Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is likely one of the most lovely drives in Canada. Also often known as Highway 93 North, this scenic highway stretches between Lake Louise and Jasper within the Canadian Rockies. The Icefields Parkway Drive is thought for its gorgeous views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering mountains attracting guests from around the globe.
Where Is the Icefields Parkway?
Starting in Banff National Park and ending in Jasper National Park in Alberta Canada, the Icefields Parkway is barely 293 km (182 miles) and might be achieved in a day, however it is going to be the busiest day you’ve ever had. So as an alternative, make a base in Jasper or Banff, and take your time to discover all of those superb stops on the Icefields Parkway.
To get to the Icefields Parkway, you’ll both be flying into Edmonton or Calgary Alberta. The nearest worldwide airports are Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Edmonton International Airport (YEG). From both airport, you can lease a automotive and drive to the beginning of the Icefields Parkway.
By Car: If you’re coming from Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west to Lake Louise. The Icefields Parkway begins simply west of Lake Louise. If you’re coming from Edmonton, you’ll take Highway 16 west to Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway begins simply south of Jasper.
By Bus: There are bus providers that function from Calgary and Edmonton to Banff and Jasper, respectively. From there, you possibly can doubtlessly be a part of a tour or rent a automotive to drive the Icefields Parkway.
Always examine highway circumstances earlier than you allow. If you might be driving in winter, be sure you have good winter tires as winter climate could make driving hazardous and even shut the highway solely.
Parks Canada Pass
Remember {that a} legitimate park go is required to journey on the Icefields Parkway, because it runs via nationwide parkland. Also, the Parkway is in a distant space with restricted providers, so ensure that your car is in good situation, and it’s advisable to hold some emergency provides equivalent to meals and water, and blankets within the winter.
When driving to Lake Louise, you will have to buy an entrance go from Parks Canada to the National Park which is $10 per individual per day. If you’ll be spending a number of days within the parks, it’s price it to purchase a Parks Discovery Pass on the Parks Canada web site that prices $139 for a household or $69 per individual. This provides limitless entry to Canada’s nationwide parks from coast to coast for 12 months! You should buy this on-line right here.
If you might be simply going for a day or two, you should purchase your go on the entrance on the freeway when coming into Banff National Park from Calgary. Okay, now that we have now the logistics of attending to Banff prepared, let’s begin our Icefields Parkway highway journey!
Stops alongside the Icefields Parkway Map
The Icefields Parkway begins in Lake Louise, a small city in the course of Banff National Park. It is 2 hours from the Calgary airport to Lake Louise. We at all times e-book a automotive rental to be prepared after we land in Calgary beginning our Alberta journey instantly as soon as we depart the airport.
Best Stops Along The Icefields Parkway Itinerary
This Alberta highway journey is so as of stops from Lake Louise to the city of Jasper. The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper National Parks and it’s a highway journey via the Canadian Rockies that you just’ll always remember. I hope this helps you when planning your Icefields Parkway journey! Enjoy your journey – the Icefields Parkway is taken into account probably the most lovely drives on the planet!
1. Lake Louise
Located inside Banff National Park, Lake Louise is likely one of the most well-known stops in all of Canada (not to mention Alberta). The lovely turquoise waters of Lake Louise sit beneath the imposing Victoria Glacier looming overhead. Located instantly in entrance of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise lodge, there are climbing trails to soak up the view from all instructions and you may canoe on Lake Louise. (A bucket record merchandise for Canada vacationers)
When taking your drive alongside the Icefields Parkway, we recommend leaving Lake Louise at dawn so you will get to the enduring lakes alongside the drive within the morning earlier than the crowds and whereas the reflections are finest.
If you possibly can spend a day or two in Banff National Park or Lake Louise, do it! There are so many issues to see and do right here. We advocate the Fairmont Chateau Louise or Deer Lodge for lodging in Lake Louise.
