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Maligne Canyon Jasper AB: Walk Family Hiking Trail That Surprises

Maligne Canyon hike is definitely a gem of Jasper National Park and Alberta: stunning trail views, waterfalls, lookouts – all the way from First to Sixth Bridge all for FREE!

Jasper National Park in Alberta Canada is full of marvels, and Maligne Canyon hiking trail is for sure one of the best kept secrets. Here we share everything you need to know to visit Maligne Canyon Jasper AB: location, directions, parking, trailheads, how long the hike is and how much time you need to plan a comfortable walk, tips on hiking with kids, dogs, drones, bear safety, waterfalls, you name it! Yes, there are actually three trailheads at Maligne Canyon – the First, Fifth and Sixth Bridges.

..and of course we share many jaw dropping photos we took on our 10-day road trip from Vancouver to Jasper and Banff in 2020.

***This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. All product recommendations and feedback are ours and based on personal experience. Please refer to our Disclosure Policy. 

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Quick links:

• About the Canyon
• Summer Hiking
• First Bridge trailhead
• Fifth Bridge trailhead
• Sixth Bridge trailhead
• Our Notes and Photos
• FAQ
• Tips for visit with kids
• Conclusion

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Why You Should Visit Maligne Canyon

Well, first of all the Canyon is simply phenomenal.

The name “Maligne” means “wicked”. You’ll be able to see why: the water is sometimes running right next to you, almost within your hand’s reach. Yet you turn a corner and you are standing above a magnificent waterfall dropping a few hundred feet down in an uproar of powerful energy. …creating double, and sometimes triple rainbows!

Not surprisingly, Jasper’s Maligne Canyon was featured by Expedia as one of the best Canadian destinations for top-to-bottom views.

Oh, and did you know, Maligne Canyon is the deepest in Jasper AB National Park? Yes it is! Over 55 metres deep, and almost 1.5km long. 

P.S. You don't have to drive to visit this stunning nature’s attraction! You can bike to Maligne Canyon from Jasper! Will take you approx. 30-40 min to get here by bike.

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Hiking Maligne Canyon in the Summer

The time you’ll need to allocate to the Maligne canyon hike depends on which trailhead you decide to start your walk on. Each of the locations offers its own level of difficulty, unique views and experiences. 

There are three main trailheads located at the 1/ Maligne Lake main parking lot, 2/ Fifth Bridge and 3/ Sixth Bridge. 

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Maligne Canyon’s First Bridge Trailhead (MAIN)

There is a definite advantage in exploring Maligne Canyon starting at the First Bridge. The main parking lot is quite large, and depending on the season and the time of day you are likely to find a parking spot. 

There are restrooms here, as well as a restaurant – Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen. 

Overall the hiking trail from First to Third Bridge is quite easy and accessible, including for families with younger kids. 

How to Get To Maligne Canyon Hike Main Trailhead?

Maligne Canyon main trailhead parking lot closest to the First Bridge GPS / Google Maps anchor point: T0E 1E0 or CLICK HERE

How far is Maligne Canyon main hiking trailhead from Jasper?

Time it will take you to get from:

• Jasper to Maligne Canyon main parking: 12-15 min
• Valley of Five Lakes trailhead to Maligne Canyon main parking: 20 min
• Maligne Lake to Maligne Canyon main parking: 35-45 min
• Athabasca Falls to Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 35-40 min
• Mount Edith Cavell trailhead to Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 50 min
• Columbia Icefield Skywalk to Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 1.5 hrs
• Lake Louise to Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 3 hrs
• Banff to Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 3.5 hrs

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How Long is Maligne Canyon Hike from main parking?

Loop starting at the Maligne Canyon main parking lot (MAIN trailhead) next to Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen restaurant:

• First Bridge from Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 500m + approx 10 min
• Second Bridge from Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 1km + approx 15-20 min
• Third Bridge from Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 1.5km + approx 25 min
• Fourth Bridge from Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 2km + approx 30 min
• Fifth Bridge from Maligne Canyon main parking lot: 3.8km + approx 60 min
• Sixth Bridge from Maligne Canyon main parking lot FULL LOOP: 8km + approx 2hrs

Budget tons of time for taking photos and videos to create beautiful memories! Our recommendation is to add 20-30 min at least for photos, and another 30-40 min for enjoying the views and Maligne Canyon stunning roaring powerful waterfalls.  

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Maligne Canyon’s Fifth Bridge Trailhead

Fifth Bridge gives you two hiking options: you could walk along Maligne Canyon on a loop to First-Fourth bridges, and/or you can turn North and walk on a to-and-from trail towards the Sixth bridge. Each of the options is approx 3 km in length. 

If the main Maligne Canyon parking lot is full, this hiking option can be a nice compromise. As once you reach the First Bridge, nothing stops you from getting a refreshment at the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen restaurant. So you could be walking back towards the Sixth bridge with a nice ice-cream. 

Caution: the trail between Fourth and Fifth bridges becomes somewhat steeper – be mindful of your physical ability. I also do not recommend it with toddlers. 

