Jasper is one of Canada’s most breathtaking national parks, famous for towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife. What many travelers overlook is how boat tours and cruises unlock a whole new perspective on this rugged wilderness. Whether you want to spot moose and eagles or enjoy serene views of Spirit Island, Jasper offers a variety of water-based adventures. We love the 5.5-Hour Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise for its combination of land and lake exploration, and the Maligne Lake Cruise for its focus on iconic scenery and wildlife viewing. These tours let you experience the park’s natural beauty without the tiring hikes, making them ideal for travelers with limited time or those seeking a relaxing day on the water.
If you’re after an immersive experience with expert guides, the Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Cruise is excellent for wildlife sightings and in-depth storytelling. For those wanting just a taste of Jasper’s grandeur, the Maligne Lake Cruise offers a shorter, fully narrated ride that hits the highlights. Either way, these cruises provide memorable moments that photos just can’t do justice. Now, let’s explore the top seven boat tours and cruises in Jasper.
1. 5.5-Hour Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise from Jasper
This comprehensive tour offers the perfect blend of land and water exploration of Jasper’s stunning Maligne Valley. It’s a full 6-hour adventure that takes you through Jasper National Park, with stops at Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake, and a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake. The tour starts with a comfortable vehicle ride through the valley, where your guide shares fascinating insights into the park’s geology and wildlife. Stops at Maligne Canyon give you a chance to walk along bridges and see waterfalls, while Medicine Lake’s seasonal disappearing act keeps the mystery alive. The highlight is the Maligne Lake cruise, where you’ll be surrounded by soaring mountains and glacial-blue waters—keeping an eye out for native bears, eagles, elk, and moose.
This tour is praised for its friendly guides, with reviews highlighting guides like Jake, Sam, and Carson. They share not only facts but stories that bring Jasper’s wilderness to life. Price at $159.45 per person, it’s great value considering the full day of activities. Best suited for those who want a thorough experience, combining wildlife sightings, waterfalls, and a peaceful boat ride. The hassle-free hotel pickup makes it very convenient.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a detailed, well-rounded Jasper experience, perfect for first-timers who want to see everything in one day.
2. Jasper National Park: Maligne Lake Cruise With Guide
At number 2 on our list, the Maligne Lake Cruise With Guide provides a full-day adventure on Jasper’s largest glacier-fed lake. For around $85, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise that takes you to the famous Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies. This cruise is fully narrated, with guides sharing tales of the lake’s explorers, geology, and ecology. The boat itself is glass-enclosed and heated, making it comfortable even in cooler weather, while still offering spectacular views of glacial valleys, towering peaks, and ancient forests.
The highlight is definitely Spirit Island, which appears almost surreal amid the mountains. The cruise also provides opportunities to see eagles, bears, and deer, adding wildlife viewing to the scenic experience. Many reviews mention how the guides’ storytelling enhances the trip, making it more than just a boat ride.
This tour is ideal for travelers short on time but wanting to see Jasper’s signature scenery from the water. It’s a straightforward, relaxing experience with excellent photo opportunities and plenty of educational commentary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a scenic, narrated cruise to admire Spirit Island and the surrounding glaciers, without the full day commitment.
3. Jasper: Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Cruise
This 6-hour tour combines a wildlife safari with a cruise on Maligne Lake. It’s designed for travelers eager to spot animals and enjoy Jasper’s waterfalls. Your guide takes you through Maligne Valley, with frequent stops to look for bears, elk, moose, and other native species. It’s often called Jasper’s best chance for wildlife sightings, thanks to the knowledgeable guides who know where animals tend to gather.
The cruise to Spirit Island is a major highlight, lasting about 90 minutes, with plenty of time to take photos. The tour also includes a walk along the upper Maligne Canyon, where waterfalls and erosion create stunning limestone formations. The price is $155 per person, making it a solid choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
Guests appreciate the guides’ passion and expertise—one review calls the guide “exceptional” for her wildlife knowledge. If you love searching for animals and enjoy scenic boat rides, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wildlife lovers wanting a mix of land, water, and wildlife spotting, with a solid focus on nature.
4. Maligne Lake Cruise
For a shorter, more relaxed experience, the Maligne Lake Cruise offers a 90-minute narrated boat ride around Jasper’s most famous lake. You’ll get to see Spirit Island, only accessible by boat, and enjoy views of granite peaks, blue waters, and lush forests. The boat is fully heated and glass-enclosed, so you stay warm while soaking in the scenery.
