Why Bridge No. 5 Stands Out
Bridge No. 5 sits midway along the Maligne Canyon trail in Jasper National Park, where the Maligne River has sliced a deep, twisting gorge through ancient limestone. Unlike the busier viewpoints near the trailhead, this crossing offers quieter perspectives into the canyon’s layered walls and rushing water far below.
Getting There
Drive 11 kilometres east from Jasper townsite along Maligne Lake Road, then turn onto the signed Maligne Canyon access road. A large parking area serves the trailhead. From there the well-marked path descends gradually; reach Bridge No. 5 after roughly 1.8 kilometres of walking past earlier crossings and interpretive signs.
Trail Conditions
The route is a packed gravel and boardwalk path with moderate elevation changes. Expect cool, shaded air even on warm days and occasional mist near the river. In winter the canyon becomes an ice-climbing destination, but summer and early fall provide the safest footing for most visitors.
What to See and Do
Stand on the sturdy steel bridge and look upstream to see the river funneling between sheer cliffs only a few metres apart. Downstream the gorge widens slightly, revealing potholes carved by centuries of swirling water. Continue a short distance past the bridge to a quiet overlook where the canyon walls rise more than 50 metres. The full loop to Sixth Bridge and back adds another 2.5 kilometres if time allows.
Wildlife and Photography
Listen for the sharp calls of Clark’s nutcrackers and watch for golden-mantled ground squirrels along the trail. Early morning light filters dramatically into the canyon, highlighting the rock striations; late afternoon offers softer side-lighting on the opposite walls.
Best Time to Visit
Late June through early October brings the most reliable trail conditions and flowing water. Peak summer weekends see higher foot traffic, so aim for weekday mornings. Late September often delivers fewer people and the first hints of fall colour on surrounding slopes.
Nearby Attractions
- Maligne Lake and its boat tours to Spirit Island lie 48 kilometres farther along the same road.
- The shorter, family-friendly Maligne Canyon trail section to Bridge No. 2 offers similar geology in less time.
- Medicine Lake, with its disappearing waters, sits just before the canyon turnoff.
