Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is one among the most stunning drives in Canada. Also often known as Highway 93 North, this scenic street stretches between Lake Louise and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. The Icefields Parkway Drive is understood for its beautiful views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering mountains attracting guests from round the world.
Where Is the Icefields Parkway?
Starting in Banff National Park and ending in Jasper National Park in Alberta Canada, the Icefields Parkway is just 293 km (182 miles) and might be carried out in a day, however will probably be the busiest day you’ve ever had. So as a substitute, make a base in Jasper or Banff, and take your time to discover all of those wonderful 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 possibly can lease a automobile and drive to the begin 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 companies that function from Calgary and Edmonton to Banff and Jasper, respectively. From there, you could possibly doubtlessly be part of a tour or rent a automobile to drive the Icefields Parkway.
Always test street circumstances earlier than you allow. If you’re driving in winter, ensure you have good winter tires as winter climate could make driving hazardous and even shut the street fully.
Parks Canada Pass
Remember {that a} legitimate park move is required to journey on the Icefields Parkway, because it runs by way of nationwide parkland. Also, the Parkway is in a distant space with restricted companies, so ensure your car is in good situation, and it’s advisable to hold some emergency provides equivalent to meals and water, and blankets in the winter.
When driving to Lake Louise, you’ll need to buy an entrance move from Parks Canada to the National Park which is $10 per particular person per day. If you will be spending just a few days in the parks, it’s price it to purchase a Parks Discovery Pass at the Parks Canada web site that prices $139 for a household or $69 per particular person. This offers limitless entry to Canada’s nationwide parks from coast to coast for 12 months! You should purchase this on-line right here.
If you’re simply going for a day or two, you should buy your move at the entrance on the freeway when coming into Banff National Park from Calgary. Okay, now that we’ve got the logistics of attending to Banff prepared, let’s begin our Icefields Parkway street journey!
Stops alongside the Icefields Parkway Map
The Icefields Parkway begins in Lake Louise, a small city in the center of Banff National Park. It is 2 hours from the Calgary airport to Lake Louise. We at all times ebook a automobile 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 street 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 street journey by way of the Canadian Rockies that you simply’ll always remember. I hope this helps you when planning your Icefields Parkway journey! Enjoy your journey – the Icefields Parkway is taken into account one among the most stunning drives in the world!
1. Lake Louise
Located inside Banff National Park, Lake Louise is one among the most well-known stops in all of Canada (not to mention Alberta). The stunning turquoise waters of Lake Louise sit under the imposing Victoria Glacier looming overhead. Located straight in entrance of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise resort, there are mountaineering trails to soak up the view from all instructions and you’ll canoe on Lake Louise. (A bucket checklist merchandise for Canada vacationers)
When taking your drive alongside the Icefields Parkway, we advise leaving Lake Louise at dawn so you will get to the iconic lakes alongside the drive in 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 suggest 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 identify from the indisputable fact that it’s formed like three claws of a crow. Located on Crowfoot Mountain, it seems over Bow Lake. Don’t take too lengthy right here at Crowfoot Glacier, as a result of you will need 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 need to time your drive to reach right here when the solar is up. Bow Lake is situated at the foot of the Bow Summit which displays completely in the nonetheless waters of Bow Lake. There are trails alongside the shores of the lake for higher views, so make sure you get out of your automobile 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 stupendous cease with mountains and glaciers in 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 provides stunning views of Bow Lake, Bow Glacier, and ultimately 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 particulars 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 acquire of about 155 meters (510 ft). Difficulty: The hike is usually thought-about average. The path begins off straightforward round the lake, nevertheless it turns into rocky and uneven with a gentle incline as you get nearer to the falls. Good footwear is advisable. Estimated Time: It sometimes takes about 3-4 hours to finish the spherical journey, relying in your tempo and the way lengthy you spend at the falls. Scenery: The path offers views of the strikingly blue Bow Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks. The path then leads you towards the head of the lake and up towards Bow Glacier Falls. The last vacation spot is a close-up view of the waterfall cascading down from the glacier above. On a sunny day, you would possibly even see a rainbow in 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 straight at Bow Lake, this historic lodge is an efficient place to spend the nigh if you wish to actually spend time photographing Bow Lake in the morning or night. The historic lodge dates again to the Nineteen Twenties. It’s a country expertise and the eating room is full of previous taxidermy heads of wildlife in the Elk Lodge. Choose it for an fascinating 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 hottest 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 ft) for the finest views of the vivid turquoise colors of this glacier lake. Cool truth, that is the highest elevation on the drive and it’s the highest elevation crossed by a public street in Canada. (it actually doesn’t really feel that prime when 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 stupendous 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 circulate has created a novel, deep canyon with easy, swirling rock partitions.
