Best Things to Do in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Plan your trip to Maligne Valley in Jasper National Park, Alberta, and visit stunning places such as Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon, or Opal Hills; disembark on Maligne Lake cruise or hike Mary Schaffer Loop. This Maligne Lake travel guide includes the best things to do in the Maligne Lake area, tips on how to get there, when to visit, and what to pack.
Maligne Valley features one of the most beautiful sceneries in Jasper National Park. With so many incredible places such as Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon, or Opal Hills, this area is an excellent introduction to the Canadian Rockies and Canadian great outdoors.
Driving along Maligne Lake Road is a perfect activity on how to spend your day and how to explore the best of Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.
Especially when you consider how close the mountain town Jasper is, making it a perfect base for visiting the top attractions dotting the road.
Maligne Lake Road is not as famous as the legendary Icefields Parkway, which stretches 227 kilometers between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. With its length of 44 kilometers, the comparison wouldn't be even fair.
However, it would be a mistake to think that Maligne Valley is not worth a visit.
The scenery along the way is breathtaking in a different way. As soon as you turn onto Maligne Lake Road from Trans Canada Highway, you will realize that this will be a little more intimate trip to the Canadian wilderness.
And even though Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon are top natural attractions in Jasper National Park, there are still places that will allow you to leave the crowds behind.
Simply put, a trip to Maligne Lake has its rightful place on every Canadian Rockies itinerary.
After visiting the lake and its surroundings multiple times, we've put together this Maligne Lake travel guide where we share tips on what to do in Maligne Lake and the best day trips in the area.
MALIGNE LAKE
The mountainous part of Alberta, Canada, is home to many unique places. Maligne Lake, a 22.5 kilometers long glacier-fed lake in Jasper National Park, is one of them.
With its turquoise waters and majestic mountains rising on the horizon like mythical behemoths, Maligne Lake is one of the main reasons to visit this area. Maligne Lake is also often voted among one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
The origin of the lake's name is quite fascinating, as the term 'maligne' comes from a French word meaning wicked or evil.
Named by a catholic priest Pierre-Jean De Smet in the 19th century who made several explorations of the Rockies region, the word 'maligne' probably describes a turbulent and treacherous river flowing from the Maligne Lake.
This glacial lake offers great photo ops, short trails, demanding hikes, water activities, and much more.
In other words, Maligne Lake is worth a visit, no matter if you only plan on standing on the shore of this majestic lake or if you prefer a multi-day hike.
MEDICINE LAKE
On a windless day, Medicine Lake gives a mirror-like effect when viewed from the shores.
This is one of the best photo stops along Maligne Road, and you will find it only thirty minutes drive from Jasper, between Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake.
When looking at the lake pictures, you might soon find out that the water level varies from year to year (or months to months).
That's not that surprising, as plenty of other lakes experience a similar effect that usually depends on many factors. However, Medicine Lake is slightly different in this case.
This mysterious lake has a unique underground drainage system responsible for the variance in water levels each year. Some years, this lake may almost disappear.
We took the photo you can see down below in September, and you can clearly observe that there was not much water left in the lake, which was actually the reason we almost missed it.
SPIRIT ISLAND
Spirit Island is the symbol of Jasper National Park. Even though you've probably never heard the name of this island before, there is a high chance that you've seen it on postcards and marketing materials.
Yes, this is the famous island from the photographs that make it to every brochure about Jasper National Park.
The only way to get to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake is by boat.
In fact, there is no hiking trail to Spirit Island, so you need to book a Maligne Lake Cruise.
You can also kayak to Spirit Island. However, this is a quite demanding (and expensive) activity.
We've never been there ourselves, as we chose instead to hike to Opal Hills on our first visit, and it rained pretty hard on our second trip to Maligne Lake. Maybe next time.
KAYAKING
Although we prefer kayaking in much warmer climates on tropical islands such as Tioman Island, kayaking on Maligne Lake has its appeal.
