Overview

Includes a Scenic Boat Cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake

Join us on an awe-inspiring journey through the Maligne Valley and discover why this area is considered one of the most spectacular landscapes in Jasper National Park. This scenic wildlife and sightseeing tour offers exceptional opportunities to view Canadian wildlife, explore serene mountain lakes, and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Your adventure includes a scenic Maligne Lake boat cruise to the world-famous Spirit Island, surrounded by glacial-blue waters and towering mountain peaks.

Please note: Wildlife sightings are frequent but not guaranteed, as animals are viewed in their natural habitat.

Highlights

Travel through the spectacular Maligne Valley with our expert interpretive guides, discovering the region’s wildlife, geology, history, and breathtaking mountain scenery along the way.

Along the route, we stop at Medicine Lake for a peaceful shoreline walk beneath towering limestone cliffs. Your guide will explain the fascinating geological features and seasonal water fluctuations that make this natural wonder unique within Jasper National Park.

As we depart Medicine Lake, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. The surrounding forests provide prime habitat for iconic Canadian wildlife, including moose, bears, elk, deer, and bald eagles.

Arriving at Maligne Lake, embark on a scenic boat cruise across one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Relax aboard the comfortable enclosed vessel as your guide shares the human and geological history of the area while you take in panoramic mountain views and stunning glacial-blue waters.

The 90-minute cruise includes a stop at the world-famous Spirit Island, where you’ll have time to walk to the iconic viewpoint and capture unforgettable photographs of this legendary Jasper National Park destination.

After the cruise, guests may enjoy a packed lunch or purchase a grab-and-go meal from the Maligne Lake House restaurant (additional expense) before returning to Jasper through the scenic Maligne Valley.

Prepare

What we provide

Professional interpretive guide
Comfortable sightseeing transportation
Maligne Lake boat cruise tickets
Complimentary pickup from selected Jasper hotels

What to wear

A small amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Mountain weather can change quickly. We recommend bringing warm layers, a rain jacket, or an umbrella for outdoor portions of the tour.
Travel is by comfortable 24-seat minibus and fully covered boat, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.
We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and any personal snacks.
There is a short break for lunch at Maligne Lake. Lunch can be purchased at the Maligne Lake House restaurant; however, during peak season (July–August), wait times may be long. Guests may prefer to bring their own lunch.

FAQs

What makes the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Cruise special?

This guided tour combines iconic Jasper scenery with a Maligne Lake boat cruise to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies, while travelling through prime wildlife habitat. With transportation and logistics taken care of, you can relax and fully enjoy the experience.

What should I bring on the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Cruise?

Bring layers, comfortable clothing, and weather-appropriate gear such as a rain jacket. You may also bring water, snacks, or a packed lunch, or purchase food at the Maligne Lakehouse Café.

Is Maligne Canyon included in the tour?

No, Maligne Canyon is currently closed following the 2024 wildfire. Instead, the tour includes a stop at Maligne Lookout and additional time at Medicine Lake.

Is the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Cruise suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, this tour is suitable for all ages, including children and seniors. The boat cruise option is ideal for guests with limited mobility, as it requires minimal walking. Guests must be able to climb 3 steps to board the bus. Foldable walkers and strollers can be accommodated.

Do the Sightseeing Tours include hotel pick-up in Jasper?

Yes, all Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tours include complimentary pickup from selected Jasper hotels. Guests choose their pickup location during booking and can select a central downtown pickup location if staying outside the pickup area.

Will we see wildlife on the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Cruise?

Wildlife sightings are common along the Maligne Valley route, including moose, elk, deer, bears, marmots, and bald eagles. Sightings are not guaranteed, but your guide’s local knowledge helps maximize your chances.

What’s the difference between the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour and the Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour?

The Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Cruise follows a set scenic route with stops at iconic locations like Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake, including a boat cruise to Spirit Island. The Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour focuses entirely on finding animals, following a flexible route with no fixed stops to maximize wildlife sightings. In short, this tour emphasizes scenery and iconic locations, while the Wildlife Tour focuses purely on wildlife viewing.

How long is the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Cruise, and where does it go?

The Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Cruise is approximately 6 hours long and explores the scenic Maligne Valley. Stops include Maligne Lookout, Medicine Lake, and Maligne Lake, where you’ll enjoy a 90-minute boat cruise to Spirit Island.

Looking for more details?

Explore all FAQs

Pick-Up Information

Complimentary pick-up is available from selected accommodations within the Jasper Area. If your hotel is not listed below, please choose the central meeting location.

Please refer to this list of accommodations which outlines the locations available for pick-up and their relevant pick-up times.

‍

From Adventurers

The evening wildlife tour exceeded our expectations, both in the diversity of wildlife encountered and the quality of the tour guide/driver. We saw bald eagle, bighorn sheep, elk, moose and mule deer. Bear would have been good but it was not the best time of year for them. Josh was a fantastic guide, extremely knowledgeable, full of anecdotes and humorous. We stayed out longer than the scheduled time as there was so much to see.

Chris

Trip Advisor

Ross provides a fun and informative tour to those visiting Jasper to check out its wildlife evening tour. Enjoyed the hiking tour to Maligne Lake. It was chilly since it was October so layers were essential in the mountains along with a hot chocolate. Maligne Canyon is beautiful with its lichen lined walls bordering the aqua pool and waterfall. This is a definite must do adventure while in Jasper.

Marie D.

Trip Advisor

Beautiful setting and we saw moose! We were with a small group that split off into a smaller group for a hike or a cruise. We chose well! It's a short walk through the woods and near the lake. There's a nice waffle house and lunch room and seating by the lake and indoors for those that bring their own snacks. Highly recommend. Our guide, Catherine was a well informed, biologist / zoologist that had a lot of interest and context to our tour. We also saw sheep and elk along with stunning Mountain views

Lynn

Trip Advisor