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Unforgettable Road Trip: Exploring the Icefields Parkway

Writer's picture: Lyn (aka Jazz)Lyn (aka Jazz)

Updated: Jan 20

The Icefields Parkway is a ribbon of road snaking along the Continental Divide through the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. This 230-kilometer stretch of highway connects the vibrant town of Banff to the charming village of Jasper, with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on Earth. Imagine towering snow-capped peaks, glaciers that seem to touch the sky, turquoise lakes reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding mountains, and waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs. This is the Icefields Parkway, a road trip unlike any other.


If you're an avid hiker, a passionate photographer, or someone who appreciates the scenic beauty, the Icefields Parkway will leave you with incredible memories. This iconic drive offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-do for any Canadian Rockies adventure.

a road with a range of mountains with snow and glaciers
Near Panther Falls
 

Table of Contents

 

A Brief History of the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway boasts a history as dramatic as its landscape. Millions of years ago, tectonic forces thrust the ocean floor skyward, creating the Canadian Rockies. Over eons, ice, water, and the wind sculpted the dramatic valleys and breathtaking views seen today.

a road lined by trees with towering mountains in the background

Long before the arrival of Europeans, Indigenous peoples travelled through these mountains, following ancient trade and hunting routes. Early European explorers recognized the value of Indigenous knowledge and hired First Nations guides to navigate this challenging terrain. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 spurred tourism, attracting adventurers and explorers eager to experience the grandeur of the Rockies.

a mountain with glaciers
Mt. Hector

The dream of making this awe-inspiring scenery accessible to all led to the construction of the Icefields Parkway. During the Great Depression, a massive undertaking saw hundreds of men, aided by horses and a few tractors, carve a road through the rugged landscape. This monumental effort, spanning nearly a decade, transformed the "Wonder Trail" into a reality.

a glacier flowing between snowcapped mountains
View from the Icefields Centre

Since its completion, the Icefields Parkway has been heavily used. From soldiers training during World War II to modern-day tourists, millions have been captivated by its beauty.

Practical Information: Know Before You Go

It is possible to complete the drive in a single day. A straight-forward drive from one end to the other will take 3-4 hours to complete without making any stops. To fully enjoy the experience with stops along the way, I suggest dedicating a minimum of two days. I broke my latest exploration into 3 days.

two wooden signs pointing at mountain peaks beside a lake. Text on signs read Syncline Mountain and Bourgeau Mountain
Near Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park

On the first day, I travelled about halfway, where I detoured at Saskatchewan Crossing to explore David Thompson Country, east of the Parkway. Before returning to the Parkway, I spent several days exploring Rocky Mountain House (click here for details and information) and the surrounding area.

David Thompson Highway with Abraham Lake and mountains
David Thompson Countr

On my return to the Parkway, I spent most of my day at the Columbia Icefields, including a tour of the Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk before driving into the village of Jasper. My third day on the Parkway was spent exploring the Parkway between the Columbia Icefields and the town of Jasper.

A glacier , moraine lake, and highway as seen from the Icefield Centre
The Columbia Icefields

Park Pass

A National Park Pass is required. Passes can be purchased at the Visitor Centres in Banff or Jasper, at the park gates, and online at the Parks Canada website. There are several kinds of park permits, including day passes, which expire at 4 p.m. on the day of departure, and discovery passes, valid for a year after purchase. Discounts are offered to seniors and free day passes for newcomers to Canada, children under 18, disability support aides, and members/veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces. An official map with the viewpoints and trailheads can be downloaded here.

Pass Prices (January 2025)

Day Pass $11.00 adult

$22.00 group/family (7 maximum) in one vehicle

Discovery Pass $75.25 adult

$151.25 group/family (7 maximum) in one vehicle

If your road trip includes other National Parks in the Rockies or you plan to spend a week in National Parks, the Discovery Pass is a good deal. Check out some of my posts about Rocky Mountain road trips in Rocky Mountain House , Mount Revelstoke, Banff, and Kootenay National Parks by following the links.

Connectivity

Don't rely on mobile apps for navigation, as there is no internet /cell connection along the Icefields Parkway. The highway is easy to follow, but if you choose to explore away from the highway, you may feel more comfortable downloading a map or collecting a paper map from the Visitor Centre before starting the drive. The only place along the Icefields Parkway with WiFi connection is inside the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.


Fuel

Ensure your fuel tank is full. Only one gas station is found at Saskatchewan Crossing, about halfway between Banff and Jasper. Minimal seasonal services are available in Saskatchewan Crossing, including a resort with a restaurant. Due to a lack of competition, expect prices to be elevated.

