Maligne Lake Shoreline, Jasper

Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta, is the largest naturally dammed glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies, measuring 22 kilometres in length and up to 97 metres in depth. The shoreline walk accessible from the main parking area at the lake's northern end provides a ground-level perspective on the surrounding Maligne Range that the famous Spirit Island boat tour, which travels 14 kilometres to the lake's southern end, cannot replicate for atmospheric lakeside intimacy. A well-maintained gravel path runs from the historic Maligne Lake boathouse approximately 1 kilometre south along the eastern shoreline to a quiet bay with unobstructed views of the primary Maligne Range peaks reflected in the turquoise water at low wind conditions. This section of shore is quieter than the main parking area and boathouse dock, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when the tour boat traffic at the dock is reduced. The lake's colour is produced by rock flour carried in glacial meltwater from the surrounding mountains, creating the characteristic pale blue-green that peaks in intensity in July and August as glacier melt is at its maximum. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from the boathouse for visitors wishing to explore the lake's northern bay section independently. Maligne Lake is 48 kilometres south of Jasper townsite on Maligne Lake Road, a drive of approximately 50 minutes.