Rainy day hikes are just as majestic and beautiful as any other day.

Just because the rain comes in doesn’t limit the activities, indoors and out, to take part in at Jasper National Park. The Canadian Rockies are an enjoyable place year round, and despite the conditions there’s always something to do. Jasper National Park lodge and hotel offerings are always a good time, but here’s a list of some other option to consider when clouds roll by.

Scenic Drives

Fill up the tank and cruise around by car. The mountainous landscape looks just as legendary and beautiful with rainy and swirling clouds as it does in the sun. Waterfalls, canyons, rivers and wildlife are just as noticeable and impressive, not to mention accessible.

Hiking

Grab a rain jacket and hit the trailhead — the wilderness stays outdoors regardless of weather. Visitors up for the thrill of continuing their outdoor activities in the rain can be pleasantly surprised of the cool air and peaceful solitude when grazing through the forests and fields on a rainy day. Cloudy skies lead to majestic views and settings from a fantasy land. And at the end of the day the rewards of a hot chocolate have never been more soothing and well-deserved.

Rafting Trips

Rafting the rivers at Jasper means plunging into water either way, and doing so in the rain definitely helps that the edge off those first chilly splashes. Race through the Athabasca, Fraser and Sunwapta rivers on rapids fun to navigate for all levels.

Miette Hot Springs Pool

Nothing beats a cold rainy day like soaking endlessly in a cozy hot springs pool. Steam rises through the air and patrons slowly sink into a state of relaxation. The Miette Hot Springs is the Candian Rockies’ hottest springs and located 61km east of Jasper. Open May through late November, it’s the perfect escape and soothing outdoor experience.

Indoor Activities

Jasper houses a number of indoor activities from recreation centers to endless shoping boutiques. The Chaba Cinema has two movie theaters, while the summertime also brings local theater performances. The Jasper Municipal Library is located at 500 Robson St and provides also internet access. The Jasper Aquatic Center has a 25-meter pool, waterslide whirlpool and more to try out, and those seeking a more pampered experience can indulge in the many spas in Jasper.

The Jasper Activity Center is full of sport activities, while those wanting to take it easy can stop by video rental stores like Video Stop and Tags. Lastly, Jasper has many captivating museums, such as the Den Wildlife Museum and the Yellowhead Museum and Archive.

Click here to see the Jasper live webcam!

Tags: japser national park, Jasper Activities, movies, museums, Rafting, Scenic Drive
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

By John McKiernan
Staff Writer

With the sun beginning to show itself around Banff and Jasper, the fan mail has almost doubled. That’s right, nearly four letters a week. The beautiful towns of the Canadian Rockies have a winter reputation with some of North America’s best winter activities but many forget that it is a practical paradise during summer. Masood from San Francisco is one of those who wants to know more about Banff and Jasper’s summer activities.

Hello Mr. McKiernan,

I am trying to plan a spur of the moment trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks in the next couple of weeks and was hoping that you might be the man to help me. This is a location I have been meaning to visit for some time now.

My question is:
1. Is this a good time to visit? I am from SF bay area and 50-60.
2. If it is pleasant to visit, then what are some must see spots in a 2-3 day visit?
3. Are all attractions accessible?

Thanks, Masood.

The Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park.

Well, thankyou Masood for your letter and moreso for being the first person to refer to me as mister since the lawyers came after me.

Question 1: Is this a good time to visit?

Not being overly biased but it is always a good time to visit these Canadian havens. However, from your email, I take it that you aren’t looking for extreme snow boarding. Now is definitely a good time to visit. The weather is perfect, the crowds haven’t started arriving yet and there are gentle hikes that will allow you see some great wildlife and scenery. There are also many specials on accommodations and activities off-peak season.

Question 2: What are some ‘must-see’ sights for a 2-3 day visit?

I highly reccommend renting a car for a day or two and taking a cruise to see the Icefields Parkway. It is one of the worlds most spectacular mountain highways with so many animals and sights to see that you really have to try and remember that you are driving. Some of the best photos you will take will come from here. Also, if you fancy a bit of fishing, this is a good spot.
Location: North-south highway route between Lake Louise and Jasper. Fifty minutes west of Banff, two and a half hours west of Calgary, three and a half hours west of Edmonton.

