Maligne Lake Tours and Activities

Maligne Lake featuring landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Its sky-blue waters, glacial mountains, and Spirit Island make this one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic locations for a fishing or boat trip.

Visiting Maligne Lake is like seeing a postcard come to life. You’ve probably seen its island featured on posters and in movies more than a few times and it has become a symbol of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. On first seeing the lake, you’ll be struck by its sheer size, vivid color, and pristine mountainous backdrop. Of course Maligne Lake is much more than just a view there is enough to do to keep you occupied for days. Visit in summer for the most diverse range of options.

As the Canadian Rockies’ biggest glacial lake, Maligne Lake is a magnet for water enthusiast. For those looking to catch a trout or two, sign up for a guided fishing tour. You can also rent your own boat and gear and purchase a license from the historic Curly Phillips Boathouse. If you rather leave the fish alone, rent a canoe or book yourself on a white-water rafting trip. 

To see Spirit Island up close, take one of the 90-minute cruises. This is the idyllic-looking land mass that features in many promotional shots of the Canadian Rockies. Another epic trip is the Wildlife and Waterfall Tour. This departs Jasper twice daily in season. A naturalist takes you to Maligne Lake via Maligne Canyon. Look for moose, bighorn sheep, eagles, and marmots along the way.

If you’re setting off on your own, there are many trails to choose from. Everything from a stroll through the woods to steep uphill climbs can be found. Serious hikers should do the 27.5 mile (44 kilometer) Skyline Trail, which takes you way above tree-line. If you have the time,  break it up over two or three days and experience the Canadian wilderness.

From July to the end of August, the historic Maligne Lake Chalet offers legendary afternoon teas, complete with oversized scones. The chalet is also a guest house, offering luxury lodging for up to 80 guests. It’s popular, so book well in advance.

Maligne Lake can be found 27 miles (44 kilometers) south of Jasper by following the scenic Icefields Parkway.

Plan a trip to see Maligne Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Basecamp Suites Banff
Solara Resort – Bellstar Hotels & Resorts
Spring Creek Vacations

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Maligne Lake

Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
2 out of 5
Highway 93 - Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Falls, AB
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
4 out of 5
Old Lodge Road, Jasper, AB
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Forest Park Hotel
Forest Park Hotel
3.5 out of 5
76 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB
Forest Park Hotel
Tonquin Inn
Tonquin Inn
3 out of 5
100 Juniper Avenue, Jasper, AB
Tonquin Inn
Maligne Lodge
Maligne Lodge
2.5 out of 5
912 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
Maligne Lodge
Mount Robson Inn
Mount Robson Inn
2.5 out of 5
902 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
Mount Robson Inn
Chateau Jasper
Chateau Jasper
3 out of 5
96 Geikie Street, Jasper, AB
Chateau Jasper
Jasper House Bungalows
Jasper House Bungalows
3.5 out of 5
Hwy 93 S, Jasper, AB
Jasper House Bungalows
Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat
Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat
2.5 out of 5
Columbia Shuswap A, Fortress Lake, BC
Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.