Heading out on Jasper’s biggest lake for a backcountry camping trip is one of the best adventures you can do while visiting Jasper National Park. Camping on Maligne Lake is an unforgettable experience and one you will remember for the rest of your life! This article will tell you everything you need to know about Maligne Lake camping, including the different campgrounds, how to book them, how to get there, and everything in between.

Camping on Maligne Lake: Your Ultimate Guide

How to Get to Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. To get there from the town of Jasper, you’ll drive Connaught Drive Northeast and turn left onto the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) towards Edmonton. After about 2 km, you’ll turn right onto Maligne Lake Road and follow that road all the way down to the lakeshore!

Once you’re at the lake, make sure to go past the first parking lot all the way to the parking lot for the boat launch.

There is no public transportation to Maligne Lake (or in Jasper National Park), therefore you will need access to a vehicle to get to the lake.

A tent site at Hidden Cove Campground - One of Maligne Lake’s Backcountry Campgrounds

Maligne Lake Backcountry Campgrounds

There are 3 backcountry campgrounds located on Maligne Lake, and no Frontcountry campgrounds!

A backcountry campground is a campground that you cannot directly drive into. Instead, you need to hike, bike, horseback ride, or boat into the campground.

On Maligne Lake, all backcountry campgrounds are only accessible by boat - meaning you need to canoe or kayak to reach them!

The 3 campgrounds here are Hidden Cove Campground, Fisherman’s Bay Campground, and Coronet Creek Campground.

When you arrive at your campground and are done using your canoe for the day, be sure to flip it over and store your paddles underneath. This will dry out your canoe overnight and protect it from any rain that may fall overnight.

Hidden Cove Campground

This campground is the closest one to the Maligne Lake boat launch, making it the perfect choice for families, beginner canoers, or anyone who wants a shorter paddle for a beautiful stay.

Location: West side of the lake in a Hidden Cove
4 km paddle from the boat launch (one-way)
4 tent pads
Cooking shelter with a wood stove and table
Large bear lockers (1 per site)
Dock - this is the best way to know you’re pulling up to the campground!
1 communal fire pit
Sometimes there is leftover firewood here, but it’s also a great idea to bring your own. There is usually free firewood by the boat launch that you can load into your boat.

Fishermans Bay Campground

The campground that is located around the half-way point on Maligne Lake, and the closest one to Spirit Island, is Fishermans Bay Campground. It’s a long paddle to get here in one day if you’re a beginner, but not impossible. Just make sure to be prepared with food and water and changing weather conditions!

Location: East side of the lake, about half-way down the lake
13 km paddle from the boat launch (one-way)
8 tent pads
Large Bear lockers (1 per site)
Dock
1 communal fire pit

Coronet Creek Campground

At the very end of Maligne Lake is Coronet Creek Campground. This is roughly a 21.3 km paddle in one direction, and makes for a very long day if you paddle from the boat launch to this campground in one go.

If you’re a beginner paddler, it’s not recommended you try to conquer this paddle in one day!

The best way to get to this site is to break the journey up into multiple days. Meaning you have at least a night booked at Fisherman’s Bay or Hidden Cove.

Location: South end of the lake slightly West
21.3 km paddle from the boat launch (one-way)
8 tent pads

Large Bear lockers (1 per site)
Dock
2 communal fire pits

At Coronet Creek, there is an unmaintained hiking trail nearby to Coronet Glacier. If you are able to spend more than one night here (or you have a lot of energy!) this would be a great activity to add to your itinerary.

Shelter and Bear Lockers at Hidden Cove Campground

How to Book Campsites at Maligne Lake

You can make Maligne Lake camping reservations using the Parks Canada Online Reservation System.

Reservations are required and can be very difficult to get. It’s recommended you have your Parks Canada Reservation Account set up before booking opens. It’s also a great idea to log on a few minutes before reservations open to make sure you are in the waiting room (for example, if reservations open at 8am, be sure to log on at 7:55am).

Once reservations open, you will be put into a random “queue”. When it’s your turn, book your sites!

These are the steps to book:

Make sure you’re on the Backcountry tab
Select Backcountry Zone
Select Jasper as the Park
Select Maligne Lake Trailhead as your access point
Input your arrival date, party size, and number of tent pads (1 tent per tent pad)
If you’re flexible on dates, input an early date (e.g., beginning of June) and then scroll through the online calendar to find the next available date during the summer

It may take you to a map next, select Maligne Lake on the map
Then you will see the 3 campgrounds - Hidden Cove, Fishermans Bay, and Coronet Creek
Select the campground you want and book!

If there are no available campsites, continue to check back for cancellations

If you are flexible on dates, you can select the “Calendar” option on the left navigation bar. This will show you what dates are available at each campground throughout the summer.

Once you book your campsite, it’s a great idea to also reserve your boat if you are needing to rent one. The Canadian Rockies are very busy in the summertime, so renting your boat in advance will guarantee that you’ll have one!

