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Family Hikes
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!
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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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