00 · Glacial lake with Spirit Island · Alberta · Jasper National Park

Maligne Lake

You can only reach Spirit Island by water, and you may not set foot on it.

Cruise & getting there Getting there & parking Opening times

View plan

Photo: Christian Abend from Laufen /, Bayern / Deutschland ↗ · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

approx. 1.5 hrsCruise

season 27 May–11 Oct 2026

48 km (30 mi)From Jasper

allow 1 to 1.5 hours' drive

12.25 CADPark admission

per adult per day

Maligne Lake: far out, with the island at the other end

To see Spirit Island you need the boat, and time for the drive.

Maligne Lake is fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park. The cruise goes to a viewpoint opposite Spirit Island, one of the most photographed places in Canada. The 2026 season runs from 27 May to 11 October, weather permitting.

The operator advises arriving at the lake about an hour before departure and allowing at least 90 minutes for the drive from Jasper, with photo stops, wildlife by the road, traffic and finding a parking space.

Missed cruises are not refunded, and because demand is high there are few alternative departures on the same or a later day.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise ↗

In numbers

Road from Jasper: 48 km (30 mi)
Allow for the drive: 1 to 1.5 hours
Cruise: approx. 1.5 hours
Premium cruise: approx. 2 hours
Seats per boat: 38 to 50
2026 season: 27 May–11 October
Water in high summer: around 10 °C (50 °F)
Parking spaces at the lake: 297
Parking spaces at Medicine Lake: 14
Rebooking after arriving late: 15 CAD per person

Jasper National Park profile

01 · Plan

Cruise & getting there

48 kilometres (30 mi) of road, and at the end a parking lot that fills up from 10:00.

Photo: Traveler100 ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

How to get to Maligne Lake: drive, parking and buses

48 kilometres (30 mi) of road, and at the end a parking lot that fills up from 10:00.

The route from Jasper

From the east end of town, 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) east on Highway 16, then right onto Maligne Lake Road, over the iron bridge across the Athabasca, left at the fork and 48 kilometres (30 mi) to the lake.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Allow enough time

The operator recommends allowing 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive from Jasper and being at the lake at least 60 minutes before departure. On the way, wildlife by the road slows the traffic.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Parking at the lake

The main parking lot has 297 spaces and is busiest between 10:00 and 17:00; the Bald Hills parking lot has 85. There is little room for large RVs, but there are dedicated spaces in the upper parking lots.

Parks Canada: summer crowds (Jasper) (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

No bus to the lake

The public Jasper Transit bus connects Whistlers and Wapiti campgrounds with the town, Pyramid Lake, Jasper Park Lodge and Lake Annette. Maligne Lake is not one of these destinations.

Parks Canada: Jasper Transit (read via the archive copy of 5 Sep 2026) ↗

Price list

checked 21 Sep 2026

Maligne Lake cruise prices & park pass

Boat, rebooking and park pass.

Park pass

Jasper National Park requires the day pass: 12.25 CAD for adults, 24.50 CAD for a family or group in one vehicle. Admission is free up to 17 years.

Parks Canada: Jasper fees (read via the archive copy of 24 Jun 2026) ↗

Book the cruise in advance

You secure seats online; Alberta residents pay less, and children up to five ride free. The operator shows the current price when you book.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise ↗

Arriving late costs

If you miss your cruise, you get no refund. The operator tries to rebook you but charges 15 CAD per person for it, and the next free seat may be hours later.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Canoe and kayak

Canoes, kayaks and pedal boats can be rented at the boathouse, online in advance. Only people aged 18 or over may rent; younger people only with their parents.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Best time to visit Maligne Lake

Early in the day the road is clear and the parking lot empty.

2026 season

Cruises run from 27 May to 11 October 2026, weather permitting.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise ↗

Before 10:00 or after 17:00

More than a million people visit Jasper in summer. The popular places are full from 10:00 to 17:00; come early or in the early evening for more peace.

Parks Canada: summer crowds (Jasper) (read via the archive copy of 9 Jun 2026) ↗

Open again after the wildfire

Maligne Road and Maligne Lake have been open again since 11 October 2024, with the day-use trails around them.

Jasper: what's open? ↗

Cold on the water

It is cooler at the lake than in the town of Jasper, and it can even snow in summer. The operator recommends a light jacket and several layers.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Climate through the year

Weather and climate at Maligne Lake

Mildest months by the climate data: July and August. Average daytime highs of 13 to 14 °C, lows of 3 to 4 °C, 73 to 103 mm of precipitation a month. The wettest month is June (116 mm), the driest February (44 mm).

