Many people visit Waterton Lakes National Park each year to enjoy our beautiful landscapes. They travel here on their own, in groups, and with family and friends. Waterton connects so many people to nature and to being outdoors. Coming here is grounding. The sights, smells, and sounds all connect us to what we often miss in our day-to-day lives. However, that sense of peace can fade quickly when our idea of “enjoyment” conflicts with someone else’s. How we interact with outdoor spaces and each other matters. Luckily, there is space in Waterton for everyone to find their desired experiences. A little consideration goes a long way! Here are some tips to help keep Waterton welcoming and wild for all.

Trails Are for Sharing

Our trail network in Waterton appeals to adventurers of all ages and abilities. We see families, couples, solo trekkers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and horse riders… all enjoying the Park in their own way.

Real life on the trail isn’t always that simple. There are some basic considerations that everyone should know: such as bikes yield to hikers, and everyone yields to horses. But the most important thing we can do when meeting on a trail is talk to each other! A friendly greeting and quick conversation can often resolve tricky situations and smooth the way for more positive experiences for all.

On the trail, stepping aside helps a cyclist take the room they need to get safely by you. Or a rider on horseback may ask for patience while leading their mount past your group. Sometimes wildlife, narrow terrain, or family groups with small children change the dynamic entirely.

Remember that you aren’t in a hurry, take a breath and recognize that everyone is just trying to have a good time. Speak up, be friendly, and remember a smile goes a long way! Start with kindness, stay flexible, and remember: a shared trail experience can still be a great one.

Staying on the Trail Matters

Staying on the trail in the front and back country really matters! Our ecosystem is extremely fragile. Plants in Waterton and the greater Rockies grow slowly due to thin soils, short summers, and long winters. A single step off-trail can undo years of growth.

Sticking to designated trails helps prevent “social trails,” where unofficial paths form alongside the actual trail. These side trails compact soil, damage vegetation, and increase erosion, making it harder for native species to survive. Share with your hiking companions and your kids why it’s important to stay on the trail. This helps build lifelong habits of environmental respect and keeps the park healthy for the next person’s adventure.

Take Photos, Not Souvenirs

Finding something fascinating along the trail like a vibrant wildflower, a rock shaped like a heart, or maybe even an antler shed can feel like discovering treasure! How much would you love to show your friends and family? But, in our National Parks, these items are meant to stay exactly where they are.

Natural and cultural features are protected by law, not just for today’s visitors, but for everyone who comes after. Removing them disrupts the ecosystem in ways we don’t always see.

The best souvenir? A photo and a memory. Using your phone or a camera lets you capture the moment while leaving the landscape untouched for the next curious explorer. Or better yet, bring your sketchbook!

Being a Good Guest in Wildlife Country

Waterton isn’t just a place we visit; it’s home to bears, elk, deer, cougars, and countless other species. Our job is to give wildlife their space and to not create situations that cause stress.

If an animal is disturbed in their route or they stop what they are doing because you have distracted them, you’re too close! Parks Canada recommends three bus lengths of room between you and wildlife. Even when we stay on trail, our presence can affect wildlife far beyond what we can see, particularly larger animals like bears and cougars. Travelling in groups, especially groups of four or more, is less stressful for the wildlife and safer for people.

Talking and making some noise as you hike helps avoid surprise encounters; you don’t want to sneak up on an unsuspecting animal. Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, so planning outings during full daylight hours is another simple way to reduce impact. Always make sure you read Parks Canada trail reports and signage posted at trailheads and in the community. Trailhead information often has to do with wildlife in the area, and can help you plan a safe adventure. Making a plan always works in the prepared hikers’ favour.

Pets, Drones, and Other Considerations

If you’re visiting with a dog, keeping them leashed is required and essential. Off-leash dogs are one of the leading causes of wildlife conflicts. To wild animals, dogs may resemble predators, triggering defensive or aggressive behaviour that puts everyone at risk.

More and more National Parks are moving towards asking people to leave their furry friends at home. There have been a growing number of interactions between dogs and bears so sometimes it’s better to just leave your pet at home or at a day-care option that many mountain communities now have.

Drones are illegal to operate in Canadian National Parks. Drones disturb wildlife and disrupt the natural soundscape that many visitors have come here to enjoy. Instead, let the wind in the trees and the calls of birds be the sounds you hear!

Be Prepared, Not Fearful

Bear spray is an effective last line of defence in the unlikely event of a wildlife encounter. Carry it where you can reach it quickly, not buried in a backpack, and know how to use it before you need it. Being prepared allows you to relax and enjoy your time outdoors with confidence.

When Nature Calls

Most trailheads, campgrounds, and day-use areas in Waterton are equipped with outhouse facilities in the area. Please use them when available and leave them clean and usable for the next visitor. If you have to answer the call of nature on the trail, you need to go at least 70 steps off the trail and dig a hole. Do your business in the hole and then cover it back up. Be prepared with a bathroom kit including baggies to pack out any waste. Always plan ahead with toilet paper in your bag, baggies to carry out any paper and waste and have a small bottle of sanitizer. You can’t depend on those items being available even when there are outhouses.

Don’t forget to always pack out your pet waste. Dog feces can carry parasites harmful to both people and wildlife, and it does not belong in the natural ecosystem. Horse riders are also required to clean up at trail heads and rest stops.

Preserving the Experience Together

Waterton Lakes National Park offers awe-inspiring landscapes, quiet places, and unforgettable family memories. By adventuring thoughtfully and respecting trails, wildlife, and one another, we help ensure those experiences remain just as special for future generations. Enjoy your visit, take care of this remarkable place, and we’ll see you out on the trail!

From your friends at Tamarack Adventures. Hiring a Guide is a great way to hike the trails and have a safe and educational experience. You can book a Guided Experience with us at www.hikewaterton.com or stop in the Tamarack store in Waterton village at 214 Mount View Road.

By Tamarack Adventures