Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. The name means wicked and may historically owe its less-than-positive connotation to a peeved 19th century missionary. However, this doesn’t suit the stunning landmark. Many more apt ‘M’ adjectives include: Magnificent. Majestic. Memorable.
The Maligne River drains the north end of Maligne Lake and heads northwest to Medicine Lake. It then flows west, entering the Athabasca River. Below Maligne Lake, it is a losing stream; its flow mostly disappears underground at Medicine Lake, only to reappear downstream in Maligne Canyon.
First, the basics: the Maligne Canyon (though if you ask a European s/he might prefer to classify it as a gorge instead of a canyon) is up to 55 m (80 ft) deep and 1.2 km (0.75 mi) long.
The Devonian limestone from which Maligne is carved was deposited by lime-secreting plankton in a shallow tropical sea many years ago.
Unlike most water-carved features, Maligne is narrower at the top than it is partway down, leading some geologists to theorize that the canyon used to be a cave that had its ceiling sheared off by glaciers.
The waterfall that runs through the canyon only flows from May to December. Come winter, most water in the canyon drains away and/or freezes. And that means...
Maligne Canyon boasts some terrific natural ice sculptures in winter. Along its steep walls, giant frozen waterfalls create not only terrific sights, but also make it a favorite spot among ice climbers!
The water that courses through Maligne Canyon isn’t just beautiful — it also has a secret. Before arriving through the canyon’s many springs, much of the water has travelled via an underground cave system all the way from Medicine Lake, located 14 km (8.7) away. By using red dye, scientists discovered that the journey took 12 to 24 hours in the summer and 5 to 9 days in the winter.
A region with underground drainage is known as karst. Scientists think that the Maligne Karst must have a major cave somewhere within its depths, judging from the large volume of water flowing through it underground, and the speed at which the water travels. Several entrances to the system are known, but in every case the passage is blocked.
Three species of birds nest on the limestone walls of the canyon. The oily-feathered American dipper tucks its nest—a mossy ball— behind a waterfall to protect from predators, whereas the common raven seeks protection in the high and dry nooks beneath overhangs on the gorge walls. The rare black swift builds its nests on the ledges (bonus fact: this is one of the three places in Alberta where black swifts are known to nest).
There are fossils in the walls. Ancient snails, sea lilies and lampshells are found where ripple marks of ancient waves are imprinted on the rocks. On the way to the first bridge keep your eyes peeled for cephalopods, brachiopods and crinoid fragments preserved in the rock under your feet.
The best way to explore the canyon, for reasons of not only safety and education but also fun, is to book a tour with one of Jasper’s wonderful and educated guides. Summer walking tours will give you a deeper understanding of this geological marvel, while winter IceWalk tours can take you down onto the frozen canyon floor!
