Hiking Crypt Lake: A Calgary-to-Waterton Weekend Adventure

natashazinkie
Jul 7
5 min read

Updated: Jul 12

🚗There’s something about Waterton that feels like a well-kept secret. It’s tucked down in Alberta’s southwest corner, it’s often overshadowed by the flashier names in the Canadian Rockies — but if you're looking for an unforgettable weekend getaway, Crypt Lake Trail is one of the most unforgettable hikes I’ve ever done.

🌄 Getting There from Calgary

We hit the road Saturday morning just before 6 a.m., coffee in hand and backpacks loaded. The drive to Waterton takes about 2.5 - 3 hours, depending on traffic (for us it was closer to 2.5).

Take Highway 2 on the way down — it's the most direct route, and timing matters for this hike since you must take a ferry to the trailhead. If you have a bit more flexibility on your trip, I recommend taking Highway 22 back (more on that later)

Spoiler: it involves mountains, ranchland, and a brewery stop you won't want to miss.

Once you leave the city behind, the scenery starts to shift. It's prairie-meets-mountains magic the whole way — wide open skies, cattle dotting the hills, and the kind of ranchland that feels pulled straight from an old Western.

💡Pro Tip: Make sure you are fueled up and have food/water for the day. You can stop outside of Calgary in Okotoks or Fort Macleod along the way if needed. Be warned though, there are no food options near the trailhead.

🚤 Getting to the Trail: The Crypt Lake Ferry

The hike starts with a short boat ride across Waterton Lake. You'll want to book your ferry tickets in advance with Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. They offer limited departures in the morning (currently 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.) with specific return-times in the late afternoon (currently 3:30 or 5:30 p.m.).

Important: There is no hike without this Ferry — so do not miss it! There is also no coming back early so be sure to have a full days worth of food and water in your backpack.

The boat ride itself is short but beautiful, and adds a fun "secret mission" energy to the day. Once you’re dropped off on the far side, there’s no cell service, no turning back — just you and the trail.

💡Pro Tip: Pick your return time wisely! To catch the early ferry, you’ll need to descend quickly as people line up well before departure. Decide at the summit and plan your pace.

Full transparency, we missed the earlier ferry by four people (4 🫠) and had to wait two hours for the next one....we would have been better off hanging up top by Crypt Lake for a bit longer. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20.

🥾 The Hike: What to Expect

Distance: ~18.5 km round trip Elevation gain: ~881 m Time: 5–7 hours, depending on your pace (it took us 6 hours)

The Crypt Lake Trail is a full-on experience. It has waterfalls, alpine meadows, a ladder climb, a tunnel crawl, and a cliffside traverse that definitely got the heart rate up (but was 100% manageable). The trail is well-marked but challenging, more endurance than anything technical.

What makes it so iconic is that each section feels like its own adventure. Just when you think you’ve seen the best part, there’s more. And at the end? A clear, icy-blue lake nestled in a cirque (essentially at the U.S. border), is Crypt Lake itself.

If you’re afraid of heights, the cliffside section might be daunting but there’s a sturdy cable to hang onto, a wide enough ledge and the views are distracting in the best way. I mean …Did I lean into the cliffside the whole time? Yes (see photos) but did I leave thinking that it was significantly less sketchy than I anticipated? Also Yes.

💬 Was It Worth It?

100% A bucket-list hike to put on your radar! I did this hike July 2021 and am still not over it.

It’s not the easiest trail to get to — with the long drive, the ferry logistics, and the full-day commitment — but that’s exactly what makes it feel like a true adventure.

This hike fully delivered. You earn every bit of the views and trust me there are so many different views along the route.

On top of the hike itself, Waterton Lake is stunning in and of itself. After our hike we returned to explore the town, enjoyed an ice cream, a patio beer and a nice hot meal that did not disappoint.

🏕️ Staying Overnight in Waterton

There are limited options in Waterton park itself. We decided to camp in Waterton Lakes National Park, and while I wouldn't call it “luxury,” it was surprisingly manageable — even for someone like me who avoids sleeping outside.

Our site was right near the water, which made for an insanely beautiful view (especially at sunrise), but here’s your fair warning: Waterton is windy. I’m talking tent-flapping-like-a-sail-at-3-a.m. kind of windy. If you're a light sleeper or new to camping, bring earplugs, solid tent stakes, and maybe skip the ultralight setup this time.

That said, camping in the park has its perks:

Full communal washrooms with sinks, mirrors, showers, and proper functioning toilets
Picnic tables, fire pits, and plenty of green space
The campground is just a 4-minute walk from town, so you're never far from snacks, coffee, or a warm meal (bless)

If camping isn’t your thing, I understand (I had to be coerced into camping). Waterton has a few small hotels and lodges in town but book early if you're planning a weekend trip — places fill up fast, especially in summer and be warned they do come with a price tag.

🛣️ Taking the Scenic Route Home (and a Brewery Stop!)

On the way home, do yourself a favour and be sure to take Highway 22 north. The drive through the foothills is one of the most scenic routes in Alberta. Rolling ranchland, winding roads, endless mountain views — it's the perfect, peaceful wind-down after an active weekend.

🦬 Hidden Gem Stops: Bison Paddock Loop (and a Pint to Follow)

On our way out of Waterton, we made a quick detour that I highly recommend: the Bisson Paddock Loop. Just outside the park, this little-known gem is a self-drive gravel loop that takes you inside a protected area where a small herd of bison roam free.

It’s short (maybe 10 minutes total) but completely worth it. You cruise slowly through wide open prairie, with the mountains still lingering in the background, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the bison grazing near the road.

From there, you’re a short drive to Oldman River Brewing in Lundbreck. This is a perfect final stop to cap off your adventure (and grab lunch). This charming little brewery is in a tiny town that feels like the kind of place only road-trippers and locals know about.

Grab a pint on the patio, try their wood-fired pizza or rotating seasonal taps, and soak in the last views of the foothills before heading back north on Highway 22 (one of the most scenic drives in Alberta). Truly this drive back ended up being one of my favourite parts of the getaway.

Trust me: bison and beer is a pretty great way to end the weekend.

🧳 Quick Tips for Working Travellers

Take a Friday off and make it a long weekend. The lake itself is stunning and spending an extra day in Waterton by the water would not disappoint. There’s not much accommodation in Waterton, so book early if you plan to stay overnight.
Coming from Calgary? Consider camping near the park or staying in Lethbridge the night before if you want a more relaxed start.
Pack like a pro: Layers, lunch, lots of water, and a small first-aid kit. I repeat, there are no facilities after the ferry drops you off.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for an adventure on your weekend or just trying to make the most of your limited vacation days, Crypt Lake is a hike you’ll be thinking about long after you've left. It’s got excitement, beauty, and just the right dose of adrenaline.

All the best and Happy travels,

Roaming with Zinkie