- ~10°CWater temp, even in midsummer
- LayersGolden rule for every sailing
- Closed-toeShoes for the viewpoint stairs
- No cell serviceDownload your ticket first
- Not allowedBear spray, pets, strollers, drones
Cooler Than You'd Think — Plan Around It
Maligne Lake sits at roughly 1,670 metres (about 5,480 feet), and it's consistently cooler at the lake than in the town of Jasper. The water itself is glacier-fed, averaging around 10°C even in mid-summer, and it can snow here in any month. On the water there's often a breeze, so it feels cooler again.
The good news is that the cruise boats are glass-enclosed and heated, seating around 30 people, so you can stay warm and sheltered for the sailing itself. There's usually a small open rear deck you can step out onto for fresh air or unobstructed photos — and at Spirit Island you'll be outdoors for 15 minutes or so. The practical takeaway: dress for cool, breezy, changeable conditions, and you'll be comfortable whether you're in the heated cabin or out at the viewpoint.
What to Wear on the Cruise
Even in summer, build your outfit so you can add or shed warmth as the boat moves from the enclosed cabin to the open deck to the Spirit Island shoreline.
A comfortable t-shirt or long-sleeve top
Start light — the heated cabin does a lot of the work, so you don't want to overheat before you even reach the open deck.
A fleece or sweater
The piece that does most of the work on a cool sailing. Pack one even if the Jasper townsite forecast looks warm.
Windproof, ideally water-resistant
Wind off the water is the main comfort factor, and there can be a little spray if the boat's windows are open at speed.
Closed-toe shoes with grip
The Spirit Island viewpoint is reached by wooden stairs up from a rocky shoreline — trainers or light hikers beat sandals or flip-flops here.
Late May & June, and September–October
Treat it as genuinely cold. Add a warm hat and light gloves, a thicker mid-layer, and a proper jacket. Overnight frost and even snow are possible at the shoulders of the season.
July & August
A t-shirt with a fleece and a windproof jacket usually does it. Bring the layers even on a hot forecast — it's noticeably cooler on the water than in town.
Other Jasper Experiences You Might Enjoy
Packing for a cool day on the water? The same layers work well for the Maligne Valley wildlife cruise, the Jasper SkyTram ride above the Athabasca Valley, and the Columbia Icefield Adventure on the Icefields Parkway — all worth booking alongside the Maligne Lake Cruise.
What to Bring — and What's Not Allowed on Board
A few extra items round out a smooth trip; a few others are specifically banned on the cruise boats.
What to bring
- Camera or a well-charged phone — this is one of the most photographed spots in Canada
- Sunglasses and sunscreen — sun is stronger at altitude and reflects off the water
- A hat — sun in summer, warmth in the shoulder seasons
- Water and a snack — no food or drink is served on board
- Motion-sickness remedy, if you're prone to it
- Your Parks Canada pass and your downloaded ticket — no cell service at the lake
Not allowed on board
- Bear spray — not permitted on the boats; leave it locked in your car
- Pets — dogs and other pets aren't allowed on board
- Strollers — can't come on the boat, but you can leave them at the boathouse
- Drones — prohibited throughout Jasper National Park
Onboard Amenities and Facilities
Knowing what's available before you board saves surprises.
Washrooms
There are no washrooms on the boats. Facilities are available in the parking lot, at the Lakehouse/gift shop by the dock, and there are eco-friendly washrooms at Spirit Island near the landing. Go before you board.
Food and drink
None is served on board, but the boathouse area has several options — the Maligne Lake Chalet, the Lakehouse Café (grab-and-go and hot food), and the Waffle Hut — plus picnic benches along the shore.
Seating
Unassigned and first-come, with a limited number of window seats. Line up a little early if you want a window or a spot near the rear deck.
Gift shop
There's an extensive gift shop at the boathouse worth a browse before or after your sailing.
Motion Sickness and Accessibility
Motion sickness: for most people, it's not a concern. Maligne Lake is generally calm, especially in the early morning, when the water is often glassy — one more reason to book the first sailing if you're sensitive. Afternoons tend to be windier and a little choppier. The enclosed, heated cabin also helps, and the sailing is only about 30 minutes each way. If you know you're prone to seasickness, take your usual remedy before boarding and choose a morning departure.
