Wildflower viewing

Late spring and early summer are the best times to see wildflowers on the grassland regions of Waterton Lakes. The park is home to more than 400 flowering plant species, Mid-June is typically when you will see the most variety! But wildflower season stretches well into the summer months in the park. A wide variety of species at higher elevations will bloom throughout July and August.

Blakiston fan

It’s easy to see an incredible variety of wildflower species in this area of the park. Grab your bike and pedal the Kootenai Brown trail from the townsite for easy access.

The Blakiston Fan is protected habitat for the critically-endangered half-moon hairstreak butterfly. Staying on the road protects the wildflowers they rely on.

Bellevue trail

One of the best hikes for wildflower enthusiasts. This 7.4 km out-and-back trail has minimal elevation gain and offers incredible views of the eastern edge of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Horseshoe Basin

Venture to this quiet area of the park accessible from Hwy 6, north of the park gate. Discover how wildfire has changed this area and visit in July for the incredible fireweed blooms.

Cameron Lakeshore trail

Explore this lakeside trail to find beargrass. These impressive blooms tower above most other wildflowers and grasses, and their large, fluffy flower heads are hard to miss.

Leave no trace

Stay on trail to help preserve these delicate plants, the tiny species like bees and butterflies that rely on them for survival and their habitat. As tempting as it may be to pick or lay down in a bed of wildflowers, please don’t for the sake of bees, butterflies and the plants themselves.
Discover more about the conservation, restoration and science of our amazing plant diversity.

Play, Clean, Go

To help stop the spread of invasive species, use the boot brush stations located at trailheads before your hike. Remove all mud and plant matter from your gear before hitting the trail. Don’t forget to clean your pet’s and horse’s feet! Not every plant that calls this place home belongs here. Non-native spotted knapweed is one of the invasive species that Parks Canada is removing from the park.

What’s that flower?

Download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone to identify and record all the different flower species you see during your visit. Check your app store for other plant ID apps or pick up a book about plants in the area.