Maligne Lake, AB, Canada
Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Ringed by snow-and-ice-capped mountains, the 22 km long lake stretches past serene Spirit Island right to the melt-water channels of Coronet Glacier. An open forest of lodgepole pine and spruce, home of moose, caribou and Harlequin Ducks and many other types of wildlife surround visitors at the north end of the lake. Hiking and, in winter, cross-country skiing trails abound making this a popular retreat at all times of the year.
Maligne Lake was originally known as “Chaba Imne” or Beaver Lake by the native tribes who lived near Jasper. In 1907 Mary Schaeffer, a wealthy Quaker from Philadelphia, learned of the mysterious lake. Following a map obtained from Samson Beaver, a Stoney tribesman, Mary found the lake and later wrote about her adventures, making the area a popular tourist attraction in years to follow.
Spirit Island on Maligne Lake Spirit Island on Maligne Lake © Caroline Roy One of the most popular pictures in the Canadian Rockies is the image of Spirit Island in the middle of Maligne Lake. The island is 14 kilometres up-lake and there is no road or trail access. Tour boats or private, non-motorized craft are the only means of reaching Spirit Island.Visit Canada. Epic Canada Route © Monika Newbound
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