Last updated on August 12th, 2024 at 11:18 pm
If you are looking for an easy hike to escape the crowds, the Howse River Hike Via Mistaya Canyon is a perfect option. After the canyon the hike is mostly through the trees, making it a perfect option for those looking for some shade on a hot day! When we hiked this trail in mid July, we saw nobody after we left Mistaya Canyon, making it an ideal, peaceful, shaded hike on an otherwise busy, hot and smoky day!
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The Howse River Hike
The Howse River Hike is easy to follow from the parking area. Head to the far end and follow the gravel trail, it descends pretty steeply and is a little uneven under foot. You won’t be alone on this stretch of the trail. But within 300 meters, you’ll see the large bridge over Mistaya Canyon. It’s worth stopping here and checking out the incredible Canyon!
On the far side of the bridge you’ll see a trail sign, indicating that for the Howse River Hike you’ll want to go right and head uphill along the trail. It climbs steeply to start with but soon you’ll be at another trail junction. Again it is clearly signposted. On the left, you’ll see the trail up to the Sarbach Lookout, we opted not to do this trail since it was smokey and we didn’t think the views would be worth the elevation because of it. Instead we headed right, into the forest for the Howse River Hike.
The trail is clear and easy to follow with minimal elevation change. The views are fairly non-existent unfortunately due to being in the forest but the shade is a welcome relief on a hot day! There are some downed trees along the way, nothing you can’t climb over but some were a stretch for my shorter legs!
Eventually the Howse River Hike starts to descend slowly, as it winds through the forest, the trees start to open up ahead and you get a feeling of maybe finally getting close to your destination.
A final junction signals that the Howse River Hike continues to the left, where the trail steeply descends down to the river over a few meters. You end up shot out of the muddy floodplain of the Howse River. The views are incredible! It is so peaceful and we felt like we had the whole valley to ourselves.
The trail continues beside the river and in theory you can continue as far as you want. The Howse River Hike turns into the Howse Pass hike, a challenging and unmaintained trail which experienced backpackers can complete. It also connects to the Glacier Lake Trail, however due to a River crossing, Parks Canada do not recommend this, especially since there is a standalone Glacier Lake trailhead a short drive up the highway, this trail doesn’t require a River crossing to get to Glacier Lake.
Take you time at the river and appreciate the peace and quiet which can be rare on hikes along the Icefields Parkway. The mountain and valley views here at the end of the Howse River Hike are really what make this trail so worthwhile. After a rest and a snack, head back the way you came!
It was more peaceful at Mistaya Canyon when we returned so we took some time to enjoy the spot before heading back up the hill to the car.
Finding The Trailhead
The trailhead is located about 90 minutes drive from the town of Banff, via Highway 1 West and then Highway 93 North, also known as the Icefields Parkway. If you are heading south from Jasper, it is around 5 kilometres south of Saskatchewan Crossing on Highway 93N.
The parking area for the Howse River hike is located right off the highway and signposted for Mistaya Canyon.
The Howse River Hike is located just a 15 minute drive from Waterfowl Lakes Campground, our favourite camping spot on the Icefields Parkway and a perfect spot to explore the trails in the area.
What You Might Need To Complete The Hike
This is prime bear territory! Do not leave without bear spray, have it accessible and know how to use it.
A good pair of lightweight hiking boots will be perfect for completing this trail. There are some rough sections where you’ll want good grip. My go-to hiking boots are the La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots.
As there is nowhere to sit and enjoy the view at the end of the trail, I’d take a little foam sit pad or a lightweight packable chair so I could have a rest and enjoy a snack while taking in the incredible view at the end.
