The breathtaking stretch of road between Jasper and Lake Louise serves up many of the most rewarding travel experiences in the Canadian Rockies.
Linking Lake Louise with Jasper, Alberta is one of the most beautiful journeys on the planet – the Icefields Parkway.
Unlike any other, the stretch of road from Jasper to Lake Louise known as the Icefields Parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and larch forests. RIGHT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. It was truly spectacular. If you go to that area you HAVE to drive it. It will blow your mind!
The abundance of wildlife in Jasper National Park and Banff National Park will have you peering around every turn. So take your time, stop for a hike to a breath-taking view point, capture that stunning photo to share with friends and enjoy a roadside picnic amidst the splendour of the Canadian Rockies pristine wilderness.
Rated as one of the top drives in the world!
LENGTH:
The Icefield Parkway is 144 miles (232km)…yes, 144 MILE stretch of highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys.
In our Itinerary we give you 2 days to drive this road. Once going up and once going down. There is still no way to do all the sites so it will always leave you wanting more. Choose your favorites, or just simply drive. It is a minimum of 3 hours drive with no stops along the way.
THINGS TO DO:
THE BEST HIKES: Ranging from short walks on wide paths to four-hour half day excursions, some of the best hikes along the Icefields Parkway are just off the highway:
MT. EDITH CAVELL
PARKER RIDGE TRAIL
BOW SUMMIT LOOKOUT
BOW GLACIER FALLS
HELEN LAKE
PLAIN OF SIZ GLACIERS
VALLEY OF THE TEN PEAKS
POINT OF INTEREST
ATHABASCA FALLS
SUNWAPTA FALLS
GLACIER SKY WALK
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD
PARKER RIDGE
BIG HILL & BIG BEND
WEEPING WALL
SASKATCHEWAN RIVER CROSSING
PEYTO LAKE AND BOW SUMMIT
BOW LAKE
VIEW WILDLIFE: Grizzly bear, Black bear, Woodland Caribou, Bighorn sheep, Mountain goats, Elk, Lynx and Bobcats, Marmots, Pika, and Ptarmigan
PHOTOGRAPHY POINTS:
MORAINE LAKE
THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELD
PEYTO LAKE
WATERFOWL LAKES
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
PARKERS RIDGE
TANGLE FALLS
SUNWAPTA FALLS
MAPS
GALLERY
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There are those places that take your breath away and you just stand in awe thinking…. Am I really here right now? Maligne Lake is one of those places.
Maligne Lake is the longest lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains at 22.5 km’s and the second largest glacier fed lake in the world. It’s home to Spirit Island, a picture perfect spot that’s featured on calendars around the world.
The true attraction of Spirit Island is the backdrop: a ring of impressive peaks and glaciers circling the south end of Maligne Lake, and the deep turquoise water color not present at the North end of the lake. A short path forms a loop from the docks to viewing points overlooking Spirit Island. To preserve the area in its natural state, walking onto the island is not allowed.
The only down side of the tour is that you only get 15 minutes on shore by Spirit Island. The plus side is that it’s not over crowded and feels like you have it to yourself. A new boat arrives every 15 minutes. However, you could upgrade to a premium cruise and get 30 minutes and extra time on the Isand I believe..
Maligne Lake was Scotts favorite adventure we did in our 8 days in Jasper and Banff.
WHY WE CHOSE THIS TOUR
In this area Brewster Tours rules this area and have for 125 years, and they seriously know that they’re doing. And believe it or not, it’s very affordable. For the boat tour you get to choose between Lake Minnewanka in Banff or Lake Maligne in Jasper. After lots of research and reviews I chose Jasper. The reason is because there was no way to see Spirit Island any other way than by boat, unless you wanted to row your canoe for 8 hours. (Which Scott and I have added that to our Bucket List) Details for booking listed below.
You get the choice of riding inside the heated boat or step out with the wind on your face. Both are great. The boat has a lot of windows so both ways you get to see the majestic view around you. Inside the guide retells Maligne’s history and explains its geology, wildlife, and weather.
The lake is surrounded by the Queen Elizabeth mountain range on one side and the Maligne range on the other.
