Monday, January 5, 2015
Kayaking Majestic Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park
Added by Hike Bike Travelon July 3, 2012
Saved under Adventure Travel, Kayaking/canoeing
Tags: canoeing, Coronet Creek Campground, Jasper National Park, kayaking, Maligne Lake
BEAUTIFUL!!
I just wanted to scream those words. I was so blown away with the Maligne Lake scenery. It was much, much grander than I expected.
Mid morning reflections on Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is only 44 kilometers (27 miles) from the town of Jasper. It’s an incredibly popular spot to take a- which I highly recommend doing – if you’re not inclined to canoe or kayak.
But John and I were keen to kayak the length of the 22 kilometer lake and camp at the Coronet Creek Campground. In fact at precisely 8 am, with two phones going, I nabbed the last campsite – on March 30th. Reservations can be made 90 days out, and since this is a very popular spot, I knew I had to be on the phone the second the line opened.
I booked our trip for the July 1st,Day long weekend. Three days was the perfect length of time to do the trip.
These photographs will give you a good idea of just how wonderful our Maligne Lake kayaking trip turned out to be.
We didn’t get on the water until 12:30
Grand scenery the further down the lake you go
Lunch at the Sampson picnic area
Colourful canoes lined up along the shores at the Coronet Creek Campground
The view from Coronet Creek Campground – at the far end of Maligne Lake
Beautiful light on the mountains as the sun set
Dusk on Maligne Lake
Beautiful reflection of mountain peak in a pond – taken at about 9:45pm
This deer could be seen traversing the camp several times a day
We were incredibly lucky to see this male Spruce Grouse
Also lucky to see the female Spruce Grouse – who is sitting on four squawky chicks
A bench with a view
One of the many glaciers above Maligne Lake
Wildflowers formed a carpet in places
Laughed when I saw this oversized tent – spilling over the edges of the tent pad
A patriotic group made up of three generations – making some Jiffy Pop Popcorn
Canoeists setting off from Coronet Creek Campground
The Maligne Lake cruise boat
Kayaking back to our put-in
Really useful information if you want to kayak or canoe Maligne Lake
Book up to 90 days ahead of time. Weekdays are easier to get than weekends. Phone (780) 852-6177 (MST). Canoes, kayaks or a boat powered with a tiny motor – 3 horsepower or less I believe. You can camp for a maximum of two nights at each of the two campsites. Fisherman’s Bay (13 kilometers down) and Coronet Creek (21.3 kilometers down) are the two campsites. Wardens come around and check that you have a valid permit. It costs $11.70 to make a reservation and $9.80 per person per night to camp. Bear lockers are provided as are tent pads. There is an open air – but private – toilet. Bring a tarp. Pack for every possible type of weather – from sun to snow. You can have a fire in the fire ring. As the summer progresses firewood will be increasingly difficult to find. Consider loading up your kayak or canoe on the way down to the campsite. There is an excellent 16 kilometer day hike from the Coronet Creek campsite. Dogs are allowed on a leash – even at the campsites. You canright on the lake though the prices are steep.Have you been to Maligne Lake?
Leigh McAdam
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About Hike Bike Travel
Avid world traveler. Craves adventure – & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project – a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
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