Paddling across an icy cold lake on a hot summer day is a very popular outdoor activity in the Rockies, and you will see canoes everywhere.
The only catch is in the price, which is very similar to prices in other super famous places in the Canadian Rockies such as Moraine Lake or Lake Louise.
Honestly, paying 75 CAD for one hour of canoeing is not a very budget-friendly thing to do (to put it mildly).
You can actually rent both canoe and kayak; choose the one that fits your needs. Rentals are available in Maligne Lake Boat House on the lake's shore, just a short walk from the parking lot.
Canoes are great for couples, and you can transport your daypacks or dog in canoes; kayaks are known for ease-of-paddling and better for solo travelers.
A dry sack is an essential thing to have for kayaking. It's super cheap and keeps your valuables safe.
If you consider canoeing on Maligne Lake, arrive there early, as you will have the best chance for calm waters.
You can also kayak or canoe around the lake and stay in the campgrounds (more info in the Where to stay section in this blog post) along the length of the lake.
This trip requires at least two or three days and offers one of the best off-the-beaten paths experiences in Jasper National Park.
No private boats are allowed on the shores of Maligne Lake.
MARY SCHAFFER LOOP
Are you looking for a pleasant walk along the shores of Maligne Lake? Mary Schaffer Loop trail is a 3.2 kilometers long, fairly easy trail that starts off the main parking lot.
You will find the Mary Schaffer Loop trailhead in the northeast (or southeast corner) of the parking lot; it depends on in which direction you want to walk.
This is a relaxing stroll through a forest (spruce, pine, and firs) that will take you to the shores of the largest glacier-fed lake in Jasper National Park.
At the viewpoint, enjoy scenic views of a beautiful lake with mountains in the background.
Return via the shore trail, learn more about this area from several interpretative boards, and pass by the Curly Phillips's historic boathouse.
Mary Schaffer Loop is one of the family-friendly walks in Jasper National Park and a great introduction to this beautiful area.
We prefer to walk this loop counterclockwise as you will have the mountain views in front of you all the time.
MOOSE LAKE LOOP
If you want to enjoy a more peaceful walk and stay in the woods, Moose Lake Loop might be a great alternative to a busy Mary Schaffer Trail.
This easy trail will take you through a forest to Moose Lake, and if you go early enough, the path will be without crowds. Getting there in the morning will also higher your chances to spot wildlife.
There is a reason why Moose Lake is called the way it is.
If short on time, we would probably skip the Moose Lake Loop, as this is basically a walk through the woods, but it can be a great activity for families with kids.
OPAL HILLS TRAIL
According to us, Opal Hills Trail is one of the best things to do at Maligne Lake.
Opal Hills is a popular 8.2 kilometers loop hike that starts close to the lake's shore that will reward your hiking efforts with charming mountain scenery, narrow valley, alpine meadows, and blooming wildflowers.
The best thing about this hike was that the trail was not crowded at all, and we had many solitary moments.
We hiked Opal Hills Loop in early September, though the best time to visit Opal Hills is in late June and throughout July, as this area features one of the most beautiful wildflowers in the Rockies.
If you are looking for more meadows and wildflowers in Jasper, look into the Mount Edith Cavell area.
Watch out for bears as the upper valley is relatively narrow. This is a popular habitat for Grizzly bears; try not to disturb them, pack a bear spray, and stay safe.
Once you climb above the treeline, you can see Maligne Lake and Bald Hills behind you.
As we had only limited time at Maligne Lake, we decided on hiking to Opal Hills only. Bald Hills hike offers an alternative to Opal Hills and gives you a chance to explore the other side of the valley.
The first section of the Opal Hills trail that leads from the parking lot is mostly flat. Don't get too excited; this part is very short (this is also part of the Mary Schaffer Loop).
At the intersection, follow the trail which goes through the forest uphill. This part is quite steep, don't rush it and keep a steady pace.