Road repairs along a mountain highway
In the summer, plan for some construction delays

Food

Pack a snack box and a picnic lunch before heading out. The only places to get a meal along the Parkway are at Saskatchewan Crossing (seasonal) and the Icefields Visitor Center (year-round). During this past summer's road trip, I planned on having lunch at the Icefields Centre before my Glacier tour; however, the day I visited, they were experiencing power outages and the restaurants were closed. Snacks and packaged sandwiches quickly sold out, and I had to make do with crisps and a package of nuts until I arrived in Jasper later that evening.


Wildlife encounters

Parks Canada works to reduce wildlife from encroaching the roads with wildlife corridors, fencing and diversions, but these do not cover the entire distance, and wildlife may be spotted as you drive. Do not stop along the highway, and do not feed the wildlife. This protects both visitors and the animals. Parks staff want to keep the animals from becoming habituated to humans and to avoid road congestion. Pull over in designated areas only and stay a minimum of 100m (328 ft) from any animals.

a groups of longhorn sheep ona gravel patch beside a highway
Longhorn sheep near Jasper (taken with a lot of zoom)

Toilets

Outhouses and pit toilets are located at most stops and viewpoints. Flush toilets and running water can only be found at Saskatchewan Crossing and the Icefields Discovery Centre.


Best Time to Visit

The best time to drive the Icefields Parkway depends on your priorities. Summer has the most predictable weather, with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and the highest chance of clear skies. This is peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices. It is also wildfire season for Canada's western provinces.


The shoulder seasons in Spring and Fall experience fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while fall showcases stunning autumn foliage. However, these seasons can have unpredictable weather, including rain and snow.


Winter transforms the parkway into a winter wonderland. While the road remains open, driving conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice. Snow tires are required, and all vehicles are strongly recommended to carry snow chains. The mountain peaks and valleys are covered in snow; waterfalls become crystal sculptures and iced lakes sparkle. Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve. Winter treats visitors to long star-gazing sessions. This season offers unique opportunities for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing but requires careful planning and appropriate winter driving skills.


Accommodation

Most visitors will find accommodations in the towns of Banff or Jasper, but there is a range of accommodation options along the Parkway. Most are seasonal, opening in May and closing in October. Wildfires during the summer of 2024 caused damage to resorts, hostels, and campgrounds close to the town of Jasper. Some will not be able to reopen for the 2025 season so visitors will have to do some research and planning. The Tourism Jasper website will have the most up-to-date information.

Transportation Along the Icefields Parkway


Self-Drive

The best way to road trip along the Icefields Parkway is to self-drive, allowing you to determine where you wish to stop and how much time you want to dedicate to each.


Bus

Riding the bus between Jasper and Banff is ideal for those who are looking for another option that doesn't include driving themselves. Brewster Express and SunDog Tours are options for travelling by bus.


Must-See Stops on The Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise in Banff National Park and Jasper townsite in Jasper National Park. There are many viewpoints, trailheads, and rest stops.


Peyto Lake/Bow Summit

Peyto Lake is a popular glacier-fed lake that is one of the most visited and photographed lakes in the Rockies. The brilliant turquoise colour of the lake comes from suspended particles known as rock flour that flow into the lake during the summer melt.


The best place to view the lake is from the Bow Summit, Canada's highest point on the drive and the highest public road elevation (2,088 metres/6088 ft).

a turquoise blue lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains
Peyto Lake

Bow Lake

Bow Lake lines the Icefields Parkway and is the perfect place to stop and view the Crowfoot Glacier, named after the shape of the glacier, which is said to resemble a crow's foot, but I couldn't see it from my angle.

a long lake in front of a mountain range with a glacier
Bow Lake

It's a small parking lot. Plan to arrive early to avoid crowding. There is a short scramble path down to the water's edge and a narrow band of rock beach.

Waterfowl Lake

For travellers choosing to break up their travel, Waterfowl Lake is home to one of the largest campgrounds on the Icefield Parkway. The lake is in a beautiful spot on the Mistaya River between Upper and Lower Waterfowl Lakes. The glacier-fed lakes are perfect for canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding. The Waterfowl Lakes Campground has several trails (most rated moderate) in the area.

a turquoise blue lake with a tall mountain in the background
Waterfowl Lake

Saskatchewan Crossing

Saskatchewan Crossing is where three rivers meet: the North Saskatchewan, the Howse and the Mistaya. “The Crossing” is a starting point for tours on the Columbia Icefield. It is also the only place for essential services, including public bathrooms, a gas station and a resort restaurant. The resort and restaurant only operate from May - October.

