When we arrived in Jasper, one place I was eager to explore was Maligne Canyon for a hiking adventure. Until a few days before leaving London for Alberta, I hadn’t even heard of Maligne Canyon. However, once I learned about it, especially its winter beauty, I knew I had to visit. Interestingly, even some Canadians weren’t aware of the canyon’s existence, despite having vacationed in Jasper National Park multiple times. Considering how vast the country is, it’s understandable.
Initially, we planned to do the Maligne Canyon ice walk the previous day, but we missed the group due to a timing mix-up and our late arrival. So, we decided to explore Pyramid Lake that day and rescheduled the canyon hike for the next day with Sundog Tours, who fortunately had multiple daily trips.
It’s crucial to have a guide when hiking Maligne Canyon. Their expertise helps you stay safe, especially with the presence of wildlife and the river below. This advice applies to most Alberta hikes—always prioritize safety with a guide. They also provide waterproof boots and ice grips to keep you dry.
While the canyon is beautiful in the summer, it transforms into a spectacular sight in winter. The canyon freezes over, allowing you to walk through it and admire the frozen waterfalls created by water droplets freezing in the cold. These formations have a stunning deep blue color due to mineral richness, resembling melted candles.
Throughout the tour, guides share fascinating tidbits about the canyon, merging some facts you might remember from school with others that might completely surprise you. The walk is fairly easy, with just a short uphill stretch at the start, similar to climbing three flights of stairs but on a gradual incline, making it accessible to most people. Bringing a water bottle is a good idea, as the hike can make you thirsty, even in the cold.
The highlight of the canyon in winter is a frozen waterfall called the Queen. It’s truly breathtaking and massive, especially when you stand before it. You can walk underneath it but should watch for falling ice if the weather warms up. Next to the Queen, there’s another frozen waterfall where you can try ice climbing.
When leaving Maligne Canyon, the route offers a different perspective—heading along a higher scenic path with stunning views of the surrounding area and mountains in the distance.
Visiting Maligne Canyon is more than just seeing one attraction; it’s a reason on its own to visit Jasper. After the hike, we were off for lunch and preparing for our next exciting activity!
