Maison d'Ailleurs Museum
Science fiction museum in Switzerland housing speculative works
Museum in Yverdon-les-Bains dedicated to science fiction and speculative thought, with rotating exhibitions, original illustrations and archives for genre enthusiasts.
Maison d'Ailleurs at a Glance#
Address: Maligne Canyon, Maligne Valley, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/promenade-walks/maligne
Hours: Daily (park hours vary seasonally)
About Maison d'Ailleurs#
Maison d’Ailleurs is a museum of science fiction, utopia, and extraordinary journeys located in Yverdon-les-Bains in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It was established by collector and scholar Pierre Versins and houses materials related to speculative fiction and related visual arts.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions display books, illustrations, posters, and objects that document the history and cultural impact of science fiction and utopian thought. The museum also maintains archives and organizes public programs and exhibitions that explore literary and visual imaginaries.
Housed in a historic building in central Yverdon-les-Bains, the museum is accessible from the town center and participates in cultural events in the region.
- Founding and focus: Founded by the French bibliographer Pierre Versins in 1976 and located in Yverdon-les-Bains, it specializes in science fiction, utopia, and extraordinary journeys.
How to Get to Maison d'Ailleurs#
Maligne Canyon is 10-15 minutes’ drive east of Jasper townsite along Maligne Road. There is a designated parking area at the canyon entrance. Jasper is served by Highway 16; the nearest major city is Edmonton (~4 hours’ drive). Shuttle services and tours from Jasper town operate during the main summer season.
Tips for Visiting Maison d'Ailleurs#
- Go early to avoid crowds and to see the canyon in the softer light.
- Walk all six bridges - each offers a slightly different perspective and geological insight.
- Bring a water bottle and a jacket; the canyon can be much cooler than the surrounding trails.
Best Time to Visit Maison d'Ailleurs#
Summer offers full access and the warmest weather; winter transforms the canyon into a frozen spectacle but requires winter gear.
Weather & Climate near Maison d'Ailleurs#
Maison d'Ailleurs's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1084 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -2° - 4° | -1° | 77 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 6° | 0° | 73 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Acceptable | 1° - 10° | 4° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 7° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 8° - 18° | 13° | 102 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| June | Good | 11° - 22° | 17° | 111 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Very Good | 14° - 25° | 19° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 1.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Very Good | 13° - 25° | 19° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 1.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.0h |
| September | Good | 10° - 20° | 15° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 8° | 3° | 92 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | 0° - 5° | 0° | 85 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
