Maligne Lake and Spirit Island in Jasper • All You NEED to Know

Maligne Lake is a glacial lake in Jasper, just a 45-minute drive from the town core along the stunning Maligne Lake Road. It is one of the most serene lakes in the Canadian Rockies and is prized for its astounding natural splendor.

It’s well worth a visit for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies and is a must-stop if you’re in Jasper for a few days. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island.

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All You Need to Know About Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a premier destination in the Canadian Rockies, known for its scenic beauty. It’s the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and a must for any visitor to Jasper National Park. Its serene natural beauty and picturesque views are prized around the world. The lake’s grandeur, as countless glaciers run off into the lake below from the Hall of Gods, is beyond compare. On a sunny day, the waters of Maligne Lake sparkle a dazzling cerulean blue.

Maligne Lake stretches from the boat docks near the parking lot for 22km past the famous Spirit Island to the base of the Coronet Glacier. Spirit Island is a small peninsula island that sits 14 kilometers from the docks at Home Bay. The small island is now world-famous for its resplendent scene, which is treasured around the world. It feels more like the landscape of a dream than reality.

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What Wildlife Can You See at Maligne Lake?

An expansive forest of pine and spruce trees flank Maligne Lake. It makes for a wonderful habitat for many wildlife, including mule deer, wolves, elk, caribou, bears, moose, and mountain sheep. The waters also draw in birdlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and golden eagles. That said, don’t come expecting to see any or all of that wildlife — especially wolves or caribou.

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Why is Maligne Lake so Blue/Emerald?

The blue waters of Maligne Lake vary as the water moves from the inflow to the outflow of the lake. This is due to the glacier sediment deposited at the lake’s start in a box canyon. Melting glaciers run into the lake and deposit rock flour which in turn refracts the sunlight and produces the signature color.

As the water flows out of the lake, the rock flour settles and causes a shift in color from one end of the lake to the other. If you take a cruise on Maligne Lake you may notice that the further south on the lake you travel, the closer you get to glaciers, the more the lake shows off an emerald color.

There are many things to do around Maligne Lake all year round. Visitors can hike, canoe, fish, or hop on a tour boat in the summer. The gorgeous blue waters of Maligne Lake make it look very tempting for a swim, but the glacier-fed lake remains cold for swimming year-round. Meanwhile, the winter months are great for cross-country skiing.

While we haven’t taken a dip in Maligne, we’ve been in many regional lakes and can attest to their temperatures, which only reach a few degrees above freezing. A handful of “warm” lakes, such as Horseshoe Lake, exist in the region for those who really want to take a dip.

Even the drive to Maligne Lake is eye-watering, as you drive from the Athabasca Valley through the Maligne Valley. From the townsite of Jasper, the drive is roughly 45km and passes the worthwhile stops of Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake, both of which are fed from the outflow of Maligne Lake.

There is no notable outflow from Medicine Lake as the water travels through underground caves before reemerging in dramatic fashion in Maligne Canyon.

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About Spirit Island

Spirit Island is a small island that sits along the lakeshore of Maligne Lake. It’s prized for its spectacular landscape and photos of the picturesque island circle around the globe for its idealistic landscape.

The island is surrounded by emerald blue glacier waters and flanked by staggering mountains that form a box canyon referred to as the “Hall of Gods.”

Most interesting enough is the vast majority of the year it is not an island as it is connected to the lakeshore. Spirit Island is a spiritual and immensely treasured place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, where the surronding mountains are considered the physical representations of ancestors.

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How to Reach Spirit Island

On a Tour

There are only two ways to reach Spirit Island and they are both by boat. The vast majority of visitors to Spirit Island will visit the popular cruise tour Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit. The boat ride is around 30 minutes and provides amazing views of the lake along with some history from a tour guide. This cruise must be booked in advance as it sells out fast during the summer months.

Personal Watercraft

The other way to reach Spirit Island is by personal watercraft such as a canoe or kayak. No internal combustion engines are allowed, but small electric trolling motors are permitted. Paddling can take up to 4-5 hours each way and is recommended for those with paddling experience.

Paddlers can choose from three campsites along the lakeshore to camp with the closest campsite at Fisherman’s Bay. These campsites require advance reservation and are very hard to get as they are extremely popular, especially Fisherman’s Bay in the summer. If you don’t have your own canoe or kayak to get to Spirit Island, you can rent one with Wild Current Outfitters.

Please don’t walk on Spirit Island as it holds significant cultural value for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. The cruises do not allow any walking on the island but there is a nearby overlook for visitors to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and capture photos of the iconic location.