The hike to Mistaya Canyon is comparatively quick and fairly straightforward, making it a well-liked cease for these touring alongside the Parkway. Here are some particulars about the hike:
Trailhead: The trailhead to Mistaya Canyon is conveniently situated 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 manner, or 1 km (0.6 miles) spherical journey, with a gentle descent into the canyon. It’s rated as straightforward, making it accessible for most individuals. Time: The whole stroll might be accomplished in about 30-45 minutes, however chances are you’ll need to spend extra time for photographs or simply to take pleasure in the view. Features: The path leads by way of a forest earlier than opening as much as the canyon. The canyon itself is slender and deep, with the fast-moving Mistaya River working by way of 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 big cease not just for its stunning view, however additionally it is the place the North Saskatchewan River, Mistaya River and the Howse Rivers meet. If you must go to the toilet, that is the place to do it as there are services 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 in the winter when the waterfalls are frozen. It can be a well-liked place (clearly) for mountain climbing. Stop right here to see this 100-meter-high (330 ft) rock cliff that’s identified for its waterfalls that resemble tears as they cascade down the mountain. Naturally, the foremost waterfall is named, 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 will need to get out of the automobile 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 foremost attraction on the Icefields Parkway. The guests heart is situated 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 pricey although so be ready), and soak up the views of the Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You can ebook excursions right here as properly.
Tours refill shortly, so chances are you’ll need to ebook upfront, however you will get on them (in case you are fortunate at the final minute.
12. Athabasca Glacier
128 km from Lake Louise or 104 km and 1hr and 16 min from Jasper
One of the finest adventures we ever had was heading out onto the Athabasca Glacier. You can ebook a snowcat tour to take you out to see the crevasses and ice caves. The Icefields are the largest nonpolar ice fields in the world, and when 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 heart for a better view of the Athabasca Glacier however don’t ever enterprise out on it alone with no information. This is the scariest glacier we’ve ever been on and the ice strikes repeatedly. If you don’t have skilled expertise, you could possibly 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, nevertheless it was implausible! 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 ft) above the valley, so individuals afraid of heights could be somewhat nervous. The 1km walkway has some interpretive stops alongside the manner 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 ebook tickets straight at the Visitors Centre and buses depart from there. Book a whitewater rafting tour of the Sunwapta River by way of Gorgeous surroundings and sophistication 3 rapids.
14. Sunwapta Falls
177 km from Lake Louse or 56km and 44 minutes from Jasper
Congratulations, you’ve now entered Jasper National Park. Another Canadian treasure. Since you’ve had a whole lot of adventures at the Glacier Skywalk and customer’s heart you’ve a little bit of time to calm down in your drive. Get a cappuccino to go earlier than leaving the customer’s heart to take pleasure in alongside the manner earlier than you cease at the subsequent stunning viewpoint.
Sunwapta Falls has strolling trails and a bridge to see the 18 meters (60-foot) cascade from completely 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 beautiful view and is your final cease on the Icefields Parkway earlier than reaching the city of Jasper. Like a lot of the stops on the parkway, there are strolling trails to supply completely different viewpoints. The huge quantity of water from the Athabasca River is compelled by way of a slender gorge creating an immense circulate of water over the 23-meter (75 ft) 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, ebook a room at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and keep awhile. See our Complete Guide to all the Things to do in Jasper.
17. Tips for Driving the Icefields Parkway
It is finest to drive the Icefields Parkway in the summer season months. Winter driving might be treacherous and trails usually are not maintained.
There is just one fuel station on the Icefields Parkway at the Saskatchewan River Crossing so ensure 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 may well take a few days to discover every little thing listed above. Especially if you will ebook an Athabasca Glacier tour and the Glacier Skywalk go to.
Where to Stay on the Icefields Parkway
There are just a few locations to remain on the Icefields Parkway. It is restricted and you’ll 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 need to keep proper in the thick of issues to make the most out of exploring, listed below are the lodges situated straight 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 suggest attending to your campground of alternative 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 just some 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 by way of September). The climate throughout these months is normally delicate, with temperatures starting from 15 to 25 levels Celsius (59-77 Fahrenheit). It’s additionally when the parks’ services, like customer facilities and campgrounds, are totally operational.
However, remember that summer season can be the busiest time of 12 months for tourism, so you possibly can anticipate extra visitors and extra individuals at the standard websites alongside the parkway.
If you take pleasure in winter surroundings and don’t thoughts colder climate, the Icefields Parkway may also be stunning in the winter months (December by way of February), nevertheless it’s essential to be ready for winter driving circumstances and attainable street closures as a consequence of heavy snowfall. Note that many services will probably be closed or have lowered hours throughout the winter.
If you don’t have winter driving expertise, we don’t suggest driving the Icefields Parkway. It might be harmful. If you determine to drive the icefields parkway in the winter, make sure you have snow tires.
In any season, it’s essential to test the street 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 hold the park clear for future guests.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
The whole Icefields Parkway stretches 232 kilometers (144 miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper. You can technically drive the whole icefields parkway in about 3 to 4 hours continuous, nevertheless, this scenic route provides such breathtaking views and distinctive stops that merely driving straight by way of would imply lacking out on the full expertise.
