Overview

Includes a Scenic Boat Cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake

Join us on an awe-inspiring 45km journey through the Maligne Valley and discover why this area is considered one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. This tour offers an exceptional opportunity to witness Jasper National Park’s vibrant wildlife, and serene lakes.

Please note: Wildlife sightings on this tour are frequent but not guaranteed as we are trying to view these animals in their natural habitat.

Due to damage caused by the 2024 wildfire, Maligne Canyon is currently still closed by Parks Canada for infrastructure repairs to ensure visitor safety, therefore is currently not accessible during tours. A stop is instead made a Maligne Lookout, where you can view the dramatically changed landscape surrounding the canyon from a high vantage. We then spend additional time at the incredibly scenic Medicine Lake, enjoying a shoreline walk taking in stunning perspectives of its towering limestone cliffs

Highlights

Our expert guides will take you on a scenic drive up the Maligne Valley, where you’ll have a chance to encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna, search for abundant wildlife and gain insights into the valley’s natural history.

Along the way, we’ll pause at Medicine Lake for a peaceful walk along the shoreline, where towering limestone cliffs rise above the water and the lake’s changing levels reveal its seasonal ebb and flow. Your guide will share the intriguing geological history of this natural wonder as you enjoy the stunning views.

As we depart Medicine Lake, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. The surrounding forest is prime habitat for an array of iconic Canadian wildlife, including moose, bears and bald eagles.

Arriving at Maligne Lake, embark on a scenic boat cruise where you’ll take in stunning vistas of the lake’s glacial-blue waters and the towering mountains that surround it. You’ll be protected from the elements on the comfortable enclosed boat while you’ll learn about the human and geological history of the area. The 90 minute cruise stops at Spirit Island, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to the famous photo viewpoint and capture some of the most stunning scenery in the Canadian Rockies.

After the cruise, you can enjoy your own packed lunch or purchase a delicious grab-and-go lunch from the Maligne Lakehouse restaurant (additional expense) before we depart back to Jasper.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable tour where you’ll experience the best of Maligne Valley’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Prepare

What we provide

We have a short break for lunch at Maligne Lake. There is the chance to purchase lunch at the Maligne Lakehouse restaurant, although during peak season (July-August) there can often be long lines. To avoid waiting in line, you may wish to bring your own lunch.

What to wear

A small amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
We recommend bringing a small bottle of water.
This tour operates in all weather conditions.
Travel is by comfortable 24-seat minibus and fully covered boat. However, as mountain weather can be unpredictable, participants should bring a rain jacket or umbrella and warm clothing to wear during the outdoor/walking portions of the trip in case of inclement weather.

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.

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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.

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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