Maligne Lake: Our most recommended tours and activities

Jasper National Park: Maligne Lake Cruise With Guide

1. Jasper National Park: Maligne Lake Cruise With Guide

Sit back and relax onboard a comfortable and unforgettable 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) cruise along Maligne Lake. Take in the views of the surrounding peaks of the Canadian Rockies, alpine glaciers, and azure water of the lake. Watch out for wildlife and learn from your guide about the early explorers and indigenous people of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit the tiny but very famous Spirit Island, which is only accessible by boat, and enjoy a short nature trail before returning to Home Bay.

Jasper: Maligne Valley Wildlife Watching & Boat Tour

2. Jasper: Maligne Valley Wildlife Watching & Boat Tour

Experience magical mountains, alpine meadows, and thrilling rivers on this 5.5-hour tour to the Maligne Valley from Jasper. Part of the Jasper National Park, the valley is home to magnificent lakes and outstanding hiking trails. Following a pick-up from your Jasper hotel, you will go on a short hike past the sheer 100-foot walls of Maligne Canyon. Then, take a scenic drive to Maligne Lake and the "disappearing" Medicine Lake. Look out for elk and moose as you drive. Maligne Lake is the second largest glacial-fed lake in the world. It drains into the Maligne River and continues down to Medicine Lake. You will visit what is arguably the most extensive karst system - or underground river system - in Canada. An underground network of caves remains largely out of reach to visitors, keeping it a mystery for future exploration. Your professional guide will expand on this inscrutable place during an immersive narrative. During the summer season, you can join an inclusive boat cruise to Spirit Island, the only means of reaching the isolated island, for serene views of the stunning alpine scenery.  During the rest of the year, you can enjoy a guided hike along the Mary Schaffer Loop. Depending on the time of the year, you will enjoy wildlife viewings in the area around Maligne Canyon, including moose, sheep, caribou, and bears. Jump back on the bus for your return journey and hotel drop-off in Jasper, at the heart of Canada’s largest Rocky Mountain national park.

Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike

3. Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike

Travel by comfortable minibus on this 5.5-hour excursion to the Maligne Valley, the most spectacular scenery in the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, your naturalist guide will provide commentary on the history and natural wonders of the area. Stop at 2 of the bridges to take in views of the cascading waterfalls and see the continuing erosion of ancient limestone. At the world-famous Maligne Lake, head out on a 3 to 4-kilometer interpretive nature walk. Admire the beautiful lakeshore vistas before following the easy-grade trail loop back into the forested area. After the hike, you’ll have a bit of free time to relax at the Maligne Lake Day Lodge before returning to Jasper.

Jasper: Wildlife & Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise

4. Jasper: Wildlife & Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise

Following a pick-up from your accommodation in Jasper, climb aboard a 21-seat tour bus for a comfortable drive up the valley. Your first stop will be at Maligne Canyon. Enjoy an easy 30-minute walk and see the deepest portion at 164 feet, including a thundering waterfall. Re-board your bus and drive on through stunning landscapes en route to Medicine Lake. Here the tour will make a 10-minute stop for photos, and your guide will explain why this is known locally as the "disappearing lake." Continue on to Maligne Lake and take a 90-minute scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Throughout the day, look out for Canada’s famous wildlife, such as abundant moose, the odd black bear, and even a grizzly.

Icefields Parkway: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour

5. Icefields Parkway: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour

Discover the incredible Icefields Parkway with this smartphone audio tour between Lake Louise and Jasper. Let your audio guide transform this beautiful scenic drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure. With your phone or tablet as your guide (download instructions found on your confirmation voucher), start from either Jasper or Lake Louise, and end at the other. Enjoy the same tour experience in either direction. Your audio guide will point out must-see sights, attractions, breathtaking mountains, and glaciers that you pass along the journey. Learn about the area's early pioneers, animals, geography, and the historical events that led to the highway’s creation. Take in the panoramic views of Lake Hector and Bow Lake, and stop for easy trails in Banff National Park. Explore the famous Columbia Icefields and the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center. See the majestic Dolomite and Bow Peaks, Mount Amery, Mount Murchison, and Mount Wilson. Take in the gorgeous Sunwapta Falls where the water flows from the melting Athabasca Glacier. Hear about the people and events that made the area famous like Mary Shaffer Warren, Bill Peyto, George Simpson, and the Palliser Expedition. Easily navigate your tour and enjoy entertainment suitable for all ages. Stay laughing and engaged with your friends or family along the way with trivia fun. Hear fun audio clips that play automatically as you drive using a live GPS map. Try out multiple-choice trivia questions about the sights at each point of interest you pass. With no time constraints, enjoy the freedom to stop anywhere and take your time exploring.

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What people are saying about Maligne Lake

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 522 reviews

Added interest to our trip and pointed out items of interest that we may have missed. Unfortunately the day we drove was of poor visibility so we couldn't see alot of the mountains and other items of interest however it was still good to listen and learn about the area and then answer the quiz questions that was put to us. Added a bit more fun to the trip as well as past the time of travelling. I think that it is a great idea and would definitely look for other guides like these when travelling.

We thoroughly enjoyed the icefield parkways audio tour. We were a little worried that with no phone or internet on the route that we might be disappointed but this was not the case. We learnt such a lot and stopped off in many more places than we intended because we were told that it was a “must see” and it was truly worth it. Also loved the little quiz as we travelled along - great competition in the car. Would throughly recommend this audio tour to anyone driving the route.

Great day out, Being a small tour I felt it more personal and relaxing, our tour guide Ross is great, very knowledgeable The cruise was great with great views, the tour guide was great

The tour was excellent and Jamie the guide was extremely helpful and knowledgeable

Tara and Mel did the experience more fun 5 ⭐️ for them