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In order to experience the true natural beauty of Water Lakes National Park, take your adventures away from the townsite.
It is, in fact, possible to take your adventures across the Lakes, into the untouched wilderness, and as far south as the Canada/U.S. border.
The Crypt Lake Trail offers one of the park’s most exciting experiences which begins with a brief cruise across the Upper Waterton Lake. The day hike may take numerous hours (6 to 8 hours) to complete, but it will be worth every step, with incredible views the entire way.
Crypt Hike Shuttle
Access to the Crypt Lake Trailhead is made much easier with the help of Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.! This tour company offers much more than shuttles, too. Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. provide the arrival and return shuttles for the trailhead, plus Canada-USA Border Cruises, or the Interpretive Sightseeing Cruises.
The Crypt Lake Shutte is open from June to Thanksgiving Weekend, with daily departures at 9 am and daily pickups from the trailhead at 5:30 pm. The boat ride is about 15 minutes and takes hikers across a gorgeous lake and mountain views.
Highlights on the Crypt Lake Trail
The Crypt Lake hike requires some details for your trip planning. It is also recommended that experienced hikers wear proper footwear and equipment.
The entire trail is 17.2km out and back, and the shuttles depart from Crypt Landing at 5:30pm. So first, ensure you have enough time before planning on traversing the entire 17.2km.
The trail brings hikers south from the east side of Upper Waterton Lake, eventually ending at Crypt Lake, the main highlight of this hike. Also along the way are views of several mountain peaks, waterfalls, a cave, creeks, and cliffsides.
Hell Roaring Falls will be the first roaring waterfall to come across, followed by Twin Falls, Burnt Rock Falls, and Crypt Falls. Before you approach Crypt Falls, the path leads through a natural cave and tunnel. As you approach Crypt Lake, it will come into view at down at the bottom of the valley where the trail descends.
Waterton’s Wishbone Trail
The Wishbone Trail, is 26km out-and-back with a turnaround point at the Crypt Landing. This hike begins on the east side of Maskinonge Lake and continues south. The lengthy trail passes the east shores of all three Waterton Lakes before connecting with the Crypt Lake Trail at Crypt Landing with a few sharp climbs along the way. And rather than hike the Wishbone Trail back to Maskinonge, hikers do have the option to boat back on the 5:30pm shuttle.
Shorter Waterton Trails
There are several great trail options in Waterton Lake National Park for anyone up for a challenge; these include the Crypt Lake and Wishbone Trails, plus many others. But for a shorter experience or simpler hike, Waterton has just as many great options.
- Near the township are lakeside trails, hikes to waterfalls, and easy walking around town.
- Along the Akamina Parkway, a few of the simpler hikes include the Akamina Lake Trail, the Cameron Lakeshore Trail, or the Crandell Lake Trail.
- Similar to Akamina, the Red Rock Parkway has three shorter and easier trails, including around the Red Rock Canyon, a different Crandell Lake Trail, or the Blakiston Falls hike.
Planning your Trip – The Crypt Lake Trail
What: The Crypt Lake trail is considered one of Waterton’s more challenging hikes. The trail is a total of 17.2km and is most easily accessible with the Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. and their shuttle boats.
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Location and how to get there: Waterton Marina, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Use Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. boat shuttles to access Crypt Landing from the Waterton Marina
Best time to go: June-October
Cost: shuttle $35 per person, round-trip plus National Park Admission
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