Calgary 
Waterton Lakes National Park offers many ways to explore, including hiking, biking, paddling, and more.
Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.
But no adventure will have you seeing more of the lakes themselves than a trip with the Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company. Their 2026 summer season began early May, meaning you can now book your cruise anytime this summer.
For a short cruise, take the 75-minute Canada-USA Border Cruise, and journey to the 49th parallel, where a distinct cutline marks the international border through the forest and mountain slopes. Hugging the shoreline, the cruise offers opportunities to spot wildlife and numerous scenic views. This halfway lake journey to the border requires no passports, as it remains a non-landing trip.
The Goat Haunt Landing Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise will return this year on June 3. You can join a 2-hour and 15-minute Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise, landing at the Goat Haunt Ranger Station. Enjoy entertaining tour commentary by local guides and a 30-minute stop at the tranquil ranger station. No passports are needed, unless hiking beyond the stop. Passengers planning hikes must clear U.S. Customs with a passport. Day hikers will be picked up later, and one-way tickets are also available for backpackers or hikers returning to the Waterton townsite.
If you plan to embark on either the Vimy Peak or Crypt Lake hikes, then the Company can give you a head start on your travels.
The Crypt Lake hike takes you to four spectacular waterfalls—Hell Roaring Falls, Twin Falls, Burnt Rock Falls, and Crypt Falls- and a 60-foot tunnel through the mountain leading to Crypt Lake. The Vimy Peak hike is a challenging ~19 km out-and-back trail that takes you to the top of Vimy Peak, named after the WWI battle at Vimy, France, with breathtaking 360-degree views.
All their scenic cruises and shuttles depart from the Waterton Marina, where you can find several awesome lookout points on the lake before you embark on your cruise. The marina area is within walking distance of many of the town’s hotels and motels and is a short drive from the nearby campsites.
Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company operates 4 boats:
- Two 48-passenger boats named Roddy-Paul and Connie-Marlene;
- One 125-passenger Miss Waterton;
- and a 165-passenger Historic M.V. International, which was built on Waterton Lake in 1927.
Once aboard, the experienced 3rd generation family of Shoreline Cruise operators will provide interpretive knowledge as you sail towards the Canada/US border.
Planning your trip – Waterton Lakes Cruise
Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.
What: Waterton Lakes National Park is centred around three large lakes: Upper, Lower, and Middle Waterton Lakes. All three lakes are connected, and the bright blue chain of water stands in contrast to the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company offers one of the coolest ways to see this huge expanse of water and its colourful scenery via various cruises:
- Canada-USA Border Cruise
- Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise (Goat Haunt Landing).
The company also offers a cruise shuttle that allows hikers to get easier access to Crypt trails.
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Where: Depart from Waterton Marina, Waterton
When: From now until October 12, 2026
Public Cruise:
- Canada-USA Border Cruise: May 2 to October 12, 2026, 1 hour 15 minutes duration
- Goat Haunt Landing Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise: June 3 to September 20, 2026, 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Crypt Lake Shuttle: Once a day from May 30 to October 12, 2026; Departures in the morning (~8:30 am to 9:00 am) and pickups in the evening (5:00 pm to 5:30 pm)
How much: 2026 Scenic Cruise Prices:
- Canada-USA Border Cruise: Adult (13+): $67 & Child (3 – 12): $33
- Goat Haunt Landing Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise: Adult (13+): $91 & Child (3 – 12): $46
1-Way Adult (for hikes at Goat Haunt): $57 & 1-Way Adult Child: $29 - Shuttles – Crypt Lake: $35
Plus taxes.
For more information
Are pets permitted on boat when taking a Waterton lake cruise