Waterfowl Lake in the shadow of Mt. Chephren, Banff.

Another thing ‘not to be missed’ at this time of year is the Jasper Tramway, the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. This is the most laid back and relaxed way of seeing the stunning views from above. It is also much more economical than renting a helicopter! The best time to go is early morning or late evening as the crowds are generally much slimmer and you have the views all to yourself.

Question 3: Are all attractions accessible?

Summer is the time to go if you are looking for accesible attractions. Whereas during winter, some hikes are closed or considered too dangerous for casual climbers, summer brings a whole new picture. Make sure to ask at your hotel about local conditions but most activities in Banff and Jasper are completely accesible especially if you rent a car. This gives you the independence to sightsee at your own pace. Hope you have a great trip!
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Tags: Banff, Jasper, Jasper Activities
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Jasper, Alberta

By Kay Barbaro
Staff Writer

Hands down, Jasper National Park is one of the most beautiful, inspiring places in the world to visit (and live, if you can do it), in large part because of it’s vast, amazing terrain. If you really want to get out and see some of the best terrain in the Canadian Rockies, and experience it the right way, you’ll want to do an overnight trip here. Below, you’ll find a couple two-night trip suggestions. We also have information on three-night trips, and longer trips in Jasper National Park.

Saturday Night Lake Loop

Medicine Lake, well worth the hike.

This is a great beginners’ trail, partly because it has little elevation gain, partly because it starts and ends in the Jasper townsite. Campsites are at Saturday Night Lake, High Lakes and Minnow Lake. Note: Seasonal fishing in all lakes except Cabin Lake.

Map: Jasper 83D/16.

Distance: 27.5 km.

Elevation gain: 540 m

Maximum elevation: 1700 m.

Jacques Lake

Jacques Lake is a good choice for novice hikers in Jasper National Park. The trailhead is at the south end of beautiful Medicine Lake, 28 km from Jasper townsite. It’s a fairly easy hike. The trail begins with a walk along a fire road for 1.6 km to Beaver Lake. The remaining 10.4 km follow a easy to find trail to the campsite at the far end of Jacques Lake. Note: Camping is not permitted at Beaver Lake. Fishing is not permitted at Jacques Lake.

Map: Medicine Lake 83C/13.

Distance: 12 km one way.

Elevation gain: 90 m.

Maximum elevation: 1555 m.

Geraldine Lakes

Geraldine Lakes is a bit more difficult of a trail, with a quick elevation gain partway in, but it’s well worth the effort. Access to the trailhead is from the Geraldine fire road, just north of Athabasca Falls on Highway 93A. The parking area is 6 km up the fire road. The initial 2 km of this trail are easy, traveling a clear path to the first of the Geraldine Lakes. This is where it gets a little more breathtaking, both due to the scenery and steepness, with each step. Here the trail climbs along a waterfall, crosses a large boulder field and skirts the edge of a small glacial lake (known as a tarn). Then it gets even steeper. You’ll reach the only campsite at the far end of the second lake. Good hiking boots and endurance requirements for this trip. Note: Finding the trail among the boulder field can be tricky; therefore this trail is not recommended for beginners. No open fires.

Map: Athabasca Falls 83C/12.

Elevation gain: 400 m.

Maximum elevation: 1875 m.

Distance: 6 km one way.

Watchtower Basin

Families of bighorn sheep relax in Jasper.

Love steep climbs, creek fording and terrific views? The Watchtower trailhead starts about 19 km from Jasper townsite on Maligne Road. A steep climb leads to an flower-filled (depending on the time of year, of course) alpine meadow. Hikers get to ford the main creek to reach the campsite. Access to the Skyline trail is 3.5 km beyond the campsite. Note: Route finding is a bit difficult between the campsite and Skyline trail.

Map: Medicine Lake 83C/14.

Distance: 9.8 km one way.

Elevation gain: 985 m.

Maximum elevation 2375 m.

