I’m so happy that I chose to take the scenic route to Calgary Alberta after my 10-day stay in Golden BC. Choosing a detour to the magnificent Mistaya Canyon on the Icefields Parkway scenic highway was a good decision. The weather forecast looked not so great in Lake Louise and Banff, so I opted to drive north on the spectacular Icefields Parkway towards Jasper.
Mistaya Canyon was the reason I chose to drive the extra miles and spend more time on the road. And I think Mistaya Canyon is totally worth the effort. It’s a must see place in Alberta! That’s why I included Mistaya as one of my Top 5 Stops on the Icefields Parkway.
After visiting Mistaya Canyon I turned around and drove back towards Banff and onward to Calgary. But if you are headed to Jasper National Park read my post on 11 Fun Things to Do in Jasper to get more bucket list inspiration.
You’ve probably already seen photos of Mistaya Canyon and the Mistaya River BUT you’ve got to see it in person to really appreciate the beauty of both the canyon and the river.
To hear the river bouncing along the rocks when it flows through the canyon is amazing. The Canadian Rockies are totally gorgeous!
One of the most scenic views in Banff – Mistaya Canyon is magnificent
Mistaya Canyon Hike (Icefields Parkway)
Where is Mistaya Canyon?
Mistaya Canyon is in Banff National Park but it’s about a 1 hour 30 minute drive from the town of Banff to Mistaya Canyon along the famous Icefields Parkway towards Jasper.
Did you know? Mistaya is the Cree word for Grizzly bear.
The map below pinpoints Mistaya Canyon as well as Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and Calgary to help give you some perspective on the location.
At the Mistaya Canyon trailhead there is an info board and a map
The Mistaya Canyon is carved by nature. Over hundreds of years the water and rock debris eroded the limestone rock and created magical sculptures over time.
The Mistaya River originates in Peyto Lake and joins the North Saskatchewan River a couple of miles downstream at Saskatchewan River Crossing.
Info about the Mistaya River is posted at the trailhead to Mistaya Canyon hike
Is it crowded at Mistaya Canyon?
Probably. But when I visited midday on a weekday in July it was not overly crowded like Lake Louise. The parking lot is a lot smaller than at Lake Louise so there are only so many people that can get to Mistaya Canyon.
One of the most scenic views in Banff – Mistaya Canyon is magnificent
Parking was no problem when I visited, plenty of spots available. There were several other people at Mistaya Canyon, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
Tourists enjoying the spectacular views at Mistaya Canyon Banff
The simple way to avoid the tourist crowds – go EARLY! Get to Mistaya Canyon right around sunrise. Tour buses do not start that early, and most people don’t get up so early.
Mistaya Canyon bridge overlooking the Mistaya River and Canyon
Can I bring my dog to Mistaya Canyon?
Yes! Dogs are allowed on the trail at Mistaya Canyon – but they must always be on leash.
A short walk through the forest leads to Mistaya River and the Canyon
Getting to Mistaya Canyon
From Banff
- Take the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 West towards Lake Louise and continue for 57 km (35 miles)
- Take the exit for highway 93 North towards Rocky Mountain House and Jasper and continue for 70 km (42 miles)
- Watch for the sign for Mistaya Canyon and turn left into the parking lot.
- Total driving time: about 90 minutes
Mistaya Canyon parking lot is located right next to the Icefields Parkway
From Lake Louise
- Take the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 West towards Lake Louise and continue for 2 km (1 mile)
- Take the exit for highway 93 North towards Rocky Mountain House and Jasper and continue for 70 km (42 miles)
- Watch for the sign for Mistaya Canyon and turn left into the parking lot.
- Total driving time: about 1 hour
Mistaya River in Banff National Park is amazing
From Calgary
- Take the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 West towards Lake Louise and continue for 173 km (108 miles)
- Take the exit for highway 93 North towards Rocky Mountain House and Jasper and continue for 70 km (42 miles)
- Watch for the sign for Mistaya Canyon and turn left into the parking lot.
- Total driving time: about 2 hours 45 minutes
Mistaya Canyon from Calgary is almost a 3 hour trip one-way so you could easily do this as a day trip in the summer when the days are longer.
Remember you will likely be stopping at other places along the Icefields Parkway so get an early start if you want to do Mistaya as a day trip from Calgary.
