Maligne Lakeshore hike
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Maligne Lakeshore hike
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This hike combines a relaxed trail around Maligne Lake with a hike up to Moose Lake. It’s incredibly scenic and family-friendly, providing both a look at a quintessential Jasper site as well as a lesser-explored extension away from the crowds.
Getting there
From the Jasper townsite, head east on Highway 16 for 1.1mi. Then, turn right onto Maligne Lake Road. continue for 27.3mi until you reach Maligne Lake.
About
| When to do | June-October |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Maligne Lakeshore
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Maligne Lakeshore
This is what we think is the best hiking route at Maligne Lake, combining a visit to Maligne Lake and nearby Moose Lake.
Maligne Lake can get quite busy in the summer, so it’s best to arrive early if possible. Come prepared for the weather as it tends to be highly changeable around Jasper.
Maligne Lake is wonderfully scenic, and this hike is a perfect, low-impact way to enjoy the area. The trailhead can be reached by following the trail to the left of the lodge and then heading left on the Mary Schaffer loop. Follow this until it starts to head away from the lake, and then double back. The remaining part of the loop is ok, but often muddy and lacking in the outstanding views of the lakeshore trail.
You’ll return the way you came, continuing past the lodge and then connecting with the road as you cross a bridge over outflow of Maligne Lake.
On the other side of the bridge take the path left along Maligne Lake and follow it until the path goes off to the right, towards Moose Lake, on the Great Divide Trail.
The hike up to Moose Lake is easy to follow and not steep, and the views of Moose Lake are pretty.
While you can continue past Moose Lake and make a loop, we often return the way we came.
The hike back to Maligne Lakeshore is short and easy, with great views of Leah Peak and Opal Peak beyond Maligne Lake.
Insider Hints
The Great Divide Trail continues well past Moose Lake, so you can add on some distance if you’re keen to keep exploring
The Waffle Hut near Maligne Lake Lodge is a fun spot for a snack after your hike, or you can stop in at The View for a more filling meal
A boat cruise around the lake is a great way to spend the rest of the day after hiking
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Max Oxwell 4 years ago
The weather was fantastic. We had a good-old picnic while enjoying the scenery.
Kristian Valtierie 4 years ago
Beautiful trail and wonderful lake. The views were so refreshing. Great place to explore with the family.
Otis Webster 4 years ago
Simply an enjoyable hike. Recommend hiking in groups. It's just more fun and way safer! The trail is mostly shaded and cool.
Clark Hermano 4 years ago
Short trail with minimal (almost no) elevation. Not too much to see on the hike until you get to the lake.
Alex Lavinson 5 years ago
So beautiful. Easy but rewarding trail. Get there early to avoid the rush.
Matt Ducker 5 years ago
Great option for nature lovers and sightseers. The path was well maintained and easy to follow. Nice way to destressed and have fun with friends.
Michael M. 5 years ago
It's a brilliant hike with incredible scenic views. Took us less than 2 hours to explore the whole area, including some stops to take pictures.
Rocco Ellysia 5 years ago
The lakeshore trail offers the best views. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Joshua Zagreb 5 years ago
The views were stupendous for an extremely short hike. Going early gives a lot of great advantages. It means more peaceful surroundings and lesser people in the background of your photos.
Patrick Dumas 5 years ago
Nice relaxing trail. It also walks you to Moose Lake. So basically, it's a 2 in 1 hike. One downside though, is it can get too crowded.