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Blakiston Falls Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park
- andrewsco3
- Aug 7
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Blakiston Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in Waterton, and one of the best quick stops for families exploring the Red Rock Canyon Parkway.
This short trail starts just beyond the parking area at Red Rock Canyon and follows a gentle path through a forest recovering from fire to a pair of well-built viewing platforms overlooking the falls. At just 2 kilometres round-trip, it's manageable for almost all ages and a great add-on if you're already planning to visit Red Rock Canyon.
We’ve hiked this trail several times with our family and we consider it one of the easiest hikes to do in Waterton Lakes with kids.
Keep reading for all the information you’ll need to hike to Blakiston Falls, including key details and plenty of photos so you know what to expect along the way. We’ve also put together a 1–3 day Waterton itinerary if you’re looking for ideas to help plan your time in Waterton.
Table of Contents
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Table of Contents:
Blakiston Falls in Waterton - Key Information
In a rush? Here's some key information about hiking to the Blakiston Falls in Waterton.
Distance: 2 km return
Elevation Gain: Minimal (approximately 50 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 30–60 minutes depending on pace and how long you spend at the falls
Best Time to Go: Late May through early October (the road is closed outside this time)
Permits Required: Yes – a National Park Pass is required
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Kid Friendly: Yes, it's one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Waterton
Trail Type: Out and back
Add-On Option: Combine it with a visit to Red Rock Canyon, which is right next door
How to Get to the Trailhead
Blakiston Falls starts from the Red Rock Canyon day-use area at the far end of the Red Rock Parkway, which is about a 20-minute drive from the Waterton townsite. If you’re arriving from the park gate, you’ll need to turn off before reaching the town itself. Look for the well-marked sign pointing toward Red Rock Parkway.
The Red Rock Parkway stretches roughly 15 kilometres and winds through meadows, rolling hills, and has incredible mountain views. It’s a beautiful drive with several scenic viewpoints, and we've seen lots of wildlife including bears along the road.
This entire area was impacted by the Kenow Wildfire in 2017. While the burn scars are still visible, you’ll also notice how much regrowth has happened since, especially along the trail to Blakiston Falls, where new vegetation is slowly filling in the forest floor.
There are two parking lots at the trailhead: an upper lot close to Red Rock Canyon and a lower one just a short walk away, which is actually closer for Blakiston Falls. The upper lot is larger and has some large washrooms and picnic tables.
2025 Update: The Canada Strong Pass, which granted free admission to Canada's National Parks for the summer, ended on September 2, 2025. From September 3, 2025, a valid Parks Canada pass such as a Discovery Pass or daily entry fee is required for any time spent in the parks.
Blakiston Falls Trail Map:
Hiking Through the Forest
The trail to Blakiston Falls begins at the bottom of Red Rock Canyon, where Red Rock Creek and Bauerman Creek meet. You need to cross two bridges at the start of the trail, then turn right and follow the path upstream parallel to Bauerman Creek.
From there, a wide gravel path gently climbs through the forest. You'll notice plenty of new growth as deciduous trees start to return after the fire, and wildflowers add bursts of colour. Fireweed blooms are especially impressive in late July and August.
The path stays relatively flat, making it an easy trail that’s suitable for almost everyone, including those with strollers.
As you continue, the forest begins to open up, revealing clearer mountain views. You’ll also start to see the river below and catch your first glimpses of the falls.
The Falls & Viewing Platforms
After about one kilometre of hiking, you’ll reach the first of two sturdy viewing platforms, both equipped with safety railings and a clear view of the falls below.
The platforms are made of metal with grid-style flooring. I think they look slightly out of place compared to some other platforms around the Rockies, but they’re clearly built to last. We had our dog Ellie with us, and she found the metal grid a bit tricky to walk on - something to keep in mind if you're bringing a dog.
The first platform offers sweeping views of the falls and surrounding mountains, while the second brings you much closer to the water fall itself.
The trail continues past the waterfall into the backcountry of Blakiston Valley, but assuming you're just here to see the falls, this is where you'll turn around and head back the way you came. Short and sweet!
