Howse Pass Trail

The Howse Pass Trail is a 38.9 km (24.2 mi) one-way wilderness traverse from Cairnes Creek Recreation Site in British Columbia to Mistaya Canyon on Highway 93. It crosses Howse Pass below treeline, then descends to the Howse River valley and follows its braided floodplain toward the Parkway. Allow about 20 hours of hiking across 2–3 days; this is a demanding backcountry route, not a quick day hike.

Treat the mapped line as a corridor, not a promise of continuous footpath. The old tread is choked by deadfall, and current travel shifts across open floodplain; expect faint or braided lines and serious route-finding. One short mapped section near Mistaya is uncertain, so verify the route before setting out.

Many Howse River side channels are unbridged, so wet feet are likely and conditions can change quickly. Banff backcountry camps require the appropriate overnight permit. Do not take the Glacier Lake shortcut on foot: it involves a deep Howse River ford and is recommended only for equestrians.

This is a point-to-point trip. Start at Cairnes Creek Recreation Site at the end of Blaeberry Forest Service Road and arrange a pickup or shuttle at Mistaya Canyon. There are no services along the traverse; Saskatchewan Crossing’s hotel, restaurant, gas and store are a separate road stop, not trailhead facilities.

Secwépemc people used this corridor for travel and trade, linking with northern Stoney communities and Rocky Mountain House. David Thompson crossed Howse Pass in 1807, and the route later carried North West Company trade toward the Columbia River.

Dogs are allowed on the Banff section but must be leashed. The long, remote route, faint tread and repeated fords make this a poor fit for most dogs.