Middle Spray River

Near Banff · Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 38 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Middle Spray River is a 52.5 km out and back trail near Banff in Banff National Park. It runs 26.3 km each way. The route gains 1,540 m in total and tops out at 1,792 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard, and Parks Canada rates it difficult. Allow about 17 hours 15 minutes of moving time. Also used for backpacking and cross country skiing.

Length: 52.5km; 26.3 km each way
Elevation gain: 1,540m
Estimated time: 17h15min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,792m
Lowest point: 1,513m

Elevation profile

1,513 m to 1,792 m

Highest point 1,792 m, lowest 1,513 m, 1,540 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 39% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 60% of route

34% LTE · 25% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 10.6 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Good for

Hiking, Backpacking, Cross country skiing
Dog friendly (on leash)
River or creek

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.0801° N, 115.5294° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 588 trails in Banff National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30