Found close to the Icefields Parkway within Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, is the Mistaya Canyon, a place filled with lots of stunning opportunities. The canyon offers picturesque views along a short hike that is ideally situated close to the parking lot that leads to sights of the neighbouring mountain ranges, waterfalls, and canyons. If you have spent some time in Jasper at the Maligne Canyon, you will know how huge it is; with not much opportunity to explore everything in a single day, this is where the Mistaya Canyon truly excels. It is a little smaller canyon, making it the ideal location to make a quick stop while driving along the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff.
Photo by Rene Baker on Unsplash
A Quick Overview
At a glance, the Mistaya Canyon Hike is great for its accessibility and ease. Perfect for hikers of all abilities, only 1.8km long. The average time for this hike to be completed is around 25 minutes to an hour, and after you have finished your hike, there are lots of facilities nearby, such as food and restaurants, and gas stations just a five-minute drive from the trailhead at the Saskatchewan River Crossing where you can sit, eat, and relax. The kind of views that you get from Banff National Park feel as if they should be reserved for those who live a more luxurious lifestyle, flying by private jet charter and eating at Michelin star restaurants due to the sheer beauty it beholds.
Hiking the Mistaya Canyon
The Mistaya Canyon hike is a great opportunity for people to take in the awe-inspiring views the Banff National Park has to offer without having to hike for upwards of three hours. A great thing about this hike is it can be finished in less than half an hour and cannot be missed while driving between Jasper and Banff.
Locating the Trailhead
The trailhead for the Mistaya Canyon hike can be found very easily, leaving from the parking area along the Icefields Parkway that connects Jasper and Banff. If you’re making your trip from Jasper, make sure you stop by Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls. On the other side, if you’re traveling from Banff, stop at the Peyto Lake Viewpoint at the Bow Summit.
The Best Time To Do the Mistaya Canyon Hike
The best months to complete the hike are between June and September to give yourself a much better chance of having clear skies to enjoy the views and reduce the risk of snow and ice levels. Hiking in May can sometimes be risky due to these ice and snow levels, as is late September-October.
How To Stay Safe Hiking in Banff
Mistaya Canyon is a very popular hike in the area due to its accessibility and ease, allowing hikers of all different experiences to enjoy the trail. Due to its high traffic, there aren’t many in terms of animal sightings, but it is advised to carry some bear spray just in case. Bears are found in the area, and while it isn’t likely that they will be close to the path, it is always good to be prepared.
This trail takes visitors mostly through the canyon within which the Mistaya River runs, which allows visitors to cross a bridge over steep cliffs. If you explore the canyon, be sure not to get too close to the rocks along the river's edge.
People have been known to jump to more questionable areas of the canyon to get as close as possible to the river’s edge and dip their hands and feet into the water. While this may seem like a fun idea, it is important to remember that this is a wild location, and there are serious risks of falling into the water. Use your best judgement and keep children as close to your person as possible. Remember, you’re the only person who is responsible for your own safety in these situations.
Essentials To Bring
This hike isn’t very long at all, meaning that you don’t need to bring that much with you. Anything that you do bring can be left in the car, ready for your return. If you would like to take something with you on the hike, a jacket is a good idea as the weather can change very quickly. A light snack is another good option, such as a juice box, fruit, or chocolate bar, but keep in mind that there are food spots very close by where you can truly indulge after you have completed your hike.
Leave No Trace
As with any hike in the wilderness across the world, leave no trace. Respect the area you are in and leave it exactly how you found it. Stay on the trail as much as you can to allow the plants to grow off the trail, and never throw any garbage on the floor or off the side of the canyon, as this could have detrimental effects on the wildlife in the area. There are garbage cans in the parking lot, so whatever rubbish you have, put it in your pocket and dispose of it in the correct place.
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Extra Mentions
Head up the path to Sarbach for an alternative viewpoint. An excellent view of Sarbach Mountain and the surrounding forest is available via this short (and somewhat steep) hike. Despite the difficulty of seeing the canyon and waterfall from here, it is still a great place to escape the crowds. After the lookout, you can choose to continue your walk along an alternative trail or return to the original pathway.
The Icefields Parkway is not equipped with wifi or cell service, so download offline maps, take screenshots, and put in your GPS information before heading out. Children and rocks near the water's edge should be carefully avoided due to the rushing water.
Conclusion
The Mistaya Canyon is the perfect location for a quick hike on foot and an opportunity to see the amazing views of Banff National Park. An unmissable pitstop if you’re in the area and a place that continues to grow in popularity each year.