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Photo: Erik Lizee - Free to All, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Maligne Lake is a lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. The lake is famed for the colour of its azure water, the surrounding peaks, the three glaciers visible from the lake, and Spirit Island, a frequently and very famously photographed islet. The lake is located 44 km (27 mi) south of Jasper town, and is accessible by motor vehicle, including shuttle buses from Jasper. Boat tours run to Spirit Island in the spring to autumn season. The 44 km Skyline Trail, Jasper's most popular, highest and above treeline, multi-day hike, begins at Maligne Lake and finishes near the town of Jasper. Other popular day hikes include the Opal Hills and Bald Hills loops. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
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.
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.
Chance of seeing mountain goats at the side of the road
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.
Small waterfall but worth a brief visit. Only a short walk from the car park
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.