This cruise is praised for its knowledgeable narration and wildlife sightings, including eagles, bears, and deer. It’s a great option if you want a quick but high-quality experience, especially if you’re tight on time or prefer a less physically demanding activity. Departure times are flexible, making it convenient for most schedules.
Guests love the peaceful ambiance and the chance to see Spirit Island without a long hike. The price, at about $87.32 per person, makes it a good value for such a scenic adventure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a scenic, easy, and informative boat tour that highlights Jasper’s most iconic lake.
5. Jasper: Maligne Valley Wildlife & Spirit Island Cruise
This 6-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Maligne Valley, combining wildlife viewing, a cruise to Spirit Island, and scenic drives. Your guide, experienced in interpreting the ecology and landscape, takes you on a journey by vehicle, boat, and foot. It’s a well-rounded way to see the park’s highlights, with a focus on spotting wildlife like moose and elk.
The cruise itself lasts about 90 minutes, focusing on the stunning vistas and wildlife around Maligne Lake. Guests mention the informative commentary and the opportunity to see native animals in their natural habitat as major pluses. The price of $140 per person is reasonable considering the multiple modes of transportation involved.
This tour is perfect if you want an educational experience that actively involves both land and water. The guides’ insights make this a richer, more engaging day.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want an all-encompassing, interpretive tour with wildlife sightings, scenic drives, and a boat cruise.
6. Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise
This full-day tour combines sightseeing around Jasper with a Maligne Lake cruise. It’s priced at about $186, and lasts approximately 8.5 hours. The tour begins with a guided exploration of Jasper itself, including stops at Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake, with plenty of photo moments. Then, it transitions into a visit to Maligne Lake, where a guided cruise offers stunning views of Spirit Island, dense forests, and rugged peaks.
Guests love the combination of town and nature, along with the opportunity to see wildlife such as grizzly bears, mule deer, caribou, wolves, and moose during the trip. The guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and storytelling. It’s a comprehensive, full-day experience suitable for those who want to maximize their time.
The main drawback is the price, but considering the extensive itinerary, it offers good value for those wanting a thorough Jasper experience. If you prefer a guided experience with lots of variety, this is a great pick.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors who want an in-depth, all-day adventure combining Jasper’s sights with an immersive lake cruise.
7. Jasper: Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise
Rounding out our list, this 8.5-hour sightseeing tour offers a balanced look at Jasper National Park’s highlights. After exploring the town and visiting Maligne Canyon, the tour takes you on a scenic cruise across Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island. The guided walk along Maligne Canyon provides close-up views of waterfalls and limestone formations, while the cruise offers panoramic vistas.
Though it’s the most expensive option at $181, it’s designed for travelers who want a comprehensive day with plenty of photo opportunities and expert commentary. The small number of reviews suggests it’s more niche, but the itinerary is tailored for those who want to pack a lot into one day.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who prefer a guided, all-in-one Jasper experience, especially if they value detailed commentary and sightseeing.
How to Choose Your Jasper Boat Tour or Cruise
When deciding which Jasper boat tour or cruise to book, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If wildlife is your main goal, the Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour or the Wildlife & Spirit Island Cruise are excellent options, especially with their knowledgeable guides and wildlife focus. For iconic scenery and a relaxed pace, the Maligne Lake Cruise or shorter Maligne Lake Cruise provide stunning views with minimal fuss. If you want a full-day adventure that combines land, water, and wildlife, the Explore Jasper Tour or the Maligne Valley Wildlife & Spirit Island Cruise are great bets.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak summer months, to secure spots on these popular tours. Consider weather conditions—many trips are weather-dependent, so flexible plans can help.
Final Thoughts
Jasper offers an impressive variety of boat tours and cruises that bring you closer to its rugged beauty. From short, scenic rides to full-day explorations, there’s something for every traveler. For a well-rounded experience, the 5.5-Hour Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour offers a fantastic combination of wildlife sightings, waterfalls, and lakes. If your time is limited, the Maligne Lake Cruise delivers iconic scenery and wildlife viewing in a shorter package.
For travelers seeking a detailed, all-encompassing adventure, the Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise or the Wildlife & Spirit Island Cruise will satisfy. Whatever your choice, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable Jasper water experiences.