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Outdoors

Crypt Lake Trail Hike

After a boat ride across Upper Waterton Lake, you climb past several waterfalls and along steep slopes, go through a tight tunnel and edge along a narrow ledge above a cliff to reach Crypt Lake. A 20-minute side trip shows Hell Roaring Falls and the steep canyon below it.

For The Reps · Updated

hike scenery for Crypt Lake Trail near Waterton, Alberta
Photo: Crypt Lake is so big so are the mountains by daveynin, CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Waterton, Alberta, Canada
Distance
17.2 km return
Climb
675 m
Time
6 hours
Difficulty
Hard

The route

Crypt Lake Trail from Crypt Landing (boat access), out and back.

A 15-minute boat shuttle from the Waterton townsite marina (Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.) takes you across Upper Waterton Lake to the trailhead at Crypt Landing, and picks you up there in the afternoon. The only land route, 14 km along the Wishbone Trail, was listed as 'travel not recommended' in September 2026 because it was badly overgrown.

When to go

In 2026 the Crypt Lake hiker shuttle runs from 30 May to 12 October, with trips after 5 October only if the weather allows.

Permits and fees

You need a Waterton Lakes National Park pass (adult day pass $12.25 in 2026) and a return boat shuttle ticket ($35 plus GST per person aged 3 and over in 2026). Tickets are sold in person only, up to three days ahead, with no advance reservations.

Before you go

  • In 2026 boats leave the marina at 9 am (plus 8:30 am from 20 June to 7 September), and the last pickup at Crypt Landing is 5:30 pm, with an extra 3:30 pm pickup in peak season.
  • Pickup seating is first come, first served, so allow time to be back at the landing early.
  • Buy your shuttle tickets as soon as you arrive in Waterton; the marina takes Visa, Mastercard and debit only, no cash.

What to bring

  • Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Food you will actually want to eat
  • A warm or waterproof layer
  • The route, saved offline
  • Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

Plan for a long day: 6 hours.

Build up with a few walks of four hours or more first, ideally with climbing and the pack you will carry. Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents easier on your knees.

Staying safe

  • The route goes through a tight tunnel and along a narrow ledge above a cliff, with climbs along steep slopes.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against parks.canada.ca, parks.canada.ca, watertoncruise.com and parks.canada.ca. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.