WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 415

This trail follows the heavily forested western shores of Upper Waterton Lake across
the international boundary to Goat Haunt, Montana, linking up with more than 1,200
kilometers (746 miles) of trails in Glacier National Park. Many hikers take the Waterton
Shoreline Cruise Company's MV International (403/859-2362, June-Sept. only, $18) one
way and hike the other. Starting from town, the first 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mile) climb stead-
ily to a lookout point high above the lake, then the hike branches left off the Bertha Lake
Trail, descending to Bertha Bay. The boat dock at Boundary Bay, six kilometers (3.7 miles)
from town, is a good place for lunch. Hikers heading south and planning to camp in Gla-
cier National Park must register at the Waterton Visitor Centre.
MM Crypt Lake
• Length: 8.7 kilometers/5.4 miles (3-4 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 680 meters/2,230 feet
• Rating: moderate/difficult
• Trailhead: Crypt Landing; access is by boat. The Crypt Lake Shuttle (403/859-2362,
June-Sept., $20 round-trip) leaves the marina at 9am and 10am daily for Crypt Landing;
return trips depart at 4pm and 5:30pm.
This is one of the most spectacular day hikes in Canada. Access to the trailhead on the
eastern side of Upper Waterton Lake is by boat. The trail switchbacks for 2.5 kilometers
(1.6 miles) past a series of waterfalls and continues steeply up to a small green lake before
reaching a campground. The final ascent to Crypt Lake from the campground causes the
most problems, especially for those who suffer from claustrophobia or acrophobia. A lad-
der on the cliff face leads into a natural tunnel that you must crawl through on your hands
and knees. The next part of the trail is along a narrow precipice with a cable for support.
The lake at the end of the trail, nestled in a hanging valley, is no disappointment. Its dark
green waters are rarely free of floating ice, and the steep walls of the cirque rise more than
500 meters (1,640 feet) above the lake on three sides. The international boundary is at the
southern end of the lake. A good way to avoid the crowds on this trail is to camp at the
dock and set out before the first boat arrives in the morning.
MM Crandell Lake
• Length: 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles (40 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 120 meters/395 feet
• Rating: easy
• Trailhead: Crandell Campground, Red Rock Canyon Parkway