Pros & cons
PROS
- Unique springs between Fifth and Sixth Bridges emerge from the ground beside the trail
- Interpretive signage explains the canyon’s geology and Medicine Lake’s underground connection
CONS
- Lower-bridge area can see temporary closures—plans may need a day-of pivot
- Peak-season crowds reach the Fifth Bridge area despite its lower start
Park at the Fifth Bridge picnic area along Maligne Road; it’s a signed access point with direct trail access.
Check for current area closures around the lower Maligne Canyon bridges; stairs and wet rock can be slippery; carry bear spray and give wildlife space.
Why go
This loop from Fifth Bridge dives straight into the most dramatic lower reaches of Maligne Canyon—sheer limestone walls, thundering water, and quirky springs that appear from the ground and join the river. It’s a quintessential Jasper walk: short, scenic, and packed with geology.
Trail overview
Start at the Fifth Bridge picnic area and head up-canyon for the best, most dramatic views into the gorge. Keep right at intersections while ascending; you’ll gain about 100 m/330 ft overall, with some stairs and short, steep pitches. Expect interpretive signs on geology and hydrology (including the underground connection to Medicine Lake) and multiple waterfalls. Between the Fifth and Sixth Bridges, look for clear springs emerging from beneath the trail and feeding the Maligne River.
Plan on roughly 2.6 miles/4.2 km total for the loop and 1–2 hours depending on how often you stop for viewpoints. The path is well-marked and maintained, mixing forested stretches with fenced canyon overlooks. You can shorten or extend by turning around sooner, continuing to the Sixth Bridge for a quieter add-on, or detouring near the Second Bridge for a standout viewpoint.
Best time to hike
Late spring through early fall is prime: flows are strongest, waterfalls are loudest, and wildlife watching is good. Winter brings a different experience—quieter, with ice formations and lower flows. In any season, start early or late to avoid peak crowds at the Fifth Bridge area and to catch softer light in the canyon.
Tips and tradeoffs
Footing can be slick when wet or icy—wear real traction. This “lower start” is easier than the upper bridges in terms of altitude, but the stairs and steady climb can feel moderately strenuous for some. Direction matters: heading up-canyon first makes the views progressively more dramatic. Bears (including grizzlies) are occasionally seen near the lower bridges—carry bear spray and stay alert.
Know before you go
This loop is part of the Maligne Canyon trail network, so conditions can change. Recent notices have included temporary closures around the lower bridges—check current status before committing to the route.
Where it starts
52.9216, -118.0169Wildlife on this trail
Near Fifth Bridge Loop
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayFifth BridgeQuieter gateway to Maligne Canyon’s springs and serene river viewsTrailhead · Parking
0.6 mi awayBridge No 4Quieter Maligne Canyon span with dramatic views into the narrowsScenic Viewpoint
0.6 mi awayMount Tekarra ViewpointQuick, big views of Tekarra from Maligne LookoutParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.7 mi awayMaligne CanyonJasper’s classic gorge walk with bridges, waterfalls, and karst springsModerate · 2.3 mi · 1.5 hr
0.8 mi awayMaligne CanyonDeep slot canyon with bridges, waterfalls, and a winter ice walkTrailhead · Restroom
0.8 mi awaySkyline TrailCanadas premier alpine traverse with 25 km above treeline.Challenging · 27.4 mi · 16 hr
0.8 mi awaySignal Mountain Fire RoadLong, steady fire road to big Jasper valley viewsChallenging · 11.5 mi · 7.2 hr
1 mi awaySixth Bridge to Third Bridge LoopQuieter Maligne Canyon loop with big views from the Sixth BridgeModerate · 5 mi · 3 hr