COST
We purchased the JASPER ULTIMATE EXPLORER COMBO PACKAGE from Brewster Pursuit which included: Maligne Lake Cruise, Ice Glacier Explorer, Sky Walk, and the Banff Gondola
The Total cost for all 4 excursions was $552 for all 4 of us. Which came to $184 /per adult and $92 per kid, however if you divide that by 4 excursions then it comes to $46 per person per excursion.
ALA CARTE BOAT CRUISE PRICING:
Rates for adults are $65 and for children $33 (ages 4 and under are free)
There’s a boat tour geared towards photographers with longer time at Spirit Island. The total cruise is 2.5 hours instead of 1.5 hours. A local professional photographer comes along to assist in getting photos. They run on selected days only from early July to mid-September. The cost is $145 per person.
LENGTH
Spirit Island is located 14km’s down the lake from where the boat launch is located.
Classic Cruise: 1.5 hours total. 15 minutes on Spirit Island.
Premium Cruise: 2 hours total. 30 minutes on Spirit Island.
LOCATION
The drive is just under 50 km’s from Jasper, it takes approximately an hour to reach Maligne Lake. For the return trip and taking in a pre-reserved boat cruise you would want to allow for a minimum of 4 hours. Longer if you want to make any sightseeing stops along the way, do any hiking or have a meal at the cafe at the lake.
Allow yourself time to leisurely drive Maligne Lake road stopping at places like Medicine Lake along the way. It is such a beautiful area you can spend all day exploring.
DIRECTIONS
From the town of Jasper head north on Yellowhead Hwy 16 and watch for signs for Maligne Road where you will turn right and follow the road for approximately one hour until it ends at Maligne Lake.
The best time to visit Maligne Lake is in the morning before the first cruise. The light is typically better. The crowds are much less populated. And, you will improve your chances of seeing wildlife.
OPEN:
The boat tours usually start towards the end of May or early June depending on the weather conditions and when the lake thaws. They run into the first week of October.
Boats leave on the hour from 10 am to 5pm from early July to early September. During the early and later part of the season the last boat of the day leaves at either 3pm or 4pm. See their site for the current schedule.
BOOK YOUR EXCURSIONS:
The first thing I did when I got to town was go and purchase my excursion package. You can also do this online ahead of time as well. The pricing is very reasonable.
We recommend doing the JASPER ULTIMATE EXPLORER COMBO PACKAGE that includes Maligne Lake Tour, Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery that includes the Icefield Skywalk, and the Banff Gondola. They were all amazing.
If your time is limited in Jasper you may want to make other areas your priority such as walking or hiking in Maligne Canyon and driving the Icefields Parkway. We would not recommend rushing out to Maligne Lake just to take the boat cruise and come back again. It’s an hour drive in each direction from town. Options for other lakes closer to town are Annette or Edith Lakes. It’s a short drive to the pretty setting of Pyramid Lake. It also has it’s own version of an island with a wooden boardwalk to access it.
Getting To Spirit Island On Your Own
The only other option for getting to Spirit Island is by kayak or canoe. Rentals are available through Curly’s boathouse located just a bit further down the shoreline from where the boat tours leave. From the boathouse to Spirit Island is approximately 14 km’s one way. It wouldn’t be something to take on unless you are a well experienced paddler. The lake is subject to strong winds and rough conditions. It can be accomplished in a day, but if you run into foul weather or rough conditions you may have to be prepared to wait along the shoreline hoping it passes. It can be anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to reach the island depending on the conditions. There is a campsite te at Fisherman’s Bay at the 13km mark just before Spirit Island and another at the 21.5km mark at Coronet Creek.
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Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in the Rockies! It looked and felt like we were in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by mist and covered in moss.
Maligne river, that originates at Maligne lake flows underground from Medicine lake, until it reaches Maligne Canyon. At the canyon, carved into the Palliser Formation — a layer of limestone deposited in a shallow tropical sea by lime-secreting plankton, the underground streams join force, to become the mighty flowing water that still whittles the canyon away. Maligne canyon has a depth of more more than of 50 m at certain points.
It was so neat to be able to see. It’s a great “hike” for kids. All the walks are paved and really nice. It was overcast and raining while we were there so the walks were a little slick. The farther you go in the steeper the walks get, it was even more beautiful and green in person.
LENGTH:
Distance 3.7 km (from the Sixth Bridge one way) 2.3miles
Allocate 1 to 3 hours.