All monthly values as a table

Monthly averages 2001–2020, NASA POWER model
Month	High °C	Low °C	Precipitation mm
January	−9.2	−17.8	53
February	−9.0	−19.0	44
March	−6.1	−16.4	66
April	−2.6	−11.9	60
May	3.8	−4.3	78
June	10.0	0.7	116
July	13.5	3.6	103
August	12.9	3.0	73
September	8.1	−1.1	69
October	0.6	−7.6	67
November	−6.8	−15.1	63
December	−10.6	−18.9	45
Year			837

Modelled values, not a weather station: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for a grid cell of about 55 × 40 km around the map point Maligne Lake (52.66° N, 117.53° W), with an average cell elevation of about 2,130 m. Averages for 2001–2020. Higher ground and valleys can differ markedly.

Source: NASA POWER, climatology 2001–2020 ↗ · retrieved 3 Oct 2026

02 · On site

Spirit Island cruise, trails and food at Maligne Lake

Boat, lakeshore trails and three places to eat.

Photo: Kedarangirus ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

„You may not set foot on Spirit Island; the boats stop at a viewpoint opposite.“
Spirit Island in Maligne Lake, seen from the viewpoint where the boats stop.

Spirit Island cruise, trails and food at Maligne Lake

Boat, lakeshore trails and three places to eat.

The cruise

About an hour and a half, the premium cruise two. A guide on board talks about the first explorers, glaciers, plants and animals. The boats are covered, with 38 to 50 seats and free seating.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Spirit Island from the viewpoint

The boats stop at a viewpoint opposite the island. You may not set foot on Spirit Island, out of respect for its significance to the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Trails at the lake

At Maligne Lake, Parks Canada lists the Moose Lake loop (2.7 kilometres, 1.7 mi), the Opal Hills (8.2 kilometres, 5.1 mi) and the Bald Hills (10.4 kilometres, 6.5 mi). There is no trail to Spirit Island.

Hiking: official park information ↗

Eating on the shore

The historic Maligne Lake Chalet, the Lake House Café and a waffle hut. There are toilets at the parking lot and in the Lake House.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Wildlife

Moose and grizzlies roam around Maligne Lake, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Photos of the place

Tour boat on the shore of turquoise Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park among spruces — Photo: Ovedc ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Gravel shore of Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, the lake stretching south between mountains — Photo: Ovedc ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Medicine Lake in Jasper National Park on Maligne Lake Road between forested mountains — Photo: mrmikeweb ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗

A bull elk with large antlers in Jasper National Park in the forest near Maligne Lake — Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗

Film by the park authority

Jasper National Park

Just under three minutes of park portrait by Parks Canada from Jasper National Park, which Maligne Lake is part of: wolves, elk and bighorn sheep, ice-blue lakes and mountain ranges. In English.

Source: Parks Canada · View channel ↗

Guided on site

The operator also sells the cruise directly. Through our partner you can book the cruise from the dock and a day trip with pick-up in Jasper that includes the boat, the way to go without a car.

Cruise · offer via GetYourGuide

Maligne Lake: cruise to Spirit Island

14 kilometres (8.7 mi) across Maligne Lake with a guide on board to Spirit Island, a short nature trail there, then back to Home Bay.

14 km (8.7 mi) cruise
Guide on board
From the Maligne Lake dock
No pick-up

Start At the Maligne Lake boat dock; exchange your voucher for a ticket on Maligne Lake Road and be ready 15 minutes before departure.

View offer ↗Ad · partner link · checked 21 Sep 2026

Transport, food and drinks are not included. The lake is an hour from Jasper, and in summer traffic and parking take longer. Pushchairs and large bags stay on shore; missed cruises are not refunded. Request accessible cruises at least 72 hours in advance. Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Day trip · offer via GetYourGuide

From Jasper: Maligne Valley with Spirit Island cruise

Six hours with hotel pick-up in Jasper: through the Maligne Valley, past the "disappearing" Medicine Lake and, in the summer season, by boat to Spirit Island.

6 hours
Hotel pick-up in Jasper
Cruise included
Guide

Start Pick-up at your accommodation in Jasper, return there.

View offer ↗Ad · partner link · checked 21 Sep 2026

Guide and cruise are included. The provider only lists the Spirit Island cruise for the summer season; if you book late in the year, check first whether the boat is still running. Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link. Offer details checked 21 Sep 2026. See official prices.

