Red Chairs - Bear's Hump

Overview

Perched on the rocky summit of Bear’s Hump, these Parks Canada Red Chairs deliver the classic overlook of the townsite, the chain of Waterton Lakes, and a skyline of craggy peaks stretching toward Montana. It’s the park’s best effort-to-reward viewpoint—short hike, massive scenery.

Why it’s special

• Big, sweeping vistas in every direction—lakes below, prairies to the north, and peaks rolling south toward Glacier National Park.
• The Red Chairs add a fun, uniquely Canadian touch and a comfy perch to soak it all in.
• This spot carries cultural resonance: the area sits within the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, and Mount Crandell (Bear’s Hump’s parent peak) is tied to Blackfoot stories and names.

The hike in brief

Expect a short but steady climb: about 2.8 km/1.8 miles round trip with roughly 225 m/738 ft of gain. Benches appear along the way for breathers, and broad, flat rock slabs at the summit make lingering easy. Dogs are allowed on leash.

What you’ll see

From the chairs, look down on the Waterton townsite and the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, trace Upper, Middle, and Lower Waterton Lakes, and scan a great sweep of mountains and prairie. On clear days, you’ll spot named peaks and ridges marching into Montana. It’s a photographer’s playground.

Wildlife

Bighorn sheep are occasionally seen on the trail. Ground squirrels and birds of prey are also possible, but the busy summit keeps big wildlife encounters rare.

Conditions to expect

The trail is sun-exposed and the summit is frequently windy. There are no safety barriers at the top—watch footing, especially with kids. There are no services at the summit; bring water and snacks.

A note on history

Bear’s Hump sits on the shoulder of Mount Crandell. The trail was rebuilt after the 2017 Kenow Wildfire, and today features improved steps and a more durable tread.

Best time to visit

Go early morning or late afternoon/evening for softer light, cooler temps, and fewer people. Midday sees the most traffic and harsher light. Clear evenings can be spectacular for golden-hour photography.