Bear’s Hump

Route Description for Bear’s Hump

Note that much of Waterton National Park was severely impacted by the 2017 Kenow Wildfire. To find out what trails are open, please check the Parks Canada website.

Look for the path with the wood railing beginning from the parking lot. Within 20 m you’ll come to the Bear’s Hump trail sign. Take a moment to look at the picture describing how Bear’s Hump got its name before beginning the steady climb.

The path is pleasant and well maintained. Gravel gives way to rock, interspersed with wooden beams to assist in the climb. Switchbacks help ease the ascent. The occasional glimpses through the trees of the Prince of Wales Hotel and the prairie lands to the north hint at the vista to come.

You’ll pass two benches en route, and they are important markers: each bench represents a third of the journey completed! No bench is needed at the top; you’ll be too busy turning circles as you soak up the view.

Views to the north reveal mountains quickly melting into the prairies. From here you can spot Linnet Lake, a pleasant area for a picnic. To the east, the impressive sweeping vista includes the famous Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton townsite on Emerald Bay, and Upper and Lower Waterton Lakes backed by the giant, Vimy Ridge and Peak. The view leads south into Glacier National Park, Montana; continuing your rotation you’ll see a variety of peaks including the large triangular Bertha Peak, and finally, the continuation of Bear’s Hump to the peak of Mount Crandell.

After soaking in the views, return the way you came.

Insider Hints for Bear’s Hump

• A treat at The Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlor in Waterton townsite is the perfect follow-up to your heart-pumping climb up Bear’s Hump.
• Because of the big views with minimal effort, Bear’s Hump is a busy place. Aim for an early start to beat the crowds.
• There is additional parking at The Prince of Wales Hotel if the main lot is full.