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About the Maligne Lake Cruise

One of the most popular activities on Maligne Lake is to hop on a boat tour run by the Pursuit Collective. The hour-and-a-half panoramic cruise heads to Spirit Island, 14 km up the lake. It’s around a half-hour to the island where guests get 15 minutes off of the boat for photos before the return journey.

You’re guaranteed spectacular mountain vistas while you cruise across the cerulean water. You can buy individual tickets for the Maligne Lake Cruise, but for the best deal, consider purchasing the Banff Jasper Collective’s Banff Explorer Pass, which includes the Banff Gondola and the Icefields Experience.

We enjoyed Pursuit’s Classic Cruise tour to Spirit Island, but honestly, we felt very rushed with only 15 minutes on the island. Their Premium Cruise, which is the last cruise of the day, gives an extra 15 minutes on Spirit Island, though as there is only one cruise per day it books up very fast.

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Camping on Maligne Lake

There are three campsites located on Maligne Lake. To get to them you will have to paddle yourself and your camping gear in. Though if you manage to score a campsite on one of these backcountry Jasper campgrounds in the summer consider yourself lucky, as they are very competitive.

• Hidden Cove (4 camping sites): This is 4 km from the parking area and is great for novice paddlers and families who want to spend the night on Maligne Lake.
• Fisherman’s Bay (8 camping sites) is 13 km from the parking area. It is the closest campsite to Spirit Island. At 13 km, it will likely take you most of the day to paddle here.
• Coronet Creek (8 camping sites): 21.3 km from the parking area at the Southern end of Maligne Lake. Camp here and wake up to amazing views of Coronet Glacier.

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When is the Best Time to Photograph Spirit Island

Pursuit claims that the best time to photograph Maligne Lake is in the later afternoon as it gives you the best even light on Spirit Island. They even used to run a “Through the Lens” cruise three times a week, giving a 60-minute stop on Spirit Island guided by a photographer. *This is no longer offered*

While this may be the best time to photograph Spirit Island to the average visitor, the truly best time to photograph Spirit Island is at sunrise. This means you’ll need to be camping at one of the nearby campsites to catch the beauty of the first rays hitting the Hall of Gods.

Nevertheless, if you can’t score a camping reservation and paddle 14 km in for a photograph, we totally get it! The best options are the first cruise available in the morning, typically around 9 a.m., or the very last one of the day (the Premium Cruise).

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The History of Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake’s original Indigenous name was “Chaba Imne” (Beaver Lake), who lived in Jasper. During the summer months, the Indigenous community frequently visited the lake for food gathering and hunting activities.

Known as the “Lake of Deep Waters” and the “Lake of Healing,” Chaba Imne held profound spiritual importance. Even today, First Nations individuals continue to visit the picturesque Spirit Island.

Mary Schäffer was a wealthy Quaker and artist from Philadelphia and was inspired to explore the Rockies in search of Chaba Imne after hearing about its beauty and wonders from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation people. She received a map in 1907 from Samson Beaver, an Indigenous guide and settler. Mary set out on an expedition from Banff and reached the lake and valley. She reached the lake in 1908 and explored the valley extensively.

Her writings and paintings about the lake are what would, in turn, bring more tourists to the area in the coming years. Mary was so taken by Maligne Lake’s natural beauty and said that “if Lake Louise is a pearl, Maligne is the entire pearl necklace.”

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Boating on Maligne Lake

The original boathouse, built by Donald Philips in 1928, rents canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. Paddling on Maligne Lake is a wonderful activity to enjoy on a warm summer day. You can rent boats by the hour or the full day to make the most of the backcountry offerings along the lakeshore.

Boats can be reserved online, and it’s best to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time so you can sign waivers, get ready, and go over safety briefings. Boat rentals operate rain or shine, so remember to check the weather forecast before booking.

Pets are allowed on the boat rentals, though please prepare for them accordingly. The water is very cold, usually around 10 degrees Celsius in mid-summer. While humans are provided a PFD by the boathouse staff, pets are not.

Visitors can use their personal non-motorized watercraft on Maligne Lake.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Maligne Lake?

The best time to visit Lake Maligne and Spirit Island is from mid-June to late October. This is the timeframe that Maligne Lake has thawed from the winter and boat cruises are operational.

However, the winter months are still worthy of a visit because of the gorgeous drive and cross-country ski trails around.

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Fishing on Maligne Lake

You’re permitted to fish on Maligne Lake on your own. To fish in the park you are required to have a National Park Pass, fishing permit, and be aware of current regulations. This means you know fishing limits and can identify the various fish within the park. No live bait fishing is allowed in the park.

