Jasper National Park : Maligne Lake
Rocky Mountains : Alberta, Canada

( canoeing, hiking, backpacking, biking, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, xc skiing)

Maligne Lake is a very popular recreation, activity and sightseeing destination located near the community of Jasper, Alberta, Canada. In the region there is a good selection of short and long hiking trails, a day use picnic area, sightseeing tours and viewpoints overlooking Maligne Lake.

Maligne Lake is located in the Maligne Valley in Jasper National Park. The alpine, aqua-blue colored lake is recorded as the second largest glacial fed lake on the planet measuring over 22 kilometres long.

So it only makes sense that Maligne Lake would be a year round recreation and adventure destination. There are boat tours and guiding companies operating on the lake. A major attraction for tours is Spirit Island which is located at the far end of the Maligne Lake.

As for activities, the lake is a popular summer destination for hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, boating, picnicking, sightseeing and fishing. Self guided or guided fishing adventures provide an opportunity to catch rainbow or brook trout. It is said some of the largest trout in the area live in Maligne Lake.

After the snow has fallen and the temperatures have dropped the recreation trails in the area become popular cross country ski routes. The more popular xc ski routes include the Lorraine Lake Loop, Moose Lake Loop and Evelyne Lake Loop trails.

Year round there are many recreation trails in the Maligne Lake region. Some of the the more popular trails in the area include the Maligne Canyon, Opal Hills, Bald Hills, Skyline Trail, Moose Lake and Maligne Pass Trails. Some trails like the Maligne Pass and Skyline Trails include wilderness campsites for long haul backpacking adventures.

In the summer months at Maligne Lake there is a welcome centre operating which includes a gift shop, restaurant and coffee shop.

How to Get to the Maligne Lake

From the town of Jasper, Alberta, Canada it is 48 kilometres to Maligne Lake. From Main Street (Connaught Drive) in the community of Jasper, Alberta, travel east on Connaught Drive, crossing over the railway tracks before merging with Highway #16. Just ahead on Highway #16, on your right, is the exit road to Maligne Lake and Canyon. Take the exit, cross over a bridge, and take a left and follow the Maligne Lake Road south to the large parking lot.

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