Hiking the Mary Schaffer Loop Trail
Read our travel guide on Mary Schaffer Loop Trail, an easy hike in the Maligne Lake area in Jasper National Park, Alberta. Includes tips on what to pack, when to go or where to stay.
Mary Schaffer Loop Trail is an undemanding family-friendly hike that starts off the Lake Maligne shores in Jasper National Park. We've been to the Maligne Lake area several times and never left out hiking the Mary Schaffer Loop, as it allows you to get close to this glacial-fed lake.
It's one of the most relaxing hikes in Jasper, and if you combine it with a trip to Maligne Canyon, you can enjoy two easy hikes in one day, of course, depending on your Canadian Rockies travel itinerary.
Moreover, the entire Maligne Valley is stunning and even driving from Jasper to Maligne Lake is half the experience. Drive slowly; we always saw some wildlife along the way - bears, elks, goats, or birds.
The best part about this trail is that you can enjoy it whether it's a beautiful sunny day or dark clouds cover the area in a dense blanket.
The hiking trail is named after Mary T. S. Schaffer Warren, who documented Maligne Lake for the first time.
On her journey across the Canadian Rockies, she befriended Samson Beaver from the Nakoda, one of the First Nation's people who knew the area well, and gave the expedition a hand-drawn map they used for navigation across the mountains.
Interestingly enough, the expedition started in Field in Yoho National Park and took almost six months; the distance between these two places you can nowadays cover by car in less than four hours.
Records and tales of exploration of the Canadian Rockies never cease to amaze us (check Lake Minnewanka in Banff), and the history of Maligne Lake is quite interesting as well.
So, here are essential things you should know about the Mary Schaffer Loop hike before you go.
TRAILHEAD
Mary Schaffer Loop trailhead starts at the main Maligne Lake parking lot about 48 kilometers southeast of Jasper.
The Mary Schaffer Loop has maybe five or six entry points that connect the trail with the large parking lot. The parking is free of charge, and there are plenty of parking spaces.
Due to the nature of the trail, it makes a zero difference where you enter it. So it mostly depends where you will leave the car, as the parking lot is quite large (it has three separate sections).
Needless to say, you can always go to see the historic boathouse first and start hiking from there for easier navigation.
CLOCKWISE OR COUNTERCLOCKWISE
We walked the trail both in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction and preferred the clockwise direction a bit more as you will have the (limited) views in front of you.
However, the first time we visited the area, we hiked the Opal Hills first (both hikes share about 100 meters of the trail until they split at the fork) and saved the Mary Schaffer Loop for later, mostly to end this half-day hike in a relaxed manner.
So we arrived at the main viewpoint from the forested area and walked along the lake back to the parking.
LENGTH AND ELEVATION
If you complete the entire Mary Schaffer Loop, the elevation gain will be 50 meters total and a distance of about 3.5 kilometers. Depending on how many stops you make along the way, it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete the circuit.
As picnicking is one of the best things to do in Maligne Lake, you might need to allocate more time for this activity.
Mary Schaffer Loop is an easy trail; if you are looking for more challenging hikes, decide between Opal Hills or Bald Hills. These hikes require more effort from your side, but the views of the valley and the lake are definitely worth it.
For a similarly difficult trail, drive to the other parking lot, where you can find the trailhead to Moose Lake Loop.
Encountering moose on the trail is not uncommon, but the trail stays in the woods the entire time, so you won't get any lake views.
MARY SCHAFFER LOOP TRAIL
We left the car in the parking lot and immediately headed down to the lake. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we could admire the stunning views of Mount Unwin in the distance straight away (unlike the last time when it rained and we couldn't see much due to the low clouds covering the entire valley).
And despite the fact that the parking lot was packed, the area wasn't that busy.
One of the reasons is probably that there so much to do in Maligne Lake that the crowds simply disperse.
Some walk around the lake, some take a Maligne Lake Cruise, while others go canoeing or hike the Opal Hills or Bald Hills.
As soon as we reached the boathouse, we could see some keen kayakers setting off for a trip to explore the lake's coastline. Kayaking or canoeing at Maligne Lake is quite popular, despite the steep (overpriced) hourly rates.
As we traveled around the Canadian Rockies on a budget, we had no intention to paddle on the lake, so we entered the loop. The interpretative trail is almost flat all the way to the viewpoint, and it's perfect for all ages and abilities.
Keep in mind that only a small part of the trail is stroller or wheelchair friendly as there are roots on the path once the paved one ends.
The paved trail ends in 400 meters at a spot with some picnic tables and bear-proof garbage bins.
Needless to say, it's possible to get to the main viewpoint with one of those all-terrain strollers, though it will be a bumpy ride.
Don't forget to read all the informative panels as they provide some insights into the area's history and nature.
The views from the main lookout are, to be honest, not that different from the ones at the boathouse, but the ground is a bit elevated, and there are usually some canoers or kayakers paddling around that make for nice photo opportunities.
In front of you, you can see the peaks of Mount Unwin (right peak, 3,268 meters) and Mount Charlton (left peak, 3,217 meters), and in the distance further to the left, Mount Warren (3,362 meters), named after the chief of the expedition (and eventually her second husband).
When you reach the viewpoint, you can either retrace your steps or continue walking along the small bay towards the forest.
From the rest of the path, you won't have any lake views, but the trail through the lush forest is quite nice and not hard at all.
And as the second part is a bit less exciting and a bit more challenging, you can expect fewer crowds, as some visitors return via the lakeshore trail.
The next part has some ups and downs, but we can say it's mostly flat and easy. At least compared to some other hikes in Jasper National Park.
The path in the forest is quite wide and well-maintained, it's easy to follow, and you shouldn't have any difficulties navigating around. As the trail looped back, we came across some muddy patches in the shaded areas later on, but it wasn't that bad.
We saw some squirrels and birds in the forest but no other wildlife that day in this area, which was a bit of shame, but we knew that we started the hike quite late, so it was understandable.
To increase your chances of spotting the wildlife, arrive early in the morning. Also, bring binoculars to watch the wild animals from a safe distance.
When we reappeared at the parking lot, we still had some time, so we sat at one of the picnic tables by the lake and enjoyed our lunch.
WHAT TO PACK
If it's been dry for a few days in summer, you don't need hiking boots, and proper trail runners should be enough. However, in the shoulder season or when it rains hard the day before or due to melting snow, the path can be muddy, especially in the forested area away from the lake.
On a sunny day, apply sunscreen if you want to spend some time on the lake shores.
Bug repellent can also be useful, as many locations in Jasper are bug-infested in summer.
We always carried a bear spray when hiking in the Canadian Rockies, even for shorter hikes such as this one.
The trail is busy, and the bears usually stay in the upper areas of Opal Hills, where they can find plenty of berries. But you never know when hiking in a bear country, so it's better to be prepared.
If you are used to hiking with trekking poles, there is no need to leave them in the car, as there are some roots and rocks on the trail.
A comfortable daypack is a must-have. As the weather in the Maligne Lake area is unpredictable, pack a lightweight rain jacket.
Staying hydrated is an essential part of hiking, one liter of water should be enough for the trail.
WHEN TO GO
As Maligne Lake Road is open in winter, you can visit the Maligne Valley year-round. Being said that, the best time to visit Maligne Lake is in the summer, when the lake is ice-free, and you can see it in its full glory.
The morning reflections are stunning, and even when the wind picks up, later on, you can still admire the insanely beautiful turquoise water caused by the glacial silt.
The color of Maligne Lake is amazing when the sun rays hit the surface and reminded us of Emerald Lake in Yoho or Lake Louise in Banff.
However, the winter scenery is still beautiful even if the lake is frozen over. You can hike Mary Schaffer Loop in the winter, but you should bring microspikes and snowshoes.
Snowshoeing Mary Schaffer Loop is a perfect activity for beginners who want to try or learn it.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
DIRECTIONS
The trailhead starts at the main Maligne Lake parking lot at the end of Maligne Lake Road.
When arriving from Jasper, it's the first parking on the left just before you reach the lake. The second parking is one kilometer away, so use it only if you want to hike the Moose Loop or Bald Hills.
Leave Jasper via north exit, and turn left onto Yellowhead Highway.
In two kilometers, turn right onto Maligne Lake Road, and cross the bridge over the Athabasca River.
Stay on Maligne Lake Road for another 43 kilometers until you reach Maligne Lake. Drive at a sensible speed, keep an eye on the wildlife, and look out for other drivers.
It takes about four and half hours to get to Maligne Lake from Edmonton or an hour and a half from Hinton.
Stay on Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) for most of the way, and a few kilometers before you reach Jasper, turn left onto the Maligne Lake Road and then continue towards the lake.
ENTRANCE FEE
Although the Mary Schaffer Loop is free, you need to purchase a pass to enter Jasper National Park. A day pass costs $10 for an adult.
We believe it's better to invest in Parks Canada Discovery Pass that costs either $69.19 per adult or $139.40 per family or group traveling in one car (up to seven people).
The Discovery Pass is valid for one year and covers more than 80 sites, including Banff National Park or Yoho National Park.
WHERE TO STAY
Jasper is a small little town about a four-hour drive from Edmonton. This mountainous town sees about two million visitors each year and offers the best hotels and facilities in the national park.
If you are looking for a place to base yourself for a few days in the heart of the national park, then Jasper will accommodate all your needs.
However, the hotels fill up fast in the high season, and making a reservation in advance is essential.
Jasper has rental shops and gear stores where you can restock or buy something you need or left home. If you are arriving in a campervan, Jasper has a couple of large campgrounds.
Here, we've hand-selected the best hotels in Jasper.
Budget | Mount Robson Inn - It is almost impossible to find budget accommodation in the Canadian Rockies when not camping. This hotel is reasonably priced and offers clean facilities and excellent breakfast.
Mid-range | Jasper Inn and Suites - Convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms should convince you to stay here.
Luxury | Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - You will hardly find better accommodation in Jasper. Beautiful surroundings, comfortable rooms, and excellent service are the main reasons to stay here.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
