Maligne Lake, Alberta

Maligne Lake, Alberta, June 2013

The story behind its name (“maligne” in French means “malignant” or “evil”) comes from a French explorer who went on the lake despite his guide’s repeated warnings and lost his horses and food when the ice broke. He then cursed the lake (and its namesake river) by naming it that way. Had he listened to his native guide (who knew better, obviously), this place would have a rather charming name that certainly would try to convey the absolute natural beauty and serenity of it. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.