Maligne Lake and Spirit Island at a glance
Maligne Lake is 22 km long. Spirit Island lies about 14 km up the lake from the northern starting point. No road or hiking trail leads to the island, so you see it from the water: on a boat cruise or in a private, non-motorized boat.
Spirit Island is not a place to land. The boat takes you to a viewpoint near the island, and visitors do not walk on it. The island matters to the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, and the rule exists out of respect for that.
Our picks: Maligne Lake tours
The plain cruise suits you if you drive yourself, the six-hour wildlife tour adds the valley and a pickup, and the Spirit Island boat tour is the one to take for the island view without the drive.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Maligne Valley wildlife tour with Spirit Island cruise
- Boat trip to Spirit Island
- Medicine Lake stop
- Hotel pickup
Six hours in a minibus with a guide, stops at Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake and a 90-minute boat trip toward Spirit Island, which you see from the water. Animals are never guaranteed, the guide just knows where to look.
Check availability →
Maligne Valley wildlife and Spirit Island boat tour
- Professional guide
- Boat tour on the lake
- Pickup included
Six hours with a professional guide and a boat tour on the lake; Spirit Island is a view from the boat, with no landing. Pickup is included, and the exact spot shows once you choose a date.
Check availability →
Guided boat cruise on Maligne Lake
- Guide on board
- Boat cruise on the lake
About 90 minutes on the lake with a guide. The dock is roughly an hour from Jasper, so plan 90 minutes for the drive and be ready 15 minutes before departure; the cruise is seasonal, so check the dates.
Check availability →Maligne Lake and Spirit Island tours
Boat cruises, day trips and combinations with Maligne Lake, with live prices and availability.
Maligne Lake boat tour: what to expect
The cruise is the main reason most visitors come out to the lake.
Length
The classic cruise takes about 1.5 hours. You travel up the lake to the viewpoint near Spirit Island and come back the same way.
Tickets
A ticket bought in advance secures a departure time. Without one, seats are not guaranteed, so book ahead, especially in summer.
Timing
Allow at least 90 minutes for the drive from Jasper, to cover for traffic, animals on the road and parking. Arrive about 1 hour before departure.
Animals on the road
Wildlife can slow traffic on the way to the lake. Keep the required distance and never feed animals.
Wildlife and viewing rules →Maligne Lake cruises: season and planning
Dates depend on weather and change between years.
Cruises usually run from late May to mid October, depending on the weather. Dates change between years, so check the current dates before you plan around a specific day.
The lake and the trailhead are open to visitors, and the Moberly Bridge on the Maligne Road is part of the year-round route. That does not mean the road is clear of snow at all times, so in shoulder seasons and winter check current road conditions before you drive out.
Maligne Canyon lies on the way to the lake. It remains closed in 2026, including winter ice walks, so do not plan a canyon stop. See the Maligne Canyon page for the closure and for safe alternatives.
Spirit Island Jasper: the best way to see it
You have two ways to get a view of Spirit Island. The cruise is the simpler one because the boat and the timing are arranged for you. A private paddle trip takes much more time and effort.
Private non-motorized boats can also reach the area, so the commercial cruise is not the only option. Whichever you choose, stay with the viewpoint and do not land.
Paddling on Maligne Lake
Rules for your own boat.
| Option | What it involves | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Boat cruise | About 1.5 hours, viewpoint near Spirit Island | Most first-time visitors |
| Rented canoe or kayak | Rentals are offered at the lake. Check hours, rates and rules at the lake | A short paddle near the shore |
| Your own boat | Non-motorized only, cleaned, drained and dried before launch | Experienced paddlers with their own gear |
Maligne Lake lies in the Water Recreation Zone, with rules in force since 31 July 2026. Clean, drain and dry all boats and gear. The minimum drying time is 48 hours if the gear was last used in Alberta, British Columbia or the Canadian territories, and 30 days otherwise. A tour booking does not replace these rules. For most visitors, the cruise is the better choice.
Plan the rest of your Jasper trip
More from the same area.
Maligne Lake: frequently asked questions
How long is the Maligne Lake cruise?
The classic cruise takes about 1.5 hours. Add the drive from Jasper and the time before departure when you plan the day.
Can you walk on Spirit Island?
No. Visitors do not walk on Spirit Island. The boat goes to a viewpoint near the island, and no road or hiking trail leads there.
Do I need to book the cruise in advance?
A ticket bought ahead secures a departure time. Without one, availability is not guaranteed. Booking ahead is a recommendation, not a legal requirement.
Can I paddle to Spirit Island myself?
Private, non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake. The trip is long, and your boat and gear must be cleaned, drained and dried first. Check the current rules before you go.
When does the boat season end?
Cruises run until about mid-October, depending on the weather. Check the current dates before you go.