Tags: backpacking, Hiking, Jasper Activities, jasper national park
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

by Paul Peters
Editor, CanadianRockies.net

The Old Fort Point Loop trail is a fairly short and simple hike, offering great view of Jasper National Park and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. The hike also contains interesting geological features, and a bit of Canadian Rockies history.

View from the Old Fort Point Loop trail.

Old Fort Point is a prominent bedrock hill standing 130 m above the river. Rounded on its south side, cliffy on its north side, Old Fort Point is a classic roche moutonnée: a bedrock knob shaped by glaciers.

The loop trail over the top is steep in places, but it provides an excellent view of Jasper and its surroundings. The name Old Fort probably refers to Henry House, a North West Company cabin built near here in 1811, now gone but commemorated as a National Historic Site.

The quickest route to the big view at the top of the hill is up the stairs that start by the cliff. (The stairs lead to a Canadian Heritage Rivers plaque about the Athabasca.) But it’s a steep climb. Instead, we recommend the wide, easy path that begins behind the trail information kiosk. Follow Trail 1 up a short hill and on through the woods.

At 1.3 km you climb a very steep section, with 30 m of elevation gain in a short distance, beside an outcrop of the oldest rock in Jasper National Park. The layer is Precambrian, about 750 million years old. Take a close look at this unusual rock. It’s breccia, made of angular chunks of pink limestone.

What you’ll see:

Viewing clockwise: Mt. Edith Cavell (always snow-streaked) to the south, The Whistlers (mountain with the tramway terminal near the top).

From the trail, you'll see Mount Athabasca, one of Jasper's finest.

To the southwest, the valley of the Miette River leading west toward Yellowhead Pass and B.C., the town of Jasper across the Athabasca River, the reddish quartzite of the Victoria Cross Range

To the northwest beyond the town (the peak with a microwave relay station on top is Pyramid Mountain), Lac Beauvert and Jasper Park Lodge

To the north (other lakes visible northward: Annette and Edith), the gray limestone of the Colin Range to the northeast, rounded Signal Mountain and the cliffs of Mt. Tekarra to the east,

To the southeast, Mt. Hardisty (sloping layers) and Mt. Kerkeslin (layers bowed gently down).

Distance (on trail): 3.5 km return or 1-2 hours.

Distance to the trailhead from town: 1.6 km.

Trailhead: From town or from Highway 16, follow Highway 93A to the Old Fort Point/Lac Beauvert access road. Turn left, cross the Athabasca River on the old iron bridge, then park in the lot on the right.

Tags: Hiking, Jasper, Jasper Activities, trail
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

by Paul Peters
Editor
The Canadian Rockies offer endless ways of seeing the park through various activities. One of the most exhilarating and accessible activities is helicopter touring. Helicopter tours in and around the Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Parks offer an alternative view of the park, and tours made to fit any person, from heli-sking and heli-hiking, to heli-weddings and heli-yoga.

Get high above the Canadian Rockies and Jasper for some of the most spectacular views.

Yes, you read that last one right. Icefield Helicopter Tours, in conjuction with Martha’s Heli-hikes, offers a heli-yoga trip, which pretty much means all bases are covered as far who might be interested in a heli-trip.Ralph Sliger, owner of Icefields Helicopter Tours, talks about the unique opportunities heli-tours offer to people visiting the Canadian Rockies.
“You’re actually getting into the backcountry where there are no roads,” he says. “You’re seeing the actual wilderness. When you can see for 100 miles in all directions, it’s quite impressive. Gives you a sense for how big Canada actually is.”
You can probably guess from their name that Icefield Helicopter Tours features tours of the Columbia Icefields, one of the largest icefields in North America.
“When you’re out over the icefields,” he says, “as far as you can see there’s nothing but the icefields, peaks and glaciers. It’s a whole different world up there.”
And while he says that the tours are exceptional, he notes that one of the most amazing things is actually getting out of the helicopter once it has flown you to a remote location. “When you get  out and experience the quiet of nature, well, you can’t get that anywhere else,” Sliger says. “That’s what we offer, is an experience.”
Hjalmar Tiesenhausen started Jasper’s High Country Helicopter Tours in 1996.
“It’s been an amazing 13 years already,” he says, “and we’ve had so much fun and enjoyment from doing this that we will be doing this for many years to come. Its not a job – it’s a labour of love.”
The heliport for High Country Helicopter Tours is based just east of Jasper on Hwy 16 (near the KOA).  High Country offers transportation services if you didn’t bring or rent a vehicle, and heli-tours year round, no matter what season (although reservations are highly recommended).
“We are the closest, easiest, and I think most scenic way to see the Rockies when visiting Jasper National Park” Tiesenhausen says. “One of our most wonderful features is the many elk that hang around Talbot Lake each summer. Also, the bighorn sheep at Disaster Point and of course the Miette Hotsprings can be a wonderful addition to an amazing flight over the many peaks and rivers of the Eastern Slopes of the Canadian Rockies.”
Jo-anne Kobelt of Alpine Helicopters is equally enthusiastic about heli-hiking.
Alpine, she says, typically takes customers out to Mount Charles Stewart. Normally, she says it would be an eight-hour hike, one-way, to get to Charles Stewart. But the flight takes all of eight minutes.
Despite the short flight, she says, “It feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere. This area is just pristine, there are no trails, it’s literally untouched. When we set down it looks like no one has ever been there.”
Alpine Helicopters helps keep that “middle of nowhere” feeling by only taking up groups of 15 or fewer, and making sure no one disturbs the natural features of the terrain.
Gordon Stermann of White Mountain Adventures, the company that guides Alpine’s heli-hikes, says, “It’s an incredible experience for people to leave civilization completely behind in just a few minutes of helicopter flying. Once we land at the Charles Stewart site we are on our own. The world goes quiet, and you have time to slow down, look around you and … breathe!”
As far as the aerial tours Alpine offers, Kobelt says, “It’s a once in a lifetime experience. You just can’t believe what you see, it’s like a National Geographic film.”
She says they generally get two reactions from people the first time they fly over the Canadian Rockies.
“People either get up there and they don’t stop talking because they’re so excited,  or they’re mouths are hanging open and their eyes are glued to the window,” she says.
Despite these two reactions, she says, “We’ve never had a customer that doesn’t have a look of astonishment.”
Children ask “Can I go again?”
Kobelt also adds that some people are occasionally frightened by the prospect of going up in a helicopter, but she says that afterward, “People say they feel more secure in a helicopter than in an airplane.”

Tags: Helitours, Jasper Activities, jasper national park, tours
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Jasper, Alberta

By Kay Barbaro
Staff Writer

Of all the not-to-miss sights in Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies (and let’s admit it, there’s a lot of them) one of the best for seeing the power of nature in the park are the Athabasca Falls.

The Athabasca River at sunrise.

The 23-metre Athabasca Falls is not very high by Canadian Rockies standards, but the volume of the river is what makes it one of the most powerful in the Rockies. At the falls, the water passes over a layer of hard quartzite.

Over the years, the water has cut into the softer limestone beneath, carving intricate features, including potholes and a short canyon.

The Athabasca River is the largest river system in Jasper, with the enormous Columbia Icefields as its source. In 1810, David Thompson, Canada’s premier map-maker and explorer, plied the Athabasca in search of a viable fur trade route to the Pacific Ocean. Discovering Athabasca Pass in early January 1811, David Thompson’s route helped establish Canada as a country that spans the North American continent.

In 1862, the Overlanders traveled along the Athabasca River headed for the Cariboo Goldrush, followed 30 years later by two national railways. Today one railway and a transcontinental highway follow parts of the river through the park. Recognized for its historical, natural and recreational values, the Athabasca was designated a Canadian heritage river in 1989.

Caution – Mist from the falls covers surrounding rocks with a thin, slippery film of water. For your own safety, do not cross the railings.

Tags: Athabasca Falls, hikes, Jasper Activities, jasper national park
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Jasper, Alberta

Kay Barbaro
Staff Writer

Despite all the amazing things Jasper National Park has to offer, icefields, glaciers, and waterfalls it also happens to have the only sand dunes in all the Canadian Rockies.

