About Maligne Canyon Waterfalls
The Maligne Canyon Waterfalls (pronounced “muh-LEEN”) were the waterfalls that we managed to encounter within the depths of Maligne Canyon. Julie and I did a real straightforward 20-minute loop of the upper parts of the canyon, which encompassed I think the first and second bridges that spanned the deep and narrow gorge. These bridges also provided us views of the most interesting waterfalls including the tallest one (pictured above).
Even through there were many more waterfalls and rapids deeper within the canyon further downstream towards the 3rd through 6th bridges, we were content with our abridged experience. I understand that the longer walk would’ve taken about 90 minutes each way.
Even though I’ve seen recommendations saying the one-way shuttle walk would be the way to visit this attraction, it would only be possible if we had access to two cars. I heard it could also be done with a partner if each person started off at opposite ends of the trail, then the possessor of the car key would hand it over to the partner so that partner could then regain the car, swing back around to the other trailhead, and collect the other partner.
Anyways, the main waterfall was right below what I think was the first bridge. It was just downstream from the so-called Tea House where there were more cascades. The gorge at this point was somewhat shallower than where the 1st and 2nd bridges crossed over.
And since the walk was relatively easy and straightforward, we were also joined by a pair of tour buses. So I’d imagine this was a really popular attraction, especially considering it was also en route to the remote Lake Maligne.
Speaking of Lake Maligne, in order to get that postcard view of Spirit Island fronting the lake in a mountainous backdrop, we had to take one of the boat tours that took us all the way to the back of the lake. That end of the lake was nearly enclosed in by the box canyon.
To get to the signposted turnoff and large car park for Maligne Canyon, we headed northeast of Jasper along Connaught Drive before it junctioned with Hwy 16. Turning left onto Hwy 16, we followed this highway for under 2km before turning right onto Maligne Road (you’ll be crossing a bridge).
Look for the well-signed turnoff for Maligne Canyon to your left after about 6.2km on Maligne Road.
Note that it’s another 37km beyond this turnoff along Maligne Rd to get to the beautiful Lake Maligne.
For some additional context, Jasper was 365km (under 4 hours drive) west of Edmonton and 412km (5 hours drive) northwest of Calgary.
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Bottom up sweep of the tallest waterfall in the canyon as well as the gorge context it's in
Bottom up sweep of one of the upper waterfalls upstream of the main one
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