Afterward, the trail flattens out as it traverses the bottom of the valley. At the end of the valley, the trail loops out back into the forest.
Even though this is not the most challenging hike in Jasper National Park, you might consider using trekking poles.
They are known for improving stability and reducing joint pressure when hiking, and you can use them for other hikes such as Sulphur Mountain Hike as well.
You will find Opal Hills trailhead at the northeast corner of the Maligne Lake parking lot.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
SKYLINE TRAIL
For many strong reasons, the challenging Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park is often considered the best multi-day trek in the Canadian Rockies.
This 44 kilometers demanding hike that usually requires two to four days is a perfect choice for avid hikers who have some extra days and looking for an ultimate hiking experience near Jasper.
You will cross several passes along the way while enjoying the best views in Jasper National Park without the hordes of tourists.
Be prepared for adverse weather, stunning alpine scenery, and several steep climbs.
The only con is that this trek is not a loop, so you need to arrange transport to the trailhead.
Also, campsites along the trail are often booked out a long time in advance, so it is necessary to plan your holiday well ahead.
Don't forget to stay hydrated during the day. Also, pack a bug repellent.
MALIGNE CANYON
Maligne Canyon is a year-round natural attraction only 15 minutes from Jasper.
This is one of the most beautiful and popular places you can find in Jasper National Park, and easily walkable trails along the canyon attract crowds from around the world.
Maligne Canyon is often regarded as the deepest canyon in the Canadian Rockies as it is up to 50 meters deep at certain points.
When it comes to popularity, Maligne Canyon is Jasper's equivalent to Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park.
There are several parking lots at Maligne Canyon, as well as many trailheads. We parked our car near the First Bridge and explored the canyon from there, but you can start at the Fifth Bridge and walk in the opposite direction.
To create a silky smooth water effect, bring ND filter and sturdy tripod.
If you are looking for something more adventurous, wintertime brings below zero temperatures to Maligne Canyon, and once the river freezes, you can climb down and explore it from the canyon floor.
We recommend you join a guided Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour for your safety.
MALIGNE LAKE CRUISE AND TOUR
Arriving at Jasper without a car might present you with challenges.
We always recommend renting a car for a road trip across the Canadian Rockies, but we also understand that not everyone has a driving license or is comfortable driving in a foreign country.
Fortunately, here are a couple of ways how to enjoy the best of Jasper NP.
You can still explore Maligne Valley even without a car, though you need to arrange a tour. Or you can try hitchhiking, though it's not very time effective nor comfortable.
If searching for a tour, then consider booking this Maligne Lake Cruise and Tour that combines scenic drive, Maligne Canyon, and a 90-minute cruise on Maligne Lake.
STOPS ALONG MALIGNE ROAD
There are many beautiful stops along the way, and as we were driving to Maligne Lake, we kept stopping to take a lot of photos.
The scenery along this road is just incredible, and we saw here some of the most beautiful shapes of mountains from the whole Canadian Rockies.
Plus, there might be some totally unexpected stops.
That's correct; the wildlife is just everywhere in the Canadian Rockies. Like a black bear, we saw on the way back, taking cover against the rain on a burnt-out hill slope. Mind you, that quite often, it is not easy to spot wildlife.
This was a great example that you often need a lot of patience, good eyesight, and a little bit of luck actually to spot something out there.
Consider bringing binoculars for this trip to watch the wildlife from a safe distance.
Or if you like photography, bring a mirrorless camera with a proper telephoto lens.
The reach 100-500mm is often enough for the wildlife, though additional cropping of the photo is sometimes required.
This area is also popular with moose, though we didn't have the luck to spot one in this place.
HOW TO GET TO MALIGNE LAKE
From the northern end of Jasper, turn onto Yellowhead Highway (16) and continue north.
If you are driving from the town center, you will arrive at a junction in less than five minutes. Turn right onto Maligne Road, cross the Athabasca Bridge, stay left and follow the Maligne Lake Road.
