Jasper: Maligne Lake Cruise, Medicine Lake & Spirit Island

Summary

Maligne Valley’s shifting lakes, quiet forests and that silent moment on Spirit Island

You’ll ride through Jasper’s wild Maligne Valley with a local guide—spotting wildlife if you’re lucky—then see Medicine Lake’s vanishing waters before cruising across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. Feel glacier air on your face, hear stories you won’t find online, and maybe leave with more questions than answers.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Jasper early, windows down just enough to catch that sharp pine smell. Our guide, Mike, had this habit of slowing down every time he thought he spotted something—once it was just a stump (we all laughed), but then a few minutes later he pointed out two elk standing so still I almost missed them. The road along Maligne Valley is twisty and kind of hypnotic; I found myself zoning out on the way the light flickered through the trees. Medicine Lake surprised me most—I’d read it “vanishes” in summer, but seeing those dry patches where water should be felt stranger than I expected. Mike explained the whole underground river thing; I’m still not sure I get it, but it made me want to just sit there and watch the water for hours.

After Medicine Lake we kept going until Maligne Lake came into view—blue like someone cranked up the saturation. There was this chill in the air even though it was mid-morning; I zipped up my jacket tighter before we hopped onto the boat for the Spirit Island cruise. The boat itself was warm inside (thankfully), big windows everywhere so you don’t miss anything. Our guide on board pointed out where glaciers used to be, and at one point a bald eagle flew overhead—everyone scrambled for their cameras but honestly, I just wanted to watch without a screen between us.

Spirit Island isn’t really an island most of the year (Mike told us that with a grin), but stepping off there felt different anyway. It’s quiet in a way you don’t get back home—just wind and water lapping at rocks. We only had a short walk around before heading back, but I remember standing by those twisted pines thinking how small everything else felt for a minute. On the drive back toward Jasper we kept looking out for bears (no luck), and someone started telling stories about wolf sightings last week. My phone’s full of blurry photos now, but that silence on Spirit Island is what sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Maligne Valley and Lakes

• Drive along Maligne Valley road
• Stop at Medicine Lake for photos
• Continue to Maligne Lake
• Take 90-minute boat cruise to Spirit Island
• Photo and short stroll at Spirit Island
• Learn about local history and wildlife
• Return to Jasper hotel

Top questions

How long does the Jasper Maligne Valley tour take?

The tour lasts about 6 hours from pickup to drop-off at your Jasper hotel.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Jasper?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Jasper are included.

Can you visit Spirit Island without taking the boat cruise?

No, you need to select the boat cruise option to reach Spirit Island.

What wildlife might we see during this tour?

You might spot bear, deer, caribou, wolves, moose, bighorn sheep, bald eagles or osprey.

Is lunch included on this Maligne Lake & Spirit Island tour?

No lunch is included; bring snacks or eat before/after your tour.

Are guided walks available instead of the boat cruise?

Yes, there’s an option for a guided lakeshore walk at Maligne Lake instead of visiting Spirit Island.

How far is Medicine Lake from Jasper?

Medicine Lake is about 20 km (12 miles) from Jasper along Maligne Valley Road.

What should I wear for this day trip in Jasper?

Dress in layers; weather can change quickly and it may be chilly near the lakes even in summer.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Jasper, comfortable transport with an expert local guide who shares stories along the way, plus your scenic boat cruise to Spirit Island if selected—or a guided lakeshore walk if you choose that instead. No meals are provided so bring something small if you’ll get hungry during those lake stops.