Jasper Icewalk Tour: Pleckaitis Canyon & Maligne Valley

Three and a half hours on glacial ice inside a hidden canyon

This guided tour through Jasper's Maligne Valley includes a walk across ice at the base of Pleckaitis Canyon, one of the park's deepest accessible canyons. The route stops at Medicine Lake and Maligne Valley Lookout, with a guide who explains the area's geology, ecology and fire recovery. Thermal boots, ice cleats, helmet and hiking poles are provided. Hand warmers available on request. Children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Maligne Canyon10m
2. Medicine Lake15m

Explore Maligne Valley and Pleckaitis Canyon

• Get oriented in Jasper townsite
• Visit Maligne Valley Lookout viewpoint
• Explore Medicine Lake
• Walk and explore Pleckaitis Canyon trails

The experience

The tour runs 3.5 hours and starts with a pickup across Jasper townsite so you get oriented before heading into the valley. Your guide leads you through areas recently shaped by wildfires, explaining how fire reshapes the landscape and the ecology that follows. You'll stop at Maligne Valley Lookout, an elevated vantage point with sweeping views across the mountain ranges and forests, then move through Maligne Canyon with its narrow passages and rock formations carved by glacial rivers.

The centerpiece is Pleckaitis Canyon, a hidden part of the park untouched by recent fires. You walk on ice at the canyon floor, surrounded by towering rock walls, while your guide shares the geology and history of the area. The canyon's winding passages and waterfalls create a sense of isolation and adventure. Medicine Lake, one of Jasper's most significant locations, rounds out the route: a seasonal lake sacred to Indigenous peoples, known for its winter freeze and mysterious draining cycles.

Thermal boots, ice cleats, a helmet and hiking poles come with your booking. Hand warmers are available if you request them. You'll need moderate fitness for the hiking and canyon navigation, and the tour isn't recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns. Morning departures leave at 9:30 and afternoon tours at 1:30pm.

What’s included

• Guided tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• hotel or townsite pickup.
• helmet, hiking poles, thermal boots and ice cleats.
• hand warmers on request.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning 9:30 TourGuide in English · Available from 15 Dec · 09:30Includes pickup

Afternoon 1:30pm TourGuide in English · Available from 11 Dec · 13:30 and 14:15Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 13:30 and 14:15

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by SunDog Tour Co

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want to spend the afternoon exploring other parts of Jasper after the tour ends, or pick the afternoon slot if you prefer a later start to your day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Medicine Lake and why is it significant?

Medicine Lake is located in the heart of Maligne Valley and holds spiritual and cultural importance to Indigenous peoples. The lake is unique for its seasonal draining and winter freezing, making it one of Jasper's most mysterious and revered locations.

What happens if I get cold during the icewalk?

Hand warmers are available on request, and thermal boots plus ice cleats help keep you secure and insulated on the ice. You'll want to bring your own warm layers (snow jacket, snow pants, toque and gloves), since those aren't provided.

How does the tour cover areas affected by wildfires?

Your guide shares insights into the ecology of fire and how the landscape is rebirthing after recent burns. You'll walk through these recovering areas before reaching Pleckaitis Canyon, which sits in an untouched part of the park unimpacted by the fires.

What's the difference between the morning and afternoon departures?

The morning tour leaves at 9:30 and the afternoon tour at 1:30pm. Both follow the same route and duration. Choose based on what fits the rest of your day in Jasper.