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The Lower Bertha Falls Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park: A Scenic Family-Friendly Hike
- andrewsco3
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Bertha Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park, and for good reason.
The hike starts right from the Waterton townsite, and at 5.2 km return, it’s short enough for younger kids to manage, while still feeling like a full outing for the adults. We’ve done this trail several times with our family and we consider it one of the best things to do in Waterton Lakes with kids.
Along the trail, you’ll find beautiful lake views, a chance to walk through forest that burned in the 2017 Kenow wildfire, and see the explosion of wildflowers that have returned in the years since.
The trail leads to Lower Bertha Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff with a gentle veil-like appearance. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue on to Upper Bertha Falls or Bertha Lake.
Keep reading for all the information you’ll need to hike to Bertha 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.
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Lower Bertha Falls in Waterton - Key Information
In a rush? Here's some key information about the hike at a glance.
Distance: 5.2 km return (out and back to Lower Bertha Falls)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time Required: 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on pace and stops
Best Time to Go: May through October
Permits Required: Yes – a National Park Pass is required
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
Kid Friendly: Yes. The trail is well maintained and not too steep with no exposure
Trail Type: Out and back
Option to Continue: Yes – you can keep hiking to Upper Bertha Falls or Bertha Lake.
How to Get to the Trailhead
One reason the Lower Bertha Falls hike is so popular is because it’s incredibly accessible. The trailhead sits right on the edge of the Waterton townsite, just across the road from the townsite campground.
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but if it’s full, you’ll find additional street parking across the road.
Since it’s only a few minutes from Cameron Falls, another must-see waterfall in Waterton Lakes, this area can get busy, so parking often fills quickly during peak season.
If you're driving, plan to arrive early. If you're staying in town, it’s an easy walk from most accommodations.
Lower Bertha Falls Trail Map:
What to Expect on the Trail
The trail begins with a few quick switchbacks before a gentle climb along a well-worn path that traces the hillside above the lake.
As you work your way up the trail, you'll start to see the lasting impact of the Kenow wildfire that swept through Waterton Lakes National Park in 2017.
The surrounding forest still shows signs of the destruction, but there’s also a mix of varied new growth that continues to change with each season.
Within 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll gain enough elevation to see through the trees, with scenic views of Waterton Lake and Cameron Bay starting to appear.
About 1.3 km into the trail, roughly halfway to the falls, there is a viewpoint overlooking Upper Waterton Lake. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Glacier National Park in the US.
If you are hiking with really young kids and they are starting to tire, this makes a good turnaround point.
At this point, the trail turns right, away from the lake and into the valley toward Bertha Lake. You’ll pass some rocky outcrops on your right before the path begins to dip into the valley and leads you toward the falls.
Wildflowers in Waterton
Wildfires leave a lasting mark on the landscape, but they also create the conditions for new life to grow. The forest here is slowly regenerating, with evergreen seedlings pushing up through the soil alongside thick shrubs and wildflowers.
It may not look traditionally beautiful, but the contrast between the burnt tree trunks and fresh growth makes the landscape more dynamic and interesting.
When we hiked this trail in June, wildflowers were blooming everywhere. We spotted glacier lilies, harebells, Indian paintbrush and my personal favourite - bear grass.
The kids got really into it, snapping photos of every flower they could find - even the dandelions. It definitely slowed us down, but they were so engaged they didn’t even notice how far we’d walked.
Finding little games like this is one of our favourite tips for hiking with kids.
The Lower Bertha Falls
Soon the trail follows alongside the creek, and you’ll pass a few smaller waterfalls along the way. About 100 metres before the main falls, there’s one you can climb down to. It’s a lovely little spot, and the kids had fun scrambling down for a closer look.
Continue along the path and you will see a bridge that is the main viewing platform for the falls.
The view of the falls from the bridge is impressive, but if you scramble up the small rocks to the right, you will get a better vantage point. From there, you can really appreciate the falls' delicate, veil-like appearance.
Just before the bridge, there are a few benches where you can take a break, have a snack, and let the kids explore a bit.
There’s also a short path just before the bridge that leads to a great viewpoint of the water rushing through the chute. The creek is shallow here, making it a safe and fun spot for the kids to have a quick paddle.
From here, you can either head back the way you came or continue on toward Upper Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake. Going further adds a few more kilometres each way, but it’s a great option if you’re up for a longer outing.
The Lower Bertha Falls Trail - FAQ
Is the Hike Kid-Friendly?
Yes, the Lower Bertha Falls trail is great for kids. It’s not too long, the elevation gain is gradual, and there’s plenty to keep little ones interested along the way - especially the creek, wildflowers, and waterfalls.
Is the Hike Dog-Friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they’re leashed.
Are There Any Washrooms / Toilets?
Yes, there are washroom available at the start of the trail.
What are the Lower Bertha Falls Parking Options
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but if it’s full, you’ll find additional street parking across the road.
What Wildlife Might I Encounter on the Trail?
Even though this is a popular trail, wildlife can still be present. On a previous visit, a group ahead of us had spotted a black bear near the trail. The Canadian Rockies are home to both black and grizzly bears, so carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Can you Hike This Trail in Winter?
Yes, the trail is open year-round, but be prepared for snowy and icy conditions. Microspikes are recommended during the colder months. Keep in mind that the falls are usually covered in snow in mid-winter, so there isn’t much to see at that time.
Can You Bring a Stroller?
No, this trail isn’t stroller-friendly. There are roots, rocks, and some narrow sections that make it better suited to kids who can walk on their own.
Can You Swim at the Falls?
No, swimming at the base of the falls isn’t really possible. However, there are shallow areas just before the bridge where kids can paddle safely. If you continue on to Bertha Lake, swimming is possible there. You’re also just a short walk from Waterton Lake at the end of the trail, which is another great spot to cool off.
What to Take With You
Good Hiking boots – Make sure the whole family has some good hiking boots. In the winter you will need some form of traction device, as the trail does get icy.
Hiking poles – Hiking poles aren't really needed on this trail, but some might find them useful.
Food and Water – We recently got Camelbaks for both kids so they can drink on the go, and it’s been a total game changer! Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and some gummy treats too!
Dress in Layers - Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Dressing in layers lets you adjust to whatever comes your way
First Aid Kit – I always suggest carrying a basic first aid kit, especially with kids since someone usually ends up with a bump or scrape along the way.
Bear spray – This hike is in bear country, so bring bear spray, keep it within reach, and make sure you know how to use it.
Looking for More Things to do in Waterton?
If you enjoyed this hike, why not try another Waterton classic hike: How to Hike the Bear's Hump in Waterton lakes.
We've written a comprehensive blog post that covers all the Best Things to Do in Waterton, including the best family-friendly activities, tips on where to stay, and a few great food options.
We also have an itinerary post to help you plan your time here, whether you’re visiting for 1, 2, or 3 days.
Or if you are looking for an even bigger adventure, read our most popular post: 2 Week Canadian Rockies National Parks Itinerary: Banff, Waterton, Kootenay, Yoho & Jasper for plenty of ideas to plan an epic roadtrip through the Canadian Rockies.
Final Thoughts
Lower Bertha Falls is one of the best hikes in Waterton, especially for first-time visitors or families with kids. It’s manageable, memorable, and close to everything in the townsite.
If you have any questions about hiking to Bertha Falls or exploring Waterton, feel free to leave a comment below.
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