Hike to Mistaya Canyon: One of Jasper's Best Views

Mistaya Canyon is one of those places you might miss if you’re not watching for the small parking lot along the Icefields Parkway.

I admit: I almost skipped it on my first visit … but it’s absolutely worth the stop.

The trail is short, and the views are stunning!

Key Info on Mistaya Canyon

2 hours south of Jasper
1.5 hours north of Banff
No fee, aside from park entry
Lengthy parking lot, with bathrooms

The gorge at Mistaya Canyon in Jasper National Park

Mistaya Canyon Trailhead on the Icefields Parkway

Mistaya Canyon is located right along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) between Lake Louise and Jasper.

From Jasper: About 100 miles south (roughly a 2-hour drive).
From Banff: Roughly 80 miles north (about 1.5 hours).

Watch for a small “Mistaya Canyon” sign on the west side of the highway just south of Saskatchewan River Crossing.

A sign on the Icefields Parkway for the Mistaya Canyon hike

There’s a fairly large paved parking lot, with nicely-kept vaulted toilets.

The parking lot off the Icefields Parkway for the Mistaya Canyon Trailhead

There’s a sign for the trailhead right in the parking lot.

Hike the Trail to Mistaya Canyon

The trail is easy as you walk downhill to the river, and more challenging on the incline out.

Distance: It’s about half-a-mile each way
Time: 20 minutes each way
Difficulty: Moderate, based on the climb back out

The dirt and rock trail leads downhill to a narrow bridge spanning the canyon.

The bridge and viewpoint at Mistaya Canyon in Jasper

This is the view from the bridge. It’s one of my favorites in Jasper!

One of the prettiest views in Jasper National Park: Mistaya Canyon

You can also follow trails down into the canyon. I have to wonder if they’ll close parts of the over-used areas (with roots exposed) to allow the forest to heal.

This photo shows the view from below, looking up toward the bridge in the distance.

The Mistaya River flows from nearby Peyto Lake, cutting through the valley before plunging into this twisting gorge. The water you hear below is still shaping the canyon today.

The river rushing through the rock gorge from the viewpoint

From the viewpoint, the river continues 2 miles downstream before joining the North Saskatchewan River.

The river rushing through the gorge in Jasper

When to Visit Mistaya Canyon

The best timeframe to visit this spot is June through October. The Icefields Parkway is clear of snow, and the Mistaya River runs strong with glacial melt. The water is at its bluest and most powerful midsummer.

Weather Through the Seasons

Spring (April and May): Highs are in the 40s and 50s, while snow and ice (or mud) are likely on the trail.
Summer (June through August): Highs are in the 60s and 70s, and hiking conditions are ideal.
Fall (September and October): Highs range from the 60s in early September down into the 40s by late October. By mid-October, Jasper gets its first snowfall.
Winter (November through March): It’s cold, with highs in the 20s and 30s. Check road conditions on the Icefields Parkway. You’ll also need chains or winter tires in Alberta from November through March.

People at the viewpoint for Mistaya Canyon

Safety & Seasonal Notes

Watch your footing: The rocks and bridge can be slippery in summer and icy in winter.
Winter visits: The short trail is open year-round, but expect icy conditions. Microspikes or crampons are recommended. I brought them *just in case!*

Warning signs on a hiking trail in Jasper National Park

Crowds at the Canyon

Because it’s a quick roadside stop, Mistaya Canyon can get busy in the summer.

The busiest times are usually between 10:00am and 3:00pm, when Icefields Parkway traffic peaks. Still, most visitors only stay for half-an-hour, so the crowds (and parking spots) turn over quickly.

For a quieter experience, come early morning or evening.

Wildlife in the Area

The surrounding forest is part of prime grizzly and black bear territory, though sightings right at the trailhead are rare.

Keep a respectful distance from any wildlife and store food securely. The advice for hikers anywhere in Jasper National Park is to carry bear spray.

We ran into a black bear, fattening up before hibernation off the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park

Wrap: Final Advice on Visiting Mistaya Canyon

I think this area is less visited than Sunwapta Falls and other popular sites because it’s a distance from both Banff and Jasper. Still, if you’re on the Icefields Parkway, this is one of my favorite stops!

A few final thoughts:

Bring sturdy shoes. The dirt and rock trail is uneven and hilly.
There are vaulted toilets, but no washrooms at the site. The nearest facilities are at Saskatchewan River Crossing.
More Hikes: Hike to the iconic turquoise lakes: Peyto Lake or Lake Louise and its iconic Big Beehive Trail. The Toe of the Athabasca Glacier is another famous stop along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. Plus, if you’re staying right in Jasper, there are trails around Pyramid Lake. Athabasca Falls is close, too.

Mistaya Canyon is the perfect example of what makes Jasper and Banff so special. You’ll find short, easy access to a wild place that feels completely untouched. It’s a reminder of the power of glacial water in the Canadian Rockies!