Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks Hiking Tour

Accommodation: Waterton Lake Lodge

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 645 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 500 feet

We meet in Whitefish for introductions, then take a van ride over the magnificent Going-to-the-Sun road with breathtaking views of the summits and glaciers of Glacier National Park. No time to tarry here, though, as we are headed into Waterton Park townsite in Canada. Have your passports ready so we can get to our afternoon hike to Bertha Falls. This is a great half-day hike to a fabulous waterfall. We climb moderately to Bertha Point where you can see unobstructed views of the Waterton Valley. Then we hike up a gentle slope full of wildflowers and travel through a former old growth forest to see how the area has rejuvenated since the 2017 Kenow Fire. And finally, tucked away in a small valley surrounded by untouched forest, is spectacular Bertha Falls. We return the same way and make our way to Waterton Lake Lodge for the first two nights.

Accommodation: Waterton Lake Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 11.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,765 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet

Today starts with a short shuttle to Cameron Lake where we will start our point to point hike along Carthew Ridge. We climb gently to Summit Lake, then more seriously to emerge from the trees to the rugged crest of Carthew Ridge. There are magnificent views of Mt. Alderson, Buchanan Peak and the Carthew and Cameron lakes. From there we drop down to the Carthew Lakes, and Alderson Lake and continue our decent all the way into the Waterton Lakes townsite and back to our hotel.

Accommodation: St. Mary Village

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 8.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,195 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 700 feet

We have one more hike in the Waterton area to stunning Rowe Lakes. This hike will take you to three beautiful alpine lakes with spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies on the north side of Mount Rowe. This hike begins with a gentle climb following the beautiful Rowe Creek to Lower Rowe Lake. Continue on through Rowe Meadow a beautiful natural amphitheatre with a small stream, surrounded by mountains. Beargrass, Waterton’s unofficial wildflower grows in abundance here in season. The final ascent to the upper lakes is via switchbacks through a Larch tree forest (also called a Tamarack) bringing you to a hanging valley where the lakes sit. We relax within view of the Continental Divide and often, Bighorn Sheep. Many have even braved the cold waters for a swim. We'll return after lunch to the van and make our way back into the United States to the historic St. Mary's Village for our overnight.

Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 12.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,935 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet

There are two fantastic options for our high alpine day of hiking. Both Peigan Pass and the High Line Trail start high on the Going-to-the-Sun road and head north across meadows, past glaciers, over passes and along glacial lakes. We'll be in the most incredibly beautiful high-alpine settings to be found anywhere. The trails descend in parallel valleys leading to Many Glacier Lodge where we will spend our last 2 nights. The choice will be determined by current conditions and group makeup.

Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 11.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,185 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet

The hike today starts right from the lodge after a hearty breakfast. We are heading back up the Grinnell valley, along Swiftcurrent Lake, then past peaceful Lake Josephine and on towards Grinnell Lake. There is the option to make the lake your destination, if you are feeling like taking it easy, or continue onto the flanks of Mt. Grinnell, climbing to the hanging lake where the Grinnell Glacier drains. We return to Many Glacier Lodge for our final night and a celebration dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 450 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 150 feet

For our last day we have a more casual option as we explore up the Swiftcurrent valley, past Fishercap Lake and Redrock Lake, up to Bullhead Lake. You won't want to leave this serene valley surrounded by snow capped peaks, in a world away from reality. Our final van ride will bring us back to Whitefish or Kalispell for your departure.