Upon awakening after our first overnight stay at the modernized Whistler Campground, we woke up to our first (and foreboding of things to come) logistic setback of the trip. Our lovely DIY rental camper van, Henry the Hertz, would not start that morning. Multiple turns of the key produced that dreaded “click click” followed by nothing, and we realized that we were living in a van in the middle of Jasper National Park unequipped with any basic vehicle emergency supplies. We were lucky (and grateful) to be camping next to a very nice family who had jumper cables and were able to get our van started. Off we went on our day of hikes, crossing our fingers it wouldn’t happen again.

Maligne Canyon

Only a short 10-15 minute drive north of Jasper, Maligne Canyon is a super popular hiking and sightseeing destination in Jasper, AB. Maligne Canyon can be visited in both summer and winter, but it’s definitely more crowded in the summertime. Maligne Canyon boasts a series of scenic bridges accessed by winding paved walkways. Dramatic views change with varying vantage points as you traverse through the canyon, getting sprayed here and there by the falls.

Getting to Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is a short 10-15 minute drive from Jasper and can only be visited by car, so you’ll need either a guided tour with transportation or your own vehicle.

From the town of Jasper, head north on Highway 16 towards Edmonton, then at the traffic light turn right to gross the bridge over the Athabasca River. Keep left at the first fork to merge onto Maligne Lake Road. Continue on this road until you see signs for Maligne Canyon.

I recommend arriving before noon to ensure a parking spot, especially in the busier summer months.

The Best Maligne Canyon Bridges

Maligne Canyon has a total of 6 bridges. If you park your car at First Bridge, the way toward Fourth Bridge is downhill and you have to climb back uphill when you turn around to get back to your car. Bridges 1-4 reportedly have the best views and are the closest together. You can see these four bridges in about an hour, plus any time allotted for pictures. The trail from First Bridge to Fourth Bridge is 2.2km each way, and is an out-and-back trail. We did not continue to Fifth Bridge and Sixth Bridge, which are much further and can extend your journey by 1-2 hours.

If your party is tight on time and/or a less strenuous walk is desired, just visit First Bridge and Second Bridge. Of the first 4 bridges, First Bridge and Second Bridge have the best views and the journey to them is considered an easy walk from the parking lot.

Maligne Canyon in Winter

While we visited Maligne Canyon in summer, I would love to return in the winter! As temperatures dip below freezing, waterfalls freeze in place and the icy canyon floor itself can be explored via hiking boots and ice cleats. A visit in the wintertime demands a guided tour: choose between a Maligne Canyon ice-walk or a more thrilling ice climb up a frozen waterfall!

Check trail conditions at Maligne Canyon before you visit.

Valley of the Five Lakes

The Valley of the Five Lakes is a 15-20 minute drive south from Maligne Canyon. It’s located just across Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) from the town of Jasper so it makes for a good final hike of the day on the way back to camp, or just for a relaxing hike near town. The Valley of the Five Lakes Loop is a 3 mile loop trail visiting five sub-alpine lakes in wonderful jewel tones of green, teal, and blue.

We hiked the Valley of the Five Lakes trail in light rain but the precipitation only added to the atmosphere. This hike was very still and very quiet. This trail is usually busier as the difficulty level is family friendly, but the rain kept everyone else away. The light drizzle plopping on the hoods of our rain shells while misty rain glazed our view of the eerily still lake water made for an unforgettable sensory memory.