Mistaya Canyon

The basics

At the end of the short downhill trail from the parking lot is a wooden bridge with great views of the white-water Mistaya Canyon. Cross the bridge for a longer walk or return to the parking lot. Many guided tours stop here, which typically also include Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, Lake Louise, and other natural attractions.

Things to know before you go

• Stick to the path and the marked areas, as rock-hopping here can be hazardous.
• Allow about 40 minutes to complete the loop hike.
• The walk from the parking lot isn’t very challenging but it’s steep and rocky in places, so not suitable for travelers with mobility issues.

How to get there

Mistaya Canyon is 85 miles (137 kilometers) northwest of Banff town, beside the Icefields Parkway. If you’re driving there, keep your eyes open for the parking lot, because it’s largely hidden behind a bend in the road and easy to miss. Many tours take this route and stop here, and going on a tour allows you to admire the views rather than watching the road.

When to get there

Mistaya Canyon can be very busy on summer days, but most people don’t stay for long. If you continue on the short loop hike, you’ll see fewer people. If you’re visiting in the winter or spring, expect snow or ice on the path and take extra care. You may need special gear for the longer walk in winter.

Visit Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon, a little over a 1-hour drive away, offers a very different experience than Mistaya Canyon. The hike, which traverses catwalks and bridges bolted into the walls of the canyon, is justifiably one of the most popular in Banff National Park. Visitors wanting a shorter hike can head to the Lower and Upper Falls, while more intrepid travelers can continue to the Ink Pots springs (a 3.5–5 hour round-trip hike).