Lake Maligne Boat - Spirit Island - Maligne Canyon Trail

Elk sighting on the way out of the campground this morning.

We’re  off to the Lake Maligne boat ride this morning.   It's the largest glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies and second largest in the world. 

It was partly cloudy then cloudy and even a little rain during our time there on the water.  Fortunately, it was a covered boat and John spent most of the time outside and Gretchen and I were in and out.  

It’s a beautiful deep emerald water as it’s runoff from the Maligne Glacier.   

The scenery was spectacular, though not much color.

Spirit Island, which is not an island, only a peninsula.  

There is a walk around part of the lake with observation point for Spirit Island.  The lake here is 320’ deep.  The boat folks can only go a short way beyond Spirit Island as the rest is considered “pristine” area and no power boats allowed.  As you turn the corner you are looking at the Queen Elizabeth Range of Mountains  They are limestone and dolomite so gray and white.  

 Time to head back.

Clouds and gray don't stop the photographers!

There was a question about how you could tell the difference between an avalanche and a rock slide—the avalanche starts narrow at the top and gets wide at the bottom and the rock slide is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom.   In the winter there is 2 meters of ice on the lake and usually begins freezing in Nov until it thaws in June.  -25 to -35 C is the normal temp but record is -56 C.  Point of Interest – 100’ of snow = 1’ of glacial ice.  The shoreline is growing due to sediment coming down with the water.   Great trip. 

We went up to the lodge and had chili and soup for lunch before heading back down to the Maligne Canyon.   Decided this s'omore dessert needed to be added to our baking list!  The sunshine came out and we headed for the Canyon trail.  

 You walk along the edge of the canyon and there are 6 bridges you cross.   

 The river is WAAAAAy down there!

 

Major pothole here!

The Canyon is up to 165' deep but so narrow 

at some points that squirrels jump across it.

Nice trail though a bezillion steps on the way down…we went up another trail on the way back..much easier, though you weren’t right at the river.   It was a fascinating walk!

As we were driving back down toward the road we saw a bear (more a glance)
 

 and then more sheep—this time 2 rams and a couple of ewes and another baby.  Very fun to watch—though mostly in the road.  At the end of the road we did a quick drive thru of the Jasper Park Lodge grounds…much more low key than the other two Chateaus.  Went back home to tacos for dinner, some conversation and bed.  Great day!