To say that Maligne Lake in the Canadian Rockies is the most beautiful is no exaggeration. Located in Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake remains frozen for over half the year, and water activities are only possible from June to October when the ice melts. Stretching approximately 22 kilometers from north to south and about 1 kilometer from east to west, it is the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies and the second-largest glacial lake in the world. Despite being quite far from major roads, it still attracts many tourists who make the trip specifically to visit.

The name “Maligne” comes from the French word for “wicked.” In 1846, a Belgian priest attempting to cross the lower Maligne River was thwarted by turbulent waters, leading to the naming of the river. The Maligne River is fed by Maligne Lake, which is sustained by glaciers originating from the Brazeau Icefield. In 1875, Canadian Pacific Railway surveyor Henry MacLeod reached the lakeshore but, exhausted from the long journey, named the lake “Sorefoot Lake” (Lake of the Sore Feet) and discouraged further exploration. It wasn’t until 1907 that Mary Schaffer, guided by Indigenous people, rediscovered Maligne Lake and had it mapped.

When Mary Schaffer and her team first discovered Maligne Lake, they saw the same section of the lake. But as they paddled into the lake and squeezed through The Narrows, they came upon Spirit Island at the southern end of the lake. Spirit Island is the highlight of the entire lake view. Though it’s just a small island with a few pine trees, when set against the emerald-green waters and snow-dusted distant mountains, it creates a mystical and breathtaking scene that captivates all who see it. The hiking trails around Maligne Lake are mostly flat, located along the eastern shore. A roughly 20-minute walk along the lakeside will take you to the Schaffe Viewpoint, which offers the most spectacular panoramic views.

 

 

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