Thrilling Adventure Awaits
Cycling is a great way to see the best of Waterton and get some exercise at the same time. If you seek adventure, you will definitely find it on our mountain trails.
If you're after something of a quieter flavour, you will love a traditional surrey ride through our village.
Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain biking in our park is limited to four trails, as listed below. Don't let the small number of trails fool you. The terrain is vast, thrilling and provides something for almost everyone.
Snowshoe Trail
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 junctions for several other trails, but you will have to lock and leave your bike behind if you choose to check them out.
Length 8.2 km one way
Trailhead Red Rock Canyon parking lot
Akamina Pass Trail
This short, steep trail climbs to the Alberta-B.C. boundary then continues into Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park in British Columbia. Consult the provincial park bulletin board for information on regulations and available routes.
Length 1.5 km one way
Trailhead 14.4 km along the Akamina Parkway
Wishbone Trail
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.
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 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.
Length 4 km from Red Rock Parkway to Akamina Parkway or
20.6 km for the entire loop
Trailhead 1 km down the Canyon Camp road just past the Crandell Campground
or 6.5 km along the Akamina Parkway
Cycling in the Village
Pat's Rentals
If what you're after is a gentle peddle through the town site, a good selection of rentals are available at Pat's. You can rent a mountain bike or enjoy a side-by-side ride in a traditional surrey. Scooter rentals are also available. Whatever type of wheels you choose, you'll have a great time exploring Waterton.
Backcountry Camping
Some backcountry campsites are accessible by mountain bike. Anyone planning to overnight in the backcountry must obtain a wilderness use permit.
Cautionary Note
Cyclists need to be aware of three major factors while cycling here:
- other traffic (including hikers and wildlife)
- riders on horseback
- our famously strong winds
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.
You may also enounter horses on the trail who may panic if surprised. 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.
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.
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