Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike

If you’re planning a trip to Jasper and want to experience some of the best natural sights the Canadian Rockies have to offer, this Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike from Maligne Adventures might catch your eye. It’s a well-rated option (with an impressive 4.7/5 from 239 reviews) that promises a mix of scenic viewpoints, wildlife sightings, and a peaceful lakeside walk—all packed into about six hours.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines easy hikes with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife — from elk and moose to eagles and bears. Plus, the stops at iconic spots like Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon sound fantastic for snapping photos and soaking in the mountain atmosphere. The price point of $77 per person makes it a pretty accessible way to see Jasper’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that Maligne Canyon is currently closed for repairs due to wildfire damage, which might mean the waterfall view could be substituted with a different scenic stop. While that’s not ideal, the tour still offers plenty of stunning sights, and the guides seem great at making the best of the day. This tour is best suited for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those who prefer a guided experience that balances sightseeing with a bit of gentle activity.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see elk, moose, bears, eagles, and more, thanks to the guides’ expertise.
• Scenic Stops: Iconic views at Medicine Lake and the limestone cliffs surrounding it.
• Flexible Itinerary: The tour adapts if Maligne Canyon is closed, offering alternative highlights.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel is in an air-conditioned minibus, making the long day easier.
• Moderate Walks: A 2-3 km lakeshore hike provides an easy, scenic outdoor experience.
• Expert Guides: Many reviews praise guides for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a comfortable minibus ride through the Maligne Valley, which is already a treat in itself. As your guide weaves in stories about the area’s history and natural highlights, you’ll immediately get a sense of how special Jasper is. Expect to make stops at two bridges overlooking waterfalls, where the erosion of limestone creates impressive cascades. While these are often the highlight for many, it’s worth noting that Maligne Canyon Waterfalls are currently closed due to wildfire repairs. If that’s the case, the tour compensates by offering a visit to Maligne Lookout, providing sweeping views of the altered landscape, and more lakeshore walking at Medicine Lake.

Standing at the Medicine Lake viewpoint, you’ll understand why this spot is so captivating. The lake is famous for its surprising disappearance—your guide will explain why it seems to vanish seasonally, which is a fascinating natural phenomenon linked to water flow and limestone erosion. Many reviewers, like Anna from the UK, appreciated the wide vistas and the stories about why Medicine Lake ebbs and flows.

Next up, you’ll head to Maligne Lake, where the real highlight is the guided lakeshore walk. Covering 2-3 km, this trail is designed to be accessible and gentle, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil waters of the lake. This walk is often called “interpretive,” meaning your guide will point out interesting plants, animal signs, and the history of the area, making it both relaxing and educational.

After the hike, you’ll have some free time at the Maligne Lake Day Lodge—a perfect spot to unwind, take photos, or grab a snack before heading back. The tour wraps up with a comfortable ride back to Jasper, leaving you with a wealth of memories and a good sense of what makes this corner of the Rockies so special.

Wildlife and Waterfalls: What You’ll Likely See

Based on reviews, the wildlife sightings are one of the tour’s big draws. Many travelers report seeing elk, moose, bald eagles, and even bears—sometimes quite close. For instance, Lynn from the UK mentioned spotting bald eagles, big horn sheep, and moose, describing it as “absolutely amazing.” Guide expertise seems to be a key factor, with many reviewers praising guides like Jake, Kathryn, and Sam for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to spot animals.

Wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable, but the guides do their best to take you to prime locations and times for animal activity. Several guests noted how guides are attentive, respectful, and eager to share their insights, making the experience educational as well as exciting.

The Lakeshore Hike and Views

The lakeshore walk at Maligne Lake stands out as a peaceful, scenic part of the tour. Many reviewers comment on how beautiful the mountains and water are, often describing it as a “perfect balance between outdoor activity and relaxing scenery.” The trail’s easy grade makes it suitable even for less experienced hikers, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with nature without strenuous effort.

The views at Medicine Lake and the surrounding limestone cliffs are often described as breathtaking, with many travelers noting how the scenery changes with the weather and light, making each visit uniquely memorable.

Practical Details: Transportation, Price, and Duration

This tour is priced at $77 per person, which is quite reasonable considering it includes transportation, a guide, and multiple stops with interpretive insights. The 6-hour duration means you get plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed, though the exact start times depend on availability and your chosen pickup point.

Transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, which helps keep the experience relaxed—especially after long days of outdoor activity. The tours include hotel pickup and drop-off at several Jasper locations, which adds convenience, particularly if you’re staying in town.

The group size is kept small, enhancing the chance to ask questions and enjoy a more personalized experience. Keep in mind that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, but most reviewers seem quite pleased with what they saw.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those who enjoy guided outdoor adventures. If you’re interested in learning about local ecology, spotting animals, and enjoying scenic mountain vistas, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also suitable if you prefer moderate walks paired with storytelling and education.

However, it’s worth noting that people with mobility impairments might find this tour challenging, as some walking is involved, albeit on gentle trails. Also, travelers should be prepared for weather variability—bring rain gear and warm clothing just in case.

Final Thoughts

The Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Lakeshore Hike offers a solid balance of scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and light outdoor activity. The reviews highlight the value of knowledgeable guides who make the day fun, educational, and unpredictable in the best ways. The stops at Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake are particularly memorable, offering some of the most iconic views in Jasper.

If your goal is to learn about Jasper’s natural environment, this tour has a lot to offer—especially at a price point that makes it accessible. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting a guided experience that’s enriching and relaxed, with plenty of photo opportunities and chances to spot wildlife.

Is It Right For You?

If you’re looking for a well-organized tour that combines scenic views, wildlife encounters, and gentle hikes, this could be a perfect fit. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with a group that appreciates storytelling and natural history, or if you’re new to Jasper and want the guidance of experienced locals.

On the other hand, if you’re after a more strenuous hike or a boat cruise, you might want to explore other options. But for those seeking a balanced, informative, and peaceful excursion, this leaves a lot of the must-see spots in Jasper within reach.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult, the tour involves moderate walking and outdoor exposure, making it suitable for active kids who enjoy nature.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and rain gear are recommended. Since the weather can change quickly in the mountains, packing a rain jacket or umbrella is wise.

Can I see waterfalls during this tour?
You will stop at two bridges to view waterfalls, but Maligne Canyon Waterfalls are currently closed for repairs. If they are not reopened, the guide will take you to an alternative scenic spot.

How long is the lakeshore hike?
The guided walk at Maligne Lake covers about 2-3 kilometers on an easy-grade trail, making it accessible for most people.

What kind of wildlife might I see?
Guests have reported sightings of elk, moose, bald eagles, bears, and more. However, wildlife sightings depend on luck and animal activity at the time.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes professional guiding, live commentary, stops at key viewpoints, a lakeshore hike, transportation in a comfortable minibus, and hotel pick-up/drop-off at selected locations.

This Jasper tour offers a rewarding mix of scenery, wildlife, and gentle outdoor activity—a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience the natural beauty of Jasper with expert insights and a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: