Our journey to Hinton from McBride took us past Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, which provided breathtaking views as we drove. Once we arrived at the Hinton/Jasper KOA RV Resort, we settled in for a seven-day stay. The resort, which is about 15 miles east of the park entrance is very nice and offers a variety of amenities, making it the perfect basecamp for exploring the surrounding area and scenic beauty of Jasper National Park.
The park was established in 1907, making it the oldest national park in the Canadian Rockies. The park covers an area of more than 11,000 square kilometers and is known for its rugged mountains, glaciers, lakes, and wildlife. The park’s history dates back to the last ice age, around 11,000 years ago, when glaciers carved the valleys and shaped the mountains. The park is also home to many natural hot springs, which have been used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The park has a rich cultural history, with many Indigenous groups, including the Stoney and Cree, having lived in the area for thousands of years. In our opinion this is one of the most spectacular and scenic parks we have ever visited. Click on thumbnail to view image
Maligne Lake
The next morning we woke up early and headed into Jasper National Park to explore Maligne Lake and the Maligne Gorge. The weather was perfect, with clear blue skies and a warm sun shining down on us. We decided to take the boat tour up to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, and it was a spectacular ride.
Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. The lake is fed by the Maligne River and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is also home to several hiking trails, including the one that takes you to Spirit Island, which is a small island located in the middle of the lake.
Spirit Island is considered one of the most photographed locations in Jasper National Park,
and for good reason. The island is surrounded by picturesque mountains, glaciers and forests. The island was originally named “Isle des Monts Mystique” by a French-Canadian explorer in the late 18th century. The island is believed to be sacred by the indigenous people who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
After returning from the boat tour, we had a delicious lunch at the lodge overlooking the lake. We took one of the trails along the lake and relaxed in the scenic splendor. The trail took us through the beautiful forests and along the shore of the lake. Click on thumbnail to view image
Maligne Canyon
After leaving Maligne Lake, we decided to explore the spectacular Maligne Gorge. The gorge is a narrow and steep-sided canyon that was carved by the Maligne River over thousands of years. The walls of the gorge rise up to 60 meters high and are made of limestone, which has been weathered and eroded into a series of dramatic cliffs and pinnacles.
One of the highlights of the gorge is the Medicine Lake, which is located at the base of the gorge. The lake is known for its unique hydrology, with water flowing into the lake but not flowing out. Instead, it seeps through the limestone rock, disappearing underground. This makes for an interesting geological feature and it’s a site worth visiting.
The history of the Maligne Gorge dates back to the last ice age, around 11,000 years ago, when glaciers carved the valleys and shaped the mountains. The gorge is also home to many natural hot springs, which have been used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The gorge has a rich cultural history, with many Indigenous groups, including the Stoney and Cree, having lived in the area for thousands of years. Click on thumbnail to view image
We hiked along the trail that followed the Maligne River, taking in the stunning views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains. The trail was well maintained, and it was easy to hike. After our hike, we stopped at the lodge for dinner before heading back to the RV park. We had a great meal, and it was the perfect end to a perfect day.