Take an icy walk through Jasper’s Maligne Canyon to see frozen waterfalls and ice caves up close.
Jasper National Park is home to several canyons which, in winter, take on a whole new appearance thanks to the rivers turning to ice and creating a spectacle of ice formations. A excellent way to see these up close, is on a guided ice walk. On this three and a half hour tour from January to March you’ll walk through the frozen landscape of Jasper’s deepest accessible canyon – Maligne Canyon.
Before leaving Jasper, you’ll stop off at an outdoor clothing shop where you’ll be given a helmet and ice cleats. You’ll then be driven for about 15 minutes to reach Maligne Canyon. Begin by walking along the gentle trails at the edge of the canyon before heading down onto the frozen creek bed.
As you traverse the ice past frozen waterfalls and ice caves, your guide will pass on their knowledge about Jasper’s Maligne Valley, karst topography, and the mystery of the so-called disappearing Medicine Lake. Keep a lookout on the way for unique ice formations created by the rocks, trees and waterfalls of the canyon.
The tour ends by coming out of the canyon, passing Bridal Veil falls and walking along the side of the Maligne River. You’ll then be picked up and taken back to Jasper’s downtown, stopping along the way at scenic viewpoints where you’ll see the impact of the 2024 wildfire that struck the town.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Canada specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Frozen waterfall ice climbing experience
Head to one of Jasper National Park’s frozen waterfalls to scale to the top using ice picks and crampons. Your guide will choose the best location for the day, and you’ll have the chance to abseil into the canyon, and walk along the icy floor.
Jasper motorcycle tour
On this short tour of Jasper National Park, you’ll get kitted out in traditional biker gear before taking to the roads and exploring the viewpoints, lakes, mountains, and forests by motorcycle sidecar.
Jasper wildlife tour
Journey into Jasper National Park in search of the wildlife that call the area home, including bears, elk, horned sheep, and coyote. You’ll be led by a local Metis guide who will teach you the history of the park, about the animals and the cultural influences.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
