Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park
Scenic Gorge, Wildlife Viewing and Trails to Walk
Sep 29, 2008
The Maligne Canyon, about three miles from the town of Jasper in Alberta, Canada, would be impossible to see if not for the footpaths and bridges. Fortunately, there are handrails so you can peer over the edge of a narrow passage and look 165 ft. (50 metres) straight down. Except during the winter, several waterfalls flow freely over the rocks and the river below creates an echoing roar through the gorge.
The Canyon
For thousands of years, melting ice and eroding limestone have created a narrow canyon within Jasper National Park. The gorge is the narrowest and the deepest of the Canadian Rockies. Today the preserved canyon can be viewed by walking a set of trails on a downward slope toward the river. Six bridges cross the gorge during the 3 kilometer hike. Fossilized sea creatures remain frozen in the rock and cave formations are visible from the trails.
Bighorn sheep easily maneuver up and down the cliffs and seem to be accustomed to the gawking from folks on the paths. Low growing grasses clump beside the rocks that hang from the canyon ledges. The sheep often graze close to the edge and allow a photographer’s dream shot.
Near the large parking lot, a wood paneled Tea House is tucked away and almost seems surreal as if it belongs in an enchanted forest. Tea, coffee and snacks are available here for the hiker.
In the Town of Jasper
Jasper is one of the few Canadians towns that reside entirely within a national park. Because all of the property remains protected, the local elk have citizen’s rights. Dozens of them walk up and down the main street at all hours munching on hedges and lawns wherever they desire.
A woodsy and reasonably priced place to stay is the Marmot Lodge (86 Connaught Dr., (780) 852-4471). Many of the rooms have a sitting room with stone fireplaces, a small fully equipped kitchen and large bedroom. On a cool night, the Marmot Lodge is casually comfortable and an adjacent steak house on the property makes it easy to avoid driving. A walk to town takes about five minutes where Italian, Greek and continental restaurant choices are available.
The Maligne Canyon, in Jasper National Park, remains an ever-changing place. Continual erosion, varying water patterns and constant ice formations make the gorge unique and dynamic. The combination of seeing a natural phenomenon and spotting Canadian Rocky wildlife make this destination a worthwhile stop.
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