Maligne Valley and Pleckaitis Icewalk: Jasper's Hidden Canyon Icewalk Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Expect a moderate level of fitness: steady walking on uneven and icy surfaces for up to 2 hours, plus short hikes in and out of the canyon.
Overview
Walk the bottom of Pleckaitis Canyon and explore Maligne Valley on a guided half-day tour that combines canyon icewalking with ecology lessons from wildfire recovery to glacial geology. Ideal for travelers seeking a hands-on, interpretive winter experience near Jasper.
Maligne Valley and Pleckaitis Icewalk: Jasper's Hidden Canyon Icewalk Adventure
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A thin silver track of river ice threads the canyon like a secret kept by the mountains. You step off the service road and into a world where the forest still remembers last summer’s fire—blackened trunks stand like punctuation marks against new green—and farther down, where the Maligne River has carved deep and cool, Pleckaitis Canyon holds a quiet older story. Guides fit helmets and hand you ice cleats; the canyon’s rock walls seem to watch as you pick your way into the channel, the sound of water turned to glass underfoot.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear microspikes or accept provided ice cleats
Traction on the canyon ice is essential; guides supply cleats but bringing your own microspikes ensures a snug fit and confidence on varied ice surfaces.
Dress in insulated layers
Temperatures in the canyon can be markedly colder than the townsite—use breathable base layers, an insulated midlayer, and a waterproof shell to stay comfortable.
Arrive hydrated and fed
The tour involves 1.5–2 hours of walking; bring a full water bottle and portable snacks to keep energy steady.
Listen to the guide about safety zones
Canyon corridors can have loose rock, narrow passages, and thin ice—follow the guide’s route and avoid exploring alone off the marked track.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer or elk in regrowth areas
- Gray jay and other resident birds in winter
History
Maligne Valley has long been part of Indigenous travel routes and seasonal use; European mapping and tourism accelerated after the construction of Maligne Lake Road in the early 20th century.
Conservation
Fire is part of the valley’s natural cycle; guides emphasize Leave No Trace practices and the importance of staying on designated routes to protect fragile regrowth and canyon mosses.
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Adventure Hotspots in Jasper
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Microspikes or ice cleats
Provide essential traction on ice and packed snow; guides supply cleats but personal fit improves safety.
winter specific
Insulated waterproof boots or thermal liners
Keep feet warm during prolonged contact with ice and cold canyon air; thermal boots may be provided.
winter specific
Layered clothing (base, mid, shell)
Allows temperature control—canyon microclimates shift quickly, and exertion levels vary.
winter specific
Trekking poles
Help with balance on uneven ice and while moving between rock and snow sections; many guides provide poles as part of the tour.
winter specific