Maligne Lake

My husband and I never tire of Maligne Lake. We visit here every time we're in Jasper. There's so much to do. The cruise to Spirit Island. The canoes. The shoppes. The restaurant's very good but we prefer to bring a picnic lunch. There's the Mary Schaffer and the Moose Lake Loops as well as the first part of the Bald Hills and Opal Hills Trails. We've never been able to complete these last two trails. These pictures are of the two loops. We like to do the forest part of the Mary Schaffer Loop first then eat our lunch at the picnic tables along the lake. When I first saw the view of the mountains on the other side of the lake, I thought I was in a magical kingdom . . . or Europe.

Got to the lake around 8:00am July 20th 2024, one of maybe 4 other vehicles there. Get there early and you don’t have to worry about parking. Kayaked a couple kms down the west side of the lake fishing as I went. Switched between trolling and casting spinners, trout were rising first few hours but didn’t manage to catch anything. Beautiful view, beautiful lake. Saw some loons and a bald eagle.

Incredible lake, great views of the landscape! Was an easy walk down to the edge, and was totally worth the drive. It is easy to walk along the edge of the lake, which I would definitely recommend, as it changes the view along the way. This is a great and huge lake in the area that has fantastic views and is well worth a visit!

28 km kayaking in 6.5 hours, just shy of reaching Spirit Island. Made a youtube video for long lasting memory of this beautiful lake: https://youtu.be/q2Ibup9URF4

Breathtaking, serene, blue turquoise water surrounded by mountains. Fun boat ride to Spirit Island with good commentary. Worth the short trip from Jasper. Easily assessing, although very limited handicapped parking, and parking in general. Washrooms available at store to eveveryone. Nice beach, lots of kayaks and yoga boards out. The drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake is so picturesque.

Spectacular beauty! Really inaccessible, have to take an expensive shuttle/tour, or stay at the lodge. orherwise a 22 km hike. It was absolutely mobbed at sunrise, nonetheless.

Top rated lake in Jasper a must visit attraction in Jasper. Washroom was a bit limited so was parking, parking spots were enough but when we visited on a weekend there were a lot of people. The lake itself was amazing with exceptionl views surrounded by mountains. There was a restaurant in front which we did not try. There were cruise but I would suggest to book in advance as it was out when we visited. There are few trails near by. Wild life was very close by check my video of deer walking very close to me. Kids had fun watching wild life. For mountain and lake lovers/explorers I would say this lake is not as catching as lake Louise or Emrald. I have explored Kananskis and Banff extensively and I would prefer those lakes over Maligne so are the mountain views. But over all its totally worth it. There were many picnic benches but limited washroom. Check out videos and images and follow me for more detailed reviews.

Amazing lake, would definitely recommend the 1 hour drive from Jasper! Great boat tour during the summer too, unfortunately we came during the winter while everything was closed but it’s still worth coming!

My husband and I never tire of Maligne Lake. We visit here every time we're in Jasper. There's so much to do. The cruise to Spirit Island. The canoes. The shoppes. The restaurant's very good but we prefer to bring a picnic lunch. There's the Mary Schaffer and the Moose Lake Loops as well as the first part of the Bald Hills and Opal Hills Trails. We've never been able to complete these last two trails. These pictures are of the two loops. We like to do the forest part of the Mary Schaffer Loop first then eat our lunch at the picnic tables along the lake. When I first saw the view of the mountains on the other side of the lake, I thought I was in a magical kingdom . . . or Europe.

Got to the lake around 8:00am July 20th 2024, one of maybe 4 other vehicles there. Get there early and you don’t have to worry about parking. Kayaked a couple kms down the west side of the lake fishing as I went. Switched between trolling and casting spinners, trout were rising first few hours but didn’t manage to catch anything. Beautiful view, beautiful lake. Saw some loons and a bald eagle.

Incredible lake, great views of the landscape! Was an easy walk down to the edge, and was totally worth the drive. It is easy to walk along the edge of the lake, which I would definitely recommend, as it changes the view along the way. This is a great and huge lake in the area that has fantastic views and is well worth a visit!

