Photo: Sébastien Launay, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Closed until further notice (as of 2026) Parks Canada is assessing conditions and what is needed to safely reopen the area. You can view the Maligne Canyon area from the Maligne Overlook, which is along Maligne Lake Road.
Maligne Canyon is a slot canyon located in the Jasper National Park near Jasper, Alberta, Canada. Eroded out of the Palliser Formation, the canyon measures over 50 metres (160 ft) deep. Popular for sightseeing and exploration, the area contains waterfalls, underground stream outlets, birds and plant life.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Take the Jasper Tramway half way up the mountain. From there it is a relatively short but very steep walk to the peak. On a clear day there are some superb views of the mountains ranges of the area and back into the valley below. May people get a false sense of security in the summer walking from the cable-car but be aware the weather can change quickly and you can find yourself in clouds or a small whirlwind.
Not strictly speaking a lake but the point where water backups from the Maligne River before disappearing underground through sink holes. There is no river running out of the lake, the depth depending on the inflow rate from ice melt. A pull-off at western end of the lake provides a spectacular view of the valley and hills.
A 1.5-km hike along a broad slightly climbing trail through bush and woodland brings you to a beautifully clear lake teaming with fish between the Colin and Queen Elizabeth Ranges. For the more intrepid continue along the Jaques Lake Trail South of Boundary Trail. Be aware that although you will not see many people along this trail, there is a good chance of meeting bears.
A place to relax after a day of hiking, the hottest mineral springs in the Rockies flow from the mountain at 54ºC. The water is cooled to a comfortable 40ºC as it enters the pools. There are two hot pools and two cool pools, a café, a souvenir shop, a picnic ground and interpretive exhibits. Suits, towels and lockers are available for rent. It is open May to mid-October, and located between Jasper and Hinton.
An impressive waterfall. The Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge where the walls have been smoothed and potholes are created by the sheer force of the rushing water carrying sand and rock. There are parking and toilet facilities. Paved trail and picnic sites are available.
Regular boat trips to see the wonder of a lake with water two different colours in different parts. Spirit Island, made famous by a photography competition, is in the middle of Maligne Lake. The only way to see the island is to take the boat cruise (1.5 hours round trip). Below the car park and gift shop area it can be crowded with visitors in the summer, just south past the buildings is a raised view point providing an excellent view of the lake. A little walk along the northern shore passed the boat house takes you to a trail with fewer people. It follows the lake shore for a while before heading inland and looping back to the car park. It provides a chance to experience the local flora and fauna as well as see a glacial kettle.