Waterton Lakes Cruise: Explore Waterton Lakes National Park on a Scenic Cruise This Summer

Waterton Lakes National Park gives us many ways to explore 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 2023 summer season started on May 6th, meaning you can now book your cruise for any time this summer.

New this year is Goat Haunt Landing Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise. 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’re planning to embark on either the Vimy Peak or Crypt Lake hikes, then the Company can get you started on your travels with a head start.

BC’s Coastal Dry Belt/Flickr

Crypt Lake hike takes you to 4 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. Vimy Peak hike is a challenging ~19 km out-and-back trail that will take you to the top of Vimy Peak, named after the historical WWI battle in Vimy France, with breathtaking 360-degree views.

All their shuttles and scenic cruises depart from the Waterton Marina where you can find several awesome lookout points onto the lake before you embark on your cruise. The marina area is walking distance from many of the town’s hotels and motels, and 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.

Where: Depart from Waterton Marina, Waterton

When: From now until October 9, 2023

Public Cruise:

Canada-USA Border Cruise : May 6 to October 9, 2023, 1 hour 15 minutes duration
Goat Haunt Landing Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise: June 24 to September 24, 2023, 2 hour and 15-minute

Crypt Lake Shuttle: Once a day from June 3 to October 1, 2023; 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: 2023 Scenic Cruise Prices:

Canada-USA Border Cruise: Adult (13+): $61.00 & Child (3 – 12): $30.00
Goat Haunt Landing Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise: Adult (13+): $85.00 & Child (3 – 12): $42.00
1-Way Adult (for hikes at Goat Haunt): $50.00 & 1-Way Adult Child: $25.00
Shuttles – Crypt Lake: $32.00

Vimy Peak Shuttle is not yet scheduled.

Plus taxes.

For more information

Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.

Waterton Trail Maps