Kids under the age of 16 are allowed to fish on their accompanied pass, but their catch is included within the permit holders’ daily limit. For the most up to date fishing information please reference Park Canada’s website as it changes seasonally.

Fishing permit price:

• Daily – $13.50
• Annual – $ 46.25

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Things to do at Maligne Lake

Boat Cruise

I’ve already mentioned this above, but the most popular thing to do at Maligne Lake is enjoy a boat cruise to Spirit Island. Please book this in advance to avoid disappointment. The cruises sell out every summer.

Kayak/Canoe/Stand Up Paddle

The Maligne Lake Boathouse rents out water devices so you can get out on the water during the summer!

Walk the Mary Schaffer Loop Trail

This is an easy 3.2 trail with only 82 meters of elevation gain near Maligne Lake. It will loop you through some beautiful forests and start and end at Maligne Lake. It’s a great winter activity! This is the busiest trail near Maligne Lake, so try to get on the trail early in the morning or late in the evening.

Walk the Moose Lake Loop

This is a similar trail at only 2.7 km, but has slightly more gain at 109 meters. The trail starts at Maligne Lake and gets you to the quiet Moose Lake!

Opal Hills Loop Trail

If you want a longer and more demanding hike near Maligne Lake, check out Opal Hills. At 7.9 km and 520 meters of gain, it’s rated as a hard hike. You’ll find it’s not traveled so often and will likely only pass a few other groups on the trail. It’s fantastic as a winter snowshoe, but also in the summer when you can get to the lake viewpoint.

Bald Hills Loop

At 15km and 780 meters of gain, this is a longer-day hike option near Maligne Lake. It’s quite steep and demanding at points, so make sure you pack the right gear and enough water. Your effort for this hike will be rewarded at the end with absolutely amazing views.

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How to Get to Maligne Lake?

Maligne Lake is roughly 45km from the Town of Jasper. To get there, get on the Yellowhead Hwy and take a right on Maligne Lake Road and continue on this pretty much the whole way till you get to Maligne Lake.

If you have the time, I suggest stopping at Maligne Canyon, as it’s a great beginner-friendly Jasper hike. And definitely don’t miss Medicine Lake on your way in. Keep your eyes out for moose, sheep, and elk – Maligne Lake Road is one of the most well-known places to see wildlife in the park!

You’ll know you’ve reached Maligne Lake when you get to the end of the road. There are multiple big parking areas to park at, as well as outhouses, and a whole dining and cafe area to enjoy the sunshine and views.

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Maligne Lake FAQ

Is there food offered at Maligne Lake?

Yes! The Lake House Café offers grab-and-go and hot food service. The Waffle Hut, which serves a type of food that is pretty self-explanatory, and The View Restaurant also offer dining options. However, these options only operate from June to October.

How long is the Maligne Lake Boat Tour?

The Maligne Lake Cruise lasts around 1.5 hours, and a Premium Cruise takes 2 hours, excluding the loading time. It’s advisable to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure so you can park, check in, and get your tickets.

Is the Maligne Lake Cruise wheelchair accessible?

Their facilities are accessible to standard wheelchairs in most cases. However, they have a limited supply of accessible boats, so it’s best to contact them before booking your tour at +1.888.900.6272.

Is the Cruise pet-friendly?

It’s best to leave your furry friends at home as they are not permitted on the Maligne Lake Cruise, but pets are allowed (leashed) at Maligne Lake.

Is the Cruise kid-friendly?

Yes! The whole Maligne Lake and Spirit Island experience is kid-friendly, though strollers are not permitted on the boat.

Will you get wet on the Maligne Lake Cruise?

It’s pretty unlikely you will get wet unless it is raining. Still, the boats are covered, guests are allowed to step outside whenever they wish.

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Where to Stay in Jasper National Park

One of the best places to stay in Jasper is the Fairmont Park Lodge. We stayed in one of their Lakeview rooms for three nights and had a fantastic time. The Fairmont sits right on Lake Beauvert, which is one of the most stunning lakes I have seen in Jasper.

The Fairmont is comfortable and spread out. It’s not your standard hotel, but instead, there are plenty of individual cabins, so you can easily keep your distance from other guests. There’s a heated pool to enjoy in the winter and summer.

They also have a boathouse where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. There are a few restaurants on-site, which are all delicious! Make sure to try Orso Trattoria for a nice night out.

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Other Fantastic Places to Stay in Jasper

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Hopefully, this will help you experience Maligne Lake and Spirit Island to the fullest! If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.

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