- You can learn extra details about Banff Lake Louise right here:
30 Minutes – 32 km (21 Miles) from Lake Louise or 2 hr/14 minutes – 196km from Jasper
The first cease you’ll come two out of Lake Louise is the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint. Crowfoot Glacier obtained its title from the truth that it’s formed like three claws of a crow. Located on Crowfoot Mountain, it appears over Bow Lake. Don’t take too lengthy right here at Crowfoot Glacier, as a result of you’ll wish to get to your subsequent cease which is Bow Lake.
3. Bow Lake
half-hour from Lake Louise 39 km (24 miles) or 194km 2hr and 14 min from Jasper
The subsequent cease you come to is the spectacular viewpoint of Bow Lake. Just half-hour up Highway 93 from the Trans Canada Highway in Lake Louise, you’ll wish to time your drive to reach right here when the solar is up. Bow Lake is positioned on the foot of the Bow Summit which displays completely within the nonetheless waters of Bow Lake. There are trails alongside the shores of the lake for higher views, so you should definitely get out of your automotive and enterprise out to see it.
From Bow Lake, you possibly can see Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Glacier each of that are the sources of the Bow River and is a good looking cease with mountains and glaciers within the backdrop. The lake is correct subsequent to the parkway, and there’s a parking space for Num-Ti-Jah Lodge the place you possibly can cease and discover the lake’s shore.
4. Bow Glacier Falls Hike
half-hour from Lake Louise 39 km (24 miles) or 194km 2hr and 14 min from Jasper
This hike affords lovely views of Bow Lake, Bow Glacier, and finally the spectacular Bow Glacier Falls. The waterfall is fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier, which is a part of the Wapta Icefield.
Here are the main points of the hike:
- Trailhead: The path begins from the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge parking zone on the Icefields Parkway, simply by Bow Lake.
- Distance: The round-trip hike to Bow Glacier Falls is about 9 km (5.6 miles).
- Elevation Gain: The path has a average elevation achieve of about 155 meters (510 toes).
- Difficulty: The hike is mostly thought-about average. The path begins off simple across the lake, but it surely turns into rocky and uneven with a light incline as you get nearer to the falls. Good footwear is really useful.
- Estimated Time: It sometimes takes about 3-4 hours to finish the spherical journey, relying in your tempo and the way lengthy you spend on the falls.
- Scenery: The path supplies views of the strikingly blue Bow Lake and the encircling mountain peaks. The path then leads you towards the pinnacle of the lake and up towards Bow Glacier Falls. The remaining vacation spot is a close-up view of the waterfall cascading down from the glacier above. On a sunny day, you may even see a rainbow within the mist of the waterfall.
5. Num Ti Jah Lodge
half-hour from Lake Louise 39 km (24 miles) or 194km 2hr and 14 min from Jasper
Located instantly at Bow Lake, this historic lodge is an effective place to spend the nigh if you wish to actually spend time photographing Bow Lake within the morning or night. The historic lodge dates again to the Twenties. It’s a country expertise and the eating room is crammed with previous taxidermy heads of wildlife within the Elk Lodge. Choose it for an attention-grabbing keep in Alberta and an early begin on the Icefields Parkway.
- Check out the lodging right here.
- See our decisions for the place to remain in Banff right here.
6. Peyto Lake
44 km (27 miles) from Lake Louise or 190 km – 2hrs and 14 min from Jasper
Peyto Lake is the most well-liked lake cease alongside the Icefields Parkway. From the parking zone, hike as much as the Peyto Lake Viewpoint and as much as the Bow Summit. At 2,088 meters (6,800 toes) for the very best views of the vivid turquoise colors of this glacier lake. Cool truth, that is the very best elevation on the drive and it’s the very best elevation crossed by a public highway in Canada. (it actually doesn’t really feel that prime if you find yourself there although.
7. Mistaya Canyon
75 km from Lake Louise or 158 km and 1hr 53min from Jasper
Mistaya Canyon is a good looking geological formation alongside the Icefields Parkway, near Saskatchewan River Crossing in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The Canyon has been carved out over hundreds of years by the Mistaya River, and the water move has created a singular, deep canyon with clean, swirling rock partitions.
