Awesome Alberta: Take a boat tour to Jasper's Spirit Island (PHOTOS)
COVID-19 still presents a very real and dangerous threat to public health. While much of Alberta’s outdoors have been reopened to visitors, it is recommended to plan ahead, check local restrictions and current public health measures, and avoid any areas that may be too crowded.
This is the idyllic Rocky Mountain adventure.
Located in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Lake, Spirit Island lives up to its name by being unworldly in its beauty.
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For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from Albertaparks.ca and AdventureSmart. Parks Canada visitor guidelines are available here. Always remember to leave no trace, pack out what you pack in, stick to designated trails, and refrain from feeding wildlife — and please note that irresponsibly taken selfies (even if they look great for the ‘gram) can be fatal.
The small island is located in the midway section of the long lake, meaning that the only way to get to it is by boat.
Luckily for you, Pursuit offers a Maligne Lake Cruise that ferries participants to the stunning spot on the (near) daily, with tours offered from Thursdays to Monday.
The 1.5-hour voyage includes stories about the history of the lake, as well as information about the local flora and fauna.
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Where is it?
The island is located in Maligne lake, which is in turn nestled between Samson Peak, Maligne Mountain, and the Queen Elizabeth Ranges of Jasper National Park.
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How do you get there?
We recommend bringing a friend along so you can switch over during the six-hour drive from Calgary. Plus, two road trip playlists are always better than one.
Drive on 6th Avenue SW and Bow Trail SW to Sarcee Trail SW, then drive on the Trans-Canada Highway/AB-1 W and AB-93 N to Maligne Lake Road for a little under five hours before turning right onto Maligne Lake Road.
You’ll pass through a few national parks like Banff, Yoho and Jasper so you can make a few quick (and beautiful) pit stops to stretch your legs before hopping back into the car to Maligne Lake.
Those driving from Edmonton will be able to make the four-and-a-half-hour drive west along Highway 16 and then head south on Maligne Lake Road.
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What’s there?
When you arrive at Maligne Lake, you’ll be able to see a magnificent view of three glaciers. The boat cruise will take you over to Spirit Island, one of the must-see spots at Maligne Lake, which has a backdrop of peaks and glaciers.
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