Reserve your canoe with wild current outfitters

Paddling Maligne Lake

Different types of boats are allowed on Maligne Lake: canoes, kayaks, and electric motor boats. Gas motors are not allowed! You can rent a canoe through us, Wild Current Outfitters, or you can rent through other companies in Jasper as well.

If you are planning a multi-day trip (AKA camping at one of the sites on Maligne Lake!) Wild Current offers a multi-day discount on rentals.

While you’re canoeing on Maligne Lake, there are different picnic sites you can stop at, as well as the beautiful Spirit Island viewpoint, and the 3 campgrounds.

Different places you can stop while canoeing Maligne Lake:

Hidden Cove Campground - 4km paddle
Trapper Creek Picnic Site - 4.8km paddle
Four Mile Creek Picnic Site - 5.2km paddle
Samson Picnic Site - 10km paddle
Fisherman’s Bay Campground - 13km paddle
Spirit Island - 14km paddle
Spindly Creek Picnic Site - 17.7 km paddle
Coronet Creek Campground (Coronet Creek Glacier Hike) - 21.3km paddle

(the distances are from the Maligne Lake boat launch in one direction)

There are tables at the picnic sites and campgrounds, and pit toilets (bring your own toilet paper!). Some picnic sites also have a fire pit.

Canoe VS Kayak

When heading out to camp on Maligne Lake, a question you might have is whether to rent a canoe or kayak?

There are definitely pros and cons to both, and in the end you can use either to camp on Maligne Lake.

Pros to Using a canoe

Can typically hold a lot more gear
Easier to pack and fit everything in your boat
Can be more affordable (only need to rent one boat for a group)
Typically more stable
Easier to rent at the boat launch when booked in advance with Wild Current Outfitters!
It’s iconic to paddle a canoe on a Canadian Lake

Cons to Using a Canoe

Items inside are typically exposed (can bring a tarp or blanket to cover your materials)
Heavier

Pros to Using a Kayak

Faster/more efficient
Cuts through the water easier
Stored items are covered

Cons to Using a Kayak

Requires precise and minimal packing (limited storage space)
Can be more expensive when you need to rent multiple kayaks

When you canoe, you and your group share one boat. If you have a larger group, (or even in a pair!), you can split the cost of the canoe. Whereas in a kayak, you each need a boat, meaning it can be more expensive to rent multiple and not have the possibility to split the costs. Some places may have the option to rent a double kayak.

Preparing for Your Backcountry Camping Trip on Maligne Lake

It is very important to be prepared when going into the backcountry. Make sure to have everything you’ll need packed. This includes shelter, enough food and water, a way to cook your food (and potentially filter your water), and proper clothes and gear.

Make sure not to forget:

Firewood from the boat launch (if space in your boat)
Make sure your park pass is displayed and all valuables are hidden
Put your keys somewhere safe and waterproof
Have your camping permit printed and a digital copy on your phone

If you are renting from Wild Current Outfitters, make sure to pick up your paddles, life jackets, dry bag, and bailer from us the day before your paddle. Then you will be ready to grab your canoe and set off the next morning at whatever time you want. The earlier the better to beat tour boats and maybe see some animals! Our boats are located at the boat launch, meaning the canoe will be there whenever you’re ready to set out. Please organize a time the day before to pick up everything you’ll need from us, as we will not be at the boat launch on the day you set out.

If you are renting with a different company, be sure to check in on the procedure with what to expect when renting from them.

Heading out on a backcountry camping trip at sunrise during Wildfire Season

When to Go Camping on Maligne Lake

Camping season on Maligne Lake usually runs from June - October, depending on the weather.

For the best weather and potential conditions, July and August are the best times to go camping on Maligne Lake. In June, September, and October, you have a higher chance of snow (although it can happen in July and August as well!).

During July and August, temperatures can get up to low-mid 30°C. In September and October, temperatures can get low, and may dip below freezing overnight.

In June, the lake is just thawed, meaning that the water temperature is extra cold! And weather can vary greatly in June depending on the year. I have seen snow linger until the end of June, but I have also seen 20°C weather in June.

Always be prepared for a variety of conditions!

Remember to fully pull your canoe out of the water and flip it upside down

Staying Safe on Lake Maligne

A few tips to stay safe while paddling Maligne Lake:

Start early to avoid tour boats, especially if you're a newer paddler
Don’t travel in the dead center of the lake. Try to stay close-ish to the shoreline (but not too close as the waves from tour boats will affect you)
Cross the lake if you need to at narrow parts of the lake
If the tour boat waves are worrying you, you can turn your canoe to face the waves dead on (you are perpendicular to the waves) and ride the waves face on until they dissipate
Keep in mind that the water is glacier-fed and cold!!
Weather can be unpredictable and change quickly. Make sure your gear is in good condition (no holes) and you pack layers (even in the summer)
Have a life jacket on at all times
Keep your bailer accessible while paddling
Bring enough food and water for your trip
If you see an animal on the shore while you’re in your boat, keep a safe distance and never approach wild animals
Be sure to have bear spray with you on your camping trip
Practice bear safety and keep your campsite and picnic areas clean, and your food properly stored at all times. Be sure to pack out your garbage!
Have a paper map as backup in case your phone dies. Research what side of the lake your campground is on, to ensure you don’t get lost or pass it!

