Waterton Lakes National Park makes a nice weekend trip from Calgary or Lethbridge. If you’re looking for an easy hike (with nice views!), Bear’s Hump Trail is usually the first to be recommended. As one of the most popular hikes in Waterton, you’ll likely cross paths with several others on your way to the top. While this short hike can be a bit challenging for some, there’s view from the summit is more than worthwhile. Bear’s Hump hike offers impeccable views of the Town of Waterton and will help you find your bearings in no time.
Last Updated: March 7, 2024
When I first visited the Town of Waterton, it felt like a lesser-known Banff with easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling adventures. Waterton fast became one of my favourite places to hike in Alberta. In August 2021, we made our way down to Waterton and finally hiked up Bear’s Hump Trail just minutes away from the town. While the views were somewhat foggy, I can still see what the hype is about. Bear’s Hump is an easy and family-friendly hike in Waterton with panoramic views of the town and surrounding area. If you only have time for one quick adventure, Bear’s Hump Trail is a great choice!
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About Bear’s Hump Trail — Family-Friendly Waterton Hike
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Distance: 2.6 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (depending on fitness level)
Elevation: 221 m elevation gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must be on a leash.
Features: The Bear’s Hump hike is conveniently near downtown Waterton, with an official parking area and outhouse. The trail switchbacks up to the summit while gaining over 200 metres in a bit more than a kilometre. At the summit, you’ll be impressed by the views of downtown Waterton and the surrounding lakes. Bear’s Hump Trail was rebuilt following the 2017 Kenow Wildfire.
Bear’s Hump Trail Map
Finding the Bear’s Hump Trailhead
Bear’s Hump Trailhead is located across the street from the famous Prince of Wales Hotel, apparently a nice place to take afternoon tea. Find the parking area on the right of Hwy 5 as you’re driving toward Waterton town. If you reach the town, turn around and retrace your route for less than five minutes. As a shoulder of Crandell Mountain, Bear’s Hump has become one of the most popular attractions in Waterton Park. I’d recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the day for a more tranquil experience. An outhouse is available in the parking area.
Did you know? The Blackfoot Indigenous community named this Bear Mountain because it resembles the grizzly bear’s hump. Can you see the resemblance?
Bear’s Hump Hike — One of the Easy Hikes in Waterton
Don’t be fooled by the short distance up Bear’s Hump. While children may run up to the summit, some parents might find themselves huffing and puffing uphill (especially if you’re not a big hiker). Even so, it won’t take too long before you reach the rocky summit with panoramic views of Waterton town. As a shorter hike in Waterton, Bear’s Hump is around 2.6 km out and back and gains somewhere around 221 metres.
I was very impressed with the nicely groomed trail and updated infrastructure. If you’re not aware, the Kenow Wildlife devastated Waterton Lakes National Park in 2017 and Bear’s Hump was completely rebuilt following the fire. If you like to take your time, find a bench along the path to enjoy the views. As you walk up the hill, don’t forget to turn around for increasingly better viewpoints of the Waterton Lakes. Can you see the famous Prince of Wales Hotel down below?
At the top of Bear’s Hump, take a few minutes to look around at the iconic views of Waterton, including the town and the middle and upper Waterton Lakes. These views alone are reason enough to make your way up this short leg burner. That being said, I loved the amount of wildlife on this short hike. On our way down, we crossed paths with six mule deer — including two young bucks — grazing on the hillside. It felt like something out of a storybook. After quietly snapping a few photos, it was time to continue down to the car.
Read more: Crypt Lake Hike in Waterton Lakes National Park
What To Bring — Hiking in Waterton
If you’re new to hiking, check out this post on the 10 Hiking Essentials before you head out. You never really know what the weather will be in Waterton Lakes, so it’s best to be prepared. Bring a rain jacket (even if you think you won’t need it) and a warm jacket or fleece in case it cools down. You don’t really need hiking boots for Bear’s Hump — trail runners or sneakers will do just fine. I didn’t bother pulling out my hiking poles on this immaculate trail. Carry a water bottle or a water reservoir to stay hydrated (you won’t find much shade here). It’s not uncommon to see bears in Waterton so carry bear spray and know how to use it. Are you looking for a day pack? I’ve been using the same blue Osprey HikeLite 18 for years and can’t say enough good things.
Read next: 2-Day Goat Lake Hike and Avion Ridge in Waterton Park
Waterton Wildlife
It’s not uncommon to see wildlife on the trails. As we hiked up Bear’s Hump, we crossed paths with six mule deer including a couple of young bucks. When hiking in Waterton, it’s possible to see big-horned sheep, elk, moose, wolves, grizzly and black bears, and more. Always give wildlife plenty of space and never feed or approach wild animals. Practice Leave No Trace principles in the backcountry, including packing out any garbage or food scraps so wild animals do not become habituated.
Waterton Lakes National Park is home to black bears and grizzly bears. Leave those bear bells at home because they don’t help bears recognize us as human. Talk or sing (even off-key) when you’re hiking in the backcountry. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. I like to use a holster for easy access. Witnessing bears in their natural habitat can be a thrilling experience. However, let’s do what we can to keep wild things wild.
Know Before You Go
Park Pass: Bring your Parks Canada Discovery Pass or purchase one online before you arrive. You can also buy a day pass at the visitor centre.
Parking: You can park in the designated parking area beside the trailhead. Parking can fill up quickly during peak season, so arrive early to find a spot.
Toilets: An outhouse is available in the parking area.
Pets: Dogs are permitted on this hiking trail, but must be kept on a leash. Please pick up after your pet and consider bringing a smell-proof bag.
Crowds: Bear’s Hump Trail is one of the most popular and accessible hikes in Waterton. During peak summer months, this path can become overly crowded so you may want to consider visiting in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds.
Navigation: You won’t have any trouble following this trail to the top. Pick up the Gem Trek Waterton Lakes National Park to learn more about the area.
Safety: Bring a small first aid kit to deal with minor injuries on the trail. You will also want to bring enough water and snacks to stay happy out there. Exercise caution near the edge of the summit, as the ledges can be dangerous (especially with children).
Things To Do in Waterton Lakes National Park
There’s no shortage of things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park. If you’re looking for more short hikes, check out Red Rock Canyon and Blakiston Falls. For one of the more thrilling day trips, Crypt Lake Trail is one of the best hikes in Waterton. I would love to return for Carthew-Alderson Trail someday soon. If you’re looking for a short backpacking trip, spend a couple of days hiking Goat Lake and Avion Ridge (incredible views). There’s something for everyone in Waterton Lakes National Park!
Have you hiked Bear’s Hump Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
