Maligne Canyon
A stunning limestone canyon in Jasper National Park, carved by the Maligne River, featuring dramatic waterfalls and six bridges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Maligne Canyon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning limestone canyon in Jasper National Park, carved by the Maligne River, featuring dramatic waterfalls and six bridges.
"Absolutely breathtaking place. I loved every moment at the canyon, nature is truly amazing."
Wear grippy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trails can be slippery, especially near the water and in winter. Good traction is a must for a safe and enjoyable hike .
Check wildfire status :fire:
Wildfires can impact access. Always verify trail conditions with Parks Canada before your visit .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Six Bridges
Maligne Canyon Trail
Walk across six bridges, each offering a unique perspective of the powerful waterfalls and deep gorge.
Cascading Waterfalls
Maligne Canyon
Witness the raw power of the Maligne River as it carves through the limestone, creating dramatic waterfalls.
Winter Ice Formations
Maligne Canyon (Winter)
Experience a magical frozen wonderland with ice-covered walls and frozen cascades during the winter months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Trail Status Before You Go
Winter Ice Walks Require Gear & Guidance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear grippy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trails can be slippery, especially near the water and in winter. Good traction is a must for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Check wildfire status :fire:
Wildfires can impact access. Always verify trail conditions with Parks Canada before your visit.
Book winter ice walks :ice_cube:
For the best winter experience, book a guided ice walk tour in advance.
Early bird gets the view :sunrise:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of the canyon.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear grippy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The trails can be slippery, especially near the water and in winter. Good traction is a must for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Check wildfire status :fire:
Wildfires can impact access. Always verify trail conditions with Parks Canada before your visit.
Book winter ice walks :ice_cube:
For the best winter experience, book a guided ice walk tour in advance.
Early bird gets the view :sunrise:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of the canyon.
Tea house treat :tea:
Reward yourself at the tea house near the parking lot after your hike for a delightful break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maligne Canyon is widely praised for its dramatic natural beauty, with visitors highlighting the impressive waterfalls and the unique geological formations. The accessibility of the trails to the first few bridges makes it enjoyable for many, though some note the challenging climbs on longer loops. Winter ice walks are a particular draw, offering a magical, frozen landscape.
"Maligne Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Carved over thousands of years by the Maligne River, this stunning limestone gorge plunges to depths of over 50 meters (160 feet), making it the deepest canyon in the park.
Visitors can explore the canyon via a well-maintained trail system that crosses six bridges, each offering unique viewpoints of roaring waterfalls, swirling whirlpools, and steep canyon walls. The first and second bridges provide the most dramatic views, where the narrow canyon walls close in around the rushing water below.
In summer, the area is vibrant with lush greenery and wildflowers, while in winter, Maligne Canyon transforms into a magical world of frozen waterfalls and icy caverns, perfect for guided ice walks. The canyon’s geology and hydrology are fascinating too—some of the river’s water mysteriously disappears underground and resurfaces miles away at Medicine Lake.
Whether you're a casual walker or an avid adventurer, Maligne Canyon is a must-visit destination that showcases the raw beauty and power of nature in the Canadian Rockies."
Afaq John
"Before heading to Maligne Lake, a visit to the canyon is generally organized. It's good that you can visit it pretty much anytime, even with a cloudy weather and it doesn't degrade the experience. Walking around is easy."
Stanislas T
"The tour bus stopped at a lookout. You can see the canyon and the entire surrounding area. This was the best spot to see all of the damage caused by the wildfires. It was incredible (and a little sad) to see what has become of this area. So much of the area looked like scorched earth, yet it is still majestic and beautiful.
What was very interesting is that this fire was driven by high winds (65+ mph) and many of the burnt trees feel in the same direction, almost like dominos). There were also some small patches that were left unscathed, and how does that even happen?!
Such beautiful country. Worth the trip!"
