Sadhya Located in the heart of Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake is a glacial-fed lake that stretches over 22 kilometers and boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, making it a stunning destination for nature lovers.
The drive from Jasper town to Maligne Lake through stunning Maligne Lake Rd takes about an hour, but it’s a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of Jasper National Park.
One of the most popular activities at Maligne Lake is taking a boat tour to Spirit Island. These guided tours offer stunning views of the lake and its surroundings, as well as an opportunity to learn about the area’s history and geology.
How To Get To Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is located in Jasper National Park, in the Canadian province of Alberta. The lake is approximately 48 km southeast of the town of Jasper and can be reached by car or bus.
If you’re driving, simply follow the signs for Maligne Lake from the town of Jasper, and you’ll be on your way. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.
If you don’t have access to a car, there are several tour operators and shuttle services that offer transportation to Maligne Lake from Jasper townsite. Additionally, if you’re already at Maligne Lake, you can take a boat tour to Spirit Island, which is the main attraction of the area.
If you have the time, I recommend stopping at Maligne Canyon, which is a great Jasper hike. Don’t forget to stop by Medicine Lake on your way in.
Maligne Lake Road is one of the best places in the park to spot wildlife, keep an eye out for elk, moose, and sheep!
When you reach the end of the road, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Maligne Lake. There is a large parking area, as well as outhouses and a dining and cafe area where you can enjoy the sunshine and views.
What makes Maligne Lake so emerald or blue?
Maligne Lake is renowned for its stunning blue-green color, which is caused by a combination of factors. The water is coming from nearby glaciers. This meltwater is incredibly clear and free of sediment, which allows the sunlight to penetrate the water and reflect off the lakebed, creating a vivid blue-green color.
The color of Maligne Lake is also affected by the presence of rock flour, which is fine particles of rock that are suspended in the water. These particles are created when glaciers grind against the bedrock, producing a fine powder that is carried into the lake by meltwater.
The rock flour particles scatter the light entering the lake, amplifying the blue-green color and giving the lake its characteristic emerald hue.
In combination, the clear, glacier-fed water and the presence of rock flour create a dazzling display of color that is truly breathtaking. It’s no wonder that Maligne Lake is such a popular destination for visitors to Jasper National Park!
Things To Do At Maligne Lake
Activities at Maligne Lake:
- Boat Cruises: Choose from classic, premium, or photography tours to learn about the lake’s history, wildlife, and the indigenous people of the region.
- Hiking: Enjoy a variety of trails, including the Mary Schaffer Loop, Moose Lake Loop, and Bald Hills trail.
- Canoeing and Camping: For a more secluded experience, canoe to one of the three backcountry campsites. Canoes are available for rent at the lake, or you can bring your own.
- Dining: Savor a delicious meal at the Maligne Lake Chalet or View Restaurant. Relax on their spacious, sunny deck and soak in the rustic atmosphere.
Once you arrive at Maligne Lake, head to the boat dock and book a boat tour to Spirit Island.
The tours depart regularly throughout the day, but it’s best to book in advance to ensure availability. The tour takes about 90 minutes and includes a stop at Spirit Island.
While you wait for your boat tour to depart, take a stroll along the lakeshore and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
There are many things to do at Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Canada.
Maligne Lake Cruise
The Maligne Lake Cruise is a popular activity that takes visitors on a scenic tour of Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.
The cruise departs from the Maligne Lake boat house and takes passengers on a narrated tour of the lake, highlighting the stunning mountain scenery and glacial waters.
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours and includes stops at Spirit Island and other points of interest along the way for photo opportunities and to take in the breathtaking views.
The boats are equipped with comfortable seating, large viewing windows, and outdoor decks for optimal viewing of the surrounding beauty.
Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Maligne Lake boat house. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as availability may be limited. Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time to ensure a timely boarding process.
Classic Cruise (1.5 hours)
A 1.5-hour interpretive cruise on iconic Maligne Lake including a stop at the world-famous Spirit Island.
- Adult (18-64): $72.00 CAD
- Youth (6-17): $46.80 CAD
- Child (0-5): Free
Hiking
There are numerous hiking trails around Maligne Lake, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Some popular trails include Moose Lake Loop, Bald Hills, Opal Hills, and the Mary Schaffer Loop.
Moose Lake Loop
The loop is approximately 2.7 km long and is considered an easy-level hike. The trail starts at the Maligne Lake parking lot and takes you through the surrounding forest and meadows, with great views of the mountains and Moose Lake. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, making it a popular choice for families with young children or anyone looking for a shorter hike with great scenery.
Opal Hills Hiking Trail
The trailhead is located near the Maligne Lake parking lot and takes about 3.5 hours to complete. It is generally regarded as a difficult route as the trail is approximately 8.7 km long and features several steep inclines and declines.
This is a popular hiking, snowshoeing, and running area, so you’ll almost certainly run into other people while exploring. The best months to visit this trail are from March to October. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Bald Hills Loop
The trail is about 15 km long and takes approximately 5.5 hours to finish and is typically regarded as a moderately difficult hike. You’re likely to run into other people while exploring because this is a very popular location for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing. The months of May through October are ideal for hiking this trek. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Boating, Canoeing, and kayaking
Rent a canoe or kayak from the Maligne Lake boathouse and explore the tranquil waters at your own pace. You can get the ticket online here. The season is from June to October
- Canoe Cost: $80 hour / $205 day
- Single Kayak Cost: $65 hour / $190 day
- Double Kayak Cost: $80 hour / $205 day
- Pedal Boat: $100
Fishing
Maligne Lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout and pike. Visitors can fish from shore or rent a boat for a more adventurous experience. A national park fishing license is required, which can be purchased at the boathouse.
