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Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake
4.5
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4.5
1,618 reviews
Excellent
1,043
Very good
445
Average
100
Poor
22
Terrible
8
gugongee
Seoul, South Korea1,981 contributions
Aug 2019
This could be one of your best spots.
I regret not having spared more days for this lake.
I came here early in the morning, very few visitors which means I could enjoy the calmness of the lake. On the way, mist covered the entire road but I enjoyed that too.
Like the other famous spots, tons of visitors made it crowded around lunch.
I regret not having spared more days for this lake.
I came here early in the morning, very few visitors which means I could enjoy the calmness of the lake. On the way, mist covered the entire road but I enjoyed that too.
Like the other famous spots, tons of visitors made it crowded around lunch.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
khoukeens_shj
Calgary, Canada43 contributions
July 2020
We drove to Jasper from Calgary on an overnight trip. On our second day in Jasper we visited Maligne Lake. We had plans to visit Maligne Canyon first but it was raining, heavily at times, so we decided to drive to Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake instead. The Maligne Lake road drive to Maligne lake 45 to 50 km from Jasper was a quiet and scenic drive.
We reached Maligne Lake late morning and the rain had stopped by then. This summer the number of international tourists were low so there were not many visitors around the lake. So we did not have to bother much about social distancing. The parking lot was less than half full. There is a pit toilet in the parking lot.
The walk to the lake from the parking lot is not far. One way goes to the boat house and the other is towards the restaurant, chalet and cruise boats. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. The path towards the boat house is through the border of the lake. We walked through the path and it felt relaxed and calm. We came across benches and picnic tables from time to time throughout the path so you can sit and admire the calmness of the lake. Many opportunities to click pictures. The paths around the lake are wheel-chair friendly so accessible to all.
We bought a latte from Waffle Hut (on-site), costed close to $7, it was good but quite steep for a latte. There was a restaurant on-site too.
On our drive back the weather had cleared up and the views were amazing. We were rewarded with opportunities to see wildlife (black bears, bald eagles, and probably a Fisher). Would love to take the drive again and visit Maligne Lake.
We reached Maligne Lake late morning and the rain had stopped by then. This summer the number of international tourists were low so there were not many visitors around the lake. So we did not have to bother much about social distancing. The parking lot was less than half full. There is a pit toilet in the parking lot.
The walk to the lake from the parking lot is not far. One way goes to the boat house and the other is towards the restaurant, chalet and cruise boats. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. The path towards the boat house is through the border of the lake. We walked through the path and it felt relaxed and calm. We came across benches and picnic tables from time to time throughout the path so you can sit and admire the calmness of the lake. Many opportunities to click pictures. The paths around the lake are wheel-chair friendly so accessible to all.
We bought a latte from Waffle Hut (on-site), costed close to $7, it was good but quite steep for a latte. There was a restaurant on-site too.
On our drive back the weather had cleared up and the views were amazing. We were rewarded with opportunities to see wildlife (black bears, bald eagles, and probably a Fisher). Would love to take the drive again and visit Maligne Lake.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue D
Welland, Canada26 contributions
July 2020
A visit to Spirit Island has been on the bucket list for a long time, and it happened July 22nd. Cloudy, cool and some rain, but beautiful nonetheless. Booked a premium cruise to ensure a larger vessel with more spacing, but if you don’t need the extra 15 minutes at Spirit Island (and you don’t, really...it’s a 10 minute hike around the trail), you can save a few dollars with the regular cruise. The company ensured spacing and limited capacity on our voyage, and gave assigned seatings upon boarding. Everyone was cooperative with mask wearing throughout, and hand sanitizer was provided at each embark/disembark point. Our captain Annabelle and tour guide Courtney were fabulous!
