Maligne Lake
Amazingly beautiful place to spend a day or a week.
Maligne Lake is 22 km’s long and is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, famous for its brilliant turquoise color fed by the melt waters of the surrounding glaciers.
The weight of the glaciers crushes rock into what is known as rock flour which in turn is washed into the lake in glacial runoff. The flour is so light that it floats throughout the waters of the lake, reflecting the rays of light from the sun and sky giving the water its majestic color.
You can enjoy the 48 km beautiful drive in from Jasper on the Maligne Lake Road just off of Yellowhead Highway north of Jasper.
Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent them as you wish, and paddle your way to your choice of three backcountry campsites.
Two Kayak and Canoe Rental Outfitters in Jasper.
If you prefer a boat tour there are a few options including one that will start from your hotel in Jasper as the Bus and guide pick you up for an extensive 5.5 hour interpretive tour that will take you as far as Spirit Island.
Limited on time? The other option is a guided 2 hour cruise to Spirit Island.
Parks Canada Discovery Pass Allows admission to over 80 destinations
Emergency Numbers: 780-852-3100 or 877-852-3100
Fishing Permits & Regulations – You can purchase a fishing permit at a Japer Information Center, campground, or a fishing store in town.
Camping season opens in June, however there may still be snow and muddy conditions on the hiking trails and mosquito season is in full swing by July. You may want to go from mid August to mid September for best conditions.
No motorized boats allowed, however you can bring an electric motor and your own boat if you really want to. Be aware that there are high winds in this area most days and the weather often changes suddenly. Take all safety precautions seriously. Once out to the south end of the lake you are on your own.
Maximum group size per site is 10. Maximum stay at any campsite is two nights. Maximum total nights is six. Make sure to reserve your sites at the other campsites as well at the same time if you are planning on exploring the full length of the lake.
There are three campsites, one small with 4 sites, Hidden Cove, only 3.5 kms along the shoreline from the chalet. Perfect for novices and small families.
Fisherman’s Bay. 13 kms from the starting point and only 2.5 kms from Spirit Island.
Coronet Creek. 21.3 kms from the chalet. Truly isolated, surrounded by craggy peaks and glaciers. Apparently a great spot for fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the pristine environment. Don’t forget your fishing permit.
There are designated picnic sites at 4.3 kms, 5.4 kms, 12.3 kms, 14 kms – Spirit Island, and 17.7 kms along the way.
Maligne Lake Detailed Information from Parks Canada
10Adventures Guided Tours
Maligne Lake
Trip planning can be very time consuming and a lot of work. Guided tours are an excellent option.
With the information provided, you can book your flight and a one night stay, if necessary, at a hotel by the airport.
Hotels with Calgary Airport Shuttle Service.
Arrange your Brewster Express from the airport to Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper where 10Adventures will take care of the rest with a bus that will drive you to your first day of camping under the star filled skies of Alberta or British Columbia.
Weather you’re backpacking through the backcountry or touring the most popular sites in the Rockies, your meals and accommodations and return to the Brewster Express airport bus will be taken care of.
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