Spirit Island is such a popular attraction in Jasper National Park, but it is quite remote (the only way to get there is by boat). A lot of visitors to Jasper opt for the Maligne Lake Boat Tour to see it, or, the more adventurous will rent a canoe and book a backcountry camping spot at one of Maligne Lake’s backcountry campgrounds (Fisherman’s Bay being the closest one to Spirit Island).

If you opt to canoe all the way to Spirit Island in one day, it can be quite a long paddle all the way there and back (14 km one way, 28 km round trip!). So many have their eyes set on Spirit Island, that they miss the real adventure itself, which is the time spent canoeing on one of Jasper’s most beautiful lakes, Maligne Lake.

On my first Maligne Lake canoe trip, I was SO determined to get to Spirit Island, that we left super early in the morning and wore ourselves out trying to paddle all the way there in one day, plus we had to continue on to our campsite at the end of the lake (we could only get a spot at the Coronet Creek site - which is a 22 km paddle, one way!).

After all the expectations we had for Spirit Island (which is super beautiful), we ended up realizing that our fondest memories of the trip weren’t Spirit Island itself, but the incredible adventure we had in paddling there.

canoeing maligne lake early in the morning

Spirit Island is beautiful and has important ties to the Indigenous People of Jasper. But, there is so much more to a canoe adventure on Maligne Lake than just Spirit Island!

Things to do at Maligne Lake (Other Than Spirit Island)

Plan a Picnic at one of the Many Picnic Sites Along the Lake

Heading out past the initial bay of Maligne Lake will allow you to escape the tourists and be some of the only canoes on the water.

In order to explore past the bay, you will need more than an hour. One of the best things to do outside of the bay is to plan a picnic at one of the many picnic sites along Maligne Lake.

These are also only accessed by boat, meaning you’re likely to have the whole spot to yourself, or have very few people around.

Most of the picnic sites have a barbecue or fire pit, picnic tables, and a pit toilet.

spending time at fisherman’s bay campground

Try For More than One Night in the Backcountry

If you’re planning a canoe trip on Maligne Lake, spending more than one night camping will give you plenty of time to enjoy the peace, while also spreading out the distance you canoe each day.

Camping reservations can be hard to snag, so make sure to try the day they are released (usually January or February for the upcoming summer), or watch for cancellations.

Enjoy Some Quiet Moments in Your Canoe

One of the best parts of my canoe trip was to stop paddling, and lay back in the canoe and relax.

The motorized tour boats only go to Spirit Island, so once you paddle past Spirit Island, you won’t have to worry about waves or noise created by the tour boats.

Make sure to take some time to enjoy the peacefulness of Maligne Lake, surrounded by the pretty mountains and fresh air!

swimming dock at fisherman’s bay campground

Pull Over for a Swim

Canoeing can be hard work, and on a hot, summer day, nothing feels better than plunging into chilly Maligne Lake! Make sure to pull over and enjoy a swim and a snack, away from the crowds but still in one of the most popular National Parks in Alberta.

If you’re camping (or want to make a stop at one of the campgrounds), there are docks to jump off of into the water.

foggy morning at the maligne lake boatlaunch

Enjoy the Unexpected

Not everything will always go to plan, and it’s important to keep this in mind while on your canoe trip. Trying to enjoy the unexpected and go along with the adventure will make your trip amazing no matter what.

On the morning of one of my canoe trips, it was SO foggy we could barely see in front of us. It did delay our start a bit that morning, but once we could see a little better we set out on our trip and enjoyed being one of the only canoes on the water.

The fog also delayed the tour boats from running, meaning we basically made it all the way to Fisherman’s Bay Campground before needing to deal with the waves from the tour boats. It was a blessing in disguise and made for incredible, unique scenery!

Male looking at a bald eagle on the beach of Maligne Lake.

Watch For Animals

A lot of animals call Maligne Lake home, and being in a canoe gives visitors the advantage of stillness and quiet, to admire the animals from a safe distance and not startle them.

The best time to see animals while canoeing is in the early hours of the morning.

On my first Maligne canoe trip, I saw a moose and her baby on one of the beaches. The baby was lounging on the beach and the mom was wading in the water.

On my second canoe trip I admired a bald eagle hanging out on the same beach.

At both Fisherman’s Bay and Coronet Creek Campgrounds, I’ve seen deer (one walked right past our tent as we were heading to bed!). The night before we arrived at Fisherman’s Bay Camp, a group at our campsite let us know a bear had walked through the campground as well.

Please remember to respect the animals and Leave No Trace to keep yourself safe in Jasper National Park!

Renting a Canoe

If you do head out for a canoe trip on Maligne Lake, whether it's for an hour or for a multi-day trip, you can rent your canoe from Wild Current Outfitters or from the Maligne Lake Boathouse.

Included in Your Canoe Rental with Wild Current Outfitters:

Paddles
Life jackets
Whistles
Bailer
Waterproof Bags (dry bags)
Throw bag

You can pick this up from the Jasper Adventure Centre the day before your trip (especially if you want an early start), or if available, have it dropped off at your accommodation by Wild Current!

Canoe Trip Packing List printable. — canoe trip packing list

Things to pack for your canoe trip

Map - Screenshot a digital version on your phone! It can also be a good idea to have a waterproof, paper copy as backup if your phone dies. You can usually find GemTrek maps at the Jasper Visitor Centre in town for around $15.
Enough food & water for your trip - You will want snacks on the boat and are responsible for bringing all the freshwater you’ll need.
Firewood & lighter/waterproof matches - there are grills or fire pits at picnic sites, and firepits at the campgrounds. (check for a fire ban before heading out). Sometimes other campers will leave behind firewood, but if you have extra space in your canoe it doesn’t hurt to grab some from the Maligne Lake boat launch before leaving.
Toilet paper - there are pit toilets at campgrounds and picnic sites along the lake. Remember to pack out your garbage.
Garbage bag - to pack out your garbage!
Your camera and extra batteries! - the views are incredible.
Small gloves & a toque for crisp morning air - the weather in the mountains (especially around Maligne Lake) is unpredictable. A foggy morning wasn’t forecasted for our trip, but we were SO happy to have our gloves and toques for the unexpected weather!
Swimsuit & towel - if it’s a hot day you’ll want to swim!
Sunscreen, glasses, and a hat - Protect yourself from the heat. Out on the water the sun seems to shine brighter.
Bear spray - especially in the backcountry, it’s up to you to be prepared for your own safety.
Your backcountry permit printed from your Parks Canada camping reservation - if you have a camping reservation you make sure to have this on you throughout your trip.
A fishing license - if you plan to fish make sure to get a license and the gear you’ll need in advance!
Camping gear - if you’re camping you’ll need a tent, sleeping gear, etc..