Canada > In the Maligne Canyon

In the morning, we have breakfast at the hotel. At nine o’clock, the minibuses are ready to take us for an ice walk in Maligne Canyon. First, we drive to the sports shop to put spikes on our shoes. Then we head north out of Jasper and soon turn off toward the canyon. Along the way, we spot a few elk by the road and try to take photos (the animals don’t even glance up…). At Maligne Canyon, we walk in two groups across the suspension bridge. On the frozen path, the spikes come in handy. Chris, our guide, explains about the creek and how, in summer, much more meltwater flows through the canyon. Now, the water in some places flows only under the rocks and not above, leaving parts of the creek unfrozen. Further along, there is ice, and we walk over it through the canyon. The frozen waterfalls have created stunning formations—one more beautifully frozen than the next.

Canada - The beautiful Maligne Canyon

In some places, the canyon walls rise fifty meters. In summer, tourists can look down at the water from above; we are walking between the rocks. At some waterfalls, we can walk behind the ice columns, one of which provides a breathtaking view of the icicles. At the end of the canyon, there is a narrow frozen waterfall. We return via the regular hiking path, which summer visitors follow. That must look completely different. From the parking lot, Chris drives us back to the hotel. In the afternoon, part of the group goes on the Wildlife Tour. I decide to go cross-country skiing—or “cross country,” which sounds better. At 1:30 p.m., Art picks us up for the cross-country session. The ski rental has some difficulty finding shoes large enough for Dutch feet, and the sizes don’t exactly match our shoe sizes. With shoes two sizes larger than normal, everyone gets a fit, though size 47 is sold out. With shoes, skis, and poles, we drive to the cross-country track at Pyramid Lake. Art explains the technique with small exercises: first moving in place, then gliding, then gliding with poles, and finally using the full stride with the legs. We progress reasonably well, and Art is pleased with our improvement. He suggests a tour across the frozen Pyramid Lake, leading the way and creating a ski track for us to follow.

Canada - Crosscountry on the frozen lake

It’s remarkable to move across a large lake where no one else has been, apart from some animal tracks. Art explains the different tracks, gives information about the forest and Jasper, and even takes group photos with our cameras. Around 4:30 p.m., we decide to cross the lake toward the island. While Art goes to get the bus, we walk through the snow without skis, sinking up to our knees. Snow gets into our shoes, but it doesn’t spoil the fun. Back in Jasper, we say goodbye to Art. In the evening, a small group of us eats at the Korean restaurant. Graham orders several dishes for us to eat with chopsticks. While some go on to a pub with live music, I call it a night and return to the hotel.