Maligne Lake, Spirit Island in Jasper National Park

Maligne Lake is a lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Maligne lake is famed for the colour of its azure water, the surrounding peaks, the three glaciers visible from the lake, and Spirit Island, a frequently and very famously photographed islet. Maligne lake is located 44 km (27 mi) south of Jasper town, and is accessible by motor vehicle, including shuttle buses from Jasper. Maligne Lake Boat tours run to Spirit Island in the spring to autumn season. The 44 km Skyline Trail, Jasper's most popular, highest and above treeline, multi-day hike, begins at Maligne Lake and finishes near the town of Jasper. Other popular day hikes include the Opal Hills and Bald Hills hiking loops. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

Maligne Lake is approximately 22.5 km (14.0 mi) long and is 97 m (318 ft) at its deepest point, in the south end of the lake. Maligne Lake averages 35 m (115 ft) in depth. It sits at approximately 1,670 m (5,480 ft) asl. Easily visible from the Maligne Lake Day Lodge are Leah and Samson Peaks and Mount Paul to the east, and Mounts Charlton, Unwin, Mary Vaux and Llysfran Peak to the south and west. The Charlton-Unwin, Maligne, and Coronet glaciers are visible from Maligne lake, which boasts a self-sustaining population of introduced rainbow trout and brook trout. Maligne Lake is a popular spot for sport fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Parks Canada maintains three camping sites, accessible only by canoe, at Hidden Cove, Fisherman's Bay and Coronet Creek.

Maligne Lake is fed and drained by the Maligne River, which enters the lake on its south side, near Mount Unwin and drains the lake to the north. Maligne Lake, as well as Maligne River, Maligne Mountain, and Maligne Pass, takes its name from the French word for malignant or wicked. The name was used by Father Pierre-Jean De Smet (1801–1873) to describe the turbulent river that flows from the lake (in the spring), and soon spread to the lake, canyon, pass, mountain and range. It is also possible that early French traders applied the name to the river for its treacherous confluence with the Athabasca River.

Book the Jasper Maligne Lake Boat Cruise
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More Jasper Maligne Valley and Maligne Lake Boat Cruises

Jasper City Sightseeing Tour & Maligne Lake Boat Cruise | The Maligne Lake Boat Cruise | 5.5 Hour Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Boat Cruise

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.