Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Declared the “Best Boat Cruise in Canada” by 8 million Reader’s Digest subscribers, the Maligne Lake Cruise is an experience like no other. Join us on a panoramic tour across the crystal waters of magical Maligne Lake, fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park. Glide past the jagged mountain peaks as we cruise to Spirit Island, a world-famous destination only accessible by boat.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
Opening/closing dates are weather dependent
Infants are free and ticket is required for this Attraction
Maligne Lake is located one hour from the Jasper townsite. Plan to arrive early for parking and check-in, and be ready to board 15 minutes before your departure time. During the summer season, traffic and parking can take longer than expected.
Maligne Lake is a remote location with limited cell service and no Wi-Fi — we recommend downloading your e-tickets in advance.
Missed cruises are non-refundable, and cruise times may vary slightly due to operating conditions.
Check in at the tour boat docks and follow on-site signage to your departure area.
Seating is unassigned and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with great views from every seat.
Note that cruises can run up to 15 minutes longer than scheduled to comply with Transport Canada wake regulations.
What To Expect
Maligne Lake
Your 90-minute cruise of the lake starts dockside near the Maligne Lake Boathouse and Chalet. Boats leave approximately on the hour and your ticket is good for any trip during your selected day. After boarding, you will pull away from the dock and be treated to a fully narrated, interpretative tour of the area's unique history and special ecology. Each boat is glass enclosed and fully heated, ensuring you will stay warm while experiencing majestic views throughout the trip.
Spirit Island
From Spirit Island, which is only accessible by boat near the center of the lake, you will be treated to some of the most spectacular views found anywhere in the world. Jagged, snow-capped peaks ring a lake of vibrant blue water and ancient forest. Wildlife regularly prowl the shoreline, so keep your camera close and your senses alert as you scan the area for the eagles, bears and deer that call this area home. Expert and amateur photographers alike will be treated to incredible opportunities to attempt to document the natural splendor surrounding them, all the while recognizing that no photograph can do justice to the alpine scenery surrounding them. Each cruise last approximately 90 minutes, after which you will return to the boathouse where you can grab a warm beverage or bite to eat from the nearby lodge and chalet.
Options
Maligne Lake Cruise
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Boat tour of Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
Food and Drink (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Transportation to/from attractions
No public washrooms available for the duration of the cruise
Infant Tickets are free but are required for Attraction
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
514 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice guided boat trip to Spirit Island
Richard R,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went with Mitchell as our pilot / boat captain and Julia as our tour guide. They both did a great job! The boat is enclosed with glass windows in all sides. You get dropped off at a dock on Spirit Island and you get to spend about 15-20 walking around on a trail - you are not permitted to hike off-trail through the woods. The view of the mountain peaks toward the far end of the lake is nothing short of stunningly spectacular.
A wonderful cruise on Lake Maligne.
Sandy M,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maligne Lake is simply beautiful. My wife and I took the cruise to Spirit Island and we were both enchanted. The cruise was made even more enjoyable because of Captain Mitchell and hostess Cat. They ensured the cruise was flawless in a very friendly and informative way as they outlined the major attractions and local history. All in all, we found it to be a very worthwhile experience.
Great experience!
James A,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed our tour to Lake Maligne and Spirit Island. Camron was our tour guide, doing a great job keeping everyone entertained and informed. Alex was our driver, keeping us and other visitors to the lake safe and also sharing knowledge of the area. We were lucky to have a partially sunny and warm day after days of cold, clouds and rain. Our stop at spirit island had the most beautiful blue water, it was such a gorgeous view.
Boat ride
Neilview,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Entertaining guides and great scenery
Beautiful lake cruise
Edward H,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This boat cruise was exceptional. Maligne lake is very beautiful and surrounded by beautiful mountainous terrain. Our crew was great. The guide was fun and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this trip.
Magnificent
josee l,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was magical to get so close to the mountains. The host was very friendly. The view of the mountains was superb.
Make sure you can get to the lake
paulinehW4826XY,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Care when booking this cruise before 1st June unless you have your own transport as no shuttle service available from Jasper to the lake
Happy
James B,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful experience, great guide. great captain, go rain or shine, pee before you board, leave small children at home. Leave a good tip!
Great Scenery and a Great Experience
Carl A,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience, partially because it was a perfect afternoon with clear blue skies. It was nice to see what I consider to be the iconic picture for Jasper National Park. We were fortunate that we booked an afternoon cruise as all of the morning cruises were cancelled due to fog over the lake. It cleared just in time for our scheduled cruise. I would highly recommend this excursion if you like to see great scenery. The crew on the boat was great and provided some interesting information about the lake and surrounding area. We went in early October so the mountains surrounding the lake were snow capped to make the scenery stunning.
Beautiful Experience
kjl,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had a terrific time on the Maligne Lake cruise. The scenery is amazing and the crew members were friendly and informative. Highly recommend!
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