Overview

Explore the Most Spectacular Scenery in the Canadian Rockies

Embark on a 45km breathtaking journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in Jasper National Park, showcasing the region’s vibrant wildlife, and stunning lakes.

The tour begins with a scenic drive up the Maligne Valley, where you’ll encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna and search for abundant wildlife while our expert guides provide insight into the valley’s natural history.

Highlights

En route, we’ll stop at Medicine Lake for a relaxing lakeside hike. Take in the serene beauty of the lake and enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and dramatic vistas, while learning about the fascinating geological history of the area.

As we depart Medicine Lake, the surrounding forest is prime habitat for an array of iconic Canadian wildlife, including moose, bears and bald eagles. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready, as you never know what majestic creatures you might encounter.

Arriving at the world-renowned Maligne Lake, you’ll take in beautiful lakeshore vistas on a 2 to 3km interpretive nature walk. Follow the easy-grade trail loop back into the forested surrounds while your guide shares intriguing ecological facts and may even spot some elusive resident wildlife.

After your hike, 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.

Join us on this unforgettable tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Maligne Valley.

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 and is not accessible during tours. Instead, we stop at Maligne Lookout to take in dramatic views of the changed canyon landscape, then spend extra time at Medicine Lake, enjoying the shoreline hike and spectacular scenery of its towering limestone cliffs.

Prepare

What we provide

A moderate amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Travel is by comfortable 24-seat minibus. 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.
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 belong lines. To avoid waiting in line, you may wish to bring your own lunch.
We recommend bringing a small bottle of water.
This tour operates in all weather conditions.

What to wear

FAQs

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

Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers, and weather-appropriate gear such as a rain jacket. You may also bring water, snacks, or a packed lunch. Food may also be purchased 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 Lakeside Hike suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, this tour is suitable for families with active guests. The lakeside hike involves a 2–3 km walk and is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Guests looking for minimal walking may prefer the boat cruise option.

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 Spirit Island on the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Lakeside Hike?

No — Spirit Island is located approximately 13 km down Maligne Lake and is only accessible by boat. Guests looking to visit Spirit Island should choose the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Cruise, which includes a boat trip to this iconic location.

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

Wildlife sightings are common along the Maligne Valley route, including moose, elk, deer, bears, marmots, and bald eagles. You may also occasionally spot wildlife during the lakeside hike. 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 Lakeside Hike follows a set scenic route with stops at iconic locations, including a guided hike at Maligne Lake.The Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour focuses entirely on spotting animals, following a flexible route with no fixed stops to maximize wildlife sightings.In short, this tour emphasizes scenery and landmarks, while the Wildlife Tour focuses purely on wildlife viewing.

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

The Maligne Valley Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour with Lakeside Hike 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 guided 2–3 km lakeside hike.

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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