Maligne Valley Jasper National Park
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Maligne Valley, home to iconic Spirit Island, the dramatic Maligne Canyon, and abundant wildlife in Jasper Nationa...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Maligne Valley Jasper National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Maligne Valley, home to iconic Spirit Island, the dramatic Maligne Canyon, and abundant wildlife in Jasper National Park.
"Maligne Lake is one you don't wanna miss, it's the most beautiful lake I've ever seen. "
🛶 Canoe to Spirit Island
For a unique experience, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle to Spirit Island. It's a longer journey but offers more solitude.
🐻 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for wildlife like elk, deer, and bears along Maligne Lake Road. Always maintain a safe distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spirit Island
Maligne Lake
An iconic, picturesque island accessible by boat or canoe, offering stunning reflections and photo opportunities.
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Maligne Canyon
Maligne Valley
Explore the deepest canyon in Jasper, with a series of bridges offering dramatic views of waterfalls and carved rock formations.
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Maligne Lake Boat Cruise
Maligne Lake
A scenic cruise on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake, often including a stop at the famous Spirit Island.
Maligne Lake Road Scenic Drive
Maligne Valley
This drive offers numerous viewpoints, wildlife spotting opportunities, and access to various trailheads and attractions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Maligne Lake Boat Tour Early
Check for Wildfire and Road Closures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Canoe to Spirit Island
For a unique experience, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle to Spirit Island. It's a longer journey but offers more solitude.
🐻 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for wildlife like elk, deer, and bears along Maligne Lake Road. Always maintain a safe distance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the canyon and trails.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
The light during golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) is spectacular for photographing Maligne Lake and Spirit Island.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Canoe to Spirit Island
For a unique experience, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle to Spirit Island. It's a longer journey but offers more solitude.
🐻 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for wildlife like elk, deer, and bears along Maligne Lake Road. Always maintain a safe distance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the canyon and trails.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
The light during golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) is spectacular for photographing Maligne Lake and Spirit Island.
💧 Pack Rain Gear
Mountain weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain, even in summer, with waterproof layers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Maligne Valley for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, and the dramatic geological formations of Maligne Canyon. Many highlight the scenic drive and wildlife spotting opportunities. Some note that tours can be crowded and expensive, and weather can be unpredictable.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maligne Valley is accessible by car via Maligne Lake Road, which is about a 45-minute drive (48 km or 30 miles) from Jasper townsite. +1
While there isn't a regular public bus service directly to Maligne Lake, several tour operators and shuttle services offer transportation from Jasper townsite. Booking in advance is recommended.
Maligne Lake Road is typically open to vehicles year-round, but conditions can be challenging in winter. Maligne Canyon is a popular winter destination for ice walks.
Parking is available at both Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon, but it can fill up quickly during peak season. Arriving early is advised.
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Jasper National Park. This pass covers all national parks in Canada.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets for the Maligne Lake boat tours, especially those to Spirit Island, are essential and should be booked well in advance online as they sell out quickly. +1
Maligne Canyon is accessible year-round. The main visitor facilities and interpretive programs typically operate during the summer months, but the canyon itself is always open for exploration.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or families. It's best to check the official Maligne Lake tour operator's website for current pricing and any available promotions.
Spirit Island is primarily accessible by boat tour or by paddling a canoe or kayak across Maligne Lake. It's a significant distance to paddle, so tours are the most common method.
Booking Maligne Lake boat tours and other activities online through the official Parks Canada website or authorized tour operators is the most reliable way to secure your spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Besides the Maligne Canyon Loop, popular trails include the Spirit Island Trail (short walk from the boat dock), and various backcountry trails accessible by boat from Maligne Lake.
Absolutely! Maligne Lake is a fantastic spot for kayaking and canoeing. You can rent boats or bring your own. Paddling to Spirit Island is a popular, albeit longer, option.
Maligne Valley is known for its diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and potentially bears. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Yes, Maligne Lake Road is dotted with numerous scenic viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests. Stop at designated pull-offs to enjoy the scenery.
Visiting Maligne Canyon in the morning or late afternoon can offer fewer crowds and better lighting for photography. Winter offers a unique ice-walk experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Spirit Island at Maligne Lake is incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour. Maligne Canyon's waterfalls and rock formations are also stunning subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions and long exposures of waterfalls.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – provide the most beautiful, soft light for photographing Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, creating stunning reflections.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the latest Parks Canada regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Experiment with different angles to capture the depth of the canyon. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and rocks, and a wide-angle lens to fit the entire scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Maligne Lake boat cruise is also a hit, providing a relaxing way to see the scenery and spot wildlife from a distance. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as options can be limited. The drive along Maligne Lake Road itself is an adventure, with opportunities to stop at various viewpoints and look for animals. Ensure children are supervised at all times, especially near water and on canyon trails.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+2 For those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature, the backcountry campsites accessible by boat on Maligne Lake offer an unforgettable experience. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities along Maligne Lake Road and the diverse flora and fauna throughout the valley. Remember to be prepared for varying weather conditions and always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
📸 Photographers
Maligne Canyon offers dramatic shots of waterfalls and the sculpted rock formations, particularly when frozen in winter. Bring a variety of lenses, from wide-angle for grand landscapes to telephoto for wildlife. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions and capturing the movement of water. Be prepared for changing weather, as it can add to the dramatic atmosphere of your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Maligne Canyon: A Winter Wonderland
Walking through Maligne Canyon in winter offers a unique perspective, with the frozen cascades and ice formations creating an otherworldly atmosphere. It's a stark contrast to its summer vibrancy but equally breathtaking. Remember to dress in warm layers, as temperatures can be very cold.
Key attractions in winter include:
* The frozen waterfalls and ice formations.
* The interpretive bridges offering unique vantage points of the ice.
* The opportunity for ice climbing for experienced adventurers (with proper permits and gear).
Always check the Parks Canada website for current ice conditions and safety advisories before planning a winter visit.
The Iconic Journey to Spirit Island
The boat tour from the Maligne Lake day lodge is the most popular way to reach Spirit Island. The cruise itself is a journey through stunning glacial scenery, with opportunities to learn about the area's natural history and geology from onboard guides. The short walk from the boat dock to the iconic viewpoint of Spirit Island is well worth the trip.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, paddling to Spirit Island offers a sense of accomplishment and the chance to explore the lake at your own pace. This requires significant physical effort and planning, as Maligne Lake is quite large. Backcountry campsites are also available on the lake for multi-day paddling adventures.
Tips for visiting Spirit Island:
* Book your boat tour well in advance, especially during peak season.
* Consider visiting during golden hour for the best light and reflections.
* If paddling, be prepared for changing weather conditions and the lake's size.
Wildlife Encounters in Maligne Valley
While bears (both black and grizzly) also inhabit the area, sightings are less common and should be treated with extreme caution. It's crucial to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, never feed them, and carry bear spray when hiking. Respecting their space ensures both your safety and the animals' well-being.
Best practices for wildlife viewing:
* Drive slowly and be observant, especially during dawn and dusk.
* Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a closer look without disturbing the animals.
* Never approach or attempt to feed wildlife.
* Be aware of your surroundings and carry bear spray when hiking.
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