To totally admire the pure magnificence and make the most of the numerous scenic spots, mountaineering trails, and picnic areas alongside the route, it’s advisable to dedicate a full day to this drive. Some individuals even stretch it over a number of days to have extra time for mountaineering, pictures, wildlife viewing, or simply to calm down and revel in the surroundings.
Factors equivalent to climate, street 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 simply would possibly need to cease and see:
Peyto Lake: Known for its intense turquoise colour, this lake is a must-see. A brief hike will take you to a well-liked viewpoint. Columbia Icefield: One of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Here, you possibly can go to the Athabasca glacier discovery heart 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 nearly the vacation spot, however the journey as properly. Taking your time to immerse your self in the beautiful environment alongside the Icefields Parkway will make for an unforgettable street journey.
Should I lease a Car to Drive Along the Icefields Parkway?
If you don’t have your personal automobile, you need to undoubtedly lease a automobile 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 must be carried out slowly and by yourself. There are so many locations to cease for scenic views of the magnificent Canadian Rockies and mountaineering trails out to view its pristine turquoise lakes that you simply’ll be joyful for the wheels.
You can test rental automobile costs at CarLeases.com
Where to Fill Up Along the Icefields Parkway
Fueling stations alongside the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) are comparatively sparse as a consequence of its location by way of the coronary heart of the wilderness in the Canadian Rockies, so it’s important to plan forward. Here’s the place you will discover 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 discover a fuel station at 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 as a consequence of its distant location. Jasper: At the northern finish of the Icefields Parkway, Jasper is a totally serviced city with a number of fuel stations. This is the final place to refill in case you’re heading south or the first in case you’re ranging from the north.
Given the lengthy stretches with out companies, it’s strongly advisable to begin your journey with a full tank of fuel and refuel at Saskatchewan River Crossing if wanted, significantly in case you’re planning on doing any aspect journeys or it’s outdoors of the summer season months when companies are extra restricted. As of my information cutoff in September 2021, these had been the solely fueling factors straight on or close to the parkway however at all times test for 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 kind of restricted as a consequence of the distant nature of the area. There are substantial stretches of the parkway with no cellular phone protection, significantly in the center sections between Lake Louise and Jasper.
You will get cell service in and round the cities at both finish of the Parkway (Lake Louise and Jasper) and probably 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 differ 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 upfront. Download any maps, path guides, or different info you would possibly 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 mountaineering, take into account carrying a satellite-based emergency communication machine.
Remember, emergency roadside telephones are situated at numerous intervals alongside the Icefields Parkway to be used in case of a breakdown or emergency. Always test the most present details about companies 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 common retailer to select up snacks. There’s additionally the Parkway Pub providing views of Mt. Sarbach and Mt. Murchison and you’ll seize lunch at the Crossing Café. Saskatchewan River Crossing: There’s a restaurant at The Crossing Resort, which is open seasonally (sometimes April by way of 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 by way of October. Num-Ti-Jah Lodge: This historic lodge close to Bow Lake has a eating room that provides 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, in case you choose to convey your personal meals. This could be a good choice because it offers you flexibility and you’ll take pleasure in your meal surrounded by beautiful views. Just keep in mind to observe all park guidelines and pointers for waste disposal to guard the setting.
What Wildlife Will I see alongside the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, cuts by way of a few of the most beautiful wilderness in the Canadian Rockies, so there’s an excellent likelihood you would possibly see numerous species of wildlife throughout your journey. However, sightings can by no means be assured and depend upon components equivalent to the season, climate, and time of day. Here are some animals you would possibly encounter:
Bears: Both black bears and grizzly bears stay on this area. They are extra generally seen in the spring and early summer season, usually on the roadside consuming the contemporary inexperienced vegetation. Remember to maintain a protected distance, by no means feed them, and don’t get out of your automobile to take photographs. Elk: Elk are widespread in the area, particularly in the meadows and grasslands. Males with their massive antlers are a powerful sight, significantly in the fall throughout the rut (mating season). Big Horn Sheep & Mountain Goats: Both bighorn sheep and mountain goats can usually be seen alongside the Parkway, generally even on the street itself. Look for them on rocky slopes and close to the cliffs. Moose: Moose are much less generally seen than another animals, however you would possibly get fortunate, significantly in marshy areas or close to water our bodies. Wolves, Coyotes, and Foxes: These predators are extra elusive, however they do stay in the space. Early morning or late night are the finest 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 would possibly see waterfowl like geese, geese, and loons. Small Mammals: Keep an eye fixed out for animals like squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and pikas in the rocky areas.
And these are the most wonderful stops in your street journey from Banff to Jasper. You also can drive from Jasper to Banff, (we’ve carried out each!) and it’s wonderful to see the views from every finish of the Icefields Parkway.