The Maligne Lake Cruise is a unique sightseeing tour exploring Maligne Lake, home to the world-famous Spirit Island in Jasper National Park. Your voyage will take approximately 1.5 hours and will include vibrant stories from the onboard guide who will introduce you to the history of the lake and its earliest explorers, along with glaciology and the flora and fauna of the area.
For up-to-date Maligne Lake Cruise daily operating hours please visit the Location & Hours page.
You should arrive at Maligne Lake at least 60 minutes before your cruise departure time. We recommend budgeting additional time to find parking during peak season and busy days. Seating on the boats is first-come, first-served, so arriving early helps ensure you get your preferred spot.
If you miss your cruise time, we will do our best to reschedule you on the next available cruise. Please note that this wait could potentially be hours long, and we do not provide refunds for guests who miss their cruise. We highly recommend arriving at least 60 minutes before your cruise time to avoid disappointment.
To help all guests enjoy a smooth experience, cruises leave promptly at their scheduled time. Late arrivals may miss their departure and may not be rebooked later in the day — especially during peak season. We recommend arriving at Maligne Lake at least 60 minutes early.
No, the parking lot is owned by Parks Canada.
The Maligne Lake Cruise is approximately 1.5 hours (2 hours for the Premium Cruise). Cruises may run longer due to increased small watercraft activity on the lake (allow up to 15 minutes extra time in your travel schedule).
For up-to-date Maligne Lake Cruise departures please visit the Location & Hours page.
From the east end of the townsite of Jasper, follow Highway 16 east for 3 km before taking the right turnoff for Maligne Lake Road. Proceed over the iron bridge across the Athabasca River, stay left at the fork in the road and then proceed for 48 km until you arrive at Maligne Lake. Watch for “animal jam” slowdowns along the way.
When you reach the Maligne Lake area, the first public parking lot is to the left. After parking, follow the short trail through a grove of trees to Maligne Lake, the ticket office, boathouse, lake house and the historic chalet. We highly recommend you allow 1–1.5 hours to drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake.
Yes, we do have 2 accessible boats, but a reservation must be made in advance by contacting central reservations at +1.888.900.6272.
Although wildlife such as moose and grizzly bears frequent the Maligne Lake area, they can be difficult to find and we cannot guarantee that you will see them.
Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate strollers on our boats. They can be left at the boat docks.
Currently, we have 3 types of boats that can carry between 38 and 50 passengers.
Generally, no. Our cruise boats are covered, but there may be a bit of water spray if the windows are open when the boat picks up speed.
Weather can be unpredictable. The lake tends to be cooler than the temperature in the town of Jasper so a light jacket is recommended. It can even snow here in the summer months, so bring layers just in case!
We have 3 food and beverage options to choose from: The Lake House Café, Waffle Hut and The View. Washroom facilities are available in the parking lot, as well as in the Lake House.
No. Parks Canada requires all adult visitors to Canada’s national parks to buy a permit for the duration of their stay to support visitor services and facilities. Day Passes or a yearly Discovery Pass are available to buy in-person at Parks Canada's park gates and information centres in Banff and Jasper. Admission for youth 17 and under is free.
Maligne Lake is one of the most popular recreational areas in Jasper National Park. There are plenty of great trails for hiking all around this beautiful area. In addition to these, you can also rent canoes, pedal boats and kayaks, or visit the Maligne Lake Cruise for an interpretive voyage across the lake.
Yes. You will need to pre-purchase a national park fishing license, prior to arriving at the lake.
A daily fishing permit from Parks Canada costs $12.75 per person, or an annual permit can be purchased for $44.25.
Canoes and kayaks are available to rent from the boathouse and can be booked online.
Safety briefings and instructions are provided prior to your departure so you'll be prepared in the event of an emergency. Lifejackets will be provided for safety.
We will hold pre-booked rentals for up to 15 minutes beyond the scheduled rental time. After this, the rental will no longer be reserved for you and will be open to walk-in customers. Please note that if you arrive late, the amount of time is factored into your rental duration. E.g. if you have rented for 1 hour and arrive 15 minutes late, then you will have 45 minutes remaining.
All those renting equipment must be 18 years of age or older. Renters under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to rent. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the rental while out on the lake.
Yes, a waiver will be required and is to be reviewed and signed before departing the Boathouse. Children under 18 years require a parental or legal guardian signature.
Weather can be unpredictable. The lake tends to be cooler than the temperature in the town of Jasper so layers are recommended. It can even snow here in the summer months, so prepare for any season! Do not bring anything you are not willing to lose to the lake. Ensure car keys and other items are kept within a pocket or carry those items attached to your person.
The boathouse does not but the Retail Shop and the Lake House Café carries a variety of snack items or pertinent supplies to make your outing on the lake a memorable day.
