Maligne Lake
The world’s second largest glacier-fed lake is located right in Jasper National Park, only 48 km from the Jasper townsite.
Before Europeans arrived in Jasper, Maligne Lake was known as Chaba Imne (Beaver Lake) by First Nations Peoples in the area. The lake formed when a landslide from the Opal Hills created a natural dam and trapped the water.
Maligne Lake offers clear, blue-green water and spectacular scenery with the surrounding mountains and three visible glaciers. No wonder why it’s one of the most picturesque spots in the Canadian Rockies.
Still standing on site is a 1927 chalet constructed by Fred Brewster and a boathouse built in 1928 by legendary Jasperite Donald “Curly” Phillips.
Many popular hikes of all lengths are in the area, including the Skyline Trail, Opal Hills and Bald Hills.
There’s also an opportunity to hop on a boat and float over the calm, crystal clear water to Spirit Island in the middle of the lake. Maligne Tours now offers a customizable Spirit Island Boat Cruise, with the Family of Explorers and Through the Lens options.
Family of Explorers is an interactive and story-telling interpretation, complete with snacks and a nature-based scavenger hunt that is tailored toward children and families. The Through the Lens tour is lead by professional Jasper photographers, who offer tips for capturing the best images. There is also the opportunity to learn about famous photographers in the Rockies, and a modified version of Maligne Lake’s Heritage Afternoon Tea will be served on board.
Jasper Tramway
It’s not everyday you get to ride the longest and highest aerial tramway in Canada to a height of 2,277 metres above sea level, which is why taking the Jasper Tramway is a “must do.”
With the tramway’s 50th anniversary looming next year, the structure still has its original tram cars from when it opened in 1964 on Whistlers Mountain. Helicopters transported people and supplies to the site of the upper station terminal while the tramway was being built.
It’s a 10-minute drive from Jasper to the tramway’s lower station, where adventure enthusiasts load into a tram car and begin the ascent up Whistlers Mountain and above the tree line. Stay alert for wildlife on the ride up; some groups are lucky enough to spot a grizzly bear.
The two tram cars ride on a cable 46 mm in diameter, and are pulled up and down the mountain by another cable 27 mm in diameter. There is room for 30 people, plus one operator in each car.
Along with breathtaking views and photo opportunities, the upper station offers a gift shop and café-style restaurant. On a nice day, visitors might see marmots sunbathing on rocks.
Horse Riding
Did you know that you can bring your own horse to Jasper to ride on designated trails in the park?
If you left your horse at home, that’s OK because there are still plenty of horseback adventures to be had. Early explorers in Jasper used horses to get around and navigate trails, some of which still exist today and have been adopted into Jasper’s multi-use trail system.
Whether the rider is looking for glacier-fed lakes, alpine meadows, mountain views or just a dusty trail, Jasper’s horseback outfitters offer a variety of trip options.
Skyline Trail Rides and Jasper Park Stables offer guided rides that range in time from one hour to all day.
For the more rugged explorer, Tonquin Valley Adventures offers day rides and overnights trips.
If sitting on a horse isn’t desirable, Jasper Park Stables also offers carriage rides around the townsite and accepts bookings for private occasions.
Rafting
Rafting is the perfect way to make a splash and get a little wet while experiencing Jasper.
The sport is suitable for people of all comfort levels because many rafting tour companies offer packages that tailor to everyone from the easy rider to the thrill seeker.
With approximately nine rivers in and around Jasper National Park, there are rapids for every type of rider to experience. Beginner packages are great for families with younger children because the tour typically goes through calm rapids. It’s recommended that intermediate rafters weight at least 90 lbs. and are fit enough to paddle and help carry the raft to the water.
As you go rafting, you may be paddling through history because explores and fur traders travelled some of the same routes more than 100 years ago.
Some rafting outfitters also offer overnight and camping packages for those keen to ride the rapids and sleep under the stars.
Numerous companies in town offer rafting experiences, including Jasper Raft Tours, Rocky Mountain River Guides, Whitewater Rafting Jasper Ltd., Jasper Rafting Adventures and Maligne Rafting Adventures.
Maligne Canyon
Water flow from the Maligne River has eroded the Palliser Formation (limestone) as much as 50 metres in some areas to form the Maligne Canyon.
Limestone erodes quicker than other rocks and this erosion accounts for the steep, smooth walls of the Maligne Canyon. In some spots, this natural formation is as much as two metres wide.
The word Maligne stems from the French term “mal,” which means bad or malicious.
It’s possible to hike the Maligne Canyon by following an interpretive trail that begins by the picnic area at the Sixth Bridge, or by taking a guided tour. The trail runs along the Maligne River and is 21 km one way.
There are several bridges across the gorge where visitors can catch a glimpse of the sights below.
A shorter, 15-minute hike is accessible via the First and Second Bridges. Waterfalls, birds, plant life and fossils can be seen.
There is a gift shop and restaurant that are open on the top of Maligne Canyon during the summer months. The restaurant has large windows that overlook the canyon.
