Top 13 Lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park
Best lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park are found where the Alberta prairies meet the Rocky Mountains. The park features diverse aquatic ecosystems, supporting unique species. Its collection of lakes offers various features and activities for visitors. This region is known for its blend of accessible amenities and wilderness experiences.
Best lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park
- The most popular lakes is Crypt Lake, a lake that is an emerald-colored, glacial-fed lake surrounded by towering cliffs. The hike to…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Crypt Lake
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Crypt Lake Trailhead
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Summit Lake
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Cameron Lake
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Northern terminus of the CDT & southern terminus of the GDT
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Other adventures in Waterton Lakes National Park
Tips from the Community
To get from Cameron Lake to Summit Lake, you can hike the Alderson Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. The trail begins at Cameron Lake and leads up switchbacks and through a forest fire area to Summit Lake. The hike is about 4 kilometers long, takes about 1.5 hours, and is part of the larger Carthew-Alderson Trail. A great place to stop for a break or enjoy the end point before descending again.
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A beautiful lake with boat rentals. It's also a good starting point for hikes to Summit Lake or higher.
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Nice break on the way up. Early July, the big white flowers named « bear grass » are absolutely amazing.
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Accessible via the road, starting point of a few great hikes.
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This is where the official route of the 4,000-mile long-distance hike of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trails ends if you hike northbound. It starts in New Mexico at the Mexican border and leads you through the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. It is always close to the Continental Divide, but not necessarily on it. The location is also the southern terminus of the Great Divide Trail that stretches from Waterton Lakes at the US border through the Canadian Rockies over more than 1,100 kilometers (680 miles). Moreover, it is the eastern terminus of the Pacific Northwest Trail that goes all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
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Crypt Lake is an adventure for itself. First you take one of two boats, that leave early in the morning, and drop you off on the other side of Waterton Lake, which is where you start and end your hike. No roads lead to this point, from here on it's pure nature, narrow paths lead you through the forest, to waterfalls, steep mountain trails, tunnels and last but not least to Crypt Lake. It's a very beautiful hike and the most thrilling one at Waterton National Park. You will hike through a wonderful scenery. Carry food and drinks for the day with you, good hiking shoes are recommended. Watch out for wildlife, it's bear and moose country, but also keep an eye out for all other animals that hide perfectly nearby. At the end of the hike you can rest nicely on the shore of Waterton Lake and wait for your pick up boat.
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Crypt Lake is an adventure for itself. First you take one of two boats, that leave early in the morning, and drop you off on the other side of Waterton Lake, which is where you start and end your hike. No roads lead to this point, from here on it's pure nature, narrow paths lead you through the forest, to waterfalls, steep mountain trails, tunnels and last but not least to Crypt Lake. It's a very beautiful hike and the most thrilling at Waterton National Park. Carry food and drinks for the day with you, good hiking shoes are recommended. Watch out for wildlife, it's bear and moose country, but also keep an eye out for all other animals that hide perfectly nearby. At the end of the hike you can rest nicely on the shore of Waterton Lake and wait for your pick up boat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique features of the lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park?
The lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park offer diverse characteristics. For instance, Upper Waterton Lake is an international lake, shared with Glacier National Park in Montana, and is the deepest in the Canadian Rockies. Cameron Lake is a serene sub-alpine lake known for its peaceful atmosphere, while Crypt Lake is an emerald-colored, glacial-fed lake accessible via a thrilling hike involving a boat ride and a tunnel.
Which lakes are best for water activities like boating or swimming?
Upper Waterton Lake is a hub for various water activities, including boating, waterskiing, fishing, scuba diving, and sailboarding. Its Emerald Bay offers slightly warmer, calmer waters suitable for swimming and paddleboarding. For quieter activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboating, Cameron Lake is an excellent choice, with rentals available on-site. Motorized boats are not permitted on Cameron Lake, ensuring a peaceful experience.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities in Waterton Lakes National Park?
Yes, Cameron Lake is considered family-friendly, offering quieter water activities and an easy lakeshore trail. Upper Waterton Lake also provides family-friendly options like boat tours that offer historical and geological insights, often crossing the international border.
What are some popular hiking trails associated with the lakes?
The hike to Crypt Lake is one of the most renowned, involving a boat ride and a challenging ascent with unique features like a tunnel and a ladder. The Cameron Lakeshore trail at Cameron Lake is an easy 3.5 km round-trip. For more challenging options, the Carthew-Alderson Trail can be accessed from Cameron Lake, leading towards Summit Lake and Alderson Lake. You can find more hiking options in the area, such as the 'Lower Bertha Falls – View of Upper Waterton Lake loop', by exploring Hiking in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Are there options for backcountry camping near the lakes?
Yes, backcountry campsites are available at both Bertha Lake and Alderson Lake for those wishing to spend the night amidst the alpine scenery. These offer a more immersive wilderness experience after a rewarding hike.
Where can I go birdwatching near the lakes?
The Maskinonge wetland, located near Lower Waterton Lake, is a significant bird habitat and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying serene natural surroundings.
Which lakes are easily accessible by road?
Cameron Lake is easily accessible via the picturesque Akamina Parkway. Upper Waterton Lake is also readily accessible from the Waterton townsite, providing convenient access to its amenities and activities.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near the lakes?
The park's diverse aquatic ecosystems support unique species like bull trout and pygmy whitefish. The Maskinonge wetland is particularly good for birdwatching. As it is bear and moose country, visitors should always be vigilant for wildlife when exploring trails around the lakes.
Are there opportunities for fishing in the lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in Waterton Lakes National Park. Upper Waterton Lake offers fishing opportunities, and Alderson Lake is also a beautiful spot for fishing, set beneath the impressive cliffs of Mount Alderson.
What makes the Crypt Lake hike so unique?
The Crypt Lake hike is considered one of the most thrilling and adventurous in the park. It involves a boat ride across Upper Waterton Lake to the trailhead, followed by a challenging ascent that includes navigating a narrow path, passing waterfalls, a tunnel, and an exciting ladder section. The stunning scenery and unique trail features make it a memorable experience.
Can I cycle near the lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park?
Yes, cycling is possible near some of the lakes. The Kootenai Brown Trail, for example, is popular for cycling and offers views of Middle Waterton Lake and the Prince of Wales Hotel.
Are there any iconic landmarks visible from the lakes?
The iconic Prince of Wales Hotel is perched overlooking Upper Waterton Lake and Middle Waterton Lake, offering stunning views and a historical presence in the landscape.
What are some easy hiking options near the lakes?
For easy hikes, consider the Cameron Lakeshore trail at Cameron Lake, which is a gentle 3.5 km loop. Another option is the 'View of Upper Waterton Lake – Lower Bertha Falls loop' which is an easy route. You can find more easy hiking options in the area by checking out Easy hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park.
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