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Kayaking Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park
BEAUTIFUL!! I just wanted to scream those words. I was so blown away with the Maligne Lake scenery. It was much, much grander than I expected. And kayaking Maligne Lake is one of the best ways to experience the grandeur, especially once you get past Spirit Island.
Kayaking Maligne Lake is best done in July and August when the weather is usually good and the temperatures are warmer.
Maligne Lake is only 44 km (27 miles) from the town of Jasper. It’s an incredibly popular spot to take a boat cruise – which I highly recommend doing but only if you’re not inclined to canoe or kayak.
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John and I were keen to kayak the length of the 22 km lake so we could camp at the Coronet Creek Campground. In fact at precisely 8 AM, with two phones going, I nabbed the last campsite – on March 30th.
When reservations open, either get on the phone or online so you get the dates and campsites you want. I booked our trip for the July 1st, the Canada Day long weekend. Three days was the perfect length of time to do the trip.
These photographs will give you a good idea of just how wonderful it is to be kayaking Maligne Lake on a summer weekend.
Kayaking Maligne Lake useful information
Weekdays are easier to get than weekends. Phone (780) 852-6177 (MST) or book a backcountry reservation in Jasper National Park.
Canoes, kayaks or a boat powered with a tiny motor – 3 horsepower or less I believe are allowed.
You can camp for a maximum of two nights at each of the three campsites. Hidden Cove is the first one you reach – and it’s perfect for families. Fisherman’s Bay (13 km down from the launch) and Coronet Creek (21.3 km down from the launch) are the other two campsites. Wardens come around and check that you have a valid permit.
It costs $11.70 to make a reservation and $10.02 per person per night to camp.
Bear lockers are provided as are tent pads.
There is an open air – but private – toilet.
Bring a tarp and pack for every possible type of weather – from sun to snow.
You can have a fire in the fire ring. As the summer progresses firewood will be increasingly difficult to find. Consider loading up your kayak or canoe on the way down to the campsite.
There is an excellent 16 kilometre day hike from the Coronet Creek campsite.
Dogs are allowed on a leash – even at the campsites.
You can rent canoes and kayaks right on the lake though the prices are steep.
Where to stay the night before
It’s a good idea to spend the night before in Jasper so you can get an early start on the morning you want to paddle. You can certainly book a campground in Jasper – but do that well in advance.
Your other option is one of the many hotels on the strip. In summer, they tend to book up quickly.
Suggestions include The Crimson Jasper, Pine Bungalows and Tekarra Lodge.
Some gear to take on the trip
There are a couple of items I’d suggest for your kayaking trip.
Pick up a map of topographic map of Maligne Lake.
Take some Tenacious Tape – in case you rip something like your tent or jacket.
A camp pillow makes a big difference to how well you sleep.
Don’t forget to take a water filter or tablets for water purification.
Further reading on paddling in western Canada
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
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But it is BEAUTIFUL! So grand. That first photo certainly conveys why you felt like screaming it out loud. Canada is such a great place for outdoor enthusiasts
Obviously I haven’t been to this lake, but it is drop-dead gorgeous, and I’m impressed that you kayaked the whole way. I’d definitely love to take that cruise you mentioned sometime just to get to see this beautiful area for myself.
Wow – what incredibly beauty – so cool, clear and serene with all temperatures showing in the colours. Love the goth birdy, too.
Absolutely beautiful. A most tantalizing post.
Seriously, Leigh, this is the most beautiful lake I’ve ever seen! How did you leave?
I’ve been to Jasper several times, but have never been on Maligne Lake. I know the boat rides are expensive, but I think that canoe or kayak would be a much better way to explore it anyway.
@Marcia It wasn’t easy leaving. At the far end of the lake there are no motorboats and it is incredibly peaceful.
@Laurel I think the boat rides are $55 per person (+tax). Kayaking or canoeing is definitely the way to go. In fact one couple who hugged the shore the whole way back came across a family of moose. We missed that as we took the shortest route across.
Love the photos! Kayaking or not, this place is added to my dream list.
You certainly don’t have to kayak to enjoy Maligne Lake – though kayaks can go to the far end of the lake where motorboats can’t go.
Well, I wish I could have been along on this trip. The McAdams family knows how to celebrate a holiday. Fun trip and fabulous photos.
@Cathy There haven’t been many 5 satr experiences lately but the location of where we’ve camped has more than made up for it.
argh! Now I regret not taking a peek down that road. Just finished the drive from Banff to Jasper and I want to go back and do it again and again. Your photos are wonderful.
This is an incredable trip, with the ease of launching right from your car and well maintained wilderness campgrounds, makes for a prefect experience. I took my wife to Coronett Creek for her first kayaking trip and she loved it. Scince then we have kayaked around northern BC, California and had just done Myrtle lake this past september with our five and three yr old girls. We have fallen in love with kayaking and it all goes back to our first trip to Magline Lake. For anyone who wants to do this trip just go! It changed my life. 🙂
@Uriah It’s some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen while kayaking! We also kayaked Myrtle Lake this past summer and loved it! Here’s the link to that trip – https://hikebiketravel.com/kayaking-murtle-lake-in-wells-gray-park/. Interesting how one trip can start the cascade of similar trips. So nice to hear from you.
Hi, I am just beginner in Kayaking. Done couple of kayaking trips last year. Can I be able to pull off kayaking in Maligne Lake without any issues?
@Chakri Commonsense goes a long way as does being prepared. You could aim for the family-friendly campsite on a first tour and see how comfortable you are. It’s in protected waters and only 3.5 kms from the launch. Start with easy and build up. Get out a few times before you go on a camping trip. Take a course to build your confidence.
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