This Bucket List Hike In Alberta Is A 13km Trail That Take You All The Way To The US

The best of both worlds. If you ask us, hiking through two national parks is always better than hiking in one national park. Thanks to this truly stunning trail in Alberta, you can literally head to the United States to catch some phenomenal views. Naturally, you should always be aware of travel restrictions before crossing a border. 

Alberta's overflowing with staggering nature sights that will take your breath away on the daily.

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But if you've seen them all and you're looking to venture out to another country without bothering with a road trip or flight tickets, the Lakeshore Trail is it for you. 

The super picturesque trek begins in Waterton Lakes National Park.

The area is already close to a number of staggering attractions, including a handful of waterfalls, wildflowers, and even a cute Swiss-style hotel on a hill.

So the trip will be well worth your time, whether you choose to go through with the hike or not. 

The trailhead can be accessed from the town of Waterton itself. According to Parks Canada, the trail length is about 13 kilometres one-way and it should take you about four hours to complete. 

But it all depends on your speed and how keen you are on stopping to check out the scenes you'll find on the way.

At the moment, the trail can only be hiked to the Canada-U.S. border due to the current border restrictions, A spokesperson for Waterton Lakes National Park told Narcity. But when the restrictions lift and you can pop across the border for non-essential reasons, you're off to races. For now, add this baby to your bucket list. 

It's rated as moderate, so don't try to attempt this if your hiking boots just came in the mail. 

According to the Town of Waterton, the first part of the hike is the most difficult as there's some elevation. 

The first half of the trek goes past the western shoreline of Upper Waterton Lake. 

The halfway point of the hike is the Canada-U.S. border, so it's safe to say that you'll be surrounded by sparkling blue waters the whole time you're in Canada. 

The U.S. portion of the trail is overrun with vegetation with very little access to the lake. But hey, it's the Glacier National Park, a beloved North American destination that brings so many tourists from around the world. 

Plus, you can brag to your friends that you literally spent the weekend in another country. 

On your way back, you can choose to hike back or you can also complete a part of the journey through a boat ride from Goat Haunt. 

Lakeshore Trail

Address: Waterton, AB

Why You Need To Go: It's a memorable, beautiful hike through southern Alberta that will let you explore parts of Glacier National Park in the U.S. 

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Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.