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvon D
Nijmegen, The Netherlands541 contributions
Sept 2019
Maligne Lake is beautiful by itself, it is the longest and deepest lake in the canadian Rockies. there is a walding trail system here or you can rent a canoe. If you want to go see Spirit Island you will need to pay up and wait. I stopt here for half an hour and enjoyed the beauty of the lake but overall it is way too crowded to my opionion. It was very difficult to get a picture of the lake without having to deal with the rude Asian tourist who think they own this place. Sorry, just a warning on what to expect.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie T
Amsterdam, The Netherlands91 contributions
June 2019
We went here in June 2019 when it was snowing.. yes in June. Due to the low hanging clouds i don't think we witnessed this place in full glory but even then the view was magnificent. Glacier blue water, snowy mountains and dense forest. The drive up was just as amazing; views for days and so much wildlife: black bears, grizzlies, deer, bald eagles.
As it was very cold we didn't hike around the lake but decided on taking a tour to Spirit Island instead. The tour was expensive but in the end worth it. The guides told us lots of interesting information and we got to see part of the lake we wouldn't have otherwise.
Additional info: Renting a canoe isn't for everyone - it costs 100 dollars for 30 minutes (try getting far out and back in 30 minutes...). There's a store and restaurant on site which is decent (also has toilets).
As it was very cold we didn't hike around the lake but decided on taking a tour to Spirit Island instead. The tour was expensive but in the end worth it. The guides told us lots of interesting information and we got to see part of the lake we wouldn't have otherwise.
Additional info: Renting a canoe isn't for everyone - it costs 100 dollars for 30 minutes (try getting far out and back in 30 minutes...). There's a store and restaurant on site which is decent (also has toilets).
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
volcanogirl
Houston, TX16,455 contributions
Sept 2019
We enjoyed Maligne Lake so much that we visited two days in a row. The surrounding scenery is absolutely gorgeous, and there's so much to do here. We took a boat tour, hiked the trails, ate lunch at one of the cafes, and saw some amazing wildlife including mule deer and our first moose. The combination of snow-capped mountains, soaring pine trees, and beautiful blue water will take your breath away. As a bonus, we were able to find parking immediately both days we came, something we struggled with at more crowded lakes. Of all the places we visited in Jasper, this spot was our absolute favorite, and we can't wait to come back again on our next trip.
Written 6 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christophe B
Quebec City, Canada1,030 contributions
Aug 2020
My family and I went there in mid-August. The boat rides were completely full + it was 125$ per person which is overpriced. The lake is great but there are several better looking lakes around, or near Banff.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
premierman
County Tipperary, Ireland827 contributions
Sept 2022
Went to Maligne lake twice, 1st time on a wild life evening tour, on the way we saw a Hoarie Marmot and an Osprey near medicine lake, then at Maligne lake a Moose & a Mule deer. Drove there a 2nd day (early morning), saw a Black bear cub & a male & female Moose on the way, then in the lake parking lot a Grizzly was feeding, what an experience, saw the Marmot again on the way back. Hiked a couple of trails too great scenery, a lovely place to visit, go early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TLG444
Canada991 contributions
Aug 2019
We visited Maligne Lake with our dog knowing ahead of time that we would not be able to do the boat ride ride to Spirit Island. After reading many reviews that Maligne lake road is great for seeing moose, bears and caribou I was looking forward to the drive. The drive was spectacular but sadly we only saw some big horn sheep.
Parking was crazy! It took about 20 minutes to finally find a spot in the upper lot. Despite this it didn't feel really crowded around the lake. We walked the lake-shore for a while taking in the pretty views, then got a snack from the Waffle Hut and left.
I am happy we went but was not overwhelmed, I enjoyed our stop at Medicine Lake much more. Despite this I would visit again, without our dog, so we can see Spirit Island.
Parking was crazy! It took about 20 minutes to finally find a spot in the upper lot. Despite this it didn't feel really crowded around the lake. We walked the lake-shore for a while taking in the pretty views, then got a snack from the Waffle Hut and left.