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How to Get To Maligne Canyon Hike FIFTH BRIDGE Trailhead?

Maligne Canyon main trailhead parking lot closest to the FIFTH Bridge GPS / Google Maps anchor point: T0E 1E0 or CLICK HERE

How far is Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge hiking trailhead from Jasper?

Time it will take you to get from:

• Jasper to Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking: 10-12 min
• Valley of Five Lakes trailhead to Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking: 20 min
• Maligne Lake to Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking: 35-45 min
• Athabasca Falls to Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking: 35-40 min
• Mount Edith Cavell trailhead to Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking: 50 min
• Columbia Icefield Skywalk to Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking: 1.5 hrs
• Lake Louise to Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking: 3 hrs
• Banff to Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking: 3.5 hrs

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How Long is Maligne Canyon Hike Starting from Fifth Bridge parking?

Starting at the Fifth Bridge (central trailhead):

LOOP:

• Fourth Bridge from Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking lot: 2.2km + approx 30 min
• Third Bridge from Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking lot: 2.5km + approx 35 min
• Second Bridge from Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking lot: 3.2km + approx 45 min
• First Bridge from Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking lot: 3.5km + approx 50 min
• Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen restaurant from the Fifth Bridge parking lot: 3.8km + approx 60 min

TO-AND-BACK: Sixth Bridge from Maligne Canyon Fifth Bridge parking lot: 2.5km + approx 50-60 min

FULL LOOP Fifth – Sixth – Fifth – First – Fifth Bridge: 7.5 km + approx 2 hrs 

Don't forget to budget tons of time for taking a gazillion photos and videos for your friends and family! I’d probably add 20-30 min at least for photos only, and another 30-40 min for enjoying the views and Maligne Canyon numerous waterfalls.  

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Maligne Canyon’s Sixth Bridge Trailhead

The best kept secret of the Maligne Canyon is that there is a tiny-tiny parking lot at the Sixth bridge. During the busy summer season, when travellers from all around the world are flocking to Canada’s Alberta to visit Jasper and Banff National Parks, you could find both the main parking lot and the fifth parking lot overflowing and unavailable. Not to despair! The Sixth Bridge will likely not disappoint. 

It will of course add extra miles into your hike – so plan accordingly. Full loop is just over 6 km, with some steep sections. Yet the unique views will definitely make up for your trouble.

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How to Get To Maligne Canyon Hike SIXTH BRIDGE Trailhead?

Maligne Canyon main trailhead parking lot closest to the SIXTH Bridge GPS / Google Maps anchor point: T0E 1E0 or CLICK HERE

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How far is Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge hiking trailhead from Jasper?

Time it will take you to get from:

• Jasper to Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking: 10-12 min
• Valley of Five Lakes trailhead to Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking: 17-20 min
• Maligne Lake to Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking: 35-45 min
• Athabasca Falls to Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking: 35-40 min
• Mount Edith Cavell trailhead to Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking: 50 min
• Columbia Icefield Skywalk to Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking: 1.5 hrs
• Lake Louise to Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking: 3 hrs
• Banff to Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking: 3.5 hrs

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How Long is Maligne Canyon Hike Starting from Sixth Bridge parking?

LOOP starting past the Sixth Bridge (northern trailhead):

• Fifth Bridge from Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking lot: 2.5km + approx 50-60 min
• Fourth Bridge from Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking lot: 5.6 km + approx 1hr 15min
• Third Bridge from Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking lot: 6 km + approx 1hr 20min
• Second Bridge from Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking lot: 6.5 km + approx 1.5 hrs
• First Bridge from Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking lot FULL LOOP:  7 km + approx 2 hrs
• Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen restaurant from Maligne Canyon Sixth Bridge parking lot (and back) : 7.5 km + approx 2 hrs 

Don't forget to budget tons of time for taking a gazillion photos and videos for your friends and family! I’d probably add 20-30 min at least for photos only, and another 30-40 min for enjoying the views and Maligne Canyon numerous waterfalls.  

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Our Personal Visit Notes and Photos

PerfectDayToPlay family – our family – have visited Jasper National Park in the summer of 2020. As the global pandemic was raging, and international travel was out of question, we have embarked on local exploration, and have done quite a few road trips from Vancouver BC. The visit to Maligne Canyon was a part of our 10-day Jasper and Banff road trip from Vancouver.

To be honest, we did not expect much from the canyon and have only planned a visit as a quick stop on the way back to Jasper after the epic Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island.

Cosmos was 4yo at the time, so as usual this blog post is packed with tips on how to best travel and hike with kids.

Quick Facts & Trail Map

What I really loved about Maligne Canyon – it offers a variety of options for every ability level, including for families travelling with young kids. For our hike we have chosen the easy loop: from the main parking and the restaurant – to the First, Second, Third and Fourth bridge only. The total distance we've done on that day was a little bit over 2km.

We arrived to the MAIN trailhead at approx. 5-5:30pm. It took us close to 1.5 hrs to walk all around with a 4.5yo toddler hiking by himself.

The summer was extremely hot in July-August 2020, and I believe an evening hike was a great choice as the sun wasn't as active anymore. Yet it was still bright enough for stunning photos, catching dramatic looks of the Maligne Canyon waterfalls and rushing waters, and multiple double and triple rainbows all along the walk.

