Ancient Spirit

As the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, Maligne Lake is a spectacular natural wonder of sublime beauty. As part of a 3 day self supported canoe trip, I was able to visit the island in beautiful golden hour light without any other person around. The stillness of the water was an absolute gift which we cherished while capturing this image. Situated 14 kilometers from the boat launch, Spirit Island has long captured the imaginations of westerners and native people alike. The Stoney Nation Indigenous people named Spirit Island for the profound experiences their ancestors had at Chaba Imne, the former name for Maligne, which translates as “Beaver Lake”. Remarkably, this 22 kilometer long lake ringed by towering, craggy peaks and fed by meltwater from 5 significant glaciers, can be so still it’s surface resembles a perfect mirror. The deep green conifer forests reflect in the azure glacial waters rendering colors ranging from emerald and jade green to a tropical Caribbean blue. Rock flour from the relentless grinding of the glaciers is suspended in time giving the lake’s water a nearly opaque quality. Maligne was named by the Western Artist Explorer Mary Schaffer who learned of the lake from Indigenous people of the area. The name came from the river that feeds the lake and its menacing whitewater. 

100 Limited Edition / 5 Artist Proof