Winter in Jasper #6 – Maligne Canyon

Posted bykagould17Posted inAlberta, Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon, Photography, Uncategorized, WinterTags:, , , ,

NOTE: This post contains slideshows and if you are reading it on your phone, it is best viewed direct from the SITE, rather than in the READER.

Maligne Canyon, located about 11 km NW of Jasper is a slot canyon measuring up to 50 m (160 feet) deep, created by the erosion of the Maligne River and ongoing freeze/thaw cycles.

We have hiked Maligne Canyon many times and in all seasons. When we started visiting at Christmas, we would go for a winter hike here amidst the frozen waterfalls and snowy trees. Christmas Day, Boxing Day, January or April, it did not matter. The canyon seldom disappointed.

On our Christmas Day 2000 family hike, we discovered an ice formation called “the wine glass” at the bottom of the waterfall (5th shot in). Through the ice dome, you could still see the waterfall moving.

Back again at Christmas 2008 with the much older kids. The ice walls were spectacular and the whole canyon was dressed in a layer of winter white. Hiking here requires caution and ice crampons are advised. Guided tours and guided night tours are available here in normal times.

And in January 2013 by ourselves.

A brief stop in April 2019. The surrounding mountains were covered with fresh snow.

Published by kagould17

After working for 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I waited my entire career for……retirement. I have been exploring this new career for the past 3+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wanted me to do has been rewarding. While I still miss the social aspect of working with a team of great people, I have managed to keep in touch with many from my former team and I have many friends and family members who now fulfill this part of my life. Now that my Patty has retired, we are able to spend more time in pursuits and with people who are near and dear to us. I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may not become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.

29 thoughts on “Winter in Jasper #6 – Maligne Canyon”

    1. You are so right. As long as the ice stays off the road, all is good. Yes, there are ice climbers there most winter days. We just did not see many on our visits. Thanks for reading. Hope all is well with you. Allan

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    1. It is indeed. We have long enjoyed our walks there, ever since our kids were babes in arms. Winter was an unexpected bonus once we started our Christmas ski trip tradition. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan

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  9. Wow, beautiful winter wonderland! I’d say all your five senses will be stimulated going for a walk through the Maligne canyon’s cave system and seeing ice caves, fossils and towering frozen waterfalls stretching up to 40m along the canyon walls. Thanks for sharing, Allan. Now I know that Maligne Canyon, in Jasper National Park, is home to the Canadian Rockies’ most spectacular and accessible ice walk. Aiva 🙂

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    1. The canyon has so much to share in any season. I loved the wineglass formed by the pouring water. We stood there and watched it foaming though the ice. Just sad I did not have any photos showing the ice climbers. Thanks for reading Aiva. Hope you had a great weekend. Allan

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  10. It is truly spectacular and the photos are impressive. It’s an aspect of the Rockies that I have yet to experience but I’m always happy to see good pictures. Thank you for taking the time to put these slideshows together.

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  11. I’ve only hiked along Maligne Canyon in the summer and thought it was breathtaking then. It’s even more beautiful during the winter. The ice formations are stunning. I can easily see why you’ve returned here a few times over the years.

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