Winter in Maligne Canyon

Jasper National Park

Maligne Canyon remains closed until further notice. The area surrounding the Maligne Canyon experienced significant fire activity and damage in the Jasper Wildfire Complex. Assessments are ongoing. .

Portions of Jasper National Park remain closed due to impacts from the Jasper Wildfire Complex. Please check for up to date information.

Whether you’re a winter walker or climber, Maligne Canyon offers beauty and adventure like no other. Frozen waterfalls and surreal ice formations make it a magical place to explore. Local tour companies offer guided walks, or take it up a notch and try ice climbing with a certified mountain guide.

The safest way to visit Maligne canyon is to go with a guide

Several local tour companies offer guided walks. For information contact Tourism Jasper: 780-852-6236 or www.jasper.travel


 
Climbers in Maligne Canyon

If you choose to go on your own, you do so at your own risk.

If you go alone, be prepared to be self-sufficient.

  • Make sure you have the right gear and clothing, a helmet and ice cleats are highly recommended
  • Supervise children 
  • Visit a local guide or the park information centre before you go
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return 
  • Bring a headlamp - you never know when you might be delayed 
  • Travel at night is not advised

Hazards in the canyon

  • Surfaces are slippery and uneven
  • Thin ice and/or breakable shelf ice may give way unexpectedly
  • Below the ice, the river is cold, deep and fast-moving
  • Rock and ice fall.
  • Watch for ice climbers and ask permission to pass if you are walking below
  • There are limited ways to exit the canyon, making escape difficult

Hazards on the trail

  • The steep snow covered trail can be icy and slippery, wear proper winter footwear.
  • Due to the trail's proximity to the edge of the canyon, a fall here could mean a fall into the canyon.  Assess the trail conditions before you set out

Ice climbers

Maligne canyon is a multi-use area. There is the possible danger of falling ice from ice climbers. If a group is ice climbing, please wait for further instruction from the group.

Climbers: This is a multi-use area. Please work together so users can pass.


In case of an emergency call 911

Note:
Cell phone coverage in Maligne Canyon is not reliable.

Phone locations:

  • Maligne Canyon - main parking lot
  • Maligne Canyon Hostel

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