8 BEST Things to do at Maligne Lake, Jasper +Tips for Visiting in 2025

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Important Update: Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper experienced severe wildfire damage. Limited services and attractions are available around Jasper and in Jasper town. Please refer to Jasper National Park’s page as well as this list of what’s open in the town of Jasper for updates before planning your trip.

When it comes to the best things to do in Jasper, few compare to a mesmerizing visit to Maligne Lake. Surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, Canadian pine trees, and glaciers, Maligne Lake is truly one of nature’s finest creations.

I’ve personally visited Maligne Lake three times now and try to do something different every time. What I’ve come to realize is visiting once isn’t even enough, there is simply too much to do here! 

To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together this complete guide to Maligne Lake. I’ll share helpful info including parking, tours, and the best things to do. Some of these activities only take 20 minutes and others will have you hiking through the backcountry for up to four days – so you’ve got options!

About Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a long, thin lake that stretches for 22.5 kilometers (14 miles), and it’s famous for its sky-blue color, as well as for being the home to Spirit Island, which is one of the most photographed destinations in the world. Even if you haven’t heard of Spirit Island, you’ll probably recognize it from a screensaver, calendar, or postcard.

The lake averages 35 meters (115 feet) in depth but it’s 97 meters (318 feet) at its deepest point. It’s surrounded by giant mountains and glaciers, and during the summer bears, wolves, caribou, and moose can often be spotted close by. Sadly though, I’ve never been lucky enough to spot a moose at Maligne Lake – guess I’ll just have to go back!

The lake has long been an area of spiritual significance to the Indigenous people of Canada, who also used to visit the lake during the summer to hunt and fish. However, it was first put on the map by Mary Schäffer and Samson Beaver. Schäffer was a notable explorer, while Beaver was a Stoney Nakoda guide and trail setter. 

Schäffer‘s first attempt to find the lake was unsuccessful, but Beaver drew her a map that enabled her to find it, which resulted in her writing several books on the area that began to attract tourists.

Things to do at Maligne Lake, Jasper

1. Maligne Lake Cruise

The famous Maligne Lake Cruise is easily one of the highlights of Maligne Lake. The cruise is accessible to everyone, only takes 1.5 hours, and visits many of the highlights on the lake.

This cruise is unique because you’ll see lots of scenery that you can’t see from the car-accessible side of the lake. Expect glaciers, Spirit Island, and many more mountain peaks that will leave you stunned by the beauty, at least that’s what happened to me!

By far the most impressive part of the cruise is visiting Spirit Island. This famous island is known as one of the most photographed places in Jasper National Park and after visiting for myself, I can see why – it’s really that goregous!

Our experience on the cruise began with around an hour’s journey out to Spirit Island. We learned all about the lake, the mountain peaks around it, and spotted a few glaciers – I’m pretty sure my jaw was on the floor the entire time! Our guide on the cruise really knew his stuff and the commentary was interesting and entertaining.

Once we docked near Spirit Island we got off the boat and took a short walk up to a viewpoint of Spirit Island.

From this viewpoint, we could not only see Spirit Island but also the huge mountains around it. The view is one of the best I’ve seen! We spent around 15 minutes enjoying the views and taking photos from the dock before we boarded the cruise again and headed back.

On the cruise back we headed outside onto the back deck of the boat to enjoy the views again, but this time in the fresh air. We also learned about native traditions on Spirit Island and why it’s so important, which honestly made this experience even more special.

Overall, the Maligne Lake Cruise was a highlight of our Jasper trip and is a must-do at Maligne Lake! We wrote a whole review about it, read it here for more info.

You too can join the Maligne Lake Cruise for $89 CAD from June through mid-October. It has multiple departure times throughout the day and operates 7 days a week, so you can easily fit it into your schedule (and you should!).

You can read the hundreds of 5-star reviews and pre-book your Maligne Lake Cruise here!

2. Mary Schaeffer Loop

The best free way to enjoy the views of Maligne Lake is to take a relaxing walk along the Mary Schaeffer Loop. The loop which starts from the car parking lot follows the edge of the lake to a viewpoint before turning inland and looping back around to where it started.