The hike to Mistaya Canyon is comparatively quick and fairly simple, making it a preferred cease for these touring alongside the Parkway. Here are some particulars in regards to the hike:
- Trailhead: The trailhead to Mistaya Canyon is conveniently positioned off the Icefields Parkway. There’s a parking zone from the place the path begins.
- Distance and Difficulty: The hike is about 0.5 km (0.3 miles) every approach, or 1 km (0.6 miles) spherical journey, with a light descent into the canyon. It’s rated as simple, making it accessible for most individuals.
- Time: The total stroll might be accomplished in about 30-45 minutes, however you could wish to spend further time for images or simply to benefit from the view.
- Features: The path leads via a forest earlier than opening as much as the canyon. The canyon itself is slender and deep, with the fast-moving Mistaya River operating via it. There’s a bridge that crosses the canyon, providing a wonderful viewpoint.
8. Saskatchewan River Crossing
79 km from Lake Louise or 153 km and 1hr 49min from Jasper
After viewing the lake, our subsequent place to see is the Saskatchewan River Crossing. This is a major cease not just for its lovely view, however it is usually the place the North Saskatchewan River, Mistaya River and the Howse Rivers meet. If it’s essential to go to the toilet, that is the place to do it as there are amenities right here with a restaurant and fuel station.
9. Weeping Wall
106 km from Lake Louise or 125 km and 90 minutes from Jasper
The Weeping Wall is most spectacular within the winter when the waterfalls are frozen. It can be a preferred place (clearly) for mountain climbing. Stop right here to see this 100-meter-high (330 toes) rock cliff that’s recognized for its waterfalls that resemble tears as they cascade down the mountain. Naturally, the primary waterfall is known as, Teardrop.
10. Big Bend Peak
115 km from Lake Louise or 119 km and 1hr 25 minutes from Jasper
You can’t miss our subsequent cease. When you look out your window, you’ll wish to get out of the automotive for this view! This flip alongside the drive has a pull-off the place you will get out and take a look at the huge valley surrounded by jagged peaks. It is our favorite viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway.
11. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
128 km from Lake Louise or 104 km and 1hr and 16 min from Jasper
This is the cease you’ve all been ready for! Columbia Icefield is the primary attraction on the Icefields Parkway. The guests middle is positioned the place Banff National Park and Jasper National Park meet. In the Visitor Center, you possibly can go to the museum, seize some lunch (meals is dear although so be ready), and take within the views of the Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You can e-book excursions right here as properly.
Tours refill rapidly, so you could wish to e-book prematurely, however you will get on them (in case you are fortunate on the final minute.
12. Athabasca Glacier
128 km from Lake Louise or 104 km and 1hr and 16 min from Jasper
One of the very best adventures we ever had was heading out onto the Athabasca Glacier. You can e-book a snowcat tour to take you out to see the crevasses and ice caves. The Icefields are the biggest nonpolar ice fields on the planet, and if you find yourself out on the Athabasca Glacier, you actually really feel how huge it’s.
You can stroll out on some trails from the customer middle for a better view of the Athabasca Glacier however don’t ever enterprise out on it alone and not using a information. This is the scariest glacier we’ve ever been on and the ice strikes usually. If you don’t have skilled expertise, you possibly can put your self at risk. Looking right into a crevasse even whereas on a tour with an skilled information was scary.
- Book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour right here from Jasper. It contains transportation from Jasper, photograph stops at Athabasca Falls and Stutfield Glacier, an Ice Cat tour of the Athabasca Glacier, and the Icefield Skywalk with lunch!
13. Glacier Skywalk
128 km from Lake Louise or 104 km and 1hr and 16 min from Jasper
I’ll admit, I believed the glacier Skywalk was going to be a bit tacky, but it surely was unbelievable! It’s the latest attraction on the Icefields Parkway the place a glass flooring juts out over the Sunwapta Valley. It’s excessive at 280 meters (918 toes) above the valley, so individuals afraid of heights is likely to be a bit of nervous. The 1km walkway has some interpretive stops alongside the way in which and guides can be found to reply your questions, however the piece de resistance is the glass walkway providing spectacular views of the valley.