Jasper Lake sand dune, photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

The dunes were formed at the edge of Jasper Lake during the last ice age, and have been constantly re-shaped by wind and water ever since.

Jasper Lake is a wide, shallow section of the Athabasca River beside the Yellowhead Highway. As water from the river flows into the lake, silt and sand sink down to the lake bed. In the fall, when the water level goes down, the silt and sand are exposed and become dry, and are then swept up by the strong westerly winds of the Athabasca Valley.

Eventually the winds blow the sand and silt down the valley, forming two huge dune islands near the northwest shore of Jasper Lake.

In the on the backside of the dunes, away from the winds, mature clumps of spruce and balsam poplar have gained a stronghold, while colonizing grasses, rose bushes and willows wage a constant war against the winds and migrating sands. Nowhere else in the park is the balance of nature so apparent – or so fragile – as in the Jasper Lake sand dunes.

Tags: Jasper Activities, jasper national park, Sand Dunes
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Jasper, Alberta

By Kay Barbaro
Staff Writer

Ok, you’re here in Jasper National Park, you’re all amped up about vacation, and you have no idea what to do. Stop pacing your hotel room lobby, check out this quick activities list, and start enjoying the Canadian Rockies right away.

In Jasper, the road to an awesome vacation is right out your back door.

In 1 Hour, you can:

Learn about Jasper’s history at the Yellowhead Museum & Archives.
Take a look at Alberta’s natural beauty on display at the Wildlife Den in the Whistler’s Inn.
Hike or bike the Lake Annette Loop (check the Information Centre for conditions and trail advisories).
Go shopping! Check out the many quaint and unique boutiques and gift shops in Jasper.
Walk around Jasper; enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountains.

Grab an ice cream cone or some homemade fudge and sit on one of the many benches located throughout Jasper.
Have a picnic! Grab a picnic lunch at one of Jasper’s fine restaurants, lay your blanket down on the Information Centre lawn and relax.
Take a town tour in Jasper’s newest and greenest transportation, Jasper Pedi-Cab.

In two 2 Hours, you can:

Hike Old Fort Point Loop (check the Information Centre for conditions and trail advisories).
Visit Maligne Canyon, where you’ll find hiking trails for people of all levels.
Visit Athabasca Falls.
Enjoy a Jasper Motorcycle Tours experience. Offered for the first time in the Canadian Rockies.

Experience a chauffeured Harley Davidson sidecar tour that is a thrill and adventure for all ages.
Go see a movie in the evening at the Chaba Theatre.
Shop till you drop at Jasper’s charming stores.

In 3 Hours:

Visit Maligne Canyon, walk the six bridges, viewing the limestone gorges and waterfalls.
Check out Jasper Peak Attraction, the Jasper Tramway, for an aerial view of Jasper and Athabasca Valley
Hike the Valley of the Five Lakes (check the Information Centre for conditions and trail advisories).
Enjoy the views of Jasper National Park from horseback with either Skyline Trails or Pyramid Riding stables. Jasper townsite and carriage rides also available.
See and hear birds as never before on a guided birding tour!

Beauty is just a short trip away in Jasper.

With a 1/2 Day:

Drive the scenic Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield and go onto the Athabasca glacier in an ice buggy.
Want to try cliff diving? Head to Horseshoe Lake on the Ice Parkway for some adrenaline pumping fun! (Jump/swim at your own risk)
From mild to wild, try whitewater rafting or a river float trip with one of many Jasper rafting companies.
Enjoy the scenic drive to Mount Edith Cavell and hike the easy path to the bottom of Angel Glacier or hike to the meadows and for a bird’s eye view of Angel Glacier.
Drive to Maligne Lake, take a boat cruise and visit an icon of Jasper, Spirit Island or rent a canoe, fish or hike to a choice of alpine meadows (check the Information Centre for conditions and trail advisories).
Take a dip in the Miette Hot Springs and let the warm water relax every muscle.
Check out Jasper Peak Attraction, the Jasper Tramway, for an aerial view of Jasper and Athabasca Valley.

