Backcountry

Set up camp in Waterton Park’s interior and explore all the glorious nooks and crannies unseen from the road.

Designated Wilderness Camping Areas:

Northwest

• Goat Lake: Wake up to a sunrise over the lake. 2.5km/1.8 miles north of Snowshoe Trail.
• Snowshoe: Located on Snowshoe Trail, with close proximately to Lost Lake.

West

• Lone Lake: Situated near Lone Lake and Blakiston Creek. Trail access from Akamina Parkway or Red Rock Parkway.
• Akamina Pass: Located west of Cameron Lake.

Central

• Crandell Lake: Camping area on the north side of the lake; less than 1 mile from Akamina Parkway.

South

• Alderson Lake: Trail access from Cameron Lake and Waterton Townsite.
• Bertha Lake: Aproximately 2.5 mile hike west from the western shore of Upper Waterton Lake.
• Bertha Bay: Located on Upper Waterton Lake.
• Boundary Bay: Situated on Upper Waterton Lake, at the boundary between Waterton Park and Glacier Park.

Permits/Reservations/Fees

Permits: A Wilderness Use Permit is required for backcountry camping. Permits are available at Waterton Townsite visitor center, with pick-up 24 hours in advance of trip.

Reservations: Reservations available and can be made 90 days in advance of trip.

• For reservations beginning April 1 and running through mid-May, call (403) 859-5140.
• For reservations after mid-May, call (403) 859 - 5133.

Fees: Children under 16 camp free. (Prices in Canadian Dollars.)

• Overnight/person $9.80
• Season/person $68.70
• Reservation Fee $11.70

Rules/Regulations

• Pack out what you pack in - Leave No Trace!
• Camp in designated areas.
• 6 person maximum party size.
• Boil/filter water before consuming.
• Gas stoves required for cooking.
• Some sites allow fires; check listings before trip.

Be Bear Aware

• Make noise. (Bears hate surprises!)
• Carry/know how to use bear spray.
• Bring rope to hang your food.
• Eat in designated areas. (Never in your tent!)
• Avoid hiking/camping alone.
• Never wash yourself, clothes or cooking utensils in lakes/streams.

• Wilderness Use Permits are required for backcountry camping and may be picked up at Waterton visitor centre.
• For reservations, call (403) 859-5140 from April 1 through mid-May; call (403) 859-5133 after mid-May.
• Be Bear Aware and always carry bear spray!
• Take the short hike to Bertha Lake campground, located west of Upper Waterton Lake.