Are you looking for a unique outdoor winter adventure?
Picture yourself delving into the deepest canyon within Jasper National Park, a breathtakingly unique place that seems almost otherworldly.
Prepare to have your senses captivated and your imagination ignited, as this experience is like stepping into a mesmerizing, frozen alien landscape.
Trust us; your eyes will barely believe the wonders they behold!
Nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park, Alberta, is the awe-inspiring Maligne Canyon Icewalk.
This unique experience has become a must-do for anyone compiling a Rocky Mountain bucket list.
The Icewalk offers a glimpse into a world of ice caves, sparkling formations, and frozen waterfalls, transporting you to a different planet.
As you step into this frosty wonderland, remember that each year offers a unique spectacle, with the ice constantly transforming, melting and refreezing, urging you to revisit this wonder not once but multiple times for new, breathtaking experiences.
Maligne Canyon, a marvel crafted from ancient cave systems under glaciers, now stands as a deep, majestic chasm reaching depths of up to 55 meters.
Your Options – Looking Up or Looking Down?
At Maligne Canyon, you have two hard-to-choose-from options: traverse above, journeying across six dramatic footbridges over the canyon, or delve into the heart of the canyon with an Icewalk on the frozen Maligne River.
The Icewalk
If you choose the Icewalk, you’ll start at the Fifth Bridge parking lot, crossing the bridge on foot and descending the river into the canyon’s depths.
This icy path on the frozen river offers an enchanting world of frosted limestone, spectacular ice caves, shimmering ice formations, and frozen waterfalls, some as high as 30 meters, encased in walls of icicles — a sight of sheer magnificence that etches itself into your memory.
You can even venture behind these frozen cascades.
The Icewalk requires cautious footing and specialized footwear, and you’ll be constantly tempted to pause and absorb the stunning vistas.
The Footbridges
For those who prefer a bird’s-eye view and less adventurous walking, begin at the First Bridge parking lot and meander the snow path to the Sixth Bridge, capturing every breathtaking aerial perspective of the canyon below.
Now that you’re captivated and ready to embark on this enchanting adventure, you must wonder how to begin. Fear not; we’re here to guide you through this once-in-a-lifetime experience, providing all the insider tips for a journey you’ll treasure forever.
The Ideal Time to Visit
The Maligne Canyon Icewalk is a winter-specific adventure, with the best time to visit from December to early April.
However, the exact timeline can vary due to Mother Nature’s whims.
To ensure a safe and fulfilling experience, we recommend you plan your visit in the heart of winter (January and February) when the ice formations are most stable.
Getting There
Located near the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park, make your way up the Maligne Lake Road to the signed entrance to the Icewalk at the Fifth Bridge.
You can park at the First, Fifth, or Sixth Bridge, with the First Bridge parking lot offering amenities like a restaurant and a hostel and a good starting point for the aerial hike above the canyon on the six bridges.
Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided Walk
While you can embark on a self-guided tour, which is free (park pass required), guided tours are generally recommended, especially for first-time visitors.
These tours offer an immersive experience with insights into the canyon’s geology and history.
Many tour operators in the area offer different packages, including lunch and twilight tours.
The nice part about tours is they have all the specialized gear you need, like hiking crampons and hiking poles. Plus, they know if there are any hidden dangers like thin ice or open water.
If you opt for a self-guided Icewalk, ensure thorough research and preparation, or you can stick to the above-canyon walk that has guardrails and a packed trail.
Preparation and Safety
Safety is paramount in this icy terrain.
Essential gear includes ice cleats or crampons (which can be rented in Jasper), a walking pole, and a helmet, especially near the waterfalls.
Wear layers for warmth, bring snacks, water, a headlamp, and a physical map of the hike for navigation (available at the Parks Canada Information Centre in Jasper).
Stay updated on the Icewalk’s conditions, as ice shelves can be unstable (check in with Parks Canada).
Also, be cautious around the ice climbers who climb the waterfalls in the canyon. Climbers often dislodge ice while using icepicks while climbing.
The Icewalk
The Icewalk in the canyon usually takes about 4 hours return.
It takes that long not because the hike is challenging or has elevation gain, but because you’ll stop frequently to marvel at towering frozen waterfalls, explore ice caves and take selfies against sculptured ice formation.
The Maligne Canyon Icewalk in Jasper National Park is more than just a hike; it’s an exploration of nature’s winter artistry.
Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-guided adventure, prepare adequately and respect the natural surroundings.
This icy journey will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