The first attraction on this road is the famous Maligne Canyon, and there are several parking lots along the canyon. We recommend you leave your car at the upper parking lot near the First Bridge.
From Maligne Canyon, travel eastwards, and a 15 kilometers long road will take you to Medicine Lake Viewpoint. From the Medicine Lake viewpoint, follow the road southeast until you arrive at the Maligne Lake parking lot.
The drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake should take about 45 minutes without stopping, but where is the fun in that? Allow yourself some extra time and soak up the atmosphere.
Maligne Lake parking lot is pretty huge, and there is a lot of parking space.
GET AROUND
The best way to get around the Canadian Rockies is by rental car (unless you have your own car).
Rental car has many benefits and allows you to reach and explore areas outside the main road in a shorter time and for a lower price, especially if you travel in a larger group.
The only real question here is whether you should rent a car, campervan, or motorhome.
All have pros and cons, and that's something you need to decide for yourself.
WHAT TO PACK
Putting together the Canadian Rockies packing list can be a daunting task, and if you are still trying to figure out what to pack for this road trip, don't forget to check out this article first.
At first glance, the packing list for road trips should be easy to create.
In fact, the opposite is true. Car trunks are (usually) huge, and you might end up with loads of unnecessary stuff and overweight suitcases.
On the other hand, you might think that jeans and city jackets will do the trick and totally underestimate the packing part of your trip preparation.
Your packing list should take into account what type of accommodation you will stay at, how long you'll be on the road, what activities you want to do, and what time of the year you will visit Canadian Rockies.
Having said that, there are a few essential things you should bring with you regardless of your plans.
First, you need good hiking boots.
Rain jacket and hiking pants are also must-haves.
For obvious reasons, we always carry a camera with us, but most modern phones can produce in right hands great pictures as well, and easily fit in your pockets.
A comfortable daypack can make a real difference between a perfect experience and a bad trip.
It's also important to stay safe in a bear country when doing longer day hikes, travel in a group, and consider carrying a bear spray.
WHERE TO STAY IN JASPER
Jasper is the nearest town to Maligne Lake, which is for many travelers a base for visiting Jasper National Park.
This mountain town has many hotels, restaurants, and stores, basically, everything you would expect from an alpine town.
For example, we bought a bear spray there, as we forgot to order it from Amazon before our trip (but it cost in the town much more).
Because of its popularity and considerably small size, if you plan on traveling to the national park, it is necessary to make a reservation well in advance, especially in the main season between May and October.
For us, booking accommodation in advance was one of the most annoying things to do, but it was worth the effort.
Campgrounds are equally popular as hotels, and reservations are also necessary.
We've handpicked the best hotels in Jasper in each category for every traveler and covered basic info about the campgrounds near Jasper.
Budget | Mount Robson Inn - It is almost impossible to find budget accommodation in the Canadian Rockies when not camping. This hotel is reasonably priced and offers clean facilities and excellent breakfast.
Mid-range | Jasper Inn and Suites - Convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms should convince you to stay here.
Luxury | Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - You will hardly find better accommodation in Jasper. Beautiful surroundings, comfortable rooms, and great service are the main reasons to stay here.
CAMPGROUNDS
Wapiti and Wabasso are huge campgrounds near Jasper that accommodate hundreds of visitors each day. You can make reservation at the official website.
We highly recommend you reserve a campsite well in advance, especially if you are arriving in the Canadian Rockies in high season.
Most of the other campgrounds in Jasper National Park operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
There are also three Maligne Lake campgrounds along the shores of this lake, though you need a canoe or kayak to get there.
It's recommended to book the campgrounds with Parks Canada in advance.
The names of these campgrounds are Hidden Cove Campground, Fisherman's Bay Campground, and Coronet Creek Backcountry Campground.
Read this guide to learn more about camping in the Canadian Rockies.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