28 km kayaking in 6.5 hours, just shy of reaching Spirit Island. Made a youtube video for long lasting memory of this beautiful lake: https://youtu.be/q2Ibup9URF4

Breathtaking, serene, blue turquoise water surrounded by mountains. Fun boat ride to Spirit Island with good commentary. Worth the short trip from Jasper. Easily assessing, although very limited handicapped parking, and parking in general. Washrooms available at store to eveveryone. Nice beach, lots of kayaks and yoga boards out. The drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake is so picturesque.

Spectacular beauty! Really inaccessible, have to take an expensive shuttle/tour, or stay at the lodge. orherwise a 22 km hike. It was absolutely mobbed at sunrise, nonetheless.

Top rated lake in Jasper a must visit attraction in Jasper. Washroom was a bit limited so was parking, parking spots were enough but when we visited on a weekend there were a lot of people. The lake itself was amazing with exceptionl views surrounded by mountains. There was a restaurant in front which we did not try. There were cruise but I would suggest to book in advance as it was out when we visited. There are few trails near by. Wild life was very close by check my video of deer walking very close to me. Kids had fun watching wild life. For mountain and lake lovers/explorers I would say this lake is not as catching as lake Louise or Emrald. I have explored Kananskis and Banff extensively and I would prefer those lakes over Maligne so are the mountain views. But over all its totally worth it. There were many picnic benches but limited washroom. Check out videos and images and follow me for more detailed reviews.

Amazing lake, would definitely recommend the 1 hour drive from Jasper! Great boat tour during the summer too, unfortunately we came during the winter while everything was closed but it’s still worth coming!

Maligne Lake is about 14.0 miles long and is 318 ft at its deepest point, in the south end of the lake. It averages 115 ft in depth. It sits at approximately 5,480 ft above sea level. I sailed along Maligne Lake past towering peaks & glaciers, to the peaceful and remarkable Spirit Island. Our guide told us about its earliest explorers, along with the geology, glaciology, flora & fauna of this magnificent area. Upon arrival at Spirit Island, the Maligne Lake Cruise docks and guests are able to disembark and enjoy a short nature trail leading to a viewing platform for one the best views in Jasper National Park.