A daily fishing permit from Parks Canada costs:
- $9.80 per person
- $34.30 for an annual permit.
Picnicking and relaxing
Enjoy a picnic lunch or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery from one of the many picnic areas around the lake.
Maligne Lake Camping
Maligne Lake offers a unique camping experience with three backcountry campsites that can only be reached by paddling across the lake with your camping gear.
These campsites are popular during the summer months and reservations are required. The three campsites include Hidden Cove, Fisherman’s Bay, and Coronet Creek, each offering a different camping experience.
- Hidden Cove is the closest site, located 4 km from the parking area, and is perfect for novice paddlers and families looking for a peaceful night’s sleep on the lake.
- Fisherman’s Bay has located 13 km from the parking area, making it the closest site to Spirit Island, but requires a full day of paddling to reach. With 8 campsites, it’s a popular choice for campers.
- Coronet Creek is located at the southern end of Maligne Lake, 21.3 km from the parking area, and offers breathtaking views of Coronet Glacier. This site is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness and enjoy a more secluded camping experience.
Overall, Maligne Lake’s backcountry campsites offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning beauty of Jasper National Park. It is important to plan and prepare carefully for your camping trip, follow all camping regulations and safety guidelines, and respect the natural environment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What is the best time to visit Maligne Lake?
The best time to visit Maligne Lake depends on your preferences and what you want to do there. The peak tourist season at Maligne Lake is typically from late June to early September, when the weather is warm and the lake is accessible for boating and other activities. However, this is also the busiest time, and the crowds can be significant.
If you prefer a quieter experience, you may want to consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May to early June or mid-September to early October. During these times, the crowds are smaller, and you can enjoy the beautiful fall colors or the emergence of spring without the large crowds.
Keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, and it’s a good idea to check the forecast and be prepared for changing conditions whenever you visit.
Spirit Island
Located at the far end of Maligne Lake, Spirit Island is a small, tree-covered island that is only accessible by boat. It is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque spots in Jasper National Park, and for good reason – the views from Spirit Island are simply breathtaking.
The island is named after the Indigenous people who once lived in the area, who believed that the island was a sacred site where spirits dwelled. Today, it is a popular spot for tourists and photographers looking to capture the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
If you’re planning a visit to Spirit Island, the best way to get there is by taking a boat tour which is operated by Maligne Lake Cruise.
All Trails
Their mobile app allows users to search for trails based on specific criteria, such as location, difficulty level, and distance, making it easy to find hikes that fit your preferences. You can get offline maps and alerts with their subscription for $29.99 per year.
Book Your Flight
The best search engine that consistently helps to find the cheapest flight is Skyscanner and GoogleFlights. It helps to search airlines and booking websites around the globe.
Book Your Accommodation
If you’re looking for a hostel, then book with Hostelworld. If you want to stay anywhere other than the hostel, then use Booking.com as it helps to find the cheapest rate for hotels and guesthouses.
Ready to plan Your Trip?
You can check out our resource page for the best deals for travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spirit Island is a protected area and is considered culturally significant to the indigenous people of the area. Access to the island is restricted to preserve its natural beauty and spiritual importance. However, visitors on the Maligne Lake Cruise are able to get a close-up view of the island from the boat and take photographs of the stunning scenery. The cruise includes a stop at Spirit Island for about 10-15 minutes, allowing passengers to take in the beauty of the area and capture memorable photos.
The weather might change suddenly. Layering is advised because the lake is often cooler than Jasper’s town center.
Spring (March to May): Spring in Jasper National Park is usually mild, but temperatures can still be quite cool, with average highs ranging from 4°C to 13°C (39°F to 55°F). Snow is still common in higher elevations and can affect road and trail conditions.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the busiest season at Maligne Lake, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. Average high temperatures range from 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F), with occasional rain showers.
Fall (September to November): Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage, making it a popular time to visit for those seeking fall colors. Average high temperatures range from 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 57°F), and snow can begin to fall in higher elevations by late October.
Winter (December to February): Winter at Maligne Lake is a beautiful but challenging season, with deep snow and icy conditions. Average high temperatures range from -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), and temperatures can drop much lower at night. Snow and ice can affect road and trail conditions, so be sure to check for current conditions before visiting.
No, it is not free to enter Jasper National Park. Parks Canada charges a daily entry fee to access the park. As of 2023, the fee is $10.50 CAD per adult per day, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and families.
Visitors can purchase an annual Discovery Pass, which allows unlimited entry to all national parks and national historic sites in Canada for one year. The cost of the annual Discovery Pass is $72.25 CAD for adults, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and families. Please check the Parks Canada website for up-to-date information.
The best time to photograph Spirit Island at Maligne Lake is typically during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky and the light is softer and more golden.
This is especially true during the summer months when the days are longer and the sun sets later in the day. Photographers often prefer to shoot during the “golden hour,” which is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset when the light is at its most magical.
Additionally, the fall season can be a great time to capture the vibrant colors of the changing leaves on the trees surrounding the lake.
