Sights

MAGIC MALIGNE

One of Jasper’s most majestic winter attractions is Maligne Canyon. This is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, which reaches 50 m in depth in some places. In the summer, this canyon is a torrent of rushing water and stunning waterfalls. In the winter, it’s a frozen wonderland of rock and ice.

The unique shape of the canyon has a wider base and narrow top, which leads some geologists to believe it was once a cave whose top was scrapped off by glaciers. The water in the canyon also has its mysteries. Some of it comes from Medicine Lake through a series of underground caves. It takes water 12-24 hours in the summer and 5-9 days in the winter to make this journey.

The rest of the water comes from underground streams that deposit into the canyon. It drains through a karst, which is an underground series of drainage tunnels and caves. Karst topography is common in limestone, which is soft and can be carved over time by the flowing water.

The limestone walls house numerous fossils from aquatic creatures who used to swim in the waters of the shallow sea that covered this area millions of years ago.

There are many excellent ways to explore Maligne Canyon this winter. Try an icewalk with Sundog Tours (p 87) to venture through the canyon depths or discover it from above on a walk with Walks & Talks (p 88). Learn the basics of ice climbing in the canyon from Rockaboo Mountain Adventures (p 87). No experience is necessary for this tour. Whatever you choose, warm up with a meal from Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen (p 96) after your adventure.

DRIVING TOURS

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY The journey to the Columbia Icefield and Sunwapta Pass, 105 km/65 mi, is one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Follow Connaught Dr west past Hwy 16, where the road becomes the Icefields Parkway, Hwy 93.

At Athabasca Falls, 30 km/19 mi, the river flows through a narrow canyon and over a cliff. Walk the short interpretive trail.

7 km/4.3 mi farther is Goat Lookout with views of Mt Kerkeslin. Here, natural salt attracts mountain goats. Continue to Sunwapta Falls, 54 km/33 mi, where a footbridge provides the best view.

As the highway climbs, a pullout provides a view of frozen Tangle Falls, 96 km/60 mi, where Tangle Creek tumbles down a limestone wall. Bighorn sheep often herd where the road crests. Across the valley, Stutfield Glacier spills over the mountain’s ridge.

Next stop is the Columbia Icefield, 103 km/64 mi, one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic. It's 215 sq km/ 83 sq mi and up to 365 m/1200 ft deep. Its meltwaters flow west to the Pacific, north to the Arctic and east to Hudson’s Bay and the Atlantic. This hydrological apex is one of two in the world, the other is in Siberia. Six major glaciers flow from the Icefield. At the Athabasca Glacier, you can walk to the glacier toe.

4 km/2.5 mi south of the Icefield is Sunwapta Pass. Here, Jasper National Park ends and Banff National Park begins. It's 122 km/76 mi farther to Lake Louise (route description p 41).

MALIGNE LAKE ROAD This route is 48 km/30 mi from Jasper to Maligne Lake, popular for its beauty and wildlife. From town, drive 2 km/1.2 mi east on Yellowhead Hwy 16. Turn right at Maligne Rd. Across the Athabasca River, turn right toward Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Stroll the 3.4 km/2.1 mi loop around Lac Beauvert, go ice skating or enjoy a drink in the lounge with sublime view.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Find your next outdoor adventure at beautiful Pyramid Lake Resort (p 99). Rent snowshoes or fat bikes to explore the frozen terrain, or lace up a pair skates for some classic winter fun. Want to relax and take in the views? Try a sleigh ride! Wrap up in a cozy blanket and enjoy the scenery while listening to hoofbeats in the snow. Afterwards, warm up with a drink and excellent food at The Pines (p 97). -TAYLOR JAINE

Return to Maligne Lake Rd and turn right. At Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge the famous icewalk begins. Rent ice cleats or take a guided tour. An interpretive trail parallels the canyon rim.

The road runs alongside Medicine Lake, 27 km/16.7 mi from town. Pullouts with Maligne Range views have signs describing the lake that seasonally disappears.

The road ends at mountain-ringed Maligne Lake, the largest glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies.

PYRAMID LAKE ROAD Turn left off Connaught Dr onto Pyramid Lake Rd. 2 km/1.2 mi past Bonhomme St is Cottonwood Slough wetlands, with access to trails on Pyramid Bench. At 4.8 km/3 mi is Patricia Lake. Walk along the lakeshore and learn about the experimental iceberg aircraft landing strip built here in WWII.

The road ends at Pyramid Lake, with snowshoeing terrain, cross-country ski trails, and lakeside dining at The Pines (p 97). Reach tranquil Pyramid Island by footbridge. Enjoy the stellar views of aptly named Pyramid Mountain and spend the evening gazing at the night sky in Jasper’s Dark Sky Preserve.

TOWNSITE WALK

JASPER TOWNSITE TOUR From the Jasper Information Centre, a designated historic site, cross Miette Ave to see Whistler’s Inn Den Wildlife Museum. Cross Connaught Dr to the Jasper Heritage Railway Station with a 1923 CNR steam locomotive 6015 and Haida carved totem pole. Follow the Discovery Trail, a 8.3 km/5.1 mi loop with signs interpreting railway history, peaks, people, and nature.

Downtown is the Old Firehall, across Patricia St from the visitor centre. North on Patricia St and left on Pyramid Lake Rd passes the Jasper Activity Centre. Turn left on Bonhomme St to the Jasper Fitness & Aquatic Centre and Jasper Museum (p 88).

Go left at Elm Ave to the Library & Cultural Centre, which hosts regular events and an art gallery. Return to Patricia St and Connaught Dr for downtown shopping and dining.