17 Best Stops Along the Icefields Parkway In 2023

Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is among one of the most gorgeous drives in Canada. Also referred to as Highway 93 North, this breathtaking roadway extends in between Lake Louise and also Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. The Icefields Parkway Drive is understood for its magnificent sights of glaciers, blue-green lakes, and also looming hills bring in site visitors from around the globe.

Where Is the Icefields Parkway?

Starting in Banff National Park and also finishing in Jasper National Park in Alberta Canada, the Icefields Parkway is just 293 kilometres (182 miles) and also can be performed in a day, yet it will certainly be the busiest day you’ve ever before had. So rather, make a base in Jasper or Banff, and also take your time to discover every one of these remarkable quits on the Icefields Parkway.

To reach the Icefields Parkway, you’ll either be flying right into Edmonton or Calgary Alberta. The local global flight terminals are Calgary International Airport (YYC) and also Edmonton International Airport (YEG). From either airport terminal, you can rent out an auto and also drive to the begin of the Icefields Parkway.

By Car: If you’re originating from Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west to Lake Louise. The Icefields Parkway starts simply west of Lake Louise. If you’re originating from Edmonton, you would certainly take Highway 16 west to Jasper, and also the Icefields Parkway starts simply southern of Jasper.

By Bus: There are bus solutions that run from Calgary and also Edmonton to Banff and also Jasper, specifically. From there, you can possibly sign up with an excursion or employ an auto to drive the Icefields Parkway.

Always examine roadway problems prior to you leave. If you are driving in winter months, see to it you have great winter months tires as winter months weather condition can make driving dangerous or perhaps shut the roadway completely.

Parks Canada Pass

Remember that a legitimate park pass is called for to take a trip on the Icefields Parkway, as it goes through nationwide park. Also, the Parkway remains in a remote location with minimal solutions, so see to it your lorry remains in great problem, and also it’s a good idea to lug some emergency situation materials such as food and also water, and also coverings in the winter months.

When driving to Lake Louise, you will certainly require to acquire an entryway pass from Parks Canada to the National Park which is $10 each daily. If you are mosting likely to be investing a couple of days in the parks, it deserves it to get a Parks Discovery Pass at the Parks Canada internet site that sets you back $139 for a household or $69 each. This provides endless accessibility to Canada’s national forests from coastline to coastline for year! You can acquire this online below.

If you are simply going with a day or 2, you can get your pass at the entryway on the freeway when getting in Banff National Park from Calgary. Okay, since we have the logistics of reaching Banff all set, allow’s begin our Icefields Parkway journey!

Stops along the Icefields Parkway Map

The Icefields Parkway begins in Lake Louise, a village in the center of Banff National Park. It is 2 hrs from the Calgary airport terminal to Lake Louise. We constantly publication an auto service to be all set when we land in Calgary beginning our Alberta journey right away when we leave the airport terminal.

Best Stops Along The Icefields Parkway Itinerary

This Alberta journey remains in order of quits from Lake Louise to the community of Jasper. The Icefields Parkway links Banff and also Jasper National Parks and also it is a journey with the Canadian Rockies that you’ll always remember. I wish this assists you when preparing your Icefields Parkway journey! Enjoy your trip – the Icefields Parkway is thought about among one of the most gorgeous drives in the globe!

1. Lake Louise

Located within Banff National Park, Lake Louise is among one of the most well-known drop in every one of Canada (not to mention Alberta). The gorgeous blue-green waters of Lake Louise rest listed below the enforcing Victoria Glacier impending expenses. Located straight before the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise resort, there are treking routes to absorb the sight from all instructions and also you can canoe on Lake Louise. (A pail checklist product for Canada tourists)

When taking your drive along the Icefields Parkway, we recommend leaving Lake Louise at daybreak so you can reach the renowned lakes along the drive in the early morning prior to the groups and also while the representations are best.

If you can invest a day or 2 in Banff National Park or Lake Louise, do it! There are numerous points to see and also do below. We suggest the Fairmont Chateau Louise or Deer Lodge for holiday accommodations in Lake Louise.

You can learn more info concerning Banff Lake Louise below:

30 Minutes – 32 kilometres (21 Miles) from Lake Louise or 2 hr/14 