Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park is a scenic place to visit, to hike, or to head down the lake in a boat.    It is also a prime spot to paddle.   Information for paddlers follows.

Launch Spot

Drive past the Maligne Lodge and continue across the Maligne River bridge over to the public boat launch.  Location – N52 48.550 W117 38.596

Picnic Spots

There a number of designated picnic spots/landings along the lake.  Most of these have a beach to land on and picnic tables.  See this link for locations.

Power Boats

Powerful tour boats go down the lake to a point just outside of Spirit Island.   They put up a big wake so paddlers are advised to paddle close to the shore on either side.   Fishermen have to use electric motors so the lake is fairly quiet for most of the time.  The Park Ranger also has a power boat, but we didn’t see the Ranger in the 4 days we were there.

Samson Narrows

The lake narrows off at 13km down the lake.   The tour boats are supposed to slow down, but paddlers are still advised to time their passage through the narrows well.   Location – N52 39.105 W117 30.888

Fisherman’s Cove Campsite

This marine campsite has 8 tent pads, 8 roomy food caches, an outhouse, and picnic tables/firepits in a common area near the beach.   It sits on the east shore in a protected bay.   Maximum stay is 2 nights and a permit is required (go to the Parks Service in Jasper first).   We like the view from the shoreline.   Location – N52 39.141 W117 30.210

Spirit Cove

The tour boats go down the lake just past Spirit Island so that tourists can see and photograph Coronet Glacier, then they turn back and land at a dock in the cove.  There are washrooms and some trails at the cove.   This is where the photos of Spirit Island are usually taken.   We landed at the beach in the cove to have lunch and enjoy the view.   Location – N52 38.635 W117 29.538

Coronet Creek Campsite

At the far end of the lake, about 23km down the lake if you follow the shoreline (recommended).   It sits around the east side of the Coronet Creek outwash.   There are 8 tent pads, 8 roomy food bins, picnic tables, firepits, and an outhouse.   Bring you own toilet paper.   The beach faces east over to the outlet from the Monkhead River.   There is a good protected beach for landings and launches.   The Coronet Creek/Coronet Glacier trail starts at the campground.  The maximum length of a stay at this site is 2 days and a permit is needed.  Location – N52 35.755 W117 25.930

Wildlife

Deer roamed through the campsites.   We saw fresh bear scats up the Coronet Creek Trail.   There were ospreys and loons on the lake.

Weather

Winds often come up in the afternoon, so paddling along the shoreline in the morning is recommended.   The water is cold so caution needs to be taken when paddling down the lake and back.   We watched a number of novices heading down the middle of the lake in rental canoes, unprepared for the boat wash and strong winds.   With some good luck, you will have sunny weather and light winds.