The Maligne Valley is a truly magical place in winter. The spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and deep snow offer a wealth of memorable experiences. To support winter opportunities in the park and protect the very things that make it special, it is essential to be dynamic and responsive to changes.
The Maligne Valley is a perfect example of where Parks Canada must balance a variety of early and late winter activities, woodland caribou conservation actions, and on-going winter road maintenance and avalanche control measures.
Here’s what to look for this winter in the Maligne Valley from Medicine Lake to Maligne Lake.
Medicine Lake
The dramatic effects of blackened trees against sparkling white snow creates a spectacular backdrop for a snowshoe trip along Medicine Lake.
The lakeside trail travels on the west side of the lake along the edge of the 2015 Excelsior wildfire to Watchtower Canyon. Enjoy wide open views of the Colin Range, take a peek in the canyon and wander back the same way. Please remember, the slopes above the lakeshore are off limits until after February 28th to support conservation of the Maligne Valley caribou herd. Travel is not recommended on the east side of the lake as the steep slopes of the Colin Range are prone to avalanche.
At the south end of Medicine Lake, the Beaver and Summit Lakes Trail, an enduring favourite, offers an easy snowshoe or ski excursion as well as longer options for the more adventurous.
Maligne Lake
Whether out for a scenic drive or an outdoor adventure, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and moose as you drive between Medicine and Maligne lakes. With some of the best snow in the park, wildlife tracking in the Maligne Lake area can be an adventure in itself.
At Maligne Lake, the opportunities gradually open up over the winter from the early season trail offer like the Mary Schaffer Loop to late season backcountry adventures in the Bald Hills.
This year, to enhance the winter experience at Maligne Lake, the Moose Lake Loop, as well as a section of trail to Trapper Creek, was opened on a trial basis. The trail will be reviewed based on public feedback and use to ensure that it does not compromise the caribou conservation objectives of delayed winter access in the surrounding area. Your cooperation in respecting the seasonal closure boundaries is essential for these winter activities to continue.
The Moose Lake experience includes: the 2.6 km Little Moose Lake Loop, the 6 km Big Moose Loop and the Trapper Creek Loop, approximately 13.4 km. Both the Big Moose and Trapper Creek trails as a loop offer return trips along the lakeshore and are therefore dependent on ice conditions.
It’s important to remember the two key factors related to winter activities at Maligne Lake:
Ice conditions of the lake: while caution is advised at any time travelling on frozen lakes, the safest time at Maligne Lake is typically mid-January to April.
Delayed access: Most of the terrain on the west side of Maligne Lake is closed seasonally to protect the remaining caribou in the Maligne herd. In 2016, the area opens for winter use on Feb. 29th.
Winter camping
Looking for a unique winter camping experience? Try the new Hidden Cove Family Campground on Maligne Lake. Once the ice thickens on the lake, Hidden Cove can be reached by fat bike, snowshoes and skis. Just 4 km down the lake, it is a great family campground with four tent pads, a fire pit, picnic tables, a grey water pit, a cook shelter and food storage lockers.
For more information or to book your winter camping adventure, contact the Jasper Information Centre at 780-852-6177.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