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Our Photos

Ok, so let's see what we've seen walking along the trail!

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Frequently Asked Questions, Hiking Safety & Practical Tips visiting Maligne Canyon in the Summer

Is Maligne Canyon hike a free attraction?

YES! Absolutely free! …well, considering you have already paid for your visit to Jasper National Park that is. 

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Are dogs allowed at Maligne Canyon hiking trail?

YES! Dogs are allowed to walk Maligne Canyon hiking trail provided they are on a leash at all times. There are many travellers visiting, including families with young children. Some sections of the canyon are quite steep. Please be respectful and help avoid unpleasant accidents by making sure your dog is leashed and well behaved. 

By the way, Maligne Wilderness Kitchen Restaurant provides outdoor dog beds on its patio, so your entire company can have a cozy relaxed experience. 

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Are there bears at Maligne Canyon Jasper AB?

There are definitely bears in the area (all around Jasper National Park and Alberta in general), since Maligne Canyon is such a popular tourist attraction that I doubt you’ll need to be worried in encountering one. Well, maybe if you decided to start your hike from Sixth Bridge… If you are worried about meeting a bear, I recommend you check out my video about how to buy bear spray in Canada. 

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Are trails at Maligne Canyon Jasper AB Accessible?

The walk from Maligne Wilderness Kitchen restaurant main parking lot to the First and Second bridges is accessible. Third and Fourth Bridge wont accommodate a stroller or a wheelchair, yet are possible with young kids and toddlers. While Fifth and Sixth bridges are harder steeper hikes that require stable physical ability to complete. 

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Are there toilets at Maligne Canyon hiking trail? 

There are bathrooms at the main parking lot just behind the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen, and also next to the Fifth Bridge parking lot. 

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Is there food available at Maligne Canyon?

YES! Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen is a restaurant located at the main parking lot close to First Bridge. Check out their seasonal menu HERE

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Is there water available along the Maligne Canyon hiking trail?

Bring plenty of water with you. There are no water stations along the canyon. You wont be able to reach the water rushing through the canyon either. It does become very hot in the summer, so make sure you and your kids are properly hydrated.

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Are drones allowed at Maligne Canyon Jasper AB?

NOPE. Bad news. Recreational drones are not allowed anywhere in Jasper, Banff and other National Parks in Alberta and across Canada. The fines are quite significant…  

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TIPS on Hiking Maligne Canyon with Kids

Which Trailhead to choose if you are hiking with kids?

If you want to comfortably walk Maligne Canyon with kids – definitely use the MAIN trailhead next to the First Bridge. The LOOP First-Second-Third-Fourth bridges and back on the other side of the canyon was doable with our 4yo toddler. We do not recommend hiking Fifth and Sixth bridges with little ones. 

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Hiking Safety

Yet, safety must come first, especially when hiking with kids. Check out our Safety Tips: Hiking With Kids: 12 Simple Safety Rules Every Parent Should Follow.

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The Sun

In the summer months Maligne Canyon heats up quite quickly, yet the breeze and mist from the waterfalls does mislead you into thinking you are cool. Make sure to wear sun hats and to use some sunscreen if appropriate. Here are our tips on how to manage sun exposure safely for little children: 9 Best Natural Sunscreens For Kids. Organic. Chemicals-Free.

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Get Kids Engaged

Some parents, while active eager hikers themselves, may find it challenging to engage and interest their kids in outdoor activities. Not to worry, let us help you: Five Tried-And-True Outdoor Activities To Get Kids to Absolutely Love Hiking

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Leave No Trace

You’ve likely heard the phrase “Leave No Trace” at least once. What does it mean? Simply put, Leave No Trace Principles is a set of Outdoor Ethics and best practices outdoor adventurers should follow to enjoy natural spaces with the zero-impact goal in mind and to protect Mother Nature for future generations. 

Here is our comprehensive introduction to Leave No Trace principles: your actionable guide to exploring the Great Outdoors with your kids and pets with minimal to no impact. Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics – Zero Impact Family Adventures

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Concluding Notes

Long story short: please DO include Maligne Canyon into your itinerary when visiting Alberta’s Jasper National Park. 

Jasper is packed with wonders, and if this is your first time travelling to Canada – Maligne Canyon will give you a good taste of natural wonders our country has to offer. 

Both Alberta and British Columbia have dozens of absolutely stunning canyons overflowing with power of rushing waters and spectacular waterfalls. To name some we’ve been to: Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park AB, Hell’s Gate in BC, Othello Tunnels in BC, many canyons and waterfalls at Wells Gray Provincial Park in BC, Cheakamus River in BC near where the famous Whistler Bungee Bridge is located, Elk Falls Provincial Park’s canyon and suspension bridge on Vancouver Island we’ve visited during our Vancouver Island North adventure… 

Yet here in Jasper AB you are provided with a unique opportunity to experience all of the best al lat once without the need to travel places. So yes, please DO make a stop at the 

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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