Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park

Maligne Canyon is located in Jasper National Park near Jasper, Alberta, Canada. This slot canyon Eroded out of the Palliser Formation. Maligne canyon measures over 50 metres (160 ft) deep. Popular for sightseeing and exploration, maligne canyon contains waterfalls, underground stream outlets, birds and plant life.

Maligne Canyon Geology

Slot canyons, such as Maligne Canyon are common within the northern Rocky Mountains. These visually striking and unusual canyons show the characteristic of Karst topography and are common in this region due to their easily soluble nature.

Flowing out of Medicine Lake, the Maligne River flows about 15 kilometers upstream as a full size river, but as a losing stream, quickly disappears into seeps in the ground and completely vanishes from the surface not far from the lake for most of the year. The smaller streams that feed the maligne valley below that point rebuild maligne river by the time it reaches the top of the canyon. The river drops down maligne canyon and intersects the bedrock layers where the underground maligne river flows. At this point, numerous large underground streams join and greatly amplify the river flow. Maligne canyon is constantly being eroded by the churning and swirling of the water. The effect of this has made maligne canyon's width 2 metres (6.6 ft) across at some points with a depth of 50 metres (160 ft). Limestone is one of the most dominant minerals within maligne canyon. It was deposited in a shallow tropical sea by plankton which secrete limestone.

Many visitors Hike Maligne Canyon in the summer from pathways and bridges, but seeing Maligne Canyon from a whole new perspective in Winter is especially fascinating! » Hiking Maligne Canyon Maligne Canyon Ice Walk |
In winter you can join a guide for a safe and amazing Ice walking exploration along the frozen canyon floor. Maligne Canyon is an incredible maze of natural ice sculptures. Explore cave systems, fossils, ice caves and towering frozen waterfalls stretching up to 50 metres up maligne canyon's rock walls.
Book the Jasper Maligne Lake Boat Cruise
Booking the Boat tour of Maligne Lake and Spirit Island includes All taxes, fees and handling charges.

More Jasper Maligne Lake Boat Cruise to Spirit Island Information

Maligne Lake Boat Cruise Home »      Jasper Spirit Island Home »

Jasper Spirit Island

Spirit Island was named by the Stoney Nation indigenous people for the experiences their ancestors had at Maligne lake, centuries ago. Spirit Island is a tiny grove of trees and pristine nature separated from the mainland by an isthmus. Spirit Island becomes a true island on Maligne lake for a few short days during the summer.

The attraction of Spirit Island is the backdrop.. impressive mountain peaks and glaciers circling the south end of Maligne Lake, along with deep turquoise water color not present at the North end of the lake. A short path forms a loop from the docks to viewing points overlooking Spirit Island. To preserve the area in its natural state, walking onto Spirit Island is not permitted.