WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 418

Vimy Peak
• Length: 12 kilometers/7.5 miles (5 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 825 meters/2,700 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: Chief Mountain International Highway, 0.5 kilometer (0.3 mile) from the
Highway 5 junction
Vimy Peak overlooks the town site from across Upper Waterton Lake. It was once part of a
ridge that extended across the Waterton Valley and was worn down by the relentless forces
of glacial action. The initial six-kilometer (3.7-mile) stretch is along the eastern bank of
Lower Waterton Lake through forest and grassland. The trail then continues along the lake
to Bosporus Landing opposite the town or climbs steeply to Vimy Peak (2,379 meters/
7,805 feet). The Vimy Peak Trail actually ends at a basin short of the summit, which is still
a painfully steep 40-minute scramble away.
OTHER RECREATION
MM Cruising to Goat Haunt, Montana
This is the most popular organized activity in Waterton. From the marina in downtown
Waterton town site, Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company (403/859-2362) runs sched-
uled cruises across the international boundary to Goat Haunt, Montana, at the southern end
of Upper Waterton Lake. The 45-minute trip along the lakeshore passes spectacular moun-
tain scenery and usually wildlife. A half-hour stopover is made at Goat Haunt, which lies
in a remote part of Glacier National Park and consists of little more than a dock and inter-
pretive displays. You can return on the same boat or go hiking and return later in the day. If
you are planning an overnight hike from here, you are required to register at the Waterton
Visitor Centre before heading out on the lake. Another popular option is to take an early
boat trip and walk back to town on the Waterton Lakeshore Trail, which takes about four
hours. Departures are twice daily early May-June and September-early October and four
times daily in July and August (first departure at 10am). Remember, you are crossing in-
to another country on this cruise, so correct documentation is required, including for U.S.
citizens. Early and late in the season, the border crossing is closed, and therefore the cruise
doesn't include a landing. Tickets cost $40 round-trip (children are half price), and you'll
need to book ahead in summer. The same company operates a regular shuttle service to the
Crypt Lake trailhead for $20 round-trip.