Maligne Lake

I went on the drive to Maligne Lake a fantastic 30 kilometer trip up the mountain road. This is where the famous pictures of Spirit Island are taken and you must paddle or take the boat cruise to get there. To me, it is expensive, fifty -five dollars, but I aim to go because it is a once in a lifetime must-do because anyone who has gone tells me it is so breath-takingly beautiful and well worth the expence.

I was trying to look up the distance but  it varies depending on where you are starting. I believe there is a sign at the canyon that says the lake is 37km away-it is worth it. Yes Jasper is expensive but I get a seasonal pass and make it worth my while by going to any national park as often as I can.Day pass is $10.90 per person and who knows how much more for those trailers. I stay at a hostel or home accomodation to keep the costs down. I would like to go camping but with a group of respectful people who are not going to try to get too close to the wildlife-safety matters. This year there are warnings out for wolves on trails right outside of town. On Maligne lake road there is usually a black bear sow with two cubs and a grizzly with cubs, who may be grown up now so sometimes trails are closed for safety.You can check out trail conditions and animal sightings on the Jasper National Park website.

Speaking of safety matters, I had a few moments of discomfort when I was at the lake and following the trail but right  foot went off the beaten path and that leg dropped into snow  above my knee mid thigh. My other knee was injured previously and was now bent underneath me. I managed to lean forward and move my straight leg back and forth a few inches so that I could get it out of the hole when I tried to lift myself on my left knee-oh that hurt. It took a couple of tries but I made it. There were other people around and I would have started yelling for help but saved myself the embarassment. I sure watched my footing after that. A small mistake can turn into a disaster pretty quicklyin the bush. I was trying to get to the boathouse  because it was covered with snow.  Usually in the ads the sky is blue, the waters aquamarine, the mountains lit by the sun. Here is a slideshow of my impressions of the area in different conditions when the lake is snow-covered.

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