Is it Hard to Park at Maligne Lake?

No, it is not hard to park at Maligne Lake. For a multi-day canoe trip, make sure to park at the boat launch parking and not the regular Maligne Lake parking lot for day-use visitors. Although both parking lots are free!

To get to the boat launch parking, you will want to drive past the first parking lot and across the bridge, and then you will arrive at the boat launch parking lot.

If you rent with Wild Current Outfitters, you can reverse your car down to the boat launch to get your canoe and load it up before parking.

Make sure to lock your car and put your keys somewhere safe! Also make sure your National Parks Pass is clearly displayed in your windshield before leaving.

If you are renting with a different company, be sure to ask in advance the procedure for loading your boat (will they meet you at the boat launch with your boat?). There is no cell phone reception at the lake so be sure to know the plan in advance.

Fishing

It is possible to fish in the lakes in Jasper National Park, and Maligne Lake is a great spot for fishing. If you are planning to fish, make sure to follow the proper guidelines when fishing in a Canadian National Park.

Make sure to have a valid National Park Fishing Permit (you can get one at the Visitors Centre when you arrive)
Burn all fish waste in the fire rings (eliminate everything for bear safety)
Fish within fishing season (on Maligne Lake, it is typically May 20th - October 1st)
You can find great fishing in the cove of Hidden Cove, or at the docks of Fishermans Bay and Coronet Creek. Or, fish off your boat anywhere on the lake!

Please find the most up to date fishing guidelines at Parks Canada.

Other Things to do at Maligne Lake

There are also many amazing things to do in the Maligne Lake area that you can plan to visit after your canoe trip (or before if you aren’t planning to leave early in the morning).

Along Maligne Road is Maligne Canyon, a beautiful and easy hike through a canyon with multiple waterfalls and pretty bridges.

Another stop along the way is Medicine Lake, the lake that feeds the waterfalls at Maligne Canyon!

The multi-day hike, Skyline Trail, leaves from a parking lot along Maligne Lake Road and ends at Maligne Lake (or vise versa).

Watch for wildlife as you drive this road! It can be an animal hot spot. Also be sure to drive the speed limit and stay in your car if you do see any animals. Remember, they are wild!

Go for a swim at Lake Annette or Lake Edith. Or explore the grounds at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. All located close by the road to Maligne Lake.

At the shores of Lake Maligne, you can also:

Hike the Mary Schaffer Loop, Moose Lake Loop, Bald Hills, or Opal Hills
Grab waffles or coffee at the Waffle House
Visit the boat launch docks to take photos!
Eat at The View restaurant

Pyramid Lake in Jasper - a great activity after your camping trip

What to do After Your Maligne Lake Camping Trip

After your Maligne Lake canoe camping trip in the backcountry, there are so many other amazing things to do in Jasper National Park and the surrounding area.

Hike one of Jasper’s many amazing hikes! A great one is Mount Edith Cavell Meadows or the Sulphur Skyline Trail. Other popular choices include Bald Hills, Valley of the 5 Lakes,
Explore other popular areas in Jasper, like:

Maligne Canyon
Pyramid Lake
Miette Hot Springs
Jasper SkyTram
Athabasca Falls
Jasper House National Historic Site
Take our guided canoe tour of Pyramid Lake and look for Jasper’s birds!

Drive the Icefields Parkway to Banff National Park and Lake Louise
Continue into British Columbia and explore Mount Robson Provincial Park

Camping on Maligne Lake Summary

Heading out on a Maligne Lake canoe trip in Jasper is an unforgettable experience!

Keep in mind that you will need a car to visit Maligne Lake and stay overnight, as there is no public transportation to the lake, and no cell-phone reception at the lake.

There are three backcountry campgrounds on Maligne Lake: Hidden Cove, Fisherman’s Bay, and Coronet Creek. Each one has unique scenery and is located at different distances from the boat launch. This means there is an option for campers and canoers of all skill levels.

Make sure to book your campsite in advance using the Parks Canada Online Reservation System. If you are unable to secure a campsite when booking opens, be sure to check back for cancellations. Being flexible in your dates can be super beneficial! Be sure to reserve your canoe once your campsites are booked.

While paddling the lake, there are various picnic sites to stop at, as well as iconic Spirit Island, and the 3 campgrounds.

Be sure to prepare for your trip in advance, be prepared for varying weather conditions, and Leave No Trace while camping.

Camping on Maligne Lake is an amazing adventure, and one you will remember for a lifetime!

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Camping on Maligne Lake: The Ultimate Jasper Adventure