You can choose to either complete the full loop or hike to the viewpoint and turn around to walk along the lake again. Personally, I suggest the latter as the views on the edge of the lake really are the highlights of this trail.

Be sure to find the famous Jasper National Park red chairs. These are located all around the park with two located along the Mary Schaeffer Loop. I got spooked by deer whilst sitting in one and thinking it was a moose at first, I got quite the fright!

The full Mary Schaeffer Loop is just over 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) and takes around 45 minutes to complete. Along the way, you can see deer and even moose if you’re lucky! Both times I’ve done the trail I’ve seen deer, however, moose never seem to show their faces. For that, you’d be better off hiking the next thing to do at Maligne Lake on this list!

Mary Schaeffer Loop is also great for snowshoeing in the winter months! Since snowshoeing is one of the best things to do in Jasper in winter, rent some in town and then head out to Maligne Lake for a winter adventure. Maligne Lake is also much less busy during winter, but equally as beautiful!

Related Read: Looking for a winter getaway? Jasper in the winter is one of my favorite times of year, it is absolutely stunning and there is so much to do!

3. Moose Lake Loop

As the name suggests, Moose Lake Loop is both a great place to spot moose and enjoy a stunning hike. The trail is short at only 2.7 kilometers (1.6 miles) return and starts from the end of Maligne Lake Road.

From the car parking lot, you’ll begin by walking along the edge of the lake on the opposite side of Maligne Lake to the Mary Schaeffer Loop. After a short while, you’ll turn inland and make your way toward Moose Lake. Along the way be sure to check out some of the stunning Alberta wildflowers, along the trail there are plenty!

Once you reach Moose Lake you need to keep quiet if you want any chance of spotting moose. Moose tend to scare easily and if they see or hear you they’ll likely move on. Unfortunately, I never saw any and in my opinion, you’d need to leave early in the morning before others hike the trail to get a good chance at spotting one.

After visiting the lake the trail continues on until you reach a T-junction. Here, turn right and follow the trail until you meet an access road at which you’ll turn right again and head back towards the car parking lot.

Overall, the trail is super easy and with the chance to see a moose, it’s worth checking out!

Getting there: To reach the trailhead you’ll need to drive past the first Maligne Lake car parking and cross the bridge over the Maligne River. From here, follow the road around till you see the next car parking lot. The hike is signposted from here.

4. Canoe on Maligne Lake

Throughout the Canadian Rockies, you’ll find canoes paddling the breathtaking alpine lakes. It’s one of the most popular activities in Canada and a great way to enjoy any lake all while leaving as little of an environmental footprint behind as possible.

At Maligne Lake, it’s no different and on any summer day, the lake is filled with canoes. From the water, you can paddle throughout the lake and enjoy unspoiled views of the mountains and surrounding glaciers.

Maligne Lake is actually 22 kilometers (13.5 miles) long so it is impossible to canoe the entire lake in a day (unless you’re an avid rower!). However, along Maligne Lake, there are lots of backcountry campsites you can use to break up the journey and make an epic adventure out of your visit.

One of the most popular trips is to Spirit Island. To reach the island you’ll need to paddle over 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) so the most popular thing to do is to stay at the Fisherman’s Bay Campground to break up the journey. It’s still a lot of paddling but is doable over the two days.

At Maligne Lake, you can either bring your own canoe or rent one from the Maligne Lake Boat House, right on the lake. Canoe and kayak rentals start at $80 CAD for an hour and are $160 CAD per day.

5. Waffle Hut

Yep, that’s right! Maligne Lake has its own Waffle Hut serving up amazing fresh waffles all with spectacular views. The Waffle Hut is a must-visit, especially on those colder days when you’re looking for a warm place to relax and fuel up.

As you can imagine, the delicious waffles are best served with Canadian maple syrup and fresh Canadian berries. My recommendation is to get waffles with maple vanilla syrup – it is to die for! They also serve savory waffles with things like egg, sausage, and even turkey just in case you don’t have a sweet tooth.

For coffee lovers, you can also enjoy cappuccinos, espressos, lattes, and a range of teas!

I love a reward after a hike or long canoe, and the Waffle Hut is always something I look forward to – it’s THAT tasty.

The waffles at the Waffle House cost around $10-14 CAD, however, if you want their fried chicken waffle it will cost $15 CAD. Overall, it’s great value for the quality of the ingredients and the spectacular views of Maligne Lake from the restaurant window!

Related Read: If you’re a foodie be sure to check out a couple of the absolute best restaurants in Jasper!

6. Bald Hills Trail

If you want to enjoy one of the best views of Maligne Lake then Bald Hills Trail is a must. This 10-kilometer (6-mile) return trail takes you high above the valley only to stare down at Maligne Lake and the mountains around you.

The trail is very popular and is considered one of the best in the area. Although the trail follows the old fire road which isn’t that scenic, there is a shortcut, that although much steeper, is much more spectacular.

To find the shortcut keep an eye out around 2 kilometers (1 mile) in for a sign. This indicates the hiking route. In wet weather or when hiking with children, it would be best to take the old fire road for safety reasons.

There are options to continue hiking further, but Bailey and I were satisfied with the views without hiking on. Although reasonably short, I’d allow 4 to 5 hours depending on your fitness level to complete the trail. 

7. Skyline Trail

For those looking for the ultimate trail to conquer in Jasper National Park, the Skyline Trail is it. This 48-kilometer (30-mile) long point-to-point trail either starts or ends at Maligne Lake and takes you high above the valley floor.

Along the trail, there are 6 different campsites to break your trip up over 2 to 4 days. The most common route involves spending 3 nights on the trail staying at Little Shovel, Tekkara, and the Signal campsite. Because of the popularity of the trail, you do need to book the campsites well in advance.

The recommended direction to hike the trail is from Maligne Lake to Maligne Canyon (another epic place to explore). In this direction, the trail is easier and also allows you to take in the views better. You will need two vehicles (one parked at either end) to complete the trail or there is a shuttle available that you can book in advance.

Unfortunately, Bailey and I didn’t have enough time to hike the trail, but we hope to in the future. However, if you consider yourself a hiker and are heading to Maligne Lake then consider booking a trip on the Skyline Trail – it’s one of the best things to do in Jasper in summer!

8. Enjoy a lakeside coffee or glass of wine

Last but certainly not least on our list of things to do at Maligne Lake is to stop at The View restaurant. The View is Maligne Lake’s only restaurant and with a stunning outdoor deck, it’s the perfect place to sit back and relax during your visit.

The restaurant serves amazing food and drinks ranging from AAA Alberta steak to rainbow trout as well as a selection of wines. As the name suggests, the outdoor deck really does have the best views of Maligne Lake, and for those wanting to recharge, it’s the perfect vantage point.

For the restaurant’s location and quality, I found the food to be well-priced. Expect to pay around $35 CAD for a steak or $28 CAD for a giant burger.

Personally, Bailey and I just stuck to a glass of wine and enjoyed the sunshine and breathtaking views. It really was the best way to finish our visit to Maligne Lake.

Where is Maligne Lake located?

Maligne Lake is inside Jasper National Park and is 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Jasper itself. The drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake is super scenic, so it’s a really nice drive.

You’ll pass forests, mountains, and lakes as you go, and possibly spot some elk on the way! The journey should take around 50 minutes each way, so it’s super easy to do a day trip to Maligne Lake from Jasper.

There aren’t many gas stations once you leave Jasper though, so make sure you fill up your car before you head out of town. 

Related Read: If you’re planning a road trip here, we highly recommend the incredibly scenic drive from Lake Louise to Jasper!

What is the significance of Maligne Lake to the Indigenous?

The lake has long been an area of spiritual significance to the Indigenous people of Canada, who knew it as “the Lake of Deep Waters” and “the Lake of Healing.”

Spirit Island is particularly important in Stoney Nakoda culture, which is why you’re not allowed to set foot on the island. The story goes that a young man and woman from warring tribes met on the island, and fell in love. They would meet on the island in secret until the girl told her father about their relationship.

The woman’s father ordered her never to see her lover again. She obeyed, but the heartbroken young man continued visiting the island in the hopes that she would one day return to him until he eventually died there. It is believed that his spirit remains on the island to this day, still looking for his beloved.

Why is Maligne Lake famous?

One of the main reasons that Maligne Lake is famous is simply because of its incredible beauty. With its azure waters and mountain backdrop, it really is absolutely stunning. Plus, it’s home to Spirit Island, which is one of the most incredible places we’ve ever seen! 

All of this natural beauty makes the lake really popular with hiking enthusiasts, canoers, and of course photographers, due to its many trails and spectacular views.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in the Canadian Rockies, Maligne Lake really is a great choice. We had such a great time here and totally understood the hype around this place!

How do you get to Maligne Lake?

You can either drive yourself from Jasper, which is pretty easy and takes about 50 minutes, or you can take a guided tour from Jasper.

We’ll list our favorite tours next in this blog post, but there are several to choose from. Depending on what you want to do, you can choose one that includes visits to other destinations, like Medicine Valley, or a package that will take you on a guided hike or a cruise out to Spirit Island.

Related Read: Looking for more travel adventures? Check out our favorite guided tours from Jasper!

What are the best tours to Maligne Lake?

Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake, and Spirit Island

To cover some of the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park, this 6-hour tour is the way to go! You’ll of course see Maligne Lake, but you’ll also get to see the limestone gorge and waterfalls of Maligne Canyon, the stunning Spirit Island, the “disappearing” Medicine Lake, and more!

There are several stops on the tour where you’ll have the chance to get out and take a few short walks. This is your best chance to see wildlife including moose (hopefully you’re luckier than I was!).

For all that you get to see, this tour is super affordable at only $75 CAD. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which is really convenient. There are two options available for this tour – the first includes a guided hike along the Mary Schaeffer Loop and the other includes a boat cruise to Spirit Island (which is an additional fee).

Best of all, this tour offers free cancellation 24 hours prior – so you can choose your option and secure your spot here!

Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise from Jasper

If you ask us to pick just two things we love about this area, wildlife and waterfalls would definitely be up there! It should come as no surprise that this tour is one of our favorite wildlife tours in Jasper. It ticks all the boxes as you get to see the most incredible waterfall at Maligne Canyon, explore Maligne Lake (keeping an eye out for wildlife), and cruise on the water to Spirit Island.

Some of the animals you might spot on the tour include big horn sheep, elk, moose, bears, and eagles. But you never know what you might find, which is part of the fun!

I also love that this tour is only 5.5 hours, so you get to see a lot and save time for other activities in your day!

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included and we found the guides excellent at helping you spot wildlife and telling you the history of the area. This tour is available from June through mid-October for $175 CAD per person.

Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this tour in advance here.

Jasper Wildlife Tour with Maligne Lake Hike

This tour takes you on a guided tour of Jasper National Park, before heading to Maligne Lake for an invigorating hike. You’ll get the chance to visit Medicine Lake, which disappears during the winter as the water drains into underground sinkholes, and to Maligne Canyon to see some beautiful waterfalls. Honestly, I love all of these stops, I can’t decide which is the best part!

Of course, you can’t go on a guided tour without a little wildlife scouting. I am always impressed by the guides because they know exactly where to look to find animals. You’ll almost certainly see some elk, as they’re super common around here, but you might also glimpse black and grizzly bears, or even moose!

This tour includes transportation from Jasper and is a small group of 24 people, although we had less when we went! You can buy food at Maligne Lake but this isn’t included in your tour, or you could always bring a packed lunch to save money. Tickets for this 6-hour tour are $96 CAD per person and it runs from May through mid-October.

You can check the details and book this tour in advance here.

Is there parking at Maligne Lake?

Yes, there’s free parking at Maligne Lake but it does fill up quickly, especially during the summer when visitors flock here to visit Spirit Island. If you do drive yourself, it’s best to get there early so that you don’t miss out on a parking spot.

The cruises to Spirit Island start at 10 am, so try and get there a couple of hours beforehand. This does mean a pretty early start but it also gives you the opportunity to do some of the hikes nearby before the trails get busy, so it’s a win-win if you ask us!

Are there places to eat at Maligne Lake?

Yep, there are 3 different ways to fill your belly at Maligne Lake. All of the restaurants are only open during the summer, which is when most people opt to visit.

There’s The View, which overlooks the lake, so you’ll get beautiful views that will make their gourmet dishes taste even better! You can even relax outdoors on the patio, where there are glass panels to shield you from the wind. All of the ingredients are locally sourced and you can expect to pay between $21-33 CAD for one of their “Mountain Inspired” main meals. Trust me when I say the Trailside Crispy Chicken is to die for!

The Lake House Cafe is more casual and wallet-friendly, but it still offers great views of the lake. Most dishes range between $12-$17 CAD and there are a range of chili dishes, poutines, salads, and sandwiches on the menu.

And last but not least, there’s our favorite: the legendary Waffle Hut! Their waffles are mouth-wateringly good – especially when they come smothered with maple syrup. We already mentioned this place in the “things to do” section of this blog so we won’t waffle (ha!) on, but just know that you HAVE to try their waffles at least once during your time at Maligne Lake!

Related Read: For more spots to eat (with a view!), these are our favorite cafes and coffee shops in Jasper!

What is Spirit Island?

Spirit Island is one of the most photographed places in the Canadian Rockies and it’s easy to understand why – it’s absolutely spectacular. It’s a small island with a small grove of trees on the shore, and it’s surrounded by azure lake waters and mountain peaks. Honestly, it really doesn’t get much more beautiful than this.

One interesting thing about Spirit Island is that it’s a tied island, which means that it’s connected to the mainland by a sandbar. It actually only becomes an island during the summer months when the snow melts and the water levels rise.

The island is located roughly halfway along the lake, about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) away from the docks where the Maligne Lake cruises depart. You can’t walk on the island due to its fragile ecosystem and its spiritual significance to the Stoney Nakoda people.

You can only visit Spirit Island on a cruise between June and early September when the water levels are high enough to take a cruise out. The cruise will take you close to the island and to a viewpoint where you can take in the view – and hopefully get a photo of you standing in front of this iconic spot. We’ve actually got a complete guide to visiting Spirit Island, so make sure to check it out!

Can you swim in Maligne Lake?

You can … but be warned, it’s very cold! You won’t see many visitors donning their bathing suits and diving into Maligne Lake, because the water averages about 4°C (39.2°F) in the summertime, which is barely warmer than an ice bath!

It doesn’t tend to get super hot in Jasper National Park anyway, so it’s not like you’ll be dying for a dip to cool off. So unless freezing cold water is your thing, we’d say leave the swimsuit at home.

How much does it cost to visit Maligne Lake?

Maligne Lake is inside Jasper National Park, so you’ll need a Parks Pass to access it. You can buy the pass online via the Parks Canada website, and a single-day pass is valid from the date of purchase until 4 pm the next day.

The pass costs $11 per person per day, but it’s free for those under 17. If you’re going to be spending a while in the Canadian Rockies then the Annual Pass could save you money. This option costs $75.25 CAD per person and is valid for a whole year, so it’s definitely worth buying if you’re planning on visiting other national parks in the area.

There is also a group pass available, which covers up to 7 adults traveling in one vehicle. A day group pass is $22 CAD or the annual version costs $151.25 CAD, so if you are traveling to Maligne Lake with friends and family, this could help to save some money.

It’s also worth considering the cost of any additional activities you want to do, like the cruise to Spirit Island, which costs $90 CAD. However, the Parks Pass is the only non-optional cost of visiting Maligne Lake.

Will you see wildlife at Maligne Lake?

Maligne Lake is a great place to spot wildlife, like deer, elk, bears, moose, and wild sheep! 

Deer are really common around Maligne Lake, so we’d put money on the fact that you’ll see some when you visit. You’ve also got a very high chance of spotting elk, which are much bigger than deer and most commonly seen early or late in the day. Male elks have a reddish-brown head and a lighter brown back, while females are entirely reddish-brown in color.

There are also grizzly and black bears around, so take the necessary precautions when hiking. Bears are most active around dawn and dusk, so take extra care when exploring early in the morning or late afternoon. We didn’t actually see any bears on either of our visits, and there are places in the Canadian Rockies where you can observe them more safely – like the Lake Louise Gondola!

Moose also live around Maligne Lake, but they can be really difficult to spot – we’ve never had any luck! Still, if you go on the guided wildlife and waterfalls tour we mentioned earlier, you might have more luck with an expert to assist you. 

Where to Stay in Jasper to visit Maligne Lake

When compared to Banff, there actually aren’t that many hotels to choose from in Jasper. That’s right, accommodation in Jasper is limited, and therefore it’s important to book your stay as far in advance as possible!

Here, I’ve handpicked some of my personal favorite hotels in Jasper suitable for any type of traveler with any type of budget!

Pyramid Lake Resort – $$$

Pyramid Lake Resort is beautiful, and it is set in an even more beautiful location! Pyramid Lake is the perfect place for hiking, swimming, kayaking, or even skating in the winter. Located about 6 km (3.7 miles) outside of Jasper town center, Pyramid Lake Resort doesn’t cut any corners and it’s a highly-rated hotel. It’s also a popular place to stay for those visiting Jasper on a honeymoon! Rooms start around $188 CAD and can reach $550-$600 CAD during the peak summer months.

You can check availability and book on Booking.com.

Whistlers Inn – $$

Whistlers Inn is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a nice escape right in town and only a short walk from popular bars, attractions, and restaurants in Jasper. They also have a rooftop hot tub (pictured above) – need I say more? Prices range from around $150 CAD to $430 CAD.

You can check prices and availability on Booking.com.

Jasper Downtown Hostel – $

Jasper Downtown Hostel is the best place to stay for those on a tight budget. The central location, shared facilities, and friendly atmosphere make it a great place to stay. They offer budget dorm beds for around $41 CAD, as well as affordable private rooms starting at $117 CAD.

You can book Jasper Downtown Hostel on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Other Activities to do while you’re in Jasper

Jasper National Park is just filled with fun things to do and see! So besides visiting Maligne Lake, there are a few other activities that we recommend that you check off your to-do list. They are:

• Whitewater rafting – Jasper is one of the best places in Alberta to go whitewater rafting with a few different rivers nearby. For an adrenaline-filled rafting experience complete with class 3 rapids, opt for this rafting tour. It has nearly all 5-star reviews and costs $128 CAD per person. For something a little calmer and family-friendly but just as highly rated, choose this scenic rafting experience for only $89 CAD each.

• Drive the Icefields Parkway – The Icefields Parkway is the super scenic stretch of road that connects Jasper with Lake Louise. There are tons of attractions on the Icefields Parkway including hikes, stunning blue lakes like Peyto Lake, as well as the Columbia Icefield. If you’ve ever wanted to walk on a glacier, you can do that at the Columbia Icefield on this guided hiking tour that takes you onto Athabasca Glacier. If you aren’t much of a hiker, join this bus tour onto the glacier instead – you’ll still stand on the glacier but no hiking is required!

• Explore Maligne Canyon – Located on the edge of Jasper town is the beautiful Maligne Canyon, where you can hike alongside and peer down into the deep canyon. There are also a few bridges you can walk on to really take in the views. In the winter, we highly recommend doing an icewalk in the canyon where you put on ice cleats and explore frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and walk in the middle of the frozen canyon!

• Visit Pyramid Lake – Pyramid Lake is a calm lake that offers reflections of the surrounding mountains including the symmetrical Pyramid Mountain. In the summer you can swim, hike, canoe, and SUP on the lake. In winter, go ice skating or ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. As we mentioned earlier, spend the night lakeside at the Pyramid Lake Resort for an extra special treat.

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough! Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.

And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!

In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!

Thanks for reading!

Maligne Lake really is one of the highlights of Jasper National Park and a must-visit on any trip. From the famous cruise to Spirit Island to the simple pleasures of waffles with Canadian maple syrup, there really is something for everyone at Maligne Lake.

Even after visiting more than once, I still can’t wait to visit again and tackle my last Maligne Lake bucket list item, the Skyline Trail!

Thanks so much for reading our guide to Maligne Lake. If you found this blog helpful then be sure to check out our other Canada blogs or these related articles below!

15 BEST Stops on the Drive from Jasper to Banff

50 EPIC Things to do in Banff, Canada

ONE Day Icefields Parkway Itinerary: 15 Epic Quick Stops