Dine in the Treeline restaurant at the top of Whistler’s Mountain.
Hike one of the many longer trails around Jasper (you can obtain a Summer Trails brochure/map from the Information Centre)

Tags: hikes, Jasper Activities, jasper national park, shopping
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

The Pyramid Lake area of Jasper National Park, accessed by the Pyramid Road, offers some amazing sights great chances to see the wildlife of the Canadian Rockies, on a relatively short drive from the town of Jasper.

Beginning within the townsite, follow Connaught Drive and turn right onto Cedar Avenue, which becomes Pyramid Lake Road shortly after passing the Recreation Centre. Climbing a bench above town, it meanders through a Douglas fir forest.

Pyramid Mountain, one of Jasper's most photogenic sights.

One of the largest trees in the Canadian Rockies, a thick cork layers allow these giants to survive all but the largest forest fires. As a result, some large Douglas fir trees can be almost a metre in diametre. Most average around 50 cm.

Typical of the true Montane forest, the Douglas fir thrives in the Chinook blasted valleys of the Athabasca River. Pyramid Bench sports more than 20 small lakes left behind by the action of glaciers. With this plethora of ponds, the area is also riddled with trails to access to many of these tranquil locales. Watch for elk and deer, along with the occasional moose, black bear and grizzly. A gated road at the 2 km mark blocks access to Cabin Lake, the town’s main water supply.

Although most fireroads have been made redundant with the advent of helicopters, this road still forms one of the townsite’s first lines of defense. For mountain bikers, it provides access to the Saturday Night Loop, a 28.9 km (17.3 mi.) loop trail which skirts the shoreline of several local lakes. Just beyond the Cabin Lake access, the road passes a cottonwood slough. The “cottonwood” trees in this case are trembling aspen and balsam poplar, part of the same family as the true cottonwoods.

One of the premier birding locations in the park, keep your eyes open for birds like the barred owl, pied-billed grebe, and Barrow’s goldeneye. As the sun goes down, watch for the careful movements of beaver and moose. Along the shores of Patricia Lake, Patricia Lake Bungalows provide quiet accommodation. A boat rental allows for a relaxing paddle. Beneath these waters lie the remains of a top secret world war II project—code name Project Habbakuk. The idea, which came directly from Winston Churchill’s office, was to build an unsinkable battleship. How could this be accomplished? The answer seemed simple; it would be made completely out of ice. Where better to build a prototype than within the frozen wasteland of Canada, specifically Patricia Lake. A 1:50 scale model was built, and they managed to keep it frozen during the summer of 1943.

Unfortunately, the astronomical cost of actually deploying a full-size ship became apparent, and the venture was dropped. The refrigeration equipment was turned off, and the prototype sunk to the bottom where it still rests. Divers routinely explore the bottom to marvel at the remains of this unique structure.

The road ends at Pyramid Lake. This lake allows gasoline powered motors, and boats are available for rent at Pyramid Lake Bungalows. Cast a line for rainbow and lake trout along with Rocky Mountain Whitefish. In fact the Alberta record white sucker was taken in Pyramid Lake. During winter, a lighted skating rink is maintained on the lake surface.

Highlights: Douglas Fir forest, Pyramid Bench, Aspen forest, Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake.
Activities: Sightseeing, photography, walking, hiking.
Location: begin from Jasper Townsite.
Time: Minimum of one half-hour for driving.

Tags: Hike, Hiking, Jasper Activities, jasper national park
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Jasper National Park, Alberta

No trip to Jasper National Park, or the Canadian Rockies, for that matter, would be complete without a side trip to Maligne Lake. Separated from the Banff/Jasper Highway by the rugged Maligne Range, this 46 km. (29 mi.) road follows the glacial valley separating this range from the neighbouring Queen Elizabeth Ranges. The main access is along Highway 16, approximately 5 km. east of Jasper.

The Basics

Medicine Lake, one of the most beautiful sights in the Maligne Lake area.

