Townsite Loop

Near Waterton Park · Waterton Lakes National Park

Easy · Out and back

Trail score 52 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Townsite Loop is a 3.4 km out and back trail near Waterton Park in Waterton Lakes National Park. It runs 1.7 km each way. It is close to flat, staying between 1,277 m and 1,285 m. Hike Alberta rates it easy. Allow about 50 minutes of moving time. It passes four mapped trail junctions. Along the way you pass Upper Waterton Lake. Also used for walking and trail running.

Length: 3.4km; 1.7 km each way
Elevation gain: 11m
Estimated time: 50min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,285m
Lowest point: 1,277m

Elevation profile

1,277 m to 1,285 m

Highest point 1,285 m, lowest 1,277 m, 11 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 6% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

0.1 kmUpper Waterton LakeLake

Good for

Hiking, Walking, Trail running
Dog friendly (on leash), Kid friendly, Wheelchair friendly, Stroller friendly, Paved
Lake

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 49.0456° N, 113.9133° W.

Driving directions

Waterton Lakes National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy Discovery Pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 63 trails in Waterton Lakes National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30