If you want to stop at Peyto Lake my advice is to get there as early as possible – it is more crowded than Mistaya Canyon.
Mistaya Canyon trailhead is located at the north end of the parking lot
Mistaya Canyon Hike Info
- Distance: 1 km
- Type of hike: Out and back
- Elevation change: 58 m (190 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: Allow about 10 minutes each way for the hike
Anyone in decent shape should have no problem walking the short trail to Mistaya Canyon. It’s only a half kilometer each way. Unless you have mobility issues or difficulty walking on uneven surfaces the walk to Mistaya Canyon is super easy.
A short walk through the forest leads to Mistaya River and the Canyon
Signs at Mistaya Canyon remind visitors to take caution due to the potential fall hazard at the canyon. You are responsible for your own safety. Please keep a watchful eye on children at all times.
Signs warn about the potential fall hazard at the canyon
Tips for Visiting Mistaya Canyon Icefields Parkway
The earlier you get there in the morning the better your chances of avoiding crowds of tourists from the tour buses on the Icefields Parkway. Get to Mistaya Canyon around sunrise and you should have some time to enjoy it without the crowds.
Mistaya Canyon Icefields Parkway scenic stop
Remember to buy your Parks Canada pass – you can purchase the pass in advance of your visit – check here for prices and buy your pass now
Check the weather forecast. When it rains the clouds may linger lower and you won’t see the mountains – that’s what happened when my sister and I drove back from Jasper last year :/
Check trail conditions in Banff National Park on the Parks Canada website. Sometimes trails close due to wildlife, weather conditions, or construction.
Mistaya Canyon Icefields Parkway Banff
Wear footwear with excellent traction if you plan to walk around on the rock surface.
If you bring your furbaby – always keep your dog on leash.
Visit during off season or when the weather is not ideal to avoid biggest crowds. During shoulder season – just before or after high season – the weather may not be sunny and warm. But Mistaya Canyon is still worth a visit and there will be fewer people during the off season travel times.
If you visit during high season on a weekend be patient and expect to wait for a parking spot.
What to Bring Hiking in Jasper National Park
Wear hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip on the sole. The trails are often muddy after rainfall. Comfortable hiking shoes are a must on any hike in the Rockies. While in some cases you can get away with sneakers, for instance Johnston Canyon or Peyto Overlook via Bow Summit, if you do a lot of hiking it’s wise to invest in a great pair of hiking shoes or boots.
Bring your refillable water bottle – I always bring two stainless steel water bottles. One is small so I also have a reserve 40 oz water bottle in my backpack.
Insect repellent – or the mosquitoes may enjoy a picnic lunch at your expense. I have tried the non-DEET stuff and it didn’t work at all. So I went back to using the DEET insect repellent. Remember that using DEET insect spray also protects against ticks!
Sunscreen – especially on sunny days but also for overcast days too – protect your skin from UV rays. Sunscreen is essential in the higher elevations. Don’t be fooled into thinking a cloudy day does not warrant sunscreen. With every 300 m (1,000 ft) gain in elevation UV exposure increases by 4% so bring sun protection with you on your hikes.
Sunhat or baseball cap is always a good idea when hiking – protection from the sun, rain, and ticks.
Layered clothing is a must while hiking in the mountains. The weather changes rapidly and without warning. Bring layers so you can be comfortable on your hike. Include a waterproof rain jacket in your gear list, even if it’s sunny.
Pack something to eat at the lake or along the trail. I like to bring pumpkin seeds as my snack – great nutrition and I buy spicy pumpkin seeds so they are extra yummy. I also bring beef jerky, crackers, fruit, and cookies. But you may want to pack a gourmet picnic lunch.
Bring a small backpack to carry your water, snacks, extra clothing, and other essentials for your day hike. It’s best to buy a waterproof backpack or bring a large plastic bag to cover the backpack if it starts raining during your hike.
Remember it’s always a good idea to pack the 10 Essentials on every hike. You don’t want to get caught off guard – lacking the basic supplies like waterproof matches or a compass when you really need it!
Bear spray is another essential when you are hiking in bear country. Bring bear spray and know how to use it. I carry mine clipped to my backpack waist strap so that I can access it easily. Remember that you cannot bring bear spray on an airplane.
Have FUN exploring the Canadian Rockies!
Read related articles about Banff, Jasper, and Icefields Parkway
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