Jasper National Park is full of beautiful wonders to admire. From dramatic mountain peaks to lush forests, and more, there’s never a shortage of sights to see in Jasper. But if you’re trying to narrow down what you should see while visiting Jasper, then checking out Jasper’s lakes is a must.
Jasper National Park has nearly 2000 lakes, although only about 100 of them have names. Because there are so many stunning lakes to see in Jasper, it can be hard to narrow down which ones you should add to your list. And that’s where SunDog Tours’ comes in!
If you’re trying to figure out which lakes should be on your must-see list, read on for SunDog Tours’ top 3 lakes to visit in Jasper National Park.
1. Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Maligne Lake is located in Maligne Valley in Jasper National Park and is accessible via Maligne Lake Rd. It’s one of the most popular lakes to visit in Jasper National Park because of its breathtaking features, including its bright azure-coloured waters, surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks and its famous islet, Spirit Island. It’s a beautiful lake to see and is one of SunDog Tours’ top lakes to add to your itinerary.
Here are some quick facts about Jasper’s Maligne Lake:
- Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies.
- Maligne Lake is approximately 22 km long.
- Spirit Island, located in the middle of Maligne Lake, is one of the most famous & photographed views in the Canadian Rockies. The island can only be reached by boat tours.
- Maligne Lake was originally named “Chaba Imne”, or “Beaver Lake”, by the indigenous people of the area.
- Mary Schaeffer, an explorer and artist of the Rocky Mountains, attached the name “Maligne Lake” to the lake after she explored the area in 1907. Her books about the area are credited for garnering early interest from visitors as well.
Maligne Lake is a popular lake to visit during the summer in Jasper National Park, and for good reason. If you’re looking to add this lake to your must-see list, SunDog Tours’ has some excellent tours to help you explore this gorgeous spot and learn more about the lake.
Check out SunDog Tours’ Maligne Valley Sightseeing Tour to explore Maligne Lake this Spring & Summer. This tour includes transportation to the lake and a guided walk, with the option to add the Maligne Lake cruise for a boat tour of Maligne Lake (and Spirit Island).
2. Pyramid Lake, Jasper National Park
Pyramid Lake is tucked near the base of Pyramid Mountain in Jasper National Park. Pyramid lake, curved around in a “C” shape like a kidney, is a serene spot of calm, reflective water, with the striking pyramid-like shape of Pyramid Mountain adding to the beauty of the area. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and paddling and is another spot to add to the must-see list while visiting Jasper National Park.
Here are some quick facts about Pyramid Lake in Jasper National Park:
- Pyramid Lake is much smaller than Maligne Lake and has a total area of approximately 1.2km.
- Pyramid Lake also houses the tiny Pyramid Island, a popular spot and perfect for getting a great view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Pyramid Lake is within an area known as the Pyramid Bench area, an area of 20 small lakes were created by retreating glaciers.
- Pyramid Lake empties its waters through Pyramid Creek into the Athabasca River.
- Pyramid Lake is located right next to Patricia Lake, another gorgeous Jasper lake to visit.
Jasper’s Pyramid Lake is a beautiful sightseeing spot during the summer months. These peaceful waters also make for an excellent tour via canoe. If you’re looking to learn more about this lake, or want to enjoy a memorable adventure this summer, check out SunDog Tours’ Canoe Adventures for a fun tour of the lake via canoe.
3. Medicine Lake, Jasper National Park
Medicine Lake is a mysterious lake also located in Maligne Valley in Jasper National Park. Nicknamed “The Disappearing Lake”, this fascinating lake has interesting lore all about the lake and the surrounding area. Its also surrounded by stunning views of the Canadian Rockies and is full of lush plant life. Another favourite spot to visit for tourists, this lake is easily a must-see spot in Jasper.
Here are some quick facts about Medicine Lake in Jasper National Park:
- Medicine Lake is roughly 7km long.
- Medicine Lake is nicknamed “The Disappearing Lake”. Read our blog “Why Is Medicine Lake in Jasper National Park Called “The Disappearing Lake”?” to find out more.
- Medicine Lake gets its waters from the Maligne River.
- Medicine Lake has one of the most extensive inaccessible underground cave systems in the world.
Medicine Lake is full of fascinating tales and lore to share and is a beautiful place to see with your own eyes. If you’d like to learn more about this like or see the mystery for yourself, check out our Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour or our Maligne Valley Sightseeing Tour to visit Medicine Lake this summer.
Jasper Lakes: Serene Sightseeing & Fascinating Lore in Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park’s 11000 square kilometres of space is packed with adventure and memorable sights to see. From captivating wildlife to awe-inspiring mountains and forests, Jasper National Park is a park of endless possibilities. You could spend years exploring Jasper, and never see it all. But if you want to get the most out of your visit to Jasper National Park, then booking a tour is the way to go.
You’ll not only see the best spots to visit but you’ll also be provided with fascinating facts about the areas you visit from expert guides. SunDog Tours’ offers many excellent tours year-round, including adventure-filled summer tours for exploring some of Jasper’s lakes. Don’t wait, however: the summer is one of the busiest seasons of the year for Jasper, and bookings can get filled up fast. Check out our summer tours page to book your Jasper adventure today.
