Can You Paddle to Spirit Island?
Paddling Maligne Lake to Spirit Island: 14 km each way, the backcountry campsites that need a reservation, why you can't camp on the island, and the boat option.
Yes, by canoe or kayak, but it is a long trip: about 14 km each way on cold water that can turn windy, best done over two days with a reserved backcountry campsite. Parks Canada lists tour boats and private, non-motorised boats as the two ways to reach the island; there is no road or trail.
Distance and time
From the boat launch at the north end, Spirit Island is about 14 km down the lake by Pursuit’s figure for its cruise; Parks Canada puts Fisherman’s Bay at 13 km and the island 2 km beyond it. Paddled direct, that is several hours each way even in good conditions. Wind can slow that a lot, and the glacier-fed water is cold enough that a capsize is serious. This is a trip for paddlers with experience on big lakes, not a first outing.
The backcountry campsites
Three backcountry campgrounds sit on the lake, and all need a Parks Canada reservation in advance:
| Campground | Distance from the boat launch | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden Cove | 4 km | four sites on the west side, with a shelter and wood stove; suits families and novice paddlers |
| Fisherman’s Bay | 13 km | in an inlet on the east side, 2 km short of Spirit Island |
| Coronet Creek | 21.3 km | at the south end of the lake; an unmaintained route runs 8 km up Coronet Creek to the base of the Coronet Glacier |
Distances from Parks Canada’s Maligne Lake backcountry page, checked October 2026; it gives 22 km to the end of the lake. Check Parks Canada’s Jasper backcountry reservations for current sites, limits and fees.
The island itself
You can paddle to Spirit Island and stop there during the day, but camping on the island is not allowed. It is a small, much-photographed spot; leave it as you found it.
Renting a boat
The boathouse at the north end rents canoes and kayaks by the hour, or for a full day if you book in person, and renters must be 18 or over (Pursuit’s rentals page, checked October 2026). It is a good way to see the near end of the lake. Spirit Island is a long way from there for a rental: plan the timing around the rental’s return time, and the weather, before you set off.
If you’d rather not paddle
The boat cruise reaches the island in about 40 minutes each way and stops at the viewpoint. The Spirit Island boat cruise page covers the options, and the tickets and prices guide compares what each costs.
Sources: Parks Canada’s Maligne Lake page and Maligne Lake backcountry page; Pursuit’s Maligne Lake cruise and rentals pages. Checked October 2026.
Planning the rest of the day
All Maligne Lake guides · The Spirit Island boat cruise · Guided Maligne Valley days from Jasper