Camping at Hidden Cove on Maligne Lake in Jasper, might be the perfect paddle trip for families or beginners. Located just 4km from the boat launch on Maligne Lake, this is a short paddle, making it perfect for those who are new to paddle camping.
The protected cove you paddle into has a small jetty which you can pull up besides and it is a great spot to do some fishing or jump off for a rather chilly swim! If relaxing is more your style, sit on the dock and read a book or watch the clouds move in the sky.
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The Hidden Cove Campground
The Hidden Cove campground is small, with only four tent pads, all of which are a short walk from the dock and all of which offer views either of the protected cove or out down Maligne Lake. The tent pads are also reasonably well spaced out for a backcountry campsite, meaning you’re not sleeping right beside your stranger neighbour.
There is an outhouse which has a roof but doesn’t have four walls, so its rather an open air experience. A chain at the start of the walkway can be put across so others know it is in use. There is space for three buckets under a bench and the toilet seat is over the bucket currently in use. There are instructions on what to do if the bucket is full at the outhouse and there are rubber gloves to use for the task.
Hidden Cove campground has an outdoor firepit area with small wooden benches around it, beside this is a picnic bench, ideal for cooking on. This is right off the dock. On the other side of the dock are four large bear proof lockers to store food and scented items. Alongside this, there is a grey water tube with a strainer in the top. Dispose of your greywater and then empty the strainer, either packing out the food remnants or burning them on the fire.
Beside the food lockers is a small cabin with a bench and wood stove in it. Ideal for rainy days but also for winter users of the site, since you can cross country ski to Hidden Cove campground and spend the night in winter. The cabin is quite small so it may be quite the squash if all the tent pads are in use on a rainy day.
If you want to have a fire while staying at the Hidden Cove campground, you can pick up wood at the boat launch which is provided by Parks Canada for backcountry campers on Maligne Lake. There was a provided axe at Hidden Cove when we stayed there so you can chop the wood and easily get a fire started.
How To Get A Reservation At Hidden Cove
Camping spots on Maligne Lake are very popular and the Hidden Cove campground is no different. To reserve your spot, you’ll need to book online via the Parks Canada reservation website. You’ll want to be organised to secure your spot and log onto the system when reservations for the summer open.
Most camping spots on Maligne Lake are booked up within the first few hours of reservations opening. That being said, if you keep an eye on the reservation system, you may be able to get your hands on a cancellation closer to summer.
Other Campgrounds On Maligne Lake
There are two other campsites on Maligne Lake, one at 12kms and one at the back of the lake approximately 22km from the boat launch, both of which are a lot further to paddle. You could do all three campgrounds in one paddle trip on Maligne Lake if you are more experienced.
Items You Might Need For A Paddle Trip To Hidden Cove
I always love to wear my Chaco sandals when I go on paddle trips, they are perfect for in the water and wearing around camp. These are an investment piece but they are great for so many camping trips, not just paddle trips.
If you want a fire, even though there was an axe when we visited, I’d still pack an axe or a hatchet just in case, along with some fire starters in case the wood is wet.
When we got to camp it was windy, a lightweight but warm jacket like my Arc’teryx Atom Lt is perfect to stop the wind and keep you warm.
I also wouldn’t visit Hidden Cove campground without taking my own small chair, this means you can find a little piece of shore, all to yourself and sit and enjoy some peaceful times, looking out at the lake.
