike with someone else or, even better, with a group.
Let someone know your route and expected time of return.
Try to prevent a potentially dangerous close encounter with large animals, like bears, by making noise. Every so often, especially when visibility is blocked by hills, trees, and rocks, hoot and holler or clap your hands loudly. In the presence of high winds or streams, make your noise-making efforts all the more intense.
Be prepared! Have enough food, water, clothes, rain gear and blankets for an unexpected overnight stay in the backcountry.
Use extreme caution around slippery rocks, especially at waterfalls. Learn how to cross unbridged streams and rivers safely.
Carry good drinking water with you, or boil "wild water" in order to kill parasites and other germs that may inhabit the park's water.
If you are camping overnight, you must have a backcountry permit.
Become familiar with the national 'Leave No Trace' program. In brief, whatever you pack in to the backcountry, you must pack out.
Keep the summer filled with excitement at Waterton National Park.
Trail Etiquette
Check trail heads for designated uses.
Stay on designated trails. Shortcuts can be dangerous and may increase erosion.
Walk in single file to lessen trail widening, erosion or braiding.
Hikers should move to the side of the trail when approaching horses. Allow skittish horses to pass.
