One place high on my list to explore in Jasper was Maligne Canyon, especially for a winter hike. Funny thing is, I hadn’t even heard of it until a few days before we left London for Alberta. Once I did, I was hooked on the idea of visiting. Interestingly, a Canadian couple reached out on Instagram saying they had visited Jasper National Park several times without knowing about this amazing place. It turns out, quite a lot of Canadians are also unaware of Maligne Canyon, but given how vast Canada is, that’s understandable.
We initially planned to do the ice walk at Maligne Canyon the day before, but due to a timing mix-up, we arrived in Jasper about an hour after the guide had left with the group. This led us to explore Pyramid Lake first. Fortunately, Sundog Tours, our guide company, had multiple tours daily, so we rescheduled for the next day.
It’s really important not to hike Maligne Canyon without a guide. Experts are essential, not just for safety but also for the best experience. The area is home to wild animals which are manageable with a knowledgeable guide, and the presence of an underground river adds complexity that’s better navigated with someone who knows the area. This advice holds true for many of the top hikes in Alberta. Guides also provide waterproof boots and ice grips, essential for keeping dry during your hike.
While the canyon is beautiful in summer, it becomes truly breathtaking in winter when it freezes, allowing you to walk right through it. You’ll see droplets of water that freeze into what look like stunning frozen waterfalls, rich in minerals that give them a deep blue color. Some formations are reminiscent of melted candles. The guides share interesting facts about the canyon, mixing familiar information with surprising tidbits.
The canyon walk is pretty easy, with just a slight uphill at the start, comparable to climbing three flights of stairs but with a gentle incline. Most people should find it manageable. You might want to bring a bottle of water; it’s easy to get thirsty even in the cold, especially if you’ve over-dressed like I did.
The highlight of the winter visit is arguably the ‘frozen waterfall’ known as the Queen. It’s a grand sight, and standing in front of it can be quite humbling. You can even walk underneath it, but watch out for falling ice, which can be a risk as the weather warms.
One of the other frozen waterfalls nearby offers an opportunity for ice climbing, which adds another layer of adventure to the visit. When you finish your hike, the return path offers a different scenic route above the canyon, featuring amazing views of the surrounding landscape and distant mountains.
Maligne Canyon alone makes visiting Jasper worthwhile. It’s an unforgettable experience that stands out all on its own. After our hike, we headed off for some lunch and a change of clothes in preparation for another fun activity. Stay tuned for more about that next time!
