Looking for something different to do on your Jasper vacation? Want a sightseeing/Jasper tour activity that gives that one-of-a-kind “wow” experience? Check out the Maligne Lake boat cruise. The cruise, run by Maligne Tours, has certainly earned its accolades, having been named Canada’s best boat cruise by Reader’s Digest and celebrating 100 years of tourism.

The cruise takes you on a 90-minute tour to Spirit Island. a well-known Canadian Rockies sight.

The tour is fully narrated with, a crew explaining history, glaciology and geology of the area. What’s great is that you don’t just see the island from a distance on a boat, but are allowed to step off onto Spirit Island. It’s only about an hour out of Jasper, and with the tour taking about 90-minutes, you’ll want to dedicate about a half day to the trip.

Maligne Lake sits a good 2000 feet above the town of Jasper, so you should be prepared for quick changes in the weather and temperature. Camping is allowed around the lake’s shores, and campers can rent canoes and kayaks from Maligne Tours

The Malinge Lake tour is a great way to get out and see some of the back country of Jasper National Park, without having to strap on a backpack. Maligne Lake and spirit island are also iconic among photographers, ever since a local photographer won a Kodak photo contest in New York City, using a photo of this beautiful island.

Maligne Lake recently celebrated 100 years of tourism,  beginning when Mary Schafer first laid eyes on this jewel of a lake, credited as the first non-indigenous person to see it.

It didn’t take people long to realize this would be a big attraction, and cruises started back in the 1920s. Maligne Tours has been running people to Spirit Island since 1977.

The cruise season runs from mid-May to the first week of October. Adults pay $55 and children half-price. Visitors are invited to enjoy the restaurant and heritage boat house located on the lake.