TRAIL DETAILS & GPS COORDINATES:
Depending on your time and agility, you can choose from a variety of hiking options. There are three ways to access Maligne Canyon.
From the main parking lot near the tea house and the Hi Maligne Canyon Lodge, which gives you access to the first bridge. GPS : 52.920728,-117.999004
From fifth bridge. GPS: 52.9214565, -118.0168955
The sixth bridge. If you start from here, you will be doing the full loop. GPS: 52.933431,-118.030225
The spectacular canyon views are near the first and second bridge. There are trails on either side of the canyon. The tallest waterfall is near the second bridge. If you are short on time, cross the first bridge, walk along the canyon ridge and then cross back at the second bridge and turn back.
If you want to see the Maligne Canyon at its best, go till fifth bridge (at least till fourth if short on time). 4.4 km return with 100 m elevation gain.
The advantage of hiking up from fifth or sixth bridge is that you will be able to avoid the crowds in high season.The distance from the fifth bridge to sixth bridge is ~1.6 km. This is a shared trail (bike + horseback riding)
The trail head to 2.1 km flower loop and the 15.5 km(one way ) Overlander trail starts at the sixth bridge.
THINGS TO DO:
Hike down the canyon from the parking lot near the tea house and observe the natural rock formations and large dry potholes.
Walk along the rim of the canyon to the subsequent bridges, reading the interpretive displays: Enjoy a lesson in geology.
Marvel at the deep canyon, the water falls and the power of the churning, swirling river that created it, from the first and second bridges. Notice the water that disappeared at the Medicine Lake flowing into the Maligne Canyon through the underground cave system from the fourth bridge.
Observe the mosses, the lichens on the canyon walls . Try to spot American dipper as it swoops down to feed on underwater insects, check for Black swift and raven nests on the canyon walls.
Observe the river becoming wider and the river gaining in water volume by the time you reach the sixth bridge (due to more water from underground lakes), near the junction of Maligne and Athabasca river.
Enjoy Aurora-gazing / stargazing at Maligne Canyon during Jasper Dark Sky Festival – 2016 Dates: October 8, 15 (moon viewing), 19, 22, 29 | 10:30 PM
LOCATION:
Maligne Canyon sits at the gateway to Jasper’s Maligne Valley, just minutes from Jasper and home to some of region’s most breathtaking scenery and iconic adventures. Named for its haunting atmosphere, Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in the park, dropping to a depth of more than 50m at some points. Six bridges built across the canyon allow hikers of all abilities to explore this incredible natural landmark.
DIRECTIONS:
To get to the Maligne Canyon Trailhead, follow Highway 16 towards Edmonton; go 1.8 km past the east Jasper exit to the Maligne Road. On the Maligne lake road go 2.1 km and then turn left at the Sixth Bridge sign. If you want to shorten the hike a little you can turn left at the fifth bridge(at 2.9 km), or just go straight to the Maligne Canyon itself(at 6.1 km). *The hike from the sixth bridge would be considered a must from our point of view.
Maligne Adventures : 3 hours – Rate/ Price:$65.00 +GST; Youth (7-14): $32.50 + GST. GST extra. Not recommended for children under 7.
Sun dog tours : 3 hours – Adult: $65.00 & Child (6 -12): $29.00 + GST. Not recommended for children under 6.
Maligne Canyon Ice Walk on Your Own (DIY)
If planning to do the Ice walk in Maligne Canyon on your own, get waterproof snow boots and fit it with ice cleats/crampons/micro spikes. Plan for two hours. Please make sure that you are in a group. It is good to do it on a guided tour.
Park at the parking lot near the tea house and walk till the fifth bridge, enjoying the frozen waterfalls and ice sculptures on the canyon rim as you peer down the canyon from the rim. The winter hiking trail for Maligne canyon ice walk starts near the fifth bridge. Follow the frozen river, and walk up the river into the canyon.
Walk on the frozen river bed enjoying the astonishing natural ice sculptures, and frozen water falls. Watch the ice climbers making their way up. Turn back once you reach the third bridge. You can continue further, but it is safer to turn back at this point especially if you are alone.
Another option is to park near the fifth bridge, and enter the canyon from here for the Maligne canyon ice walk.
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Click here to return to our Complete Guide to Banff and Jasper National Park
