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Maligne Lake & Jasper Wildlife Day

Maligne Lake Rd · Jasper NP

Highlights

  • Maligne Lake and the Spirit Island boat cruise (seasonal)
  • Maligne Canyon's limestone walls and waterfalls
  • Prime wildlife-watching territory for elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears
  • Best booked alongside our Icefields Parkway route as an extra night in Jasper — no separate transfer from Calgary needed

Itinerary

8:30 AM

Pickup in Jasper

Your day begins with a convenient pickup right at your Jasper hotel, where your driver-guide sets the scene for a day exploring some of Jasper National Park's most celebrated natural wonders. From the townsite, the drive follows the Maligne Lake Road east, tracing the Maligne River valley through dense boreal forest known for frequent wildlife sightings. It's a relaxed start to the morning, with mountain views building steadily as you approach the dramatic limestone gorge of Maligne Canyon.

Jasper, ABJasper, AB
Maligne Canyon, ABMaligne Canyon, AB
Maligne Lake, ABMaligne Lake, AB
10:00 AM

Maligne Canyon

Walk the network of bridges spanning Maligne Canyon, one of the deepest and narrowest canyons in the Canadian Rockies, plunging over 50 metres in places. Carved by the Maligne River through ancient limestone bedrock, the canyon is punctuated by a series of thundering waterfalls, swirling potholes, and eerily smooth rock walls sculpted by centuries of rushing water. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the canyon's unique karst geology, making this as fascinating for the mind as it is for the camera and imagination.

Maligne Canyon, ABMaligne Canyon, AB
Jasper, ABJasper, AB
Maligne Lake, ABMaligne Lake, AB
12:00 PM

Maligne Lake

Reach Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and one of Jasper's most iconic destinations, its glacier-fed waters framed by the jagged Queen Elizabeth Range. Spend time along the shoreline taking in the view, and consider the optional seasonal boat cruise out to Spirit Island, an impossibly picturesque islet that has become one of the most photographed spots in Canada. Whether you cruise or simply relax lakeside, the scenery here is nothing short of breathtaking.

Maligne Lake, ABMaligne Lake, AB
Jasper, ABJasper, AB
Maligne Canyon, ABMaligne Canyon, AB
3:00 PM

Wildlife-watching drive

Begin a slower, more deliberate drive back along Maligne Lake Road, keeping eyes peeled for the wildlife this valley is famous for — elk grazing in open meadows, bighorn sheep on rocky slopes, black bears foraging near the treeline, and occasionally moose along the river flats. Your driver-guide will pull over wherever animals are spotted, giving everyone a chance to watch and photograph from a safe distance. It's an unpredictable, exciting way to experience Jasper's rich and abundant ecosystem.

Maligne Canyon, ABMaligne Canyon, AB
Maligne Lake, ABMaligne Lake, AB
Jasper, ABJasper, AB
5:30 PM

Return to Jasper

As the wildlife drive winds down and the valley opens back toward town, your driver-guide brings you back into Jasper for a relaxed end to an eventful day among canyons, lakes, and mountain wildlife. Drop-off is right back at your Jasper hotel, giving you the rest of the evening free to explore the townsite, grab dinner, or simply rest up after a full day spent discovering some of the park's most memorable natural highlights and scenery.

Jasper, ABJasper, AB
Maligne Canyon, ABMaligne Canyon, AB
Maligne Lake, ABMaligne Lake, AB

Route & Distances

  1. JasperMaligne Canyon≈ 10 km
  2. Maligne CanyonMaligne Lake≈ 34 km

Distances are approximate driving distances, for reference only — actual route and mileage on the day may vary.

Check Availability

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Departure dates are temporarily closed. This calendar will reopen here once we are officially operating. In the meantime, contact us to register your interest.

What's Included

Includes

  • Transport from Jasper townsite
  • English-speaking driver-guide (Vietnamese on request, subject to availability)

Excludes

  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Spirit Island boat cruise
  • Parks Canada day pass
  • Gratuities for your guide

Own Expenses

Optional activities you can add on-site — not included in the tour price.

  • Spirit Island boat cruise≈ $95 CAD / person

    Seasonal — typically runs June through September.

  • Parks Canada day pass≈ $11 CAD / person / day

Cancellation Policy

CancelledRefund
21+ days before departureFull refund
7–20 days before departure50% refund
Less than 7 days before departureNo refund

Good to Know

  • Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every traveler on all departures.
  • Pickup and drop-off times are approximate and may shift by 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
  • Itinerary order and stops may change due to weather, road closures, or park conditions — safety comes first.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; stops involve short, easy walks rather than technical hiking.
  • Let us know about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or large group sizes at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
  • Multi-day tours are priced based on double-occupancy hotel rooms; single-traveler and triple-occupancy rates are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be added to the Icefields Parkway route?

Yes — it's designed as an extra day for guests already overnighting in Jasper on that route. Let us know at booking.

Is the Spirit Island boat cruise included?

No, it's optional, seasonal, and paid on-site.

What wildlife might we see?

Elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears are regularly spotted along Maligne Lake Road, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Why doesn't this route pick up from Calgary like your other Alberta tours?

This one is designed purely as an extra day for guests already staying in Jasper on our Icefields Parkway route — pickup is right at your Jasper hotel rather than sending you back to Calgary and out again.

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From $140 CADper person, CAD

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