Accessibility: Pursuit operates a limited number of wheelchair-accessible boats, which should be arranged in advance by phone with central reservations so an accessible vessel is available for your sailing. One important caveat: the Spirit Island viewpoint is reached by wooden stairs up from a rocky beach, so wheelchair and scooter users can disembark onto the pier but may not be able to reach the main viewing platform. Strollers, as noted above, stay at the dock.
Before You Leave Jasper Town
Maligne Lake is about a 50-minute to 1-hour drive from Jasper town, and there are no services along Maligne Lake Road — no gas stations, and the nearest restaurants are 40–50 minutes away. Before you set off: fill your tank in Jasper, pack snacks and water for the car, and download your ticket, map, and directions before leaving town, since you'll lose signal. If you're planning a hike at the lake, bring bear spray — but remember it must stay in the car, not on the boat.
The Complete Packing Checklist
What to wear
- Windproof / water-resistant jacket
- Fleece or sweater (mid-layer)
- T-shirt or long-sleeve base layer
- Long pants
- Closed-toe shoes with grip
- Warm hat and light gloves (shoulder seasons)
- Sun hat (summer)
What to pack
- Downloaded cruise ticket
- Parks Canada pass
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera or charged phone (+ power bank)
- Water and a snack
- Motion-sickness remedy, if needed
Before you leave town
- Full tank of gas
- Extra snacks and water
- Bear spray for hiking (stays in the car)
- Offline map and directions
Not allowed on the boat
- Bear spray on board
- Pets
- Strollers (leave at boathouse)
- Drones
Book the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island
Morning departures — the calmest water — sell out first. Check current availability below and lock in your date.
Jasper National Park: Maligne Lake Cruise With Guide
Packing tip: whichever departure you book, dress in layers and bring closed-toe shoes for the Spirit Island stairs — the boat is heated, but the water and the viewpoint are cooler than the townsite forecast suggests.
The narrated 14 km round-trip cruise from Home Bay to Spirit Island and back — through Samson Narrows, into the steep-walled "Hall of Gods" — with an onboard guide covering the geology, wildlife, and Indigenous history of the Maligne Valley.
- Narrated round-trip cruise to Spirit Island
- Onboard interpretive guide
- Time at the Spirit Island viewpoint trail
- Glass-enclosed, heated boat — runs in rain
- Mobile voucher accepted
Tickets are non-refundable, and there's no cell service at the lake — download your voucher before you leave Jasper town.
Check availability & pricesWhat to Wear & Bring: Frequently Asked Questions
The questions travellers most often ask before packing for the cruise.
Is the Maligne Lake Cruise cold?
It's cooler than in Jasper town — the lake is at high elevation and glacier-fed, and there's a breeze on the water. The boats are heated and enclosed, but dress in layers, and bring a warm jacket in spring and autumn.
What shoes should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes with grip, like trainers or light hikers. The Spirit Island viewpoint is reached by wooden stairs up from a rocky shoreline, so sandals aren't ideal.
Are there washrooms on the boat?
No. There are washrooms in the parking lot, at the Lakehouse by the dock, and at Spirit Island near the landing. Use them before you board.
Can I bring food on the cruise?
No food or drink is served on board, but you can bring your own. There are also cafés and a chalet at the boathouse for before or after your sailing.
Can I bring bear spray on the boat?
No. Bear spray isn't permitted on the boats. If you're carrying it for a hike, leave it in your car.
Can I bring my dog or a stroller?
Pets aren't allowed on board, and strollers can't come on the boat either — though you can leave a stroller at the boathouse. For every other first-time question, see our full Maligne Lake Cruise FAQ.
More Maligne Lake Cruise Guides
Packed and ready? These guides cover timing, cost, and booking in detail.
Timing guide
Best Time to Take the Maligne Lake Cruise
Month-by-month water colour, crowds, and the best time of day — pair your packing list with the right season.
See the timing guide →
Step-by-step booking
How to Book the Maligne Lake Cruise
The booking process, how far ahead to book, and what to do if your dates are sold out.
Read the booking guide →
The full picture
Maligne Lake Cruise: The Complete 2026 Guide
What the cruise involves, Classic vs Premium, and everything else you need to plan the full experience.
Read the complete guide →