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Family Hikes
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Waterton is a fantastic family hiking destination! From baby-on-back to adventure-ready teens, there is a trail for you. With two kids under 12, we have hiked all over the Park since they were newborn. This is what we recommend!
A few tips for hiking with kids: As a parent with a little kid, you should be prepared to not always get to the destination. The initial goal of getting on the trail is to make the experience fun!
Think on the level of your little one: enjoy all of the sites and sounds the trail has to offer.
• Snacks, snacks and more snacks. Sometimes a snack means the difference between the parking lot and the lake so make sure to pack a lot of snacks to keep everyone happy! (water too)
• Take your time! Hiking with your children isn’t a race. Sometimes our long legs forget that for every step we take, they take 3 or 4! Slow it down, take a breath, and look around. It’s amazing what you miss on the trail when you don’t stop to smell the flowers….
• Teens love a challenge, but make sure you do your homework! This is the time to hire a guide, read up on your trail beforehand, or get them to investigate the history/ interesting facts about the area you are roaming in. You can also fish in many of the lakes in Waterton- just make sure you get your National Park License and read up on the Regs!
Best for the under 6 crowd:
Bellevue Prairie Trail: Accessed via the Red Rock Parkway (park at the fake bear sign!), this ambling trail is a huge hit for the little one that is just getting their hiking legs. Wonderful for wildflower viewing in the Spring, and equally great for wildlife viewing in the Fall!
Distance: 3.5 km/ 2.2 mi (one-way)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Rating: Easy
Hiking time: 1.5-2.5 hours
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