Scott W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maligne Canyon is located about a 30-40 minute drive east of Jasper townsite. You can drive your own vehicle, take a taxi, or join a guided tour. Many visitors combine a trip to Maligne Canyon with Maligne Lake.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the Maligne Canyon trailhead. It can get busy during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
While driving is the most common way, some tour operators offer excursions to Maligne Canyon from Jasper townsite. Check with local tour providers for options.
Currently, there is no direct public bus service to Maligne Canyon. Driving or joining a tour are the primary options for reaching the site.
The most popular way is to walk the well-maintained trails that lead to the six bridges. You can do a shorter loop or a longer hike depending on your time and energy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Maligne Canyon is located within Jasper National Park, so a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into the park. The canyon itself does not have a separate admission fee.
Maligne Canyon is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, specific trail sections or facilities might have seasonal hours or closures, especially after wildfires.
While the canyon is a natural attraction, it can be subject to temporary closures due to weather events, wildfires, or trail maintenance. Always check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information.
The trails within Maligne Canyon are free to access once you have your Jasper National Park entry pass. There are no additional trail fees.
Yes, Maligne Canyon is a popular destination in winter for its unique ice walk experiences. Guided tours are highly recommended for safety during this time.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular route follows the canyon rim, crossing bridges 1 through 5. Bridge 6 is further out. Many visitors enjoy the loop that takes you down to the canyon floor and back up.
A typical walk to bridges 1-3 can take about 1-1.5 hours. Completing the full loop to bridge 5 or 6 can take 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
Yes, the main trails are generally accessible and suitable for families. However, some sections can be steep, and supervision is essential, especially near the canyon edges.
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you might spot birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. Keep a safe distance and never feed the animals.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Layers are recommended as mountain weather can change quickly. In winter, warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy boots are essential.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints from bridges 1 and 2 offer dramatic perspectives of the narrow canyon and powerful waterfalls. Early morning or late afternoon light can create stunning shots.
Absolutely! The frozen waterfalls and ice formations create a unique and ethereal landscape, perfect for photographers. Guided ice walks often lead to the best vantage points.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the canyon. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on wet rocks and water. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures of the waterfalls.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check Parks Canada regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers dramatic views of the canyon's depth.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❄️ Winter Adventurers
Dress warmly in layers, as temperatures can be very cold.🚶♀️ Casual Walkers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Hydrology of Maligne Canyon
The canyon's formation is a classic example of karst topography, where soluble rocks like limestone are dissolved by water. Over thousands of years, the relentless flow of the Maligne River has sculpted the rock, creating the impressive features visible today. The six bridges that span the canyon offer varying perspectives, from the narrowest points where the water roars below to wider sections that showcase the depth and scale of the gorge.
During winter, the canyon transforms into an entirely different spectacle. The flowing water freezes, creating stunning ice formations and frozen waterfalls. This dramatic shift makes Maligne Canyon a popular destination for ice walks, offering a unique opportunity to witness the raw power of nature in a frozen state.
Navigating Maligne Canyon: Trails and Bridges
For those seeking a more immersive experience, continuing to bridges 3, 4, and 5 offers different perspectives and a more challenging hike. The trail can be steep in sections, involving descents into the canyon and ascents back to the rim. Completing the full loop to bridge 5 can take 2-3 hours and requires a good level of fitness.
In winter, the trail transforms into an ice walk. While accessible, it becomes significantly more challenging and potentially hazardous without proper gear. Guided ice walk tours are highly recommended during this season, as they provide essential equipment like crampons and knowledgeable guides who can navigate the icy terrain safely and point out the most spectacular frozen formations.
Impact of Wildfires and Recovery
Following such events, Parks Canada and local authorities work on assessing damage and planning for recovery. Trail closures are common to ensure visitor safety and allow the ecosystem to begin its natural healing process.
While the immediate aftermath can be somber, the long-term recovery of the forest is a testament to the enduring power of nature. Visitors may witness the ongoing process of regrowth, offering a unique perspective on the park's dynamic environment.It's crucial for visitors to stay informed about any closures or advisories related to wildfires. Checking official sources before your visit is essential to plan your itinerary accordingly and to understand the current conditions of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit