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

Jasper , Canada

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

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(474 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover Jasper National Park’s spectacular Maligne Valley on a 6-hour adventure with an expert guide. During stops at Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake, you’ll look for wildlife and learn about the human and natural history in this part of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll see stunning scenery throughout the day and have plenty of opportunities to take photos and short walks. At Maligne Lake, choose to take a boat cruise to Spirit Island or a guided walk along the lakeshore.

**Please note the guided walk does not include Spirit Island, you must select BOAT option for this tour to see Spirit Island**

Available options

Tour including a Boat Cruise

Tour departs at 8:30am and ends with a boat cruise to Spirit Island<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Hotel pickup and drop off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will take a drive along the Maligne Valley road, gorgeous scenic road that winds through a dramatic mountain and forest landscape. Medicine Lake is famous for ‘vanishing’ every summer, the result of an extensive underground karst system — one of the largest in the world. This is definitely worth a photo

Stop 2

From Medicine Lake you’ll follow the road to gorgeous Maligne Lake where you will join a scenic 90 minute boat cruise to Spirit Island. You will board a comfortable enclosed boat with large windows for a scenic tour on Maligne Lake. Your boat will stop at Spirit Island, a small gem in the lake, where you’ll have time for photos and a short stroll.

Throughout the day, your guide will explain the natural and human history of the area and will keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that lives here. Sightings may include bear, deer, caribou, wolves, moose, bighorn sheep, bald eagles and osprey, among the many animals of Jasper National Park. At the end of your tour, you will be returned to your Jasper hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

255 reviews

5★

200

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

219 reviews

5★

168

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Contents of tours may vary due to weather and road conditions

Important notes

• Please contact SunDog Tours at least 24 hours prior to departure to confirm booking and pick-up location. 1 780 852 4056
• You will be picked up at the Jasper Adventure Center - 611 Patricia Street unless specific Hotel details have been provided directly to SunDog Tours in advance. 1 780 852 4056
• Pick-ups from Jasper town site hotels and approved accommodations only; this includes the Jasper Park Lodge, Pyramid Lake Resort and Patricia Lake Bungalows. No PICK-UPS from campgrounds or any other accommodations outside the Jasper Town Site.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Please Note: Spirit Island can only be seen by water and is only available to visit by choosing the Boat Cruise not the Guided Hike

About Jasper

Jasper is a charming mountain town nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and dark-sky preserve, Jasper offers a serene and adventurous escape with a small-town charm.

Top Attractions

Jasper SkyTram

The Jasper SkyTram is a scenic aerial tram that takes visitors to the top of Whistlers Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.

Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Jasper National Park, known for its deep blue waters and stunning mountain backdrop.

Nature Half day to full day Free (boat tours and rentals cost extra)

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest icefields in North America, offering visitors the chance to explore ancient glaciers and experience the thrill of walking on ice.

Nature Full day Moderate to expensive (depending on activities chosen)

Jasper National Park Information Centre

The Jasper National Park Information Centre is a great starting point for visitors, offering exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history, as well as information on activities and trails.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Marmot Basin

Marmot Basin is a popular ski resort located within Jasper National Park, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to expensive (depending on activities chosen)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bison Burger

A delicious burger made with locally sourced bison meat, often served with toppings like caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon.

Main Course Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian options are available at some restaurants.

Elk Steak

Tender elk steak, often served with seasonal vegetables and a rich sauce, showcasing the flavors of the Canadian Rockies.

Main Course Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available at some restaurants.

Wild Blueberry Pie

A sweet and tangy pie made with wild blueberries, a local delicacy in the Jasper area.

Dessert Vegetarian and gluten-free options may be available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Snowboarding Snowshoeing Ice climbing Helicopter tours Scenic drives Wildlife viewing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and all trails and facilities fully open. It's ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT) (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Jasper is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. However, visitors should be aware of the potential for wildlife encounters and the challenges of outdoor activities in a mountainous environment.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and activities.
• Carry a map and compass, and inform someone of your plans when hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities.

Getting there

By air

Edmonton International Airport • 365 km (227 miles)
Jasper Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles)

By train

Jasper Train Station

By bus

Jasper Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Jasper Transit offers a local bus service with routes covering the town and some nearby attractions. The service is limited and primarily designed for residents.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi services

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Jasper Town Site Whistlers Old Fort Point

Day trips

Maligne Canyon

29 km (18 miles) • Half day to full day

Maligne Canyon is a stunning gorge with a series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, offering a variety of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Athabasca Falls

33 km (20.5 miles) • Half day to full day

Athabasca Falls is a powerful and beautiful waterfall located along the Icefields Parkway, offering stunning views and a variety of hiking trails.

Sunwapta Falls

45 km (28 miles) • Full day

Sunwapta Falls is a series of waterfalls and rapids located along the Sunwapta River, offering a variety of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Festivals

Jasper Dark Sky Festival • October Jasper Pride Festival • September Jasper Wildlife Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit the Jasper Information Centre for maps, brochures, and advice on the best trails and attractions.
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and year.
Bring bear spray and know how to use it, as bear encounters are possible in the park.
Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak season.
Take advantage of the park's dark-sky preserve by stargazing on a clear night.