VIDEO: following the call of the mountains...

[HangingKayaker]

This was a two night stay over halfway down Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park before the snow really starts to fly and the lake freezes over.

[NHWhites]

Beautiful country

[TallPaul]

Incredible scenery there. And wow all the fish.

[ScooterB]

With the temps so cold, how do you stay warm in the kayak? I very much want to learn to kayak and the thought of doing so in conditions like you experienced fascinates me.

[HangingKayaker]

With the temps so cold, how do you stay warm in the kayak? I very much want to learn to kayak and the thought of doing so in conditions like you experienced fascinates me.

Maligne Lake water temperatures average 4c or 39F all year round. When in the kayak, the interior does get cold, especially if you have a skirt on enclosing the cockpit, which you do need on this lake because of changing conditions. Paddling itself keeps you warm provided you have the proper clothing. Paddling on the way out when the weather not the best, I wore a pair of merino wool long johns and my Kuhl camp pants, high neoprene boots, and under my PFD I wore a merino long sleeve shirt and a light fleece. When the snow became wetter I stopped and pulled on my outer coat which all kept me nice and warm and dry. I also had my neoprene gloves and a merino wool toque on. This is not a lake that I would want to spend any time in the water as hypothermia would set in real quick. In reality, I should have a proper wet/dry suit on but I don't own one.

[HangingKayaker]

Incredible scenery there. And wow all the fish.

Fishing season closed at the end of September. These guys just hung around the shore teasing me, not that I would have caught one if I had tried!

[Shug]

Stunning country your paddling and hanging in. Snow! Wow.
Whooooooo Buddy))))))
Shug

[gargoyle]

WOW!!! Thanks for taking us along.

[oldpappy]

Real Nice - Thank-you for sharing.

[benfishin]

Absolutely stunning area! Thanks for sharing!