I took the Maligne Lake Classic Cruise for 1.5 hours. This was the least expensive option for cruises. It cost $82 - Canadian or $63 - US. Maligne Lake for the most part, was a pleasant experience getting out on the waters. The main attraction of the lake cruise tour is spending time at Spirit Island surrounded by some pretty nice snowcapped mountains. Just to back up a few steps... Maligne Lake is part of Jasper National Park. Although it's pretty secluded in its own right...(it's located 48 kilometers away from downtown Jasper or 30 miles) it's within Jasper Park boundaries and for me was one of the better highlights during this section of my Canadian Rockies journey. Also, Maligne Lake is extremely popular with tourists. When I arrived midday a few weeks ago...the parking lot was full of buses and I had to locate a spot in the overflow lot. I had a 12:30pm sail time but as usual during my travels I arrived 1 hour early to walk around the dock area and try and catch any worthwhile photo moments with the lake and scenic backdrop. They do have a great Visitor/Gift Shop to buy any souvenirs (though a little on the pricey side). There's also a restaurant with terrific outdoor seating to catch glimpses of Maligne Lake in the backdrop among a pristine ambiance. I did check-in with the ticket window just to make sure that I was good to go for my lake cruise. Then I ventured over to the shores for a few pictures. I would suggest that maybe afternoon time isn't the best instance to come here because the sun is facing you and makes for glares with your photography. I believe morning times would serve you best with the sun positioned at your back. I was told to get in line 15 minutes before departure. It is first come, first served in terms of taking a seat on the cruise boat. But not to fear...it's a single deck boat and honestly no matter where you sit on it won't matter in terms of getting the best views. Btw...it is 3x3 seating on the boat. There is a captain driving the boat and a guide to explain the history and all significant aspects about Maligne Lake. Mostly for the 1.5 hours, you will cruise to and from Spirit Island. That's the extent of it all. Along the way...there's not too much to see. I sat down the entire way to Spirit Island, though they do allow you at any point in the trip to get out of your seat and make your way outside on the back of the boat for pictures. My only drawback was for this 1.5 hour trip...we only had 15 minutes at Spirit Island! Yes, 15 minutes!! Welp...maybe the guide was lenient and gave us 20 minutes, lol. At Spirit Island...what's great about it is that the lake is so translucent you can see reflections of snowcapped mountains clearly in the lake. I grabbed great photos of the mountains reflecting perfectly symmetrically. Unfortunately during this trip it was mostly overcast outside so this part of the lake didn't have much coloring to it...but definitely more so than when we first departed from the entrance station. I could envision under sunny days the lake being highlighted green and blue turquoise for sure. Anyhow...everyone scrambles off the boat to get in their best pictures around Spirit Island. There's a short pathway you can walk up upon to a viewpoint for getting pics in from an upper level perspective. Mostly everyone was doing this. Then also, taking pictures of the mountainous landscape from the pier of the deck was another popular spot. And that's it. Then it's time to return to the boat and ride back to the shores. That's what this Classic Tour is all about. Now...I did see that you can pay roughly $100 - Canadian for a 2-hour tour with 30 minutes at Spirit Island. This option seemed very popular because there was no availability for it when I was looking online the day I was going to be here. And in fact, you can pay more for even better, more extended options. I don't know exactly what those entails...but if you're loving this Maligne Lake...you can dive deeper into exploring more (obviously for more $$$). Lastly, I did notice some hiking trails that circumnavigated the lake. One trail seemed to start by the dock shores where people were walking towards. So, I guess you can explore on your own without a fee to come here and visit. I had just researched online that taking a boat cruise was the best/most efficient way to go. Btw...when exiting the tour the guide mentions they accept gratuities for a job well done. I handed them $5. In the end, I guess I just would have liked some more time at Spirit Island. 15 minutes was a very rushed process. But I guess I got what I paid for. Still, although I was underwhelmed with a lot of the Jasper Park attractions like the Jasper SkyTram and Maligne Canyon...I did enjoy coming here spending time at Maligne Lake.

We came to the lake to do the Bald Hills hike. It offered great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. We stopped by the main lake parking lot after to see the lake from below as well. It was pretty, but the best views were definitely from the hike. You can do a cruise or kayak too, but we didn't want to pay for that. That is the only way to see spirit island though. Definitely worth coming here and doing a hike while there too.

The second largest glacier fed lake in the world. We had driven way up in the high country above Jasper, passing endless stretches of forest. In and out of the fog, early in the morning on the last day of Labor day weekend. Our tour bus stops at the Maligne Lake Chalet, where we all disembark. The mostly senior ladies make a beeline for the bathrooms in the restaurant, the only flush toilets in the park. In no time, the line is out the door. No wonder the ladies always want to sit at the front of the bus! We sit down in the restaurant for a breakfast buffet, where we can barely see the lake amid the heavy fog. The fog keeps the sun from shining and giving the lake it's vivid color. Take some pictures but it's like shooting in black and white. Red roofed boat house on this side of the lake, where one can sign up for a boat cruise along the lake to Spirit Island. During peak season, reservations required, as the boat cruise fills out fast. Today, Spirit Island lives up to it's name, a spooky looking place, engulfed in layers of fog on the horizon. We walk along the right side of the lake, past some guest cottages, along the forest path. After a short distance we reach a road bridge crossing over a fast flowing river. The Maligne River is named after it's raging rapids in the late spring, but in this drought year, the river has tamed down a bit. On the other side of the river on the lake side, we can see trout in the clear waters of the shallows of the lake. Walking further along the path, we come to the first of three boat launching areas. No motorized boats allowed here, only row boats, canoes, and kayaks. Behind the trees next to the highway and bridge, is a huge parking area, with pit toilets for the visitors. No wonder those senior women hurried to use the restaurant restrooms! We hurry back to our bus, with the fog lifting a bit, under cloudy skies. Snow topped mountains ring the lake, and areas with sun show a bright emerald green color in the shallow areas and grey color in deep waters, which will turn to turquoise under a brilliant sun. On to Maligne Canyon.

