Maligne Valley & Medicine Lake Day Tour — Jasper National Park Guided Walks
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, low-elevation walks and standing at viewpoints
Overview
Spend six hours moving through Maligne Valley’s geological theater: watch Medicine Lake’s odd drainage, stroll Maligne Lake’s shoreline on the Mary Schäffer Loop, and look for bears, moose, and coyotes with a professional guide. This easy-paced tour mixes short walks, photo stops and local natural history for a clear, accessible taste of Jasper National Park.
Maligne Valley & Medicine Lake Day Tour — Jasper National Park Guided Walks
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The van eases onto the narrow ribbon of the Maligne Valley road and the forest breathes around you — spruce and subalpine fir leaning toward the light, rivers threading silver through gullied slopes. Your guide stops at a turnout; you step out into cold air that smells of stone and pine. Across the valley, ridgelines shrug off caps of cloud while a low-lying lake holds the sky like glass. This is Jasper’s long, dramatic room: Medicine Lake’s curious shoreline and the deeper, glacier-fed Maligne Lake where a guided shore walk follows Mary Schäffer’s footsteps.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Carry layered clothing
Mountain weather changes quickly; bring a warm mid-layer and waterproof shell to stay comfortable during lakeside breezes.
Bring binoculars
Wildlife sightings are often from the roadside or across open water—binoculars make the difference between ‘maybe’ and ‘clear view’.
Maintain wildlife distance
Bears and moose frequent the valley; always follow guide instructions and stay at least 100 metres from large animals.
Footwear for wet terrain
Trails can be muddy and rocky after rain—sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes will keep you comfortable on shore walks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black bear
- Moose
History
Mary Schäffer’s early 20th-century explorations put Maligne Lake on the map for visitors, and the valley’s Indigenous use predates those accounts by centuries.
Conservation
Jasper National Park emphasizes Leave No Trace practices and strict wildlife-distance rules; stay on trails and pack out waste to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Jasper
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water bottle (1L+)
Staying hydrated at altitude and during cool, dry air is important even on easy walks.
Waterproof hiking shoes
Trails and shorelines can be wet, muddy, or stony—good traction prevents slips.
Warm, waterproof jacket
Spring weather can be chilly with rain or late snow; a shell keeps you dry and warm.
spring specific
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Most wildlife sightings are distant—optics let you observe animals without disturbance.
summer specific