- You can e-book tickets instantly on the Visitors Centre and buses depart from there.
- Book a whitewater rafting tour of the Sunwapta River via Gorgeous surroundings and sophistication 3 rapids.
14. Sunwapta Falls
177 km from Lake Louse or 56km and 44 minutes from Jasper
Congratulations, you’ve gotten now entered Jasper National Park. Another Canadian treasure. Since you’ve had plenty of adventures on the Glacier Skywalk and customer’s middle you’ve gotten a little bit of time to loosen up in your drive. Get a cappuccino to go earlier than leaving the customer’s middle to take pleasure in alongside the way in which earlier than you cease on the subsequent lovely viewpoint.
Sunwapta Falls has strolling trails and a bridge to see the 18 meters (60-foot) cascade from totally different viewpoints. It’s a powerful and loud waterfall certainly! Read extra: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada
15. Athabasca Falls
200 km from Lake Louise or 32km and 29 minutes from Jasper
Athabasca Falls is one other attractive view and is your final cease on the Icefields Parkway earlier than reaching the city of Jasper. Like lots of the stops on the parkway, there are strolling trails to supply totally different viewpoints. The huge quantity of water from the Athabasca River is pressured via a slender gorge creating an immense move of water over the 23-meter (75 toes) waterfalls. Athabasca Falls is spectacular certainly.
16. Town of Jasper
The final cease on Icefields Parkway is the city of Jasper. This is an excellent place to make a house base for a few days. Jasper National Park has an abundance of issues to do. So, e-book a room on the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and keep awhile. See our Complete Guide to all of the Things to do in Jasper.
17. Tips for Driving the Icefields Parkway
It is finest to drive the Icefields Parkway in the summertime months. Winter driving might be treacherous and trails aren’t maintained.
There is just one fuel station on the Icefields Parkway on the Saskatchewan River Crossing so be sure you refill earlier than leaving Lake Louise or Jasper.
The Icefields Parkway Visitors Centre is Close from late October to mid-April. Meaning, there are not any glacier excursions or Glacier Skywalk.
The Icefield Parkway might be pushed from Lake Louise to Jasper in 3 hours, a straight shot. But it could possibly take a few days to discover the whole lot listed above. Especially if you’ll e-book an Athabasca Glacier tour and the Glacier Skywalk go to.
Where to Stay on the Icefields Parkway
There are a number of locations to remain on the Icefields Parkway. It is proscribed and you may simply do day journeys from Banff and Jasper. Also, resorts are closed for the winter with them opening at numerous occasions between March and May. If you wish to keep proper within the thick of issues to take advantage of out of exploring, listed below are the accommodations positioned instantly on the Icefields Parkway.
Camping on the Icefields Parkway
There are 11 Campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway. Rates begin at $16 per day. Check with Banff National Park and Jasper National Park for particulars on what campgrounds are open.
Camping alongside the Icefields Parkway is on a primary come first serve foundation so if you wish to camp, we advocate attending to your campground of selection at 3 pm sharp. (that’s the earliest check-in). Check-out is 11 am.
The closest tenting to Lake Louise on the Glacier Parkway is Mosquito Creek Campground in Banff National Park.
The closest campgrounds to Jasper are Wapiti Campground and Whistlers Campground. Both are only a few km from the city of Jasper.
What is the Best Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway
The finest time to drive the Icefields Parkway is often throughout the summer season months (June via September). The climate throughout these months is often delicate, with temperatures starting from 15 to 25 levels Celsius (59-77 Fahrenheit). It’s additionally when the parks’ amenities, like customer facilities and campgrounds, are absolutely operational.
However, remember the fact that summer season can be the busiest time of yr for tourism, so you possibly can count on extra visitors and extra individuals on the widespread websites alongside the parkway.
