Fifth Bridge at Maligne Canyon in Jasper re-opens

The Fifth Bridge at Maligne Canyon has been re-opened to visitors, after the old one was damaged by high water. Courtesy: Parks Canada

Officials with Parks Canada announced Wednesday that the Fifth Bridge at Maligne Canyon had opened, replacing the previous bridge that had been damaged.

Parks Canada said $825,000 was spent on the newly designed bridge that provides access to a network of hiking trails year-round, and leads visitors across the Maligne River, and into the Maligne Canyon.

The bridge replaces the old one that had been damaged by high waters.

There are a total of six footbridges along the Maligne Canyon Trail – with three access points to the trail, at the top of the canyon, and at the Fifth Bridge and Sixth Bridge.

Parks Canada said visitors can explore the canyon from above in the summer, and from below in winter – and sees about 400,000 visitors annually.