Maligne Lake, Jasper: Spirit Island And Boat Tour Guide
Maligne Lake is one of the most stunning places in Jasper National Park. The main attraction here is Spirit Island, which is located halfway down Maligne Lake. Not only is Spirit Island one of the most photographed views in the Canadian Rockies but it can also only be reached by boat, kayak or canoe.
In this guide, I’ll cover how to get to Spirit Island, what to expect from the Maligne Lake boat cruise, tips for driving Maligne Lake Road and how to make the most of one day at Maligne Lake.
Top Things to Do at Maligne Lake, Jasper
- Where: Maligne Lake in Jasper
- Getting there: from Jasper along Maligne Lake road in about 50 min
- Best time to visit: June to late September for larch season
- Things to do: visit Spirit Island, hike or canoe on Maligne Lake
- How to get to Spirit Island: by boat, canoe or kayak
- Maligne Lake Boat Tour: Maligne Lake Cruise costs $108-$145 per adult
- Wildlife: moose, bears, elks and more
- Facilities & Food: The View Restaurant, Maligne Lake Waffle House and Lake House Cafe
Is Maligne Lake Worth Visiting? Here’s What to Expect
I almost didn’t visit Maligne Lake on my road trip in the Canadian Rockies. I even thought, “It’s just a lake, how special can it really be?“. Well, I’m here to tell you I’m so glad I went.
Maligne Lake is about an hour drive from Jasper and the journey there is as stunning as the destination itself. While the first section of Maligne Lake Road still shows wildfire recovery from 2024, Maligne Lake itself is fully accessible and the views are incredible.
Along the way, you’ll pass Medicine Lake, where you might spot some wildlife. On our Maligne Lake day trip, we were lucky enough to see two bald eagles perched at the top of a tree overlooking the lake. Definitely worth a stop.
Drive carefully, as wildlife encounters are pretty common along the road. If you go early in the morning or around dawn, your chances of spotting animals go way up.
When you visit Maligne Lake, you’ll find a few activities to choose from, including easy hiking trails, canoeing and the famous boat tour to Spirit Island.
The main attraction at Maligne Lake is Spirit Island, which is only accessible by boat, canoe or kayak. The View of the Gods, as it’s often called, is one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. And I’m not exaggerating! I’ve seen my share of breathtaking places, such as the Huayhuash Trek, Machu Picchu and the Uyuni Salt Flats in South America, but this view completely took my breath away.
Best Time to Visit Maligne Lake
The best time to visit Maligne Lake is between late June and early October. This is when the Maligne Lake Road is fully open and the boat tours are in operation.
During the peak months of July and August, parking fills up fast and I’d recommend booking the Spirit Island boat tour in advance.
If you prefer fewer crowds, September is a great time to visit Maligne Lake. While temperatures start to drop, late September marks the beginning of larch season, when alpine larches turn a golden yellow in Jasper National Park.
Maligne Lake Road is not open year-round and closes for winter around late October. So the only time you can visit Maligne Lake is between June and October, when the road is open.
How to Get to Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is 48 km (30 miles) southeast of Jasper and about 50 minutes drive. From Banff, it’s about 4 hours drive along the Icefields Parkway.
The Maligne Lake road is fully paved and allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints, such as Medicine Lake. But cell service is limited. Also, wildlife crossings are frequent and you’re likely to encounter bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep along the way.
The best way to access Maligne Lake is by car. But there are several tour bus companies in Jasper, such as Maligne Adventures, that offer guided tours or transport to Maligne Lake. These packages often also include stops at Maligne Canyon or boat cruises.
Maligne Lake Road: Driving Tips, Stops & Parking
If you’re spending just one day in Jasper, you HAVE to visit Maligne Lake. The drive there is easy and well-paved, but I’ve got a few tips to make it even smoother.
When driving along Maligne Lake Road, stay alert for wildlife, especially at dawn or dusk. There are also some narrow curves on the road, so keep a moderate speed and take time to enjoy the views.
You won’t find any gas stations on the way to Maligne Lake, so it’s a good idea to fill up your tank in Jasper before heading out.
The main stop on Maligne Lake Road is Medicine Lake. Here you’ll find a pullout area where you can park your car and take the short trail to reach the lake. Also, for the rest of the way, keep your eyes peeled on viewpoints signs to take in the surrounding scenery.
There’s parking available at Maligne Lake, but it fills up fast, especially during the summer peak season. In fact, parking fills up by 9-10 am in peak summer, so I’d recommend to arrive before 9 am or after 3 pm.
Restaurants at Maligne Lake: Where to Eat & Drink
If you’re looking where to eat at Maligne Lake, there are a few great restaurants to choose from. Just note that these restaurants are seasons and are typically open between June and September.
