Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake
4.5
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- SabesPittsburgh, Pennsylvania52 contributionsPretty lake even though it was a rainy, slushy dayWe were glad we visited Maligne Lake, even though it was a rainy, cloudy day and I'm sure we didn't get to experience the absolute beauty of this lake. We walked halfway around the Moose Loop trail to Moose Lake, about one mile. This loop keeps the lake on your left. Unfortunately, we did not see any moose. We retraced our steps back the same way to the parking lot because by continuing the loop, although about the same distance, we would have seen less of Maligne Lake on the rest of the loop. We also stopped at the Waffle Hut and had gelato in a waffle bowl. Waffles that we saw others purchased looked delicious and if it wasn't so far from Jasper, we would come back for just a waffle. There is also a nice gift shop next to the Waffle Hut that has really nice, flushing toilets.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 28, 2023
- ZolarpoweredBristol, United Kingdom93 contributionsAmazing sceneryWe did the premium cruise which has a 1/2 stopover on Spirit Island. Amazing scenery and, on route, saw the only moose of our entire 3 week holiday. Claire and Greg were good fun as captain and guideVisited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 25, 2023
- JobylakeOttery St. Mary, United Kingdom1,176 contributionsLovely drive with occasional wildlife. Lake area very busy in peak seasonWe visited Maligne Lake in May 2016 and did the Spirit Island cruise. This time, we popped over to see what, if anything, had changed and to grab some lunch. Both times we have visited we have been blessed with wildlife (bears in 2016 and elk in July 2023). We popped into the main café to find that it was very expensive. A basic sandwich had a cost of $17.50. So we gave it a miss and walked over to the Waffle Hut instead (see other review) and this was much better value. We took some pictures of the area and had to make a quick dash to shelter when a thunderstorm passed through. Once it had cleared, we retook the photos as blue skies appeared. It was an afternoon of two halves. The journey to the Lake is well worth it but I feel it has become over touristy (along with most of the Rockies now).Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 10, 2023
- CatherineG1605Memphis, Tennessee86 contributionsWildlife is AbundantSo many trails to choose from in varying difficulty! Many animal sightings: bears with cubs, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, a bald eagle with her babies, and a fox. The lake is serene, especially in the early morning when it’s not full of visitors. Skip the Moose Lake Trail Loop. The lake is very low and not worth the time, and Upper Moose Lake is completely empty. The Canyon Trail is amazing, but it is a steep uphill from 5th bridge up to 1st bridge where the Wilderness Kitchen is located.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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gugongee
Seoul, South Korea1,987 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 January 28, 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
Jul 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 July 13, 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, Canada25 contributions
Jul 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 July 24, 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
Sep 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 January 17, 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
Jun 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 March 13, 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, TX16,113 contributions
Sep 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 July 6, 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, Canada939 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 August 16, 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, Ireland771 contributions
Sep 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 September 5, 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
Canada993 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 February 11, 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 August 25, 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.
Is it frozen at the moment
Written May 21, 2022
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 January 19, 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 February 23, 2020
Can we use our own 12’ kayaks with safety gear on the lake ?
Written December 28, 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 February 1, 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 June 9, 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 September 25, 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 May 7, 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 May 13, 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 October 22, 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 November 17, 2017
Hi,
Is it safe going by cruise when you are in third timester if your pregnant?
Written June 21, 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 June 21, 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 June 11, 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 April 30, 2017
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