Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
• Elevation gain: 1,220 meters/4,000 feet
• Rating: difficult
• Trailhead: 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) along Whistlers Road from Highway 93
This steep ascent, the park's most arduous day hike, is unique in that it passes through three
distinct vegetation zones in a relatively short distance. (For the less adventurous, Jasper
Tramway (780/852-3093) traverses the same route described here.) From the trailhead on
Whistlers Road, immediately below the hostel, the trail begins climbing and doesn't let up
until you merge with the crowds getting off the tramway at the top. The trail begins in a
montane forest of aspen and white birch, climbs through a subalpine forest of Engelmann
spruce and alpine fir, then emerges onto the open, treeless tundra, which is inhabited by
pikas, hoary marmots, and a few hardy plants. Carry water with you, because none is avail-
able before the upper tramway terminal.
Maligne Lake, 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the town of Jasper, provides more easy hik-
ing with many opportunities to view the lake and explore its environs. To get there, take
Highway 16 east for four kilometers (2.5 miles) from town and turn south on Maligne Lake
Road. The first three hikes detailed are along the access road to the lake; the others leave
from various parking lots at the northwest end of the lake.
Providing transportation to the lake, the
Maligne Valley Shuttle
(780/852-3370) runs
from 616 Patricia Street and from some hotels out to the lake up to four times daily; $32.10
one-way.
Maligne Canyon
• Length: 3.7 kilometers/2.3 miles (90 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 125 meters/410 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: turnoff to Sixth Bridge, 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) along Maligne Lake Road
from Highway 16
Maligne Canyon is one of the busiest places in the park, yet few visitors hike the entire
length of the canyon trail. By beginning from the lower end of the canyon, at the conflu-
ence of the Maligne and Athabasca Rivers, you'll avoid starting your hike alongside the
masses, and you'll get to hike downhill on your return (when you're tired). To access the
lower end of the canyon, follow the one-kilometer (0.6-mile) spur off Maligne Lake Road
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