Jasper Park entrance booth and price sign
Jasper Park Entrance at Saskatchewan Crossing

Weeping Wall Viewpoint

The Weeping Wall is part of Cirrus Mountain. During spring melt, water pours down the wall. In the Summer, the water trickles along the eroded channels like tears. There is a series of waterfalls falling more than 100 metres in the river below.

side of a mountain marked by melt lines, with a river at the bottom
Weeping Wall

Panther Falls

Another waterfall stop is Panther Falls. It is a large waterfall that visitors can get close to. The waterfall cannot be seen from the road, and it is not listed on most maps/brochures for the Icefields Parkway. You can ask the staff at the Visitor Centre to mark it on your map.

a waterfall dropping dramatically over a rocky cliff
Panther Fall

Columbia Icefield Centre

The Columbia Icefields Centre is located within a grouping of glaciers that straddle the border between Banff and Jasper National Parks. These are the largest glaciers south of the Arctic. Inside the Centre is a natural history museum that describes how glaciers form, grow, and retreat.

The Athabasca Glacier is retreating. The glacier has retreated 600 metres (1969 ft) and thinned an average of 60 metres (197 ft) since the 1960s. Along the path outside the Centre is a marker of the reach of the Athabasca Glacier in 1909. It's a sobering example of the effects of climate change.

the view of the Athabasca Glacier from  a patio
View from the Icefield Centre patio

I recommend organizing a Glacier Adventure tour that takes visitors in huge, specially-designed vehicles right out onto the toe of Athabasca Glacier and continues on to the Glacier Skywalk Experience. Check out my adventure and what to expect in this post.

arow of Ice Adventure vehicles parked on the toe of a glacier

Tangle Creek Viewpoint

Tangle Falls is located on the north side of Tangle Hill, just north of the Columbia Icefields. This roadside waterfall is 48 metres high and cascades down over four levels. You can view it from the highway or cross the road and scramble up the edges for a closer look.

a waterfall with 4 tiers falling over rocks with trees on each side
Tangle Creek Falls

Goats and Glacier Viewpoint

The Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint is a quick stop off the Icefields Parkway with an incredible view. Follow the easy path to a breathtaking view of the Athabasca River and Fyatt Mountain Range. This is an area where Mountain Goats are known to gather, but I have not had success. I hope you have better luck!


Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls are located 30 kilometres south of the Jasper town site. The Athabasca River creates a powerful cascade over cliffs cleaved during the retreat of the great glaciers. This is my favourite place along the Parkway to stop. Visitors can walk through a deep channel where the river previously flowed and enjoy the incredible river canyon carved deep into the rock. Check out my post on what to expect when you stop at Athabasca Falls, here.

a cascade of water falling through layered rock with a mountain in the background.
Athabasca Falls

Final Thoughts

The Icefields Parkway is an incredible road snaking through the Canadian Rockies, crossing through Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta. The scenery is stunning, with awe-inspiring views of towering mountains, turquoise blue lakes, and ancient glaciers. The road and weather conditions are best during the summer but the snow-covered views of winter will take your breath away.


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If you are interested in purchasing high-resolution copies of the photos in this post, contact me at ramblynjazz@gmail.com





7 Comments


Guest
5 days ago

This is a true pinch me road trip, one where if I did it, I would constantly say to myself "now I am in Canada". I would stop every 5 minutes as it seems the landscape continously advances itself the further you travel down the road. Your insights on fuel and stacking up on food are valuable for anyone planning the route. It does require some insider knowledge and preparation and it is clear that one cannot do this stretch on a spontaneous whim. I liked that you broke up the overall distance into three stops, which I take you will also have to plan your days and day passes here accordingly.


Carolin | <a href="https://solotravelstory.com/">Solo Travel Story</a>

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Maybe the most beautiful highway I've ever driven. It's impossible not to stop as there's so much to see and do. I once traveled this by myself from Jasper and every turn made me want to pull over and I couldn't help but say "WOW" over and over. The Glacier adventure is really fun, I've done that a couple of times, but never stopped at Panther falls yet

Like

I know this goes without saying but i'll say it anyway, the scenery in your photographs is just stunning. It also goes to show how scenic of an area this is. It's good to know this is possible to accomplish in one day, and I personally would try to though I would budget in some stops throughout the trip. I would probably want to sit and just stare at the mountain from the Icefield Centre patio as well. Very jealous of your experience!! (but in a good way!)

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I never cease to be in awe of the stunning landscapes of this area. I love Bow Lake in particular - such an amazing colour. Your photos really highlight the beauty of the Icefields Parkway locations. This is a fantastic visitor's guide - all the practical info is really helpful, especially the fuel/driving advice and recommendation for how long to spend in the park. It's great that you have also indicated some of the interesting locations that aren't on maps, such as Panther Falls. I know we would thoroughly enjoy a visit here!

Like

Pam
Jan 27

I really appreciate how you detailed each stop along the Icefields Parkway and included practical tips for exploring. The section on Bow Lake really stood out to me—the photo of the mountains on the water is stunning, and I like how you highlighted it as a less crowded alternative to some of the busier spots. The tips about planning hikes, like the one to Parker Ridge, are really helpful for someone like me who enjoys getting off the beaten path. Icefields sounds like a great weekend trip

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