03 · Nearby

Onward from here

Maligne Lake lies in Jasper National Park. Besides the boat, you need the park pass; what else applies in the park and what has reopened since the 2024 wildfire is in the park profile.

Photo: Christian Abend from Laufen /, Bayern / Deutschland ↗ · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

Map

Maligne Lake on the terrain map

Six points, each verified against an OpenStreetMap object. All points are on the Jasper National Park map, with details and photos.

Show on mapJasper National Park map · 3D terrain

Nearby

Other popular destinations in the same national park.

Park guide

Jasper National Park

Maligne Lake lies in Jasper National Park. Besides the boat, you need the park pass; what else applies in the park and what has reopened since the 2024 wildfire is in the park profile.

Photo: Bernd Thaller ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗

Also in Jasper · about 53 km away

Icefields Parkway

232 kilometres (144 mi) of glaciers, lakes and passes, with a single petrol station and almost no mobile signal.

Photo: Florian Fuchs ↗ · CC BY 3.0 ↗

Distances are straight-line, not driving distances.

Field book 01Rules: pets, pushchairs and accessibility on board Field book 02Frequently asked questions Field book 03Sources and last checked

Field book · Maligne Lake

checked 21 Sep 2026

01Rules: pets, pushchairs and accessibility on board

What you cannot take on board.

No pets on board

Pets are not allowed on the cruises. They may come along in rental boats but need their own life jacket.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Pushchairs stay at the dock

For safety reasons, pushchairs are not allowed on the boat; you leave them at the dock.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Accessible boats

There are two accessible boats. They must be booked in advance through the operator's central reservations.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

Cold water

Even in high summer, the lake averages only around 10 °C (50 °F). Every rental boat comes with approved life jackets; you may not use your own.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

02Maligne Lake: frequently asked questions

Short answers, with sources.

How do you get to Spirit Island?

Only by boat across Maligne Lake. The cruise stops at a viewpoint opposite the island; you may not set foot on it.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

How long is the Maligne Lake cruise?

About an hour and a half, the premium cruise about two. If there are many small boats on the lake, it can take up to 15 minutes longer.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

How far is Maligne Lake from Jasper?

About 48 kilometres (30 mi) via Maligne Lake Road. The operator recommends allowing 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

When do the boats run?

In the 2026 season from 27 May to 11 October, weather permitting. You should be at the lake about an hour before departure.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise ↗

Is there a bus to Maligne Lake?

The public Jasper Transit bus serves places in and around town, but not Maligne Lake. Without a car, a guided tour from Jasper is the option.

Parks Canada: Jasper Transit (read via the archive copy of 5 Sep 2026) ↗

Can my dog come on the boat?

No, pets are not allowed on the cruises. They may come along in rented canoes and kayaks, with their own life jacket.

Pursuit: Maligne Lake Cruise, frequently asked questions ↗

03Sources and last checked

Operator, municipality and park authority, each fact cited individually.

Places on the map

Maligne Lake Glacial lake
The long lake at the end of Maligne Lake Road. The cruise runs from the north end far to the south.
Location source ↗
Spirit Island Island
The small island with spruces, visible only from the boat. Landing is not allowed, out of respect for its significance to the Stoney Nakoda.
Location source ↗
Boathouse and dock Cruise departure
Ticket office, boathouse and dock at the north end of the lake. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented here.
Location source ↗
Maligne Lake Chalet Historic building
The historic chalet on the shore, now a restaurant. Next to it are the Lake House Café and a waffle stand.
Location source ↗
Maligne Lake parking lot Parks Canada
The parking lot belongs to Parks Canada, not the cruise operator. From here a short path leads through the forest to the shore.
Location source ↗
Medicine Lake Lake on the drive in
The "disappearing" lake on Maligne Lake Road, with only 14 parking spaces at the viewpoint.
Location source ↗

How current is this information?

Researched 21 Sep 2026. Not a live status. Prices, timetables and opening hours change; please check with the operator before you travel.

Current information from the operator ↗

Image and map credits

Stage Photo: Christian Abend from Laufen /, Bayern / Deutschland ↗ · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 1 Photo: Traveler100 ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 2 Photo: Ovedc ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 3 Photo: Ovedc ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 4 Photo: mrmikeweb ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 5 Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Image 6 Photo: Jeanne18 ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt
Quote Photo: Kedarangirus ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗ · verkleinert, WebP, Darstellungszuschnitt

Location sources: every point on the map links to the OpenStreetMap object its coordinate comes from. Markers do not imply that access is permitted.

End of the field book · Park authority ↗