Highlights of Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a limestone canyon near the entrance to Maligne Valley in Jasper National Park. The flow of the Maligne River has carved into the bedrock, creating a narrow, deep formation that exceeds approximately 2 m in width and 50 m in depth in some places.
A limestone canyon over 50m deep
Looking down from the viewpoint, you can see sheer walls of gray limestone with the Maligne River flowing along the canyon floor. The limestone was deposited in a shallow sea about 3 hundred 6500 thousand years ago and was shaped into the deep canyon seen today by glacial scouring and water erosion.
Waterfalls and Potholes
Water flowing from the bottom of Medicine Lake travels underground and reemerges in Maligne Canyon. The waterway is called the Maligne River and is a tributary of the Athabasca River.
Basic Information about Maligne Canyon
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official Website
- Check the current closure status and information about the former walking trails.
Maligne CanyonThe Official Jasper National Park Website. Information about the largest national park in the Canadian Rockiesparks.canada.ca - 📍 Location
- Maligne Canyon (near the entrance to Maligne Lake Road, Jasper National Park, Alberta)
- 🕒 Access Status
- ⚠️ Maligne Canyon is closed for the 2026 season, and official information does not specify a reopening date. Do not enter the closed area.
- 💶 Admission
- The canyon is currently closed to visitors. The 1-day admission fee to Jasper National Park for an adult aged 18–64 is CA$12.25. Regular fees will apply from 9 8, 2026, but paying the park admission fee does not grant access to the closed canyon.
- ⏱ Suggested Duration
- Based on the former trails before the closure, allow approximately 1 hours for the short loop across the four upstream bridges, or approximately 2–3 hours to walk as far as the fifth and sixth bridges. ⚠️ The canyon is currently closed to visitors. Restoration work may alter the former trails and suggested walking times.
Getting to Maligne Canyon
Access During the Closure
Maligne Canyon cannot be visited in 2026. The risk of debris flows and landslides has increased on steep slopes where trees and vegetation have been lost. According to Parks Canada’s 2026 7 update, hazardous areas have been identified and dangerous trees have been removed. Ground and expert assessments, site and facility inspections, and monitoring are continuing, while technical studies and design options are being considered.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Canadian Rockies: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Suggested Itineraries”.