The Red Rock Canyon
Most people planning to hike to Blakiston Falls likely already know about Red Rock Canyon since the trailhead passes right by it. Visiting the canyon is one of the most popular things to do in Waterton, especially with kids.
If you’ve come across this post without knowing much about the canyon, it’s definitely worth spending an hour or two here. Red Rock Canyon stands out with its unique red and green walls and is unlike anything else we've seen in Waterton (or the Rockies for that matter).
You can follow the accessible loop trail around the canyon, climb down to dip your toes in the shallow water, or take the kids upstream to explore.
If you want more details about visiting the canyon, check out our full blog post with tips on parking, what to bring, and what to expect what exploring the canyon.
The Blakiston Falls Trail - FAQ
Is the Hike Kid-Friendly?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, we think think that visiting the Red Rock Canyon and hiking up to Blakiston Falls is one of the best thing to do in Waterton with kids.
Is the Trail Wheelchair and Stroller Accessible?
The trail to the falls is a gravel path that is definitely stroller friendly. Much of it should also be wheelchair accessible but it is best to call the Waterton information centre to confirm. The Red Rock Canyon loop is wheelchair friendly.
Is the Hike Dog Friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed on both the trail and in the canyon. Just keep in mind that the viewing platforms have metal grid flooring which might be uncomfortable for your dog’s paws as Ellie (our Golden) had some trouble walking on it.
Are There Any Washrooms or Toilets?
Yes, there are washrooms available at the Red Rock Canyon parking lot.
When does Red Rock Canyon open?
The canyon and the Blakiston Falls hike is always open, vehicle access via the Red Rock Parkway is seasonal. The road typically opens around May 1 and closes by the end of October, depending on weather. In winter, you can cross-country ski or snowshoe along the closed road if you want to visit the canyon or falls.
What Wildlife Might I Encounter?
This is definitely bear country. We've seen plenty of bears along the road not far from the the canyon, and there are often bear warnings in the area. If hiking the trails close by, be bear aware, carry bear spray, and stay alert.
What to Take With You
Water Shoes – If you plan on spending any time in the canyon, your day will be so much more enjoyable if you protect your feet. We picked up a couple of inexpensive pairs on Amazon for under $20, and they’ve been worth every penny given how often we’ve used them.
Food and Water – Bring lots of water! We recently bought both of our kids Camelbaks so that they can drink on the go and it has been a game changer! Bring plenty of snacks and gummy treats!
Swimwear – Even if you’re not planning to get wet, it’s smart to bring swimwear just in case, especially for the kids. Once you're by the creek, it’s hard to resist getting in.
A Change of Clothes – Goes hand in hand with bringing swimwear. If you're heading into the canyon, expect to get at least a little wet. At the very least, pack dry socks and shoes for the kids.
First Aid Kit – I always recommend bringing a basic first aid kit in your bag as a precaution. Some of the rocks inside the canyon are sharp so you might end up with a few small scrapes.
Bear Spray – You likely won’t need it in the canyon itself, but the surrounding trails are definitely bear country. We’ve seen a bear every single time we've visited Waterton, often close to the road and walking trails. Make sure to carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it.
Looking for More Things to do in Waterton?
Looking for a hotel?
For a truly memorable stay, consider booking a night at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. With its iconic setting above Waterton Lake and the best views in the park, it’s one of the most unique places to stay in the Canadian Rockies.
While writing this post, we we did a quick price check, and Expedia came out cheapest by quite a margin. Check prices and availability on Expedia
Fancy a Hike?
If you enjoyed this hike, why not try another couple of Waterton classic hikes:
Things to do and Itinerary Planning
We’ve put together a detailed blog post on the best things to do in Waterton, with plenty of family-friendly suggestions, ideas on where to stay, and a few favourite spots to eat.
If you're planning a short visit, our Waterton itinerary post can help you make the most of your time, whether you have 1, 2, or 3 days to explore.
And if you’re mapping out a longer road trip, don’t miss our most popular guide: a 2-week Canadian Rockies itinerary that covers Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton, which is packed with tips to help you plan an unforgettable journey.
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