Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada

Activities

Recreation

Cycling

On the road

Cycling is a great way to see the park and get some exercise at the same time. Cyclists need to be aware of two major factors while in Waterton - other traffic and strong winds! The Entrance, Red Rock and Akamina Parkways are narrow and do not have shoulders, so use caution when cycling on these roads. The Chief Mountain Highway has wide shoulders and is a good choice for cycling, although be prepared for large hills. Highways 5 and 6 leading out of the park also have wide shoulders and can be very enjoyable.

On the trail

Mountain biking is limited to four trails. Mountain bikers should yield the trail and be courteous to other trail users. Because bikes travel swiftly and quietly, 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 to make others aware of your presence. Horses may panic if surprised when encountering cyclists. Please be considerate by stopping and moving to the side of the trail if encountering horses head on. If approaching from behind, announce your presence from a good distance, then request guidance from the horse riders as to how to pass safely.

Some backcountry campsites are accessible by mountain bike and anyone planning to overnight in the backcountry must obtain a wilderness use permit. Please refer to wilderness camping.

Snowshoe Trail
Length: 8.2 km one way
Trailhead: Red Rock Canyon parking lot
Description: This wide, rolling trail is a good choice for beginner cyclists. In spring, it may be necessary to ford a few creeks. This trail provides access to trail junctions for several other trails, but you will have to lock and leave your bike behind if you choose to head up them.

Akamina Pass Trail
Length: 1.5 km one way
Trailhead: 14.4 km along the Akamina Parkway
Description: This short, steep trail climbs to the Alberta-B.C. boundary then continues into Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park. Consult the provincial park bulletin board for information on regulations and available routes.

Wishbone Trail
Length: 10.5 km one way
Trailhead: 0.5 km along Chief Mountain Highway from Highway 5 junction.
Description: This relatively flat trail starts off wide but becomes narrow and overgrown past the Vimy trail cutoff. You have to ford Sofa Creek. Cycling is not permitted on the Vimy Trail or past the Wishbone dock on Middle Waterton Lake.

Crandell Loop
Length: 4 km from Red Rock Parkway to Akamina Parkway or 20.6 km for entire loop
Trailhead: 1km down the Canyon Camp road just past the Crandell Campground, or 6.5 km along the Akamina Parkway.
Description: This is a challenging trail for advanced mountain bikers. The Akamina Parkway portion is steep and rocky while portions along the Red Rock Parkway were washed away in the 1995 flood and are difficult to follow. Some cyclists prefer to make a loop by travelling the Akamina and Red Rock Parkways, linking them via the Crandell trail.