Maligne Lake

This water body stretches 22 kilometers (14 miles) through Jasper National Park at 1670 meters (5480 feet) elevation, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and lined with dense coniferous forests. The clear turquoise water fills a glacially carved valley between steep mountain flanks, while several bays and islands punctuate the winding shoreline.

Mary Schaeffer arrived at this body of water in 1908 using a map from Samson Beaver, leading early expeditions to document the surrounding mountain landscapes. A boathouse was established in 1928, while road access from 1960 opened the region to visitors. Provincial authorities later developed camping areas and recreational facilities along the shores.

Indigenous groups refer to this water body as Chaba Imne, a name describing beaver activity and reflecting centuries of connection to regional natural resources. The area served as a traditional hunting and gathering site for several First Nations who utilized the rich wildlife and waterways.

Boat tours to Spirit Island operate from May through October, with reservations recommended during summer months. The road to the trailhead runs 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Jasper townsite, with parking and a cafe at the dock area. Winter visitors can cross-country ski on surrounding trails, while autumn months bring fewer crowds and calmer conditions.

Three backcountry camping areas along the shoreline remain accessible only through non-motorized watercraft, preserving the natural environment. Geological surveys show the valley was originally shaped by a significantly larger glacier that retreated around 11000 years ago, leaving the current basin.

Location: Alberta

Elevation above the sea: 1,670 m

Address: Maligne Lake, Improvement District No. 12, AB T0E, Canada

GPS coordinates: 52.66444,-117.53361

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:14