Maligne Canyon is seen as different and odd geologically but is common within the northern Rocky Mountains. These canyons show the characteristic of Karst topography and is common in this region due to its easily solube nature. Flowing out of Medicine Hat, the Maligne River flows about 15 kilometers upstream as a full size river, but very quickly disappears into seeps in the ground and completely vanishes from the surface not far from the lake for most of the year.

The smaller streams that feed the valley below that point rebuild the river by the time it reaches the top of the canyon. The river drops down the canyon and intersects the bedrock layers where the underground river flow. Also at this point numerous large underground streams join and greatly amplify the flow. The canyon has be deteriating since the churning and swirling of the water making. The effect of this hasmade the width two metres across at some points and only a depth of 50 metres. Limestone, is one of the most dominant minerals within the canyon. It has has become deposited in a shallow tropical sea by plankton which secrete limestone.

Often overlooked in a landscape of towering peaks, are the rare, yet fascinating mountain canyons. Why are they rare? After all, rivers have been carving canyons for as long as there have been rivers. Although true, it also remembered that rivers have only recently begun to re-sculpt the mountain landscape. When glaciers co-opted the former river beds, they widened and smoothed out most of our canyons, leaving wide u-shaped valleys. With the retreat of the ice, the rivers had to begin anew.

Research suggests that some canyons may have either existed beneath a few large glaciers, or that they may have been subterranean caves exposed by the erosion of their roof by glacial ice. Of particular interest in this theory is Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park. This canyon is intricately connected with a vast cave system.

The rare nature of our mountain canyons is reflected in their prominence as a focal point for hiking trails, roadside stops, interpretive sites, and even winter guided crampon creeps. Looking into hiking guides you’ll find trails leading to locations like Johnston Canyon, Sundance Canyon, Mistaya Canyon, and even Turbine Canyon. Each exhibits a unique character that makes is a worthy hiking destination. In other cases, the canyons are located adjacent to major highways. Marble Canyon, North Saskatchewan Canyon, Sunwapta Falls Canyon and Athabasca Falls Canyons are typical examples. Most are signed and designed to attract roadside visitors.



..