Things to See at Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is located in Jasper National Park.
What makes Maligne Lake special is the small island called Spirit Island. As its name suggests, it is a sacred place for Canada’s Indigenous Stoney Nakoda people.
New York’s Grand Central Terminal once housed a huge photography exhibition space called Kodak Colorama, and in 1960 a photograph of Spirit Island was displayed.
The article below introduces a walking tour of New York, including Grand Central Terminal, where photographs of Spirit Island were once exhibited.
In 2014, an image of Spirit Island was also used in an iPad advertisement.
To see Spirit Island, you need to join the Maligne Lake Cruise.
North Shore Dock and Cruise Departure
Maligne Lake is a long, north–south lake. On its northern shore, there is a dock where cruises depart.
Spirit Island cannot be seen from around the dock on the north shore. Incidentally, the peak in the left foreground is Leah Peak, while the peak farther back on the left is Samson Peak.
We board a cruise boat and head toward Spirit Island.
The lake and mountains seen from the cruise boat
After passing by Spirit Island, we make a wide turn toward the dock in the inlet. The highest ridge directly ahead is Samson Peak, viewed from the south.
We have reached our destination. As you travel south, the emerald color of Maligne Lake becomes deeper. It is said to be related to the concentration of rock flour—the powder created as bedrock is ground down and carried into the lake by the glacier.
Spirit Island
This is Spirit Island. Rays of light shine through like a miracle.
Strictly speaking, Spirit Island is not an island but is connected to the lakeshore by a sandbar. However, landing on Spirit Island is prohibited.
Loch Maree Basics
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
- It provides links to cruise information and reservations.
Maligne Lake Cruise | Sail to World-Famous Spirit Island in Jasper National ParkCruise the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to the iconic Spirit Island. A journey through Jasper's beauty.www.banffjaspercollection.com
- 📍 Location
- Maligne Lake Cruise, Improvement District No. 12, AB T0E 1E0
- 🕒 Operating hours
- Cruises in 2026 operate from 5 27 to 10 11 and are weather-dependent.
- 9 7–10 3: 09:00–17:30
- 10 4–11: 09:00–16:00
Operating hours may change.
- 💶 Price
- The official page lists prices starting at 72 Canadian dollars. Prices vary depending on the selected date, cruise type, age category, and other factors, and GST is charged separately. ⚠️ Check the final price and conditions for your visit date on the reservation screen.
- 🎫 Reservations
- Advance purchase is recommended; without it, your preferred departure time is not guaranteed. Purchased tickets are nonrefundable. The operating-hours page recommends arriving 30 minutes early, while the FAQ recommends arriving at least 60 minutes early.
- ⏱️ Duration
- The Classic Cruise takes approximately 90 minutes. ⚠️ If departing from Jasper, allow about half a day, including round-trip travel and early arrival.
How to Get to Maligne Lake
Driving & Cruises
If you are taking the cruise, the official website recommends allowing at least 90 from Jasper to Maligne Lake and arriving about 1 hours before departure. Wildlife, road conditions, and parking during the busy season can make the journey take longer, so allow plenty of time in line with your boarding reservation.
The operator advises that safety work on Maligne Lake Road will involve alternating one-way traffic and intermittent road closures. Please allow even more time for your journey.
A Detour Around Loch Maree
The crew of the Maligne Lake cruise passed the time playing kendama.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Canadian Rockies: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Suggested Itineraries”.
