5.5-Hour Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise from Jasper

Exploring Jasper’s Wild Side: The 5.5-Hour Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Jasper and want to see the best of its natural beauty without spending entire days on the road, this tour might be just what you need. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife spotting, scenic stops, and a peaceful cruise on one of the most iconic lakes in the area. With top-rated guides and a comfortably-sized group, it’s designed to be accessible and engaging for many travelers.

Two things we really like about this tour are the opportunity to see wildlife close-up—including elk, moose, and maybe even a bear—and the stunning views of Maligne Lake and its surroundings. The guides consistently get praise for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the experience not just sightseeing but also an educational journey.

A potential consideration is that, due to recent wildfire damage, access to Maligne Canyon waterfalls may be limited or altered. This means the itinerary might shift slightly, but the overall experience still offers plenty of breathtaking sights and interesting stops.

This tour is particularly suited for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those wanting a comprehensive day out with minimal hassle. Since it’s a relaxed, guided experience, it’s ideal if you prefer someone else handles the planning while you enjoy the scenery.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: The tour uses a small, modern minibus with hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier.
• Wildlife Watching: Guides are attentive and keep a lookout for animals like elk, moose, and even bears, which adds an exciting element.
• Scenic Stops: You’ll explore Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake, and Maligne Lake, each offering unique views and photo opportunities.
• Boat Cruise: The Maligne Lake cruise is a highlight, with views of glaciers and Spirit Island, providing calm, scenic moments.
• Educational Guides: The guides are not just drivers—they’re passionate and knowledgeable, sharing insights on ecology, wildlife, and park history.
• Flexible & Reliable: The tour runs in all weather, with options for last-minute cancellations and rebooking if needed.

The Itinerary in Detail

Jasper National Park Drive: Maligne Valley

The adventure kicks off with a scenic 45 km journey through the Maligne Valley. This region is often considered one of the most beautiful spots in Jasper, and the drive alone provides incredible vistas of towering cliffs, lush forests, and open mountain views. According to reviews, this part of the tour is a real highlight for many travelers, thanks to the smooth transportation and the chance for wildlife sightings along the way. One reviewer noted, “The shuttle bus ride there and back turned out to be the highlight,” emphasizing how much they enjoyed just being in this scenic area.

Maligne Canyon

Next, you stop at Maligne Canyon—famous for its dramatic waterfalls and rugged limestone walls. However, it’s important to note that, due to wildfire damage from last summer, access to the waterfalls in Maligne Canyon is currently restricted for safety reasons. If the waterfalls aren’t viewable, the tour will include an alternative stop, such as the Maligne Lookout, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape.

Guests have appreciated the canyon’s beauty and the opportunity to walk across bridges that provide great vantage points. A reviewer shared, “A 30-minute stop allows us to explore the canyon and enjoy views of cascading waterfalls,” which shows how much travelers value even brief encounters with this natural marvel.

Medicine Lake

Continuing into the valley, the tour includes a quick visit to Medicine Lake. This mysterious body of water is famous for its seasonal changes—sometimes it disappears entirely, other times it’s full, reflecting the surrounding limestone peaks. The short 15-minute stop lets you admire the lake’s unique features and snap some photos. One review highlights that “Medicine Lake is a stunning spot, especially with the mountain backdrop,” making it a worthwhile quick stop.

Maligne Lake & Cruise

The centerpiece of the tour is the visit to Maligne Lake, where you’ll hop aboard a boat cruise that lasts about two hours. This is where you’ll sit back and soak in some of the most iconic views in Jasper—glacial-blue waters, towering peaks, and Spirit Island—a perfect photo spot. Several travelers praised this part, with one saying, “The boat cruise was the highlight—calm waters and stunning mountain scenery.”

The boat is covered, so you’re protected from the elements, and the crew is attentive—many reviews mention how guides keep a lookout for wildlife and make the cruise informative. There’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and listen to stories from the guides.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the logistics seamless—especially if you’re staying in Jasper’s town center. Transportation is via a comfortable minibus, which maximizes the feeling of being in a small, intimate group. The guide’s role is central to the experience, sharing insights about the park’s ecology, wildlife, and geology.

The boat cruise on Maligne Lake is included in the price, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty without extra hassle. Food and drinks are available for purchase at Maligne Lake but aren’t included in the tour fee.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a pretty clear picture: guides are highly appreciated for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Several reviews specifically mention guides like Sam and Kelli, highlighting their ability to spot wildlife, share engaging stories, and make the day memorable. One traveler said, “Sam’s knowledge and passion for the wildlife was fantastic,” and another praised Kelli for her experience and her keen eyes that helped spot elk, moose, and even a grizzly bear.

Wildlife sightings are a big part of this tour’s appeal. Multiple reviews mention sightings of elk, moose, deer, and even a bear—making it a genuine wildlife adventure. That said, some reviews note that animal sightings can be unpredictable, which is normal for wildlife-focused trips.

Tour Pacing and Flexibility

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention the pace being brisk or the itinerary being affected by wildfire damage. For instance, one review noted that the waterfalls in Maligne Canyon were closed due to wildfire recovery, leading to a slightly different experience. The tour providers are transparent about these circumstances, and they do their best to offer alternative stops, like a viewpoint or additional time at Medicine Lake.

Price and Value

At around $159 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive look at Jasper’s highlights in roughly six hours. Considering the inclusions—transport, guides, and the lake cruise—it’s a good value for a full, immersive day. Travelers often comment on how the guided aspect enhances their experience, making it worth the expense.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves wildlife, scenic drives, and boat trips, this tour hits those marks. It’s perfect for travelers who want a structured, informative day without the hassle of planning multiple stops. The small group size makes it suitable for those who prefer personal attention and a more intimate experience.

However, if you’re mainly interested in chasing waterfalls or detailed geological formations, keep in mind that access to some waterfalls might be limited. The tour’s flexibility means you’ll still get plenty of stunning scenery and a chance to learn quite a bit about Jasper’s environment.

Final Thoughts

This Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake cruise offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into some of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich spots in the park. The guides’ expertise really elevates the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s educational, fun, and visually stunning.

While the wildfire damage has slightly altered some parts of the itinerary, the overall experience remains highly rewarding. The combination of scenic stops, wildlife sightings, and the serene cruise on Maligne Lake makes it a great choice for those wanting a comprehensive day out without feeling rushed.

If you’re looking for an immersive, well-organized tour that balances scenery, wildlife, and expert commentary, this trip is definitely worth considering—especially if you value comfort and small-group intimacy.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including travel, stops, and the boat cruise.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by minibus, a guided experience, and the Maligne Lake cruise.

Can I see wildlife on this tour?
There’s a good chance to see native animals such as elk, moose, and eagles. Wildlife sightings depend on natural activity, so they’re not guaranteed but are quite common.

What happens if the waterfalls in Maligne Canyon are closed?
Due to wildfire damage, access to waterfalls may be restricted. In that case, the tour will include alternative stops like Maligne Lookout and extra time at Medicine Lake.

Is the boat cruise weather-dependent?
Yes, the cruise operates in all weather conditions. If weather causes cancellations, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically targeted at families, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with light walking and sitting for periods. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

This Jasper tour balances scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and educational insights, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore the area comfortably and meaningfully.