If you take pleasure in winter surroundings and don’t thoughts colder climate, the Icefields Parkway may also be lovely within the winter months (December via February), but it surely’s essential to be ready for winter driving circumstances and doable highway closures because of heavy snowfall. Note that many amenities shall be closed or have lowered hours throughout the winter.
If you don’t have winter driving expertise, we don’t advocate driving the Icefields Parkway. It might be harmful. If you determine to drive the icefields parkway within the winter, you should definitely have snow tires.
In any season, it’s essential to examine the highway circumstances and climate forecast earlier than your journey. Always have a full tank of fuel earlier than you begin (as there are lengthy stretches with out fuel stations), and carry a map since cell service might be spotty. Remember to respect the wildlife and maintain the park clear for future guests.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
The total Icefields Parkway stretches 232 kilometers (144 miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper. You can technically drive your complete icefields parkway in about 3 to 4 hours continuous, nevertheless, this scenic route affords such breathtaking views and distinctive stops that merely driving straight via would imply lacking out on the complete expertise.
To absolutely recognize the pure magnificence and benefit from the varied scenic spots, climbing trails, and picnic areas alongside the route, it’s really useful to dedicate a full day to this drive. Some individuals even stretch it over a number of days to have extra time for climbing, pictures, wildlife viewing, or simply to loosen up and benefit from the surroundings.
Factors equivalent to climate, highway circumstances, visitors (particularly throughout peak vacationer season), and private tempo can have an effect on how lengthy the drive takes.
Here are some notable sights alongside the parkway that you just may wish to cease and see:
- Peyto Lake: Known for its intense turquoise shade, this lake is a must-see. A brief hike will take you to a preferred viewpoint.
- Columbia Icefield: One of the biggest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Here, you possibly can go to the Athabasca glacier discovery middle and take a tour of the glacier itself.
- Athabasca Falls: Just off the parkway, this highly effective, picturesque waterfall is price a go to.
Remember, it’s not simply in regards to the vacation spot, however the journey as properly. Taking your time to immerse your self within the gorgeous environment alongside the Icefields Parkway will make for an unforgettable highway journey.
Should I lease a Car to Drive Along the Icefields Parkway?
If you don’t have your individual automotive, it’s best to undoubtedly lease a automotive to drive alongside the Icefields Parkway. There are bus excursions that may take you out to see the Athabasca Glacier and SkyWalk, however the Icefields Parkway is a drive that needs to be achieved slowly and by yourself. There are so many locations to cease for scenic views of the magnificent Canadian Rockies and climbing trails out to view its pristine turquoise lakes that you just’ll be glad for the wheels.
You can examine rental automotive costs at CarLeases.com
Where to Fill Up Along the Icefields Parkway
Fueling stations alongside the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) are comparatively sparse because of its location via the center of the wilderness within the Canadian Rockies, so it’s important to plan forward. Here’s the place you could find fuel alongside or close to the route:
- Lake Louise: This is the southern place to begin of the Icefields Parkway, and there’s a fuel station right here. It’s sensible to refill your tank earlier than you begin the drive.
- Saskatchewan River Crossing: Approximately midway alongside the parkway, you’ll find a fuel station on the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Note that this fuel station is often solely open from April to October, and the costs might be considerably larger than elsewhere because of its distant location.
- Jasper: At the northern finish of the Icefields Parkway, Jasper is a completely serviced city with a number of fuel stations. This is the final place to refill for those who’re heading south or the primary for those who’re ranging from the north.
Given the lengthy stretches with out providers, it’s strongly really useful to begin your journey with a full tank of fuel and refuel at Saskatchewan River Crossing if wanted, notably for those who’re planning on doing any facet journeys or it’s outdoors of the summer season months when providers are extra restricted. As of my information cutoff in September 2021, these had been the one fueling factors instantly on or close to the parkway however at all times examine for essentially the most present info earlier than your journey.
