Frequently Asked Questions

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.

The Maligne Lake Cruise is approximately 1.5 hours long (2 hours for the premium cruise) not including loading.

We recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to your cruise departure.

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.

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Yes. We are accessible to most standard wheelchairs. We recommend you contact central reservations at +1.888.900.6272 as our accessible boats are in limited supply.

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, rowboats and kayaks, or visit the Maligne Lake Cruise for an interpretive voyage across the lake.

Yes. You will require a national park fishing license which can be purchased onsite at the boathouse.

A daily fishing permit from Parks Canada costs $9.80 per person, or an annual permit can be purchased for $34.30.

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.

• Each boat rental comes with a CSA certified PFD.
• Each canoe and rowboat has a bail bucket attached.
• Sit-on kayaks do not require bail buckets as they are watertight.
• Sit-in kayaks are for experience paddlers only and come with a water evacuations pump and rope throw bag.
• Guests cannot bring their own PFDs.

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.