June 11th, 2007
Jasper National Park's Maligne Lake recognized by Reader's Digest as one of Canada’s Best
Reader’s Digest Editors name Maligne Lake, home to the historic Spirit Island as Canada’s Best Boat Cruise of 30 extraordinary places, things and people.
Jasper, Alberta | Calling it "Alberta's turquoise jewel", Readers Digest has recognized the cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park as the Best Boat Tour in Canada in the magazine's 2nd Annual 30 Best of Canada selection.
This year Reader's Digest editors called upon their subscribers to assist in the search for extraordinary places, unique things and great people and the 90 minute Maligne Lake Boat Tour which takes visitors “past some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth” was the hands down favorite.
The second largest glacially fed lake in the world, the Canadian Rockies destination is known for its crystal waters and wildlife sightings. From May to October of each year, the boat tour departs on the hour up to eight times each day taking guests to Jasper National Park’s oldest attraction, Spirit Island. A walk around this spectacular and famous viewpoint, overlooking the mountain-ringed southern shores of Maligne Lake, is the highlight of the cruise.
"It is indeed an accolade to be recognized along with special places like the Cabot Trail and Whistler-Blackcomb" said Maligne Lake's manager, Pat Crowley. “More-over when one considers the steep competition from high caliber boat tours in gorgeous places in Canada like Desolation Sound, Gros Morne, Nunavut and the Yukon - just to name a few - this is a very real mark of distinction".
The 70-year-old tour is known for its' distinctly-coloured crystal waters, in-your-face glaciers and of course Spirit Island, one of the most famous of Canadian Rockies landmarks.
The diminutive island, the destination point of the cruise is well hidden near the far end of the fiord-styled lake and surrounded, by miles of wilderness. Access is by boat only, there are no roads. At the island passengers disembark for the short walk to the viewpoint overlooking the southern shores of Maligne Lake and the encircling mountain set known as the Hall of the Gods.
Jasper National Park’s Hidden Gem, Maligne Lake Provides True Canadian Rockies Experience
Maligne Lake, home to world-famous Spirit Island, offers a full day of adventure for the ultimate Jasper vacation.
Jasper, Alberta—Many know the photograph, few know the location. One of the most famous images of the Canadian Rockies features Spirit Island , the oldest attraction in Jasper National Park.
According to Pat Crowley, CEO of Maligne Lake Tours, Ltd., “The photo is used all of the time as a reference to the Canadian Rockies but no one knows that Spirit Island is on Maligne Lake—one of the most beautiful and adventurous destinations in Jasper National Park.”
"With so much to do at Maligne Lake, a full day of activities is in order that could include an itinerary of cruising Maligne Lake to Spirit Island and other popular Maligne Lake activities." says Crowley.
A suggested Maligne Lake itinerary includes;
10:00 a.m. — Cruise to Spirit Island
Visitors can get acquainted with the history of Jasper National Park at Spirit Island . A 90-minute cruise in a glass-enclosed boat departs each day at 10:00 a.m. (from May through September). These interpretive tours, staffed by Heritage Tourism Guides and Ministry of Transport licensed Pilots, offer an exciting look into geology, wildlife, and the glaciology of Maligne Lake. A short walk to the spectacular and famous viewpoint overlooking Spirit Island and the mountain-ringed southern shores of Maligne Lake is the highlight of the cruise.
11:30 a.m.—Lunch overlooking the lake and mountains at the View Restaurant
The Lodge overlooking Maligne Lake affords day trippers delicious cuisine with equally appealing views. Serving salads, home-style sandwiches, homemade soups, stew, and vegetarian chili as well as fare from the on-site bakery, the Lodge’s lunch and dinner offerings are unparalleled in Jasper National Park. Many visitors enjoy a stop in the Day Lodge Shop for a http://www.malignelake.com/http://www.maligne-lake.com/ [Jasper National Park souvenir] to take home including mountain photography, historical journals, children’s books, pottery, linens, and more before heading back out for more lakeside adventure.
1:00 p.m.—Trout Fishing on Maligne Lake
Stocked with rainbow and eastern brook trout, Maligne Lake provides the best fishing opportunities in Jasper National Park. Half- and full-day guided
Maligne Lake fishing tours are available or for those who prefer to navigate the waters alone, fishing boats and gear may be rented at the Curly Philips Boathouse, a registered historic building.
Other Canadian Rockies Experiences available include Kayaking or Canoeing Maligne Lake Equally relaxing as a fishing excursion, The Curly Philips Boathouse rents sea kayaks, Coleman Canoes, and Aluminum Rowboats. Surrounded by the dramatic Canadian Rockies, floating atop azure waters - this for many provides the perfect Canadian Rockies experience.
Maligne Lake is situated just 30 miles southeast of Jasper, Alberta and a Jasper shuttle service is available daily to pick up guests at several of the hotels within the town of Jasper.
About Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake—just 30 miles southeast of Jasper— and is home to the oldest Jasper National Park attraction , Spirit Island, and one of the most spectacular sites in the park. From trout fishing to cruises to Spirit Island, Maligne Lake offers the perfect Canadian Rockies vacation experience.
For more information, contact:
Pat Crowley
(780) 852-3370
