Bertha Lake and Bertha Falls, Waterton - Perfect for First Time Hikers
Bertha Lake is a beautiful, easy going day hike from Waterton full of lushes forest, cascading waterfalls and tranquil reflective lakes. The length, steady elevation and great views make this one of Waterton’s most popular trails.
Taking in Upper Bertha Falls in the rain.
The Stats
Time: 3 to 4 hours return to the lake - a little longer if you want to add on the lakeside loop.
Distance: 12 km return to the lake
Elevation Gain: 550 meters to the lake
Difficulty: Easy pushing to moderate if you aren’t used to the distance
How To Get To Bertha Lake Trailhead
The Bertha Lake trailhead starts at the car park just off of Evergreen Ave. Follow the main road on the west side of town and take a right just past the trailer park. If you drive past the townsite campground and come to the turning circle you’ve gone a little too far.
There’s a fair amount of parking here but as always arriving earlier is more likely to guarantee you a spot.
The Hike
We set out on this hike with the intention of staying overnight and summiting Bertha Peak the next day.
We’d booked a campsite at the lake in advance so even though the weather forecast looked pretty grim we thought we’d give it a go anyway. After 10 years of hiking we’d never really been caught in a proper rainstorm in the Rockies during summer so felt the chance of it lasting long enough to dampen our spirits was pretty slim…. how wrong could we be!
Views back towards Waterton - the clouds beginning to look rather ominous.
The first 1.4 km of this trail traverse parallel to Waterton Lake with a steady incline of around 100ms of gain. Along this first section you’ll find yourself walking through a stark landscape of scarred trees and dead wood. In 2017 the Kenow wildfire ripped through Waterton burning 38,000 hectares of forest and came close to burning down the town itself.
The landscape on this trail was forever changed by the events in 2017, and although the wildfires destroy old growth they do also open the way for new foliage to find its roots. The forest floor here is thick with lushes greens and wild flowers.
At the 1.4 km mark you’ll get to your first view point with views back across Waterton Lake towards the Price of Wales hotel.
Walking through the forest with lush green foliage and charred remains.
It was at about this point on our hike that the heavens opened! The rain came down hard and didn’t stop! In some circumstances this turn in weather could ruin a hike and a lot of hikers would turn back, however we decided to soldier on. The pouring rain and atmospheric mist made the forest more vibrant and the waterfalls that bit more impressive.
At the 1.4 km mark you’ll want to take the right hand side of the fork leading up to Bertha Falls.
From this point it’s a similar distance again up to the falls but with a little more elevation gain.
Bertha Falls
At this point a lot of hikers call it a day which makes for a leisurely outing with some great views. Even though at this point we were soaked through we still had the intention of making it to the lake and staying overnight at the very least!
As you move further up the trail and in to the mountains evidence of the 2017 wildfires slowly disappears, from the falls it’s another 1.8 km to the lake through a series of switch backs.
It’s at this point the hike gets a little more challenging as you cover 300 meters of gain through this last section. Although steeper I still feel like this is a very manageable hike for most beginner hikers.
Bertha Lake
As we approached Bertha Lake and the campground by some miracle the rain stopped, the clouds cleared and the sun came out. The long awaited warmth of the sun gave us just enough time to set up came, cook some dinner and try our best to dry out some clothes!
At this point you can extend your day here by adding on a few extra kms strolling around the lake or even head up to Bertha Peak.
We went to bed that night a little soggy and didn’t wake up much drier either! Although we’d braved the storm to stay overnight we decided against extending our hike to Bertha Peak the next morning and headed back to the car to get some dry clothes!
This hike offers a little of everything and can easily be taken at a steady pace. It’s a great trail for beginner hikers whom with little effort will get some fantastic views across the Waterton Valley as well as some stunning waterfalls and lakes.
Bertha Lake Campground
If you fancy turning this hike in to an overnight stay be sure to book a pitch at Bertha Lake campground.
Reservable Dates: Jun 19 - Oct 11, 2026
Factilities:
3 Tent Pads
Bear Lockers
Looking For A More Challenging Hike in Waterton?
Check out this multi-day hike the Tamarack Trail
Things to know Before You Go
Parks and Conservation Passes: Whether you’re hiking in a national park in Canada or certain provincial parks you’ll most likely need some kind of conservation pass. A Discovery Passwill cover you for the year for all national parks in Canada whilst the Kananaskis Conservation Passcovers the provincial and wildland parks in the Kananaskis region.
Check Trail Conditions Before You Go: Trail conditions in the Rockies can change month to month and year to year. Trails close for wildlife, weather and avalanche hazards. Be sure to double check trail conditions before heading out to avoid any disappointment. You can do so here!
Leave No Trace: When hiking anywhere in the world it’s important that you practice a leave no trace philosophy. This means whatever you hike in to a trail or campground you have to be able to hike out too. There won’t be trash cans or waste disposal in the backcountry and you should never throw trash in any out houses or pit toilets. In recent years, as trails and parks become busier, litter is becoming more of a problem. Don’t add to that problem!
Bears and Wildlife! Wild life is everywhere in the Canadian Rockies, even on trails that are close to town. People and animals have been attacked by bears and other wild life on popular trails in the past so don’t take it for granted.
Most wildlife is looking to avoid human contact so no matter what type of wildlife you see be sure to keep your distance. 30 metres is the minimum recommendation for most species but under any circumstance don’t approach wildlife. Even the cuddliest of critters can be dangerous!
So as always be bear aware, make noise, hike in groups, carry bear spray and, if they’re allowed on trail, keep your dog on a leash!
Offline maps knowing where you’re going is super important as to not get lost. I recommend All Trails Plus for finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way home.
Interested in other multi-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies or maybe day hikes?
Gear Recommendations
After 10 years living in the Canadian Rockies, years working in retail and years reviewing outdoor gear I’ve dialled in my backcountry kit! And on all day hikes there are definitely a few things I always take with me to make my trip safer, easier and more enjoyable.
Merino Socks
Merino socks are a must for any hike. They keep you dryer, warmer and smelling better!
Once you go merino you never go back!
My socks are now 100% Smartwool!
Get them at Smartwool.com
Hiking Poles
Poles are often overlooked by new hikers and seen as unnecessary. However once you use them you’ll never go back! They make you more efficient and take the weight of your knees!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Down Jacket
No matter what the weather I carry a lightweight down jacket. The Arcteryx Cerium is light and very warm! Perfect for keeping you toasty when you take a break or if you were injured and awaiting help.
Get it on REI.com
Comfortable Day Pack
The Osprey Mutant is my favourite day bag. Even though it’s designed more for scrambling or mountaineering this bag is one of the most comfortable bags I own and has enough space for everything I need.
Get it on Backcountry.com
Water Filter
A Katadyn BeFree has to be the easiest filtration system to use. When out on the backcountry you want to be able to filter and refill your water along the way.
This filter packs down small and filters fast. It’s in my bag on every hike!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Capture Clip
Another item that comes on every hike with me and a must own for every photographer.
Keeps your camera close at hand making capturing moments much faster!
Get it on Peakdesign.com
