Maligne Lake Cruise — Attraction in Alberta

Watch out: the seating on the „premium“ Cruise can be tremendously annoying! They have benches with 2 seats on the left side and benches with 3 seats on the right side. So when people enter the boat all couples (and it’s pretty much only couples) either chose right or left side and at the end you have only space left on the outside of the 3-seater bench. That means all couples that don’t join early enough have to split and can’t sit together. My wife and me are on our honeymoon and we couldn’t sit together. That was very sad but even worse: on the outside seats of the 3-seater benches you can’t even take pictures during the cruise… there is people in front of you and you don’t have access to the window. You pay the same as everyone else but your trip is heavily downgraded - no good view, split from your partner.

You have the option to get to the back of the boat what we did and where we finally had a nice view on the beautiful lake - but unfortunately we were told to get inside again so other can have a look from the outside as well. Which is fine if we could’ve seen anything from inside of the boat … Moreover after the Stopover at Spirit Island they say you can take another seat but .. when we tried that we got into an argument with other guests that didn’t want to get split either… so yeah we stayed split on the way back as well.

I was pretty annoyed during the whole ride because we paid a lot of money for the premium cruise and my experience was just not what it could’ve been only because they want to pack some more people on the boat. Nothing „premium“ here. Of course other couples that had to split and couldn’t have had a good view from the middle seats were super annoyed as well. The lake itself and Spirit Island is mindblowing. The crew was very nice and did a good job.

I wrote them a mail that they didn’t respond too. And I saw other reviews that were talking about the same problem as us were they responded that they message you that seats are „first comes, first serve“ but I checked all my mails from them and they...

A Magical Day on Maligne Lake – Beyond Our Expectations! Today we enjoyed an unforgettable cruise on the stunning Maligne Lake. The scenery was jaw-dropping, turquoise waters sparkling in the sun, dramatic snow-capped peaks, and ever-changing light that made each moment unique.

But what truly elevated the experience was our incredible crew: Dan, our guide, and Nicole, our captain.

Dan was nothing short of outstanding. His professionalism was evident from the very first moment, from the way he welcomed everyone aboard to how he managed the tour seamlessly. His deep knowledge of the lake’s history, geology, and wildlife was remarkable, and he shared it with such clarity and passion that every passenger felt connected to the place. Dan didn’t just list facts, he painted vivid pictures with his words, blending fascinating details with engaging stories and the perfect dash of humor. It’s rare to meet a guide who can educate, entertain, and inspire all at once, but Dan did exactly that.

Nicole navigated the boat with skill and confidence, making the ride smooth and relaxing. Her friendly coordination with Dan created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the day feel like a shared adventure rather than a simple tour.

The highlight, of course, was arriving at Spirit Island. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing compares to standing there, surrounded by such raw and untouched beauty. It’s a moment that takes your breath away and stays with you long after you’ve left.

This was more than a cruise, it was an experience we’ll cherish forever. And if you’re lucky enough to have Dan and Nicole leading your journey, you’re in for something truly special.

Thank you for an...

Taking the Maligne Lake Spirit Island Cruise was truly one of the highlights of my trip to Jasper. The whole experience feels like stepping into a postcard. The lake itself is this unbelievable shade of deep glacier blue, sparkling under the sun, and surrounded by dramatic snow-dusted peaks that seem to rise endlessly around you. The air was crisp and refreshing, and there was something so calming about the steady sound of the boat gliding through the water—it was peaceful yet exhilarating at the same time.

The scenery along the 90-minute cruise was nothing short of breathtaking. Every turn revealed another mountain range, cascading valleys, and reflections of the sky dancing on the lake’s surface. And, of course, arriving at Spirit Island was unforgettable—it’s one of those places that makes you stop, breathe, and feel so small in the best way possible. The view there is iconic for a reason, and seeing it in person was absolutely surreal.

A huge shout-out to our guide, Nelson, who made the entire journey so engaging and memorable. He shared fascinating stories, history, and facts about the lake, glaciers, and the area’s Indigenous heritage, which made me appreciate the place even more. His passion for Jasper really shone through. The rest of the crew was also wonderful—friendly, professional, and full of knowledge that added so much depth to the experience.

If you’re in Jasper, this is an absolute must-do. The beauty of Maligne Lake and Spirit Island is indescribable until you’re there, surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and that vivid turquoise water. This cruise is one of those experiences that stays with you...