Highlights: Jasper Park Lodge Road, Hanging Valley Viewpoint, Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake, Whitewater Rafting, Rose Marie’s Rock, Maligne Lake.
Activities: Sightseeing, photography, walking, hiking, canoeing, whitewater rafting.
Location: 5 kilometres East of Jasper.
Time: Minimum of two hours.

Camera-ready

As you drive this winding road, keep your eyes open for wildlife. Many a grizzly has been seen wandering its isolated hillsides and lakeshores. There are also potentials for black bear, elk, moose, mule and white-tail deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. A camera and film are essential, but please stay in your vehicles when you see animals, and please keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the wildlife.

The resorts

Immediately after crossing the bridge, the road to Jasper Park Lodge branches off to the right. Beginning as a tent camp, it is now a destination resort operated by Canadian Pacific Hotels & Resorts. Along the road to the lodge, the road to Lakes Edith and Annette exits to the left. These spring-fed lakes are a popular day use are for locals and visitors alike. Technically, known as kettles, they were formed when huge blocks of glacial ice were buried by debris. As the ice melted, the overlying material collapsed into the depression, and the melting ice formed a small lake. In the summer, the lakes warm up to allow swimming—warm lakes are a luxury in the Rockies.

As you approach Jasper Park Lodge, you skirt the shores of Mildred Lake, locally known as Laundry Lake because of its proximity to the lodge laundry department. Watch for a large water spout in the centre of the lake. As the golf course tightens the taps on its irrigation system, the water backs up and sprays high into the air on Laundry Lake.

Continuing on the Maligne Lake Road

As you pass the road to Jasper Park Lodge, tune in your radio to AM 1490 (AM 1230 for French) for a Parks Canada radio broadcast on early adventurers in this area. For a pleasant picnic, take the side road to Fifth and Sixth bridge picnic areas, or continue on to Maligne Canyon.

Hanging Valley Viewpoint

At kilometre 6 (mile 4), an easy to miss sign indicates a viewpoint to the left. Take this exit for an excellent panorama of the Athabasca Valley and the town of Jasper. The Maligne valley is a classic hanging valley. Large glaciers are able to carve large valleys, and conversely, smaller glaciers carve smaller valleys. Since the Maligne valley glacier was merely a tributary of the much larger Athabasca valley glacier, it left behind a shallower valley. When the ice melted, the difference became obvious as the smaller Maligne valley was left stranded high above the much lower Athabasca valley.

From this viewpoint, near the lip of the valley, you get a wonderful view of the vastness of the valley left behind by the Athabasca valley glacier. Across the valley, Pyramid Mountain looms with its CNCP telecommunications tower on the summit. To the left of the townsite, Whistlers Mountain and its ever-present tramway rule the skyline. In the valley bottom, Jasper lies peacefully.

Maligne Canyon

Shortly after leaving the Hanging Valley Viewpoint, turn left into the Maligne Canyon day-use area. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Jasper’s geological marvels. When glacial melt left the Maligne valley stranded high above the Athabasca valley, the Maligne River needed to find a way to drain its runoff into this lower valley. To accomplish this task, it began to rapidly erode this narrow canyon to reduce the difference in altitude between the two valleys. In some cases, the canyon is only a few metres wide, but as much as 50 m. (160 ft.) deep.

The trail is well maintained, but gets steep in places, so take your time and enjoy the magic of the place. Despite its beauty, the canyon has an almost hypnotic effect on visitors, particularly photographers. Avoid the temptation to climb past barriers for the perfect image. Many photographers have died here doing just that. Enjoy the magic, but please stay behind the barriers. They are there for good reason.

Medicine Lake

Much of the drainage from the surrounding mountains leaves this valley through a hidden drainage network of underground caves. Medicine Lake dramatically illustrates the effectiveness of this underground drainage system, and gains its name from its curious habit of vanishing every autumn. It acts like a large bathtub with the plug pulled. If you add water fast enough, the tub will fill with water despite the water running down the drain.

In the case of Medicine Lake, upwards of 24,000 litres (4,000 gallons) of water go down the drain every second. During the runoff of summer, enough water is flowing into the lake from local streams to surpass the drainage. Before long, the lake bed begins to fill, and by late spring, Medicine Lake is in its full glory. By September, the runoff has dropped off, and the lake rapidly drains.

The cave drainage system beneath Medicine Lake resurfaces below Maligne Canyon, more than 17 km. (11 mi.) downstream. This qualifies it as the longest underground drainage system in the country. On two different occasions, attempts were made to plug the drain, once using old mattresses, the other using magazines—neither had any effect.

Medicine Lake also provides excellent opportunity to catch your dinner. Its quiet waters teem with eastern brook trout. These fish were originally stocked in 1927, and since then have thrived. Prior to this, there were no fish in the lake—after all, how would they have gotten there? With its underground drainage system, Medicine Lake has no above ground outlet to allow fish to migrate upstream. It is formed strictly from glacial runoff.

Whitewater Rafting

Be ready to see lots of wildlife on this trip.

At kilometre 35 (mile 22), the road passes the takeout point for whitewater rafters and kayakers. Keep your eyes open for some of these icy adventurers. The frigid waters of the Maligne River rarely surpass a few degrees above freezing, but despite its chilly nature, the stretch between Maligne Lake and this pullout represents one of the provinces most popular rafting destinations.

Rose Marie’s Rock

At kilometre 41 (mile 25), the road crosses a bridge over the Maligne River. Looking upstream, a large rock is visible in the middle of the river. This rock was showcased during filming of the 1953 classic Rose Marie, starring Howard Keel and Ann Blyth. No, Nelson Eddy didn’t sing to Jeanette Macdonald here, despite the sign in the Maligne Lake Restaurant! It was the remake of this classic movie that was actually filmed here.

Maligne Lake

Welcome to one of the most picturesque spots in the Canadian Rockies. Nestled between Leah Peak, Samson Peak and Mount Paul on the left, and Mounts Charlton, Unwin, Mary Vaux and Llysfran Peak to the right, it offers unlimited photographic potential. The lake was created when a landslide off the surrounding Opal Hills released almost 500-million-m³ (almost 700 million-yd³) of material into the lower valley. This natural dam caused the water to backup forming the present lake. Like Medicine Lake, fish stocking in the early part of the century has created a fisherman’s paradise. Don’t forget to pick up your National Park fishing license before hand.

History

In 1875, railroad surveyor Henry MacLeod recorded the first non-native exploration of this valley. Looking for a route for Canada’s planned transcontinental railway, he found the valley to be blocked at its eastern terminus. Perhaps the best reflection of his expedition can be found in his dubbing the lake at the valley’s eastern end “Sore Foot Lake” (now Maligne Lake).

The lake remained quiet until 1908 when a Quaker from Pennsylvania, Mary Schäffer, hired local guide Billy Warren to take her to Chaba Imne (Stoney for Beaver Lake). Along with her was long-time friend Mary Adams. The party had explored Jasper the year prior, but had not been able to reach the lake before snowfall. Mary wrote in her journal:
“Indians, of course, had been there, but, unless a prospector or timber-cruiser had come in by way of the Athabaska River, we had reason to feel we might be the first white people to have visited it.”

As you drive this winding road, keep your eyes open for wildlife. Many a grizzly has been seen wandering its isolated hillsides and lakeshores. There are also potentials for black bear, elk, moose, mule and white-tail deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat. A camera and film are essential, but please stay in your vehicles when you see animals, and please keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the wildlife.

Crossing the Athabasca River over the H.J. Moberly Bridge, you pay tribute to one of Jasper’s earliest pioneer families. Henry Moberly worked as a Factor for the Hudson’s Bay Company, settling in the Jasper area in 1858. He lived until 1931, and this bridge, built in 1940, is dedicated to his memory.

Maligne Lake

Boat tours along the lake are a must for visitors to the area. Culminating with a visit to world famous “Spirit Island”, they offer endless views of the surrounding ranges, and provide the most civilized way to see the further reaches of this magnificent lake.

Tags: Jasper Activities, jasper national park, Maligne Lake
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