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
553 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was a perfect...
Carol M,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a perfect experience for a very rainy day. Jethro was a wonderful tour guide and we enjoyed the scenery. We wish it could’ve been a little sunnier, but that is out of everybody’s control. Overall, this cruise was worth it and we highly recommend.
Informative Lake Maligne Boat Cruise
jdasil1017,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00To be honest it’s a 1 1/2 hour boat ride. What made it special were Captain Mitchell and his first mate Sam. They were very informative about the history of not only Spirit Island but of Maligne Lake and the surrounding area. Ish-nee-ish Sam and Mitchell.
What a beautiful place!
Tracey D,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I learned a lot about the lake and surrounding mountains on this boat tour, and the views of Spirit Island were stunning! Our boat captain Asher and tour guide Sydney were both great!
It is absolutely...
Carol C,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is absolutely stunning! Takes a little while to get there so figure that Into your timing. On the way there we saw a bald eagle, elk, moose and a bear.
Our group of 11 loved it all. It was our second time, we live Spirit Island.
Gailwhite3,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Earliest cruises are the smoothest with awesome reflections. We were very fortunate to have a warm sunny day.
GREAT even when raining and overcast.
Zoey G,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat tour was wonderful. It was rainy and overcast and was still a great trip. Grace (tour guide) and Michael (captain) were fabulous and made it even more fun. Lots of great information and able to answer all of our questions. Grace even accommodated our older than average rangers with the oath. We got amazing pictures and were able to see the lake. On a sunnier day we would have spent more time exploring the trails. Either way great trip. We also managed to catch some wild life on the way up and back. The coffee at the Waffle House was so HOT it was a great way to warm up after the trip. Would recommend.
Nice Experience
jocamd,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely experience on the cruise. Captain Sam & guide Mitchell were excellent. Mitchell was extremely knowledgeable and very passionate - an excellent guide
Family Boat Cruise
markhZ6266GG,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a wonderful experience! Abby (tour guide) and Sydney (captain) were incredible. Very friendly and funny that kept us and the rest of the boat engaged and laughing! They could do stand up. It was a beautiful boat cruise with a wonderful guide and captain!
Spirit Island Boat Ride
Teresa M,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Spirit Island was very picturesque. Beautiful! Captain Ricky did a great job piloting the boat. Our guide Carson was very informative and funny. I would definitely recommend.
Best Tour!
Amanda A,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly and informative! Kat was our captain and Leah was our guide, they both helped strangers who were strangers on the water. They were very friendly and upbeat!
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Operated by Banff Jasper Collection By Pursuit