Things to do in Improvement District No. 12

The beauty of Maligne Lake is truly breathtaking. It is the largest glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies, and its vivid blue waters are framed by towering mountain peaks. At its centre stands Spirit Island which has become a world-famous symbol of the region. Whether you want to take to the water or stay on dry land, there are a multitude of exhilarating activities to choose from.

The powerful Sunwapta Falls are fed by meltwater from the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefields. The torrent cascades down a stepped valley, carved as the ice sheets receded at the end of the Mini Ice Age around 8,000 years ago. Sunwapta Falls actually consists of two separate waterfalls, each equally impressive.

Visit Jasper National Park South Entrance to discover a magnificent mountain getaway, which has postcard-perfect landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Jasper National Park South Entrance is the southern gateway to Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies’ biggest national park. Its breathtaking scenery is a paradise for lovers of nature and outdoor pursuits. Bike, hike and ride on horseback along trails framed by waterfalls and flower-filled meadows. Take scenic drives, try alpine sports and spot rare wildlife.

Athabasca Falls may not be the biggest waterfall in Jasper National Park, but few come close to the awe-inspiring force of its cascading water. Fed by the vast glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca River is channelled through a narrow gorge, before plunging down a sheer 23-metre drop. You’ll be amazed at the deafening roar as the water thunders into the river below.

Medicine Lake is not quite all it seems. During the summer months, this relatively shallow body of water covers an area up to 9 kilometres long by 1 kilometre wide. Visit in the winter, and you may only find an expanse of mud with the occasional small pool. With no obvious exit channel, the mystery of the disappearing lake has puzzled everyone for centuries.