Maligne Lake is situated in Jasper National Park and back in 2018, on the Canada Day long weekend (July 1st) we took our first (and last) backcountry canoe trip. We had never been canoeing before, usually kayaking instead, and were surprised at how hard canoeing is. There is definitely a technique to it. A technique we couldn't master. It took three long hours to get to our first campsite at Fisherman's Campground, a long 13km (~8miles) paddle made more difficult by the tourist boats going past every 15mins.
But we eventually made it! We set up camp right on the waters edge and relaxed in a campground all to ourselves.
On day two the weather was pretty miserable so we spent most of the day relaxing at camp. Towards the end of the day the rain died off and we canoed over to Spirit Island (supposedly the most photographed location in Canada). The tourist boats had stopped for the day so we had the place to ourselves.
Day three, Canada Day, and the weather had gotten worse so we spend most of the day in the tent playing cards and drinking tea. At one point the rain died off again so we took a walk along the shoreline where we almost walked headlong into a deer! All three of us just stood there staring at each other for a few seconds before the deer walked off into the bush.
A Parks ranger came round about lunch time and warned us that a snow storm was predicted the following day and suggested we pack up and head back.
A snow storm? In July? That seemed so absurd to us Australians.
At 5am the next morning we woke, had a quick breakfast, and packed up camp. The water was so calm and there was no sign of snow or rain. But we had no headwind, no wind at all, so it made easy canoeing. Only about a 30mins out the car did it start raining and getting windy. And it was freezing! It did end up snowing but we missed it thankfully!
While we didn't get to finish our canoe trip due to weather, we would come back and do it again a couple years later, and this time we would bring a kayak!
Wow that is gorgeous country. The Canadian Rockies are at the top of my short list of places I want to visit. Thanks for sharing.
It really is stunning. And so much to do any time of year. I really hope you're able to visit soon.
Such an epic place . Hope to go back one day.
One day. Maybe you guys can join us