Do the cruise or don't bother coming here. This lake is known for one thing: Spirit Island. In order to get there, you can either walk forever, kayak forever, or arrive there by boat in 30 minutes. The lake is very big and the surroundings are beautiful. However, it's a long drive to get here even from Jasper and I don't think I'd come here just to walk around. I highly recommend this place but only if you do the cruise. Buy the tickets online 1-2 weeks ahead because it is very popular.

What isn't there to say about Maligne Lake? Is there enough praise anyone could give this lake that would seem even half sufficient? No, but I can try. This area is an absolutely stunning spot. The lake ranges in color depending on where you are and the time of day. It is surrounded by beautiful evergreens, several mountain peaks, and wildlife. There is plenty to do. The have canoes, boating, hiking and tours. You really feel surrounded by the wilderness here. I got see my first moose in person here. We saw a mama with her calf on two separate days and it made me speechless. It was a beautiful experience and felt unreal. I'd absolutely say this is a MUST to see when you come to the Canadian Rockies.

As one of the locals educated me about the pronunciation, it is called "ma" "lean" and not "malign" Lake. Mary Schaffer, who was an artist and explorer that became the first European to see Maligne Lake, called it the "Hall of the Gods" and noted "if Lake Louise is a pearl, Maligne is the entire pearl necklace." Although I cannot attest that it is more beautiful than Lake Louise, it certainly deserves its place as one of the most picturesque and incredible spots in the Canadian Rockies. Maligne Lake features emerald green colored water, majestic mountain ranges in the surrounding area, and glaciers capping some of the mountain tops. Interestingly, it was created by a landslide. It also holds the distinction for being the largest glacier, naturally formed lake in the Canadian Rockies at 22 kilometers or 14 miles. Lake Minnewanka is technically bigger but only after human intervention and alterations. Naturally, there are many ways to enjoy the Lake. The first is simply driving there to walk around. It is an hour drive from the town of Jasper to the Lake on Maligne Lake Road. It is an exceptionally scenic drive. First, there are plenty of mountains on each side. Next, the road runs past and along another lake: Medicine Lake. There is an awesome lookout point at the north end of Medicine Lake. It provides one of the better views and pictures in the Park with the mountains around it and the water reflecting the landscape like a mirror. Once you are at the lake, it is relaxing to walk around the shoreline in between the two parking lots: the first that is at the main part of the Lake where the boat cruises take off and the second at the end of the road where a lot of the hikes begin. There are four lookout points in that vicinity that stand out. The first is left of the Maligne Lake Lodge and Gift shop as you face the lake. If you are walking from the first parking lot, it will be immediately on your left when you reach the ticket office and the Lodge. It has the Boat House in front of it and offers a view of the Lake with the mountains in the background. The second spot is in front of the Maligne Chalet. It is a more centered view into the Lake with the mountains in background. Moreover, you can get a picture with a boat cruise taking off from the dock. The third location is the bridge next to the Chalet that is on the way to the second parking lot. Around noon, I had an amazing mirror lake effect that reflected the fluffy clouds up in the sky. The fourth lookout point is the pier at the second parking lot. It offers similar views to the first two points. In addition, you can get a picture of the Lodge and Chalet with the set of mountains behind the primary area at the Lake. Of course, definitely stroll the shoreline to enjoy the former two spots, which are the most popular, and find other personal vantage points for your enjoyment. Moreover, you can also go on a hike, rent a canoe, or pay to go on a boat tour to fully enjoy Maligne Lake. If you are visiting the Canadian Rockies and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me through Yelp and I can share my itinerary/ recommendations, which includes my Yelp reviews. The information for an electronic copy can also be found via my Yelp profile.

This lake should be renamed. Something so beautiful should never be named as "malign". This lake is one of the safer places for novice paddlers and kayakers. We booked a boat tour to the Spirit Island, one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. During the 30 minutes boat ride to the Spirit Island, we saw the Maligne Glaciers. Only 10% is seen from one side of the mountain and it is massive as it is. Leaves you wondering how colossal the unseen 90% is. Another glacier, though smaller compared to the other glaciers in the Canadian Rockies is the biggest that is visible from the boat tour. We even saw a waterfalls flowing down the tall mountain cliffs from the melting glaciers. As we gaped at the tall mountain peaks hugging the lake and the massive glaciers, our boat turned towards the Spirit Island. The beauty of this part of the lake, is not just the Spirit Island itself, but the turquoise blue waters surrounding it and the Coronet glacier immaculately serving as its backdrop. The water color changes from green to blue, depending on the amount and density of glacier silts in the water. Since we visited during summer, most of the glacier silts were probably deposited and the others were evenly spread out, absorbing all but the blue color of the sunlight. Mary Schaffer, who discovered this lake said that if God's ever do come down to Earth, here's where they would meet. And I couldn't agree more!

We took this tour with the expectation of seeing some of the Canadian Rockies wildlife around Maligne Lake. At $135 per person, and after a 90 minute bus trip up there from Jasper, we were pretty disappointed. The young boat crew, while nice, gave us the impression that we'd see amazing things on the 1 1/2 hour trip across the lake. Basically- we saw Spirit Island, the setting of the Coronet Glacier that is called "Hall of the Gods". The wildlife we saw-a chipmunk. The trip was mis-characterized. Don't waste your time and money.

This is such a gorgeous lake and offers a really nice walking trail. It's very picturesque, quiet and relaxing to take an stroll. Definitely worth a visit!

You must visit Maligne Lake when you're at Jasper National Park. It is on Maligne Lake Road off of Highway 16. There is a parking lot available right by the lake. My friends and I visited the lake last month and it was pure whiteness. It was blanketed in snow that went up above my knee. We walked around the edges of the lake since we didn't know how deep the snow was if we went further in the lake. There were various signs showing the different trails along the lake and a lakehouse. In the summer, you can rent a boat and go on the lake. The view is absolutely beautiful. We were the only ones here so it felt great to be isolated and enjoy the scenery by ourselves. We also walked towards a bridge across the lake and that offered great views of the lake. Plus you get to walk through a forest!

The lake itself is not as spectacular as many of the other lakes near banff, but according to the boat tour guide it is the largest natural lake in Canada. We made the mistake of taking the boat tour, which was on the pricey side $65pp for about 1.5 hrs and only have you a very limited amount of time at spirit island. If you are the adventurous type, my preference would have been to rent the canoes/small row boats. I think you would get a much more enjoyable experience getting close to the water and being able to stop anywhere you want and you can go around everywhere. We unfortunately reserved only part of a day for this and regret not canoeing. It seems like even during the busy season you'll be able to get a canoe since people cone and go. You can also reserve one for the whole day for$200 or so / $40per hour. Best of luck and enjoy this beautiful part of our continent!

Worth the drive from Jasper. Canoes are available as well as a guided lake boat ride. We saw a bear with cubs on the drive which made it worthwhile. A very pretty lake with a restaurant and shops.

We had a great boat ride. The staff was very Covid conscious and very pleasant as well. We got some grab and go sandwiches, which were great too.

10/02/15: The lake is famous for taking photos of deep blue hues of the lake, the surrounding peaks, and the three glaciers visible from the shoreline and Spirt Island

I can't say enough great things about this tour! Not only is it visually stunning, but the history within the mountains is incredible! Our tour guide, Amber, was SO SO lovely and passionate about the tour! She taught us basically everything there was to know about the mountains, took time to answer all of our questions and spent extra time chatting about the island for anyone that was curious. You won't see something quite as beautiful as this island!!