Is there Cell Service on the Icefields Parkway
Cellular service alongside the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada is sort of restricted because of the distant nature of the area. There are substantial stretches of the parkway with no mobile phone protection, notably within the center sections between Lake Louise and Jasper.
You will get cell service in and across the cities at both finish of the Parkway (Lake Louise and Jasper) and presumably close to the Saskatchewan River Crossing and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. However, even these areas can have spotty or weak indicators, and protection might fluctuate relying in your service supplier. The Discovery Center has WiFi.
Because of this, it’s essential to be ready for stretches of your journey the place you gained’t have cell service:
- Plan your route and stops prematurely.
- Download any maps, path guides, or different info you may want forward of time.
- Inform somebody of your plans earlier than you go.
- Carry a standard paper map as a backup.
- If you propose on climbing, contemplate carrying a satellite-based emergency communication machine.
Remember, emergency roadside telephones are positioned at numerous intervals alongside the Icefields Parkway to be used in case of a breakdown or emergency. Always examine essentially the most present details about providers and circumstances from Parks Canada earlier than you set out in your journey.
Where to Eat on the Icefields Parkway
- Num Ti Jah Lodge has a eating room and cafe.
- The Crossing has a basic retailer to choose up snacks. There’s additionally the Parkway Pub providing views of Mt. Sarbach and Mt. Murchison and you may seize lunch on the Crossing Café.
- Saskatchewan River Crossing: There’s a restaurant at The Crossing Resort, which is open seasonally (sometimes April via October). supply a spread of meals, and there’s additionally a comfort retailer the place you possibly can decide up snacks or picnic provides. The Saskatchewan River Crossing closes for the winter.
- Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre: The Discovery Centre has a eating room and a cafeteria, which offer a spread of meal choices. However, it’s additionally seasonal and sometimes operates from April via October.
- Num-Ti-Jah Lodge: This historic lodge close to Bow Lake has a eating room that gives meals, sometimes open from May to October.
- Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge: Located nearer to the Jasper finish of the Parkway, this lodge has a restaurant and a quick meals outlet.
- The Icefields Parkway additionally has a number of picnic areas, for those who choose to carry your individual meals. This generally is a good possibility because it provides you flexibility and you may take pleasure in your meal surrounded by gorgeous views. Just bear in mind to observe all park guidelines and pointers for waste disposal to guard the surroundings.
What Wildlife Will I see alongside the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, cuts via a number of the most gorgeous wilderness within the Canadian Rockies, so there’s a very good likelihood you may see numerous species of wildlife throughout your journey. However, sightings can by no means be assured and rely on elements such because the season, climate, and time of day. Here are some animals you may encounter:
- Bears: Both black bears and grizzly bears dwell on this area. They are extra generally seen within the spring and early summer season, typically on the roadside consuming the contemporary inexperienced vegetation. Remember to maintain a secure distance, by no means feed them, and don’t get out of your automotive to take images.
- Elk: Elk are frequent within the area, particularly within the meadows and grasslands. Males with their massive antlers are a powerful sight, notably within the fall throughout the rut (mating season).
- Big Horn Sheep & Mountain Goats: Both bighorn sheep and mountain goats can typically be seen alongside the Parkway, generally even on the highway itself. Look for them on rocky slopes and close to the cliffs.
- Moose: Moose are much less generally seen than another animals, however you may get fortunate, notably in marshy areas or close to water our bodies.
- Wolves, Coyotes, and Foxes: These predators are extra elusive, however they do dwell within the space. Early morning or late night are the very best occasions to doubtlessly spot them.
- Birds: Many species of birds might be seen, together with eagles, hawks, and numerous songbirds. Near water our bodies, you may see waterfowl like geese, geese, and loons.
- Small Mammals: Keep an eye fixed out for animals like squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and pikas within the rocky areas.
And these are essentially the most superb stops in your highway journey from Banff to Jasper. You may also drive from Jasper to Banff, (we’ve achieved each!) and it’s superb to see the views from every finish of the Icefields Parkway.