Medicine Lake is no ordinary body of water. Depending on when you visit, it may be swollen, or might have vanished altogether. A sense of magic and mystery inhabits this area of the Canadian Rockies. In fact, the Native Indians who once lived here thought Medicine Lake was a supernatural force, which is where its strange moniker is derived from.
Arrive at the lake and gaze out over it. Chances are if you're here in the summer, you'll see a seven kilometre-long glimmering stretch of water. In the winter, you're more likely to be greeted by the sight of mudflats dotted with the odd pool of water. The reason this happens is slightly more prosaic than the Native Indians believed. The water from the Maligne River which fills Medicine Lake gradually drains from the many sink-holes on the bed of the lake. From here, the water travels through a labyrinthine cave system, reappearing 16 kilometres downstream at Maligne Canyon. In effect then, Maligne Lake is a sinking river.
If you like fishing, visit in the summer. At this time, Medicine Lake has an excellent stock of trout. Take your camera out on the boat early in the day to capture stunning images of the surrounding mountains reflected in the water. Look up to see bald eagles swoop on the lake to catch their breakfast.
If you fall in love with area (and many do), unpack your tent and plan to stay for a couple of nights. There are over 40 summer campsites located in the Medicine Lake Provincial Recreation Area. Cook your catch of the day under the spruce trees, then set off on an evening hike. Chipmunks, moose and grizzlies are resident in these parts.
Medicine Lake is 20 kilometres from Jasper. The optimum time to visit is summer, when the lake is at its highest. Check ahead in case of flood warnings.