I am happy we went but was not overwhelmed, I enjoyed our stop at Medicine Lake much more. Despite this I would visit again, without our dog, so we can see Spirit Island.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FrauMac
Edmonton, Canada79 contributions
Aug 2021
One of my favourite places in the world. The scenery is breathtaking. It has just snowed (yes in August) and there was snow in the mountain tops. If you take a hike it is very serene. The main area is full of tourists usually waiting for the boat trip on Maligne so you have to walk a little ways away the get out of the noise. There is a cafe that has a patio so that you can eat and drink while taking in the scenery and they have a upscale restaurant as well.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How is parking for those who are camping? Planning on camping at one of the backcountry spots and am curious if the parking lot gets full early like Moraine Lake? If not, is it large enough OR are there reserved spots for those camping at the backcountry spots?
Written 19 January 2020
I really cannot say about camping. I would contact Maligne Lake directly to find out where camping can be done. The parking is pretty good,but we were there on off season in early October 2019. The place is supposedly over run in the high season so I would check with Park officials for the time frame you are planning your trip. It is a beautiful lake and you will no doubt only understand once you visit it. We stayed at a place some what near by called Pocahontas lodge that was economical but nice. They were very accommodating for us. We stayed in a story and a half unit with the bedroom upstairs. Not at all fancy but clean. Drive up to your room type accommodations. Any where near Jasper will work.
Written 23 February 2020
Can we use our own 12’ kayaks with safety gear on the lake ?
Written 28 December 2018
There's a separate launching ramp off the car park that I think you can use. Might be worth contacting the rangers at the lake. Sorry, I don't have their contact details.
Written 1 February 2019
Is it better to do Maligne Lake first thing in morning or maligne canyon? Don’t want to be stuck in crowds. We are doing both the same day and don’t know which one to do first. Thanks!
Written 9 June 2018
Maligne Canyon is before the lake, it is rather boring to be honest, but the lake is definitely worth it. if you are doing this in winter like we did, make sure to have food and drinks as well as a full tank with you. The weather is simply unpredictable.
The canyon is a bit of a non event, if you miss it no big deal. But what i would not miss, is the wildlife tour, that is simply amazing.
Written 25 September 2018
On our trip to visit the Rockies this year we want to do the shorter
boat trip to Spirit Island, but we don't want to book in advance because we don't know what time we will get to the lake. We will be there in the first week of June. We know that it is very popular. Can anybody advise if we could find that it's too busy and we can't get onto a trip?Thank you.
Written 7 May 2018
Sorry for delay in replying. We didnt do the boat trip, but to be honest we didnt see any queues anywhere. Hope you enjoy yourself.
Written 13 May 2018
Hi, Thanks for the great review, I have just one question while i plan my trip to Lake Maligne,
How close is the closest accommodation to Lake Maligne, ideally I would like to stay at the lake (approx a week) but can't find any lodgings at Lake Maligne?
Written 22 October 2017
I don’t remember a place where you can stay in Lake Maligne. However, I think a beautiful place is the Alpine Village cabins in Jasper (also Tekarra Lodge cabins). This area where cabins are is beautiful natural environment close to a lovely river. We could see lot of caribous there walking down the area (on September).
Written 17 November 2017
Hi,
Is it safe going by cruise when you are in third timester if your pregnant?
Written 21 June 2017
I have no idea as I am not a doctor but I will say the boat tour is 90 minutes and very smooth. They are the only motorized boats on the lake and go slow as not to disturb the canoers.
Written 21 June 2017
Hi Tania, I'm trying to figure out if the ice is melted off the lake- some recent posts suggest not, but from your post I understand it is? Thanks!
Written 11 June 2017
Hi we're visiting Jasper for 4 days this July, camping and on a budget. We really want to do the boat trip and visit Spirit island can a boat ticket be booked and purchased independently or do i have to go through a tour
Thanks Sue
Written 30 April 2017
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