Jasper National Park of Canada

Activities

Winter in Maligne Canyon

With its frozen waterfalls, surreal ice formations and frosted limestone walls, Maligne Canyon is a magical place in the winter. However, it can also be a dangerous place. Several deaths and serious injuries have occurred in and around Maligne Canyon in winter months.

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

Several local tour companies offer guided walks. For information contact the Information Centre:
780-852-6176 or www.jasper.travel
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, 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

In Case Of An Emergency Call 911

Phone locations:

• Maligne Canyon - main parking lot
• Maligne Canyon Hostel

Note:
Cell phone coverage here is not reliable.