The View Restaurant sits right on the lakeshore and even offers a patio where you can dine with a stunning view. After hiking up the Big Beehive at Lake Louise and exploring Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park over the previous days, we decided to treat ourselves on our last day in the Canadian Rockies. So, we sat down to a delicious meal at The View Restaurant, basking in the warm sun.
Another spot to check out when you visit Maligne Lake is the Maligne Lake Waffle Hut. They offer a variety of sweet and savory waffles, perfect for satisfying your cravings.
And if you’re just looking for a quick bite, the Lake House Cafe is another solid option.
Things to Do at Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake Boat Tour to Spirit Island
One of the main activities at Maligne Lake is taking the Spirit Island cruise. This is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, and the best part is, it requires very little effort to reach. The boat tour to Spirit Island takes about 90 minutes and gives you a short but sweet opportunity to capture the stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
Kayaking & Canoeing on Maligne Lake
If you want to really visit Maligne Lake up close, kayaking or canoeing Maligne Lake to Spirit Island is an unforgettable experience. If you choose to paddle, keep in mind that Spirit Island is about 14 km away (one way). Personally, I think this is best done as an overnight kayaking trip. And if you’ve got a bit more time, you could easily stretch it into a two or three day adventure on Maligne Lake.
Hiking at Maligne Lake
Another great way to explore the area is by hiking one of the nearby trails.
The Mary Schaffer Loop (5.6 km, easy) is the most famous, offering stunning views of the lake.
You can also hike to Moose Lake, which is another easy trek with a peaceful, shaded path. You might have guessed it already, but the lake gets its name from the frequent moose sightings in the area.
Speaking of moose, although we didn’t spot one at Moose Lake, we did get lucky with an encounter on our way back to the car. This was my very first time seeing a moose, and I was so excited, I almost teared up with joy!
Why is Spirit Island Famous? What Makes it Special
When you visit Maligne Lake, Spirit Island is the main attraction and one of the most beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this landscape looks like it’s straight out of a postcard.
For the Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, Spirit Island is considered a sacred place. They believed that spirits inhabited the land and waters of Maligne Lake, offering protection to both the land and its people. Even today, Indigenous communities continue to hold spiritual gatherings in the area.
Spirit Island is only accessible by boat, kayak or canoe, as there are no roads or trails leading to it.
How to Get to Spirit Island
There are mainly three ways to get to Spirit Island: by boat, canoe or kayak. While you may have already visited Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in Banff, Maligne Lake holds its own unique beauty.
Maligne Lake Cruise: Booking, Prices & What to Know
There’s only one company allowed to offer boat cruises on Maligne Lake. The captain told us that they’re the exclusive operator because they started offering tours long before Maligne Lake became part of Jasper National Park. Thanks to their longstanding presence in the area, they were able to secure exclusive rights to operate on the lake.
You can choose between a classic cruise (1.5 hours with a 15-minute stop at Spirit Island) or a premium cruise (2 hours with a 30-minute stop at Spirit Island). During the trip, your guide will share some fascinating stories about the lake’s geology, history and Indigenous significance.
Once you reach Spirit Island, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short loop trail to capture stunning photos of the island and surrounding mountains. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking and it’s no wonder this spot is one of the most photographed places in Canada.
In 2026, ticket prices average CAD $108 to $145 per adult. But booking Maligne Lake cruise in advance online gives you a small discount.
Boats depart regularly between 9 am and 4:30 pm daily, with extended hours during peak season. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife on the way there or back, such as bears along the shoreline or bald eagles perched high in the trees.
The boat isn’t too big, so it never feels like you’re on a typical tourist cruise. We went in the afternoon and got lucky with a very small group booking at that time. On our way back, we even spotted a moose at the edge of Maligne Lake: a win-win all around!
Kayaking to Spirit Island: Distance, Rentals & Tips
Distance: 28 km round trip | Rental price: $175-$185 per day | Time required: a full day or overnight
Kayaking to Spirit Island is a true adventure and is best suited for those with previous kayaking experience. The total distance from the Maligne Lake dock to Spirit Island is about 28 km (14 km one-way), which typically takes a full day to complete. Personally, I’d recommend splitting the trip into two days on Maligne Lake, with an overnight stay at one of the campgrounds along the way.
You can rent a canoe or kayak for about CAD $175-185 per day (for two people). Keep in mind that kayaking or canoeing at the same time as the tour boats can make for a bumpy paddle!
Final Thoughts
If you only have one day in Jasper, then Maligne Lake should be on your list. After the 2024 wildfires, many trails are still under maintenance but this is not the case for Maligne Lake. As of 2026, Maligne Lake is fully accessible and the road is open.
If you’ve driven along the Icefields Parkway from Banff, then a stop in Jasper is a must. What better way to spend a day in the Canadian Rockies than a visit to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island.
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