Awesome Alberta: Feast your eyes on the beauty of Maligne Lake (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.
Planning on heading to Jasper National Park soon? Make sure you stop at Maligne Lake, which is known for its picturesque views!
Maligne Lake is the longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, according to Parks Canada, as it stretches for 22 km.
The Indigenous people who lived in the area called it “Chaba Imne,” which means Beaver Lake.
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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.
Where is it?
This enormous lake is found in Jasper National Park, nestled between Samson Peak, Maligne Mountain, and the Queen Elizabeth Ranges.
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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.
What’s there?
When you arrive at Maligne Lake, you’ll be able to see a magnificent view of three glaciers. You can keep exploring the lake by hiking or taking a boat cruise 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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Or come during the night and witness the night sky over the lake’s reflection.
Milky Way over Maligne Lake (Shutterstock)
