Spirit Island
Spirit Island is a tiny island in Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. Actually, for most of the year it is connected to the shore by a narrow isthmus and not technically an island. Only with heavy spring rains and snow melt does the water level rise enough to cut off the island from the lake shore.
The island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, who believe mountains are physical representations of their ancestors. Spirit Island is surrounded on three sides by the same mountain range, a very rare arrangement which makes it particularly significant to the Stoney.
Spirit Island, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Elevation: 5,570 ft. August 20, 2019.
Spirit Island
Spirit Island is a tiny island in Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. Actually, for most of the year it is connected to the shore by a narrow isthmus and not technically an island. Only with heavy spring rains and snow melt does the water level rise enough to cut off the island from the lake shore.
The island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, who believe mountains are physical representations of their ancestors. Spirit Island is surrounded on three sides by the same mountain range, a very rare arrangement which makes it particularly significant to the Stoney.
Spirit Island, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Elevation: 5,570 ft. August 20, 2019.