Watchman Lake

Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 31 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Watchman Lake is a 7.9 km out and back trail in Banff National Park. It runs 4.0 km each way. The route gains 334 m in total and tops out at 1,988 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard, and Parks Canada rates it difficult. Allow about 3 hours of moving time. Along the way you pass Watchman Lake and Cinema Lake. Also used for horseback riding.

Length: 7.9km; 4.0 km each way
Elevation gain: 334m
Estimated time: 3h; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,988m
Lowest point: 1,724m

Elevation profile

1,724 m to 1,988 m

Highest point 1,988 m, lowest 1,724 m, 334 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 26% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 0% of route

0% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 4.0 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

1.7 kmWatchman LakeLake
4.0 kmCinema LakeLake

Good for

Hiking, Horseback riding
Dog friendly (on leash)
Lake

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.0599° N, 117.2216° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual 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 588 trails in Banff National Park

Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30