CYCLING
With more than 200 miles of trail in Waterton Lakes National Park, it is not surprising that hundreds of adventure-seeking cyclists are drawn to Waterton’s alpine slopes and valleys each year.
People with less need for steep pitches and velocity will find cycling around Waterton to be a great way to see our park at a speed that allows them to take in every inch of Rocky Mountain splendor.
Cycling Around Waterton Village
When you come to Waterton Lakes National Park, you will find that many of our visitors enjoy cycling around our park and through our Village on bike paths and roadside trails. If you do not want to cart your bike along on your journey to Waterton, excellent rentals are available at Pat’s of Waterton. You can rent a mountain bike or enjoy a side-by-side ride in a traditional surrey. Scooter rentals are also available by the hour all day long.
Mountain Biking in Waterton Park
Mountain biking is limited to four trails in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Snowshoe Trail
This wide, rolling trail is a great choice for beginner cyclists. The trail is relatively open and flat, but cyclists may need to ford the occasional creek.
Length
8.2 km one way
Trailhead
Red Rock Canyon parking lot
Akamina Pass Trail
This short, steep trail is best suited to more experienced cyclists. It ascends to the Alberta-B.C. boundary then continues into Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park.
Length
1.5 km one way
Trailhead
14.4 km along the Akamina Parkway
Wishbone Trail
This challenging trail starts off wide but becomes narrow and overgrown once you have passed the Vimy trail cut-off. Please note that cycling is not permitted on the Vimy Trail or past the Wishbone dock on Middle Waterton Lake.
Length
10.5 km one way
Trailhead
0.5 km along Chief Mountain Highway from Highway 5 junction
Crandell Loop
This is a challenging trail best suited to advanced mountain bikers. The Akamina Parkway portion is steep and rocky and other portions washed away in the 1995 flood are difficult to follow. Some cyclists prefer to make a loop by traveling the Akamina and Red Rock Parkways, linking them via the Crandell trail.
Length
4 km from Red Rock Parkway to Akamina Parkway or 20.6 km for the entire loop
Trailhead
1km down the Canyon Camp road just past the Crandell Campground, or 6.5 km along the Akamina Parkway
Rules of the Trail
- Mountain bikers should yield the trail and be courteous to other trail users.
- There is a high probability of meeting and surprising wildlife or other trail users.
- Be alert and attach a bell to your bike or call out when approaching corners.
- You may encounter horses on the trail, who will likely panic if they see you without warning. To reduce danger to yourself and others, move to the side of the trail if encountering horses head on or announce your presence from a good distance if approaching from behind then request guidance from the guide as to how to pass safely.
Backcountry Camping
Some backcountry campsites are accessible by mountain bike. If you plan to cycle into the backcountry, you must obtain a wilderness use permit. Please refer to wilderness camping on the Parks Canada website.
You may also be interested in the other Waterton activities:
View the other things to do in Waterton: