The Triple Crown of Waterton is a hiking challenge hosted every year
by Pearls Cafe, in the Waterton townsite. It has 3 of the favourite local
hikes: Crypt Lake, Carthew-Alderson, and Akamina Ridge (trail ends in
next province British Columbia!)
Crypt Lake trailhead can only be reached by boat. If you don't have
private access to a boat of your own, you can take a shuttle put on by
Waterton Shoreline Cruises. It costs $20 for adults and the shuttle
leaves from the Marina at 10:30 AM to drop you off across Waterton
Lake. You then have the day to hike 9 km to Crypt Lake and back
before the shuttle comes to pick you up at 5:30 PM. This hike has
desert-like areas, many switch-backs and small waterfalls. If you have
the time, there is a detour you can take through Hell Roaring Falls.
Make sure you bring lots of water, at least 2 bottles per person or
have a filtration device. It is really easy to dehydrate on this trek as
you have direct sunlight on you and there is nowhere to stop to refill.
The coolest part of this hike is a small cavern tunnel you have to pass
through, followed by a cliff edge you must traverse holding a wire line.
Carthew-Alderson (16 km) is a 7-8 hour day hike that begins from the
trail head off of Cameron Lake Road. You drive up there to start this
one way hike that end in the Waterton townsite, coming out just
beside the Cameron Falls. It's best to either have someone drop you
off at the trailhead start, or have someone available to drive you back
to the trailhead to retrieve your car after the hike is over. You climb
atop the summit of Carthew and can see a fantastic bird's eye view of
the park. You also go through montane, sub-alpine and alpine zones.
Akamina Pass is 20 km, starting and ending in Alberta crossing British
Columbia's Akamina-Kishnina Park. The ridge is often said to look flat
but has 3 substantial humps in it. This is said to be one of the most
difficult treks of Triple Crown, as it does require scrambling and there is
a lot of powerful wind on this trail. On this journey you will also pass
Wall Lake and Forum Lake.
When you finish each day's hike leg, go into Pearls to register. Once
you complete all 3 portions, you receive a Triple Crown t-shirt and get
your name put up on the Glory Wall!
Directions:
Crypt Lake: go to the Marina on Waterton Lake, from the townsite,
across from Pat's. This is where you buy boat tickets and catch your
shuttle.
Akamina Parkway/Cameron Lake Road is where you will find the
trailhead for Akamina Pass, just after the Little Prairie picnic area.
To reach Carthew-Alderson, you will want to head up Cameron Lake
Road/Akamina Parkway. The trailhead leads off of the parking lot at
Cameron Lake.
