One of the many amazing things about Canada, and especially Alberta and Jasper National Park, is the stunning lakes scattered around the park. There are dozens of amazing lakes to check out, but one lake stands out in particular as the most beautiful and worth a day trip while you’re in Jasper. That lake is Maligne Lake.
Located about 48 kilometers (about a 45-minute drive) from Jasper town, this massive and beautiful lake has so many activities to enjoy. One of the highlights is the Maligne Lake Cruise, which I highly recommend. The cruise is a 1.5- to 2-hour journey up the lake to Spirit Island and back to the main dock near the parking lot. The cruise is absolutely beautiful and offers views of the lake you wouldn’t see otherwise.
The mornings here are especially magical. Often the fog stays low over the lake, moving slowly throughout the mountains. It adds this almost fake color and look to the water. One moment the peaks are completely hidden, and the next, they’re shown through the mist and fog. Paired with the crazy reflection of the lake, it feels like you’re stepping into a movie. Being on the first cruise of the day means you’ll get to see all of this before the crowds arrive, when the area is at its calmest and quietest.
The cruise stops near Spirit Island, which is a deeply cultural and spiritual site for the Indigenous tribes who once lived in the area. You can’t actually step foot on the island during the cruise, but you’ll get about 30 minutes to take in the view, with Spirit Island right in front of you and towering mountains and dense forest surrounding it. The forests around the lake are so thick and green, filled with pines and spruces as far as the eye can see, adding to the magic of the lake. Standing on the boat, you really notice just how untouched and wild this place feels.
What also makes the experience stand out is the staff. The workers know so much about the area, they’re not just reciting facts, they genuinely care about the park and its wildlife. On our tour, the guide talked about everything from the glaciers that feed the lake to how wildfires are actually part of the forest’s natural cycle. It really adds another layer to the trip, and you can tell they’ve spent a lot of time here learning about this environment.
You can sit inside or stand on the viewing deck at the back of the boat, and the captain and guide are always happy to answer questions. Whether it’s about the lake, the wildlife, or even which hikes to do later, they’ve got answers ready. It makes the whole thing feel less like a scripted tour and more like you’re exploring the area with someone who knows it inside and out.
Cruise Prices
For the classic cruise, an adult ticket costs 98 CAD and a child ticket 63.70 CAD. The premium adults-only cruise is 131 CAD. Alberta locals get a discount: 78 CAD for adults and 50.75 CAD for kids. Ages 5 and under are free. Once you book your tickets online in advance, you can arrive at the lake, find parking (free if you get there early), and head to the boats to confirm your booking and board your cruise.
The cruises run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months (June 21–September 7). I highly recommend booking the earliest cruise for a few reasons. First, parking is limited, so arriving early ensures a spot without stress. We arrived at 8 a.m. and had no problem finding parking, but by 9 a.m., the lot was filling up fast with tourists. Second, the early morning views are spectacular, the fog, the reflections, and the quietness of the lake create a completely different vibe than later in the day. Finally, mornings are also the best for wildlife. On our trip, we saw deer and elk along the drive to the lake, and even a moose bathing in the lake as we returned from the cruise. It was so peaceful to watch, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Other Activities Around the Lake
There are plenty of other ways to enjoy Maligne Lake. You can rent a kayak or canoe for a closer view of the lake from the water. If you want to explore on foot, there are several great trails with amazing lake and wildlife views. We did the Moose Lake Loop, a short 3 km round trip on mostly flat, well-marked trails. The trail passes Maligne Lake before heading into the forest toward Moose Lake. As the name suggests, moose are common here, and we had three encounters with a moose family, including a mother and her calf. We even watched the mother nurse her baby right along the trail, it was incredible.
The main area near the parking lot has several dining options, making it easy to spend a full day here. The Lake House Café and Shop has coffee, food, and souvenirs, while the Waffle Hut offers coffee, waffles, and treats. The View restaurant is a sit-down option with stunning views of the lake, perfect for lunch or dinner. We had a lovely lunch there, enjoying and soaking in the scenery and refueling for more exploring later that day.
After hiking and lunch, you can continue exploring nearby lakes. Medicine Lake is just a short drive from Maligne Lake and is quieter but equally beautiful. Parking is limited, but we easily found a spot. One of the coolest things about Medicine Lake is spotting the massive eagle nest on a small island, and you might even see the eagles themselves depending on the time of day and your luck with wildlife.
Maligne Lake and its surroundings are truly a gem. The views of the lake, mountains, and glaciers are unbeatable, and with so many activities like cruises, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, you can easily spend a full day here. I highly recommend booking your cruise in advance to secure your preferred time and make the most of this spectacular part of Jasper National Park.
Livslifeoncam 
Leave a comment