Maligne Canyon Tours
12 Reviews
Carved out of the limestone bedrock by a rushing river, this narrow and steep canyon—which reaches depths of up to 160 feet (50 meters)—is one of the most striking geological features of Jasper National Park. In summer, hikers flock here to follow trails that span the gorge, while in winter, the canyon freezes into an icy wonderland.
The Basics
During summer, Maligne Canyon is a popular hiking spot. Trails lead to footbridges that span the deepest sections of the canyon and offer views of waterfalls, fossils, and rock formations. Many guided summertime tours from Jasper make stops at the canyon, allowing visitors to explore independently or with a guide. Half-day and full-day summer tours often combine Maligne Canyon with other Canadian Rockies highlights, such as Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, and Miette Hot Springs.
In winter, Maligne Canyon ice-climbing tours and ice walks are scheduled, allowing visitors to tread—usually with waterproof winter boots and ice cleats—along the icy surface of the canyon floor, seeing frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and icicles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Maligne Canyon is a must for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.
- Though the hiking trails at Maligne Canyon are not wheelchair accessible, the Maligne Canyon Restaurant and Gift Shop (open May–October) is. An asphalt path near the restaurant leads to an accessible viewpoint.
- The smooth bedrock of the canyon can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.
How to Get There
Maligne Canyon is situated in Jasper National Park, in Alberta, Western Canada. From the town of Jasper, follow Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) north and take the turnoff for Maligne Lake Road. The drive should take 15–20 minutes.
When to Get There
Maligne Canyon is busiest in summer. For a quieter experience, go in the off-season (mid-fall through late spring). In summer, you can avoid throngs of sightseers by hiking as far as the fifth or sixth canyon bridge, where crowds typically dissipate. Alternatively, set off early in the morning before most people arrive.
Hiking Trails at Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a hiking hot spot, with routes to suit all schedules and fitness levels. From the upper canyon parking lot, follow a short (20- to 40-minute) route that crosses over the first and second bridges. Longer hikes leading through the lower canyon, and to the other bridges, are also possible. Interpretive signs around the canyon explain the geology of the area. If you want to explore the canyon floor, be sure to go with a guide who can ensure conditions are safe.
Address: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Canada
Admission: Varies
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Maligne Canyon
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Maligne Canyon Ice Walk
Calling all outdoor adventurers, this hiking tour takes you deep into Maligne Canyon, one of the deepest river canyons in the Canadian Rockies. On a mostly downhill route, encounter frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and discover the mystery of the disappearing Medicine Lake. All necessary equipment and hotel pickup in Jasper are included on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.
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From
$59.60
From
$59.60
Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island
Experience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes and majestic canyons. Check out Medicine Lake, Maligne Canyon, and Maligne Lake during your trip, keeping your eyes out for area wildlife and learning about the unique natural history (and more recent human settlement) of the Canadian Rockies. Over the course of the day, you also get to enjoy short walks through the beautiful scenery, and choose between a boat ride or guided hike at Maligne Lake. Your Maligne Valley trip also includes round-trip transport from your Jasper hotel.
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$59.60
From
$59.60
5.5-Hour Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise from Jasper
The Maligne Valley lies within the expansive Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. With this tour, navigate the rugged scenery with ease and reach some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes in comfort. Discover top natural attractions such as Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake on foot, and enjoy a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake. Along the way, keep watch for sightings of native bears, eagles, elk, and moose in their natural habitat.
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From
$122.46
From
$122.46
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Hike
Jasper National Park is an amazing place to experience nature in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Let a guide take you through some of the best spots for lake and mountain vistas, beside a waterfall, and on a lakeside hike on a forest path. This tour will take you to Maligne Canyon and its mountain waterfalls, disappearing Medicine Lake, and on an interpretive hike beside Maligne Lake.
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From
$69.60
From
$69.60
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Jasper City Sightseeing Tour and Maligne Lake Cruise
Get to know picturesque Jasper on a short sightseeing tour before heading toward striking Maligne Lake. A guided cruise offers excellent views of the pretty shoreline with dense forests and glacial peaks that rise steeply from the water’s edge. Don’t forget your camera, as the opportunities for spectacular landscape photos are endless!
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From
$159.17
From
$159.17
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Canadian Rockies Tour by Chauffeured Sidecar from Jasper
Feel the rush of the open road and the wind on your face as you tour the incredible landscape of Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park in the sidecar of a Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by a professional driver. Pick from among a range of destinations for your ride, customized to meet your interests, including Medicine Lake, Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, Angel Glacier, Miette Hot Springs or Mount Edith Cavell. Along the way, spot local wildlife and listen to insightful commentary from your guide about the area’s history and natural scenery. Your motorcycle ride can accommodate up to two passengers and also includes round-trip transport from your hotel or the train station, and 1-, 2- or 3-hour ride options.
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From
$126.90
Price varies by group size
From
$126.90
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Jasper City Sightseeing Tour
Discover all that Jasper has to offer during this excursion covering the top natural attractions near town. During your trip you'll explore the towering limestone walls of Maligne Canyon during a walk to check out the waterfalls below, and gaze at the beautiful alpine waters at Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake. You'll also have a chance to scout for local wildlife like sheep, elk and bears that populates the area around Maligne Lake. This half-day trip near Jasper also includes round-trip transport from multiple locations in Jasper.
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From
$108.64
From
$108.64
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Ice Climbing in Maligne Canyon
The Maligne Canyon offers some of the best ice-climbing conditions in Jasper—but this extreme sport requires lots of practise and specialist equipment. On this beginner-friendly tour, try your hand at ice-climbing under the watchful guidance of your trained instructor. With all technical gear included, climb the ice to the top of a frozen waterfall and reach corners of the Maligne Canyon inaccessible to most park visitors.
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From
$189.49
From
$189.49