Maligne Lake, Moose Lake, Beaver and Summit Lakes

Monday, we had afternoon tickets for the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island. It was a very scenic drive to the lake. We passed Medicine Lake and a large area that had a fire just last summer due to a lightening strike. The charred trees looked like burned toothpicks across the mountainside. New life was beginning to sprout up. Bright green grasses spotted the area. We had planned to get the lake early for a short hike before the boat trip.
It was cloudy, but the sun was trying to break thru. We took the hike to Moose Lake. We hiked into the dense forest until we reached the lake. Straight ahead in the water was a moose! Pictures will come later because the camera that has my telephoto lens, I did not bring the card reader. We saw two more moose along the lake shore.
While hiking back, it began to rain. On went the rain gear. We had two hours before the trip. Had lunch in the cafe that overlooked Maligne Lake and surrounding mountains. Rain continued, so I asked to switch tickets for the next day.
Tuesday- first morning we woke up and had color in the sky instead of dark, gray clouds. We were hopeful for better weather for the boat trip. This trip was in the morning. Still some clouds when we got to the lake, but much better than yesterday and the cloud ceiling was higher. Maligne Lake is 28 kilometers long and it took about 30 minutes to reach the end. The mountains form a box canyon at the end of the lake and because the lake is glacier fed, the water has that beautiful blue. When we reached Spirit Island, we were able to get off the boat and walk around the area and take pictures. It was beautiful, spiritual, peaceful. Historically, it was a special ceremonial place for Native Americans.
After our boat trip, we headed back towards Jasper with a stop to hike the trail to Beaver and Summit Lakes. We were so happy that the sun was actually shining!
We reached Beaver Lake to find still waters and amazing reflections. Giant limestone peaks reflected in the water. As we continued to Summit Lake, we found bear tracks in the mud. We had our bear spray, but luckily never saw a bear. Summit Lake was a small lake in a valley surrounded by mountains.
Tomorrow is our last day in Jasper, so the weather will determine our adventure.

  





































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