Despite the shadowy roots of its name, the Maligne Canyon is Jasper National Park’s top-rated attraction, offering staggering natural beauty no matter which season you choose to visit. Crashing waterfalls in summer freeze in winter, allowing visitors to walk the icy canyon floor in crampons amidst flash frozen spikes and chutes. A Bucket List experience, inside one of Canada’s most beautiful List national parks.
Length of Trip : 2-3 Hours on a tour. 1-2 hours if you’re hiking the trail in summer.
Cost : You can explore the canyons on your own (Parks Canada have erected interpretive signs) or you can take a tour with several Jasper-based tour operators. This includes transfers to and from your hotel, and cleats, headlamps and boots in winter. Jasper Adventure Tours Icewalk costs $59 for adults and $29 for children under 12. Sundog Tours Ice Tour costs the same. Click here for pricing for Walks and Talks Maligne Valley Tour. Summer tours typically take longer and usually include a boat tour. Click here for Jasper Adventure Tours Maligne Summer Adventure Click here for Sun Dog’s Maligne Valley Sightseeing and Boat Tour Walks and Talks offer a 3-4 hour Mysterious Maligne Summer package. Note that there are Parks Canada fees for Jasper National Park.
Best time to go : All Year round.
Wheelchair friendly : There are several viewpoints of the canyon that are wheelchair friendly, as well as the initial section of the Mary Schäffer Trail, a 4km paved asphalt trail.
Family friendly : Yes. Some ice tours are not suitable for children under six.
Where to eat : The Maligne Canyon Restaurant is located at the top of the canyon, serving breakfasts (until 11am), lunch, and light snacks at the coffee bar.
Official Site : Parks Canada: Jasper National Park Jasper Adventure Centre Sun Dog Tours Walks and Talks
Where to Stay : There are number of hotels, cabins and B&B’s in and around Jasper. Click here for an accommodation guide from Jasper Tourism, with links and information about the respective properties.
Getting There : From Jasper, take Highway 16 towards Edmonton, turning off at Maligne Lake Road. Drive 2.1 km and turn left at the Sixth Bridge sign (there will be signposts). The main canyon is about 6km down the road.
Note from Robin : In summer, the hiking is not too challenging. There are six bridges which each offer a different view of the canyon below. Look for small hikes to the springs that feed the canyon between the 5th and 6th bridges. There are various hikes in the area that offer some incredible views. Don’t climb over the guard rails (lets live to see another Bucket List day) and resist the urge to throw coins down below. Your wish won’t come true, and if you’re eager to throw your money away, donate it to charity instead!