How To Elope At Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is one of Banff National Park’s most impressive canyon formations. The curvy and intricate limestone gorge has been and continues to be carved by roaring glacial blue waters from the Mistaya River, which pours out from Peyto Lake. Mistaya Canyon is one of our favorite elopement locations to explore with couples in Alberta because it’s accessible via a quick hike. It’s also centrally located to many other of Banff National Park’s natural wonders! If you’re planning a Mistaya Canyon elopement or are eager to learn more about this epic Banff hiking spot, keep reading for all our insider tips and recommendations on how to make your elopement an unforgettable experience!

Where Is Mistaya Canyon?

Mistaya Canyon is about an hour and a half’s drive from Banff. If you’re looking to travel to Jasper National Park, it’s the perfect location between Banff and Jasper National Park. It’s the perfect family-friendly hiking area and incredibly convenient if you’re planning an elopement itinerary that includes both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park locations. 

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Elope At Mistaya Canyon?

Summertime, from July to early September, is the perfect time to elope at Mistaya Canyon. The weather in Banff National Park is beautiful and pleasant this time of year. While Summer is peak tourist season, you can avoid crowds by eloping on a weekday, especially at Sunrise or Sunset. September is also a great month to consider for Mistaya Canyon elopement. If you don’t mind cooler weather and want fewer crowds, early Autumn can provide a stunning backdrop for your special day. The changing colors of the leaves add an extra layer of magic to the already breathtaking scenery of the area.

While Winter can be a breathtaking, snowy wonderland in Banff, it’s not an ideal time to visit Mistaya Canyon. Icefields Parkway can close in Winter due to poor weather conditions, and even when accessible, the hiking trail is often covered with ice and snow. Ice and snow can usually remain through late Spring and turn to mud once warmer weather melts the frozen trail.

How Do I Get To Mistaya Canyon?

Located just off the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Mistaya Canyon offers visitors a conveniently located parking lot near the falls. Next to the trailhead, visitors can find bathrooms and a trail map. The hike is a 1.2-mile loop and takes about 40 minutes to complete. The trail features some uneven terrain, such as incline areas and rocks. Hiking shoes are recommended! If you own hiking poles, consider bringing them as well. The hike to the central region of the canyon takes approximately 15 minutes, making it reasonably accessible for those eloping. Once you reach the canyon, you’ll traverse a bridge and get many viewpoints to look out onto the canyon’s roaring blue waters!

What Accommodations Are Near Mistaya Canyon?

Mistaya Canyon is conveniently located about an hour from Lake Louise, home to one of our favorite hotels, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Fairmont Chateau is a luxurious five-star hotel featuring world-class dining, plush suites, and incredible Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier views. Just 30 minutes down the road from Lake Louise is Banff National Park. One of Fairmont’s sister hotels, Fairmont Banff Springs, is another excellent lodging option for your Mistaya Canyon elopement. If you plan to stay in Banff, we suggest adding a relaxing day at Banff Upper Hot Springs to your elopement itinerary. 

If you’re looking for a more laid-back lodge-type accommodation, we recommend checking out the Lodge at Bow Lake, Which is just under a half-hour drive from Mistaya Canyon. Guests here can easily access the Bow Glacier Falls or Bow Summit Hike. Additionally, in Summer, Bow Lake is a great place to kayak or paddleboard!

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a more rustic and outdoorsy accommodation for your elopement experience, Mistaya Canyon is next to some fantastic campsites! Two of our favorites include Waterfowl Lakes Campground and Silverhorn Creek Campground, located within 15 minutes of the canyon.

Where Are Activities Available Near Mistaya Canyon?

Mistaya Canyon doesn’t have to be your only elopement location! You can say your vows by the falls and then take a helicopter tour right after. One of the best things about Mistaya Canyon is that it is centrally located to many of the best natural wonders Alberta has to offer! To make the most out of your elopement experience, we recommend checking out this list of other nearby areas and activities that can be easily added to your elopement itinerary:

• Peyto Lake
• Lake Louise
• Moraine Lake
• Bow Lake 
• Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint
• Mt. Patterson Glacier
• Crowfoot Glacier
• Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Rockies Heli 
• Jasper National Park

Is A Permit Required to Elope At Mistaya Canyon?

Yes, a permit is required to elope at Mistaya Canyon and anywhere in Banff National Park! Vendors, like photographers and videographers, must also have a business permit (which we have!) to photograph elopements and weddings within the park. The permit process is straightforward, requiring those eloping to print, fill out, and send in paperwork. There’s no fee required. You can learn more about the permit process here. 

Tips For Eloping At Mistaya Canyon

Here are a few helpful tips to consider when planning your elopement: 

• Always pack hiking footwear that’s waterproof for rocky trails and uneven terrain. 
• Be sure to add rain gear and layers to your packing list, no matter the time of year, as mountain weather is always unpredictable. 
• Download offline maps in areas where you have cell phone service or wifi before heading out to hiking trails, wilderness areas, or off-the-grid locations. Many areas throughout Alberta, including Banff National Park, have little to no cell reception. Doing this will ensure you don’t get lost!
• Bring a GPS or satellite phone for emergencies, even on hikes that seem easy or close to town. While we always travel with one during hiking elopements, it’s also good to have one of your own for added safety. 
• Pack plenty of food, water, and maybe even picnic supplies for your elopement day. There aren’t many options for food or restaurants around Mistaya Canyon until you drive back to the Lake Louise area. 
• Leave No Trace when eloping at Mistaya Canyon. Respect wildlife by keeping your distance and adhering to Banff National Park’s rules and regulations.

Are You Ready To Plan A Mistaya Canyon Elopement?

Hi, we’re Liz and Jason, an elopement photographer and videographer duo! We love crafting intentional and meaningful moments while capturing lovers’ raw and authentic connections on the journey to “I Do!” If you’re planning an epic Banff elopement or intimate wedding in Alberta, we’d love to help bring your ceremony dreams to life! You can share your love story, vision, and more with Jason and me through our inquiry form. And remember to check out our Banff elopement packages and our travel page! Interested in learning more about eloping in Banff National Park? Take a look at our Banff Elopement Venue Guide! We also have an awesome freebie available for download on our website that helps lovers figure out How To Choose Their Dream Elopement Destination!