Jasper National Park, Alberta

By Caroline Shin
Staff Writer

Ensconce yourself in Jasper’s pristine waters. Go boating! Rowboats and canoes are allowed on most of the ponds and lakes in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Boats with electric motors without on-board generators are allowed on most road-accessible lakes. Use of gas-powered motors is restricted.

Go boating in the Canadian Rockies!

Head to Jasper’s Maligne Lake for stunning views and navigable waters.

Insider Tips: Maligne Lake, Jasper

* The lake is usually calm until about 9 a.m., so we recommend an early start on your first day.

* Do NOT overload your watercraft. Leave at least 30 cm. (12 in.) of free board, the space between the water level and the top of your watercraft.

* The lake is cold and hypothermia is a major concern if you capsize. ALWAYS paddle close to shore and wear a life jacket.

* Tour boats travel down the centre of the lake and usually operate from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. They can create large waves which are best taken head on, bow first.

* Although small watercraft have priority over the powered tour boats, please avoid crossing in front of them. You are putting your life and other people’s in danger.

* The wind is funneled by the mountains and can change direction and intensity very quickly. The wind comes from different directions or changes direction throughout your boating trip. Sudden storms, cold temperatures and occasionally snow can be expected throughout the whole summer.

* If you see that bad weather is coming in, paddle closer to shore, as the wind can change rapidly and create large waves in a matter of minutes.

* A National Park Fishing Permit is required to fish at Maligne Lake. Children under the age of 16 do not require a fishing permit if accompanied by an adult who holds a valid fishing permit.

Please limit your impact on Jasper’s wildlife. Black bears and grizzlies are present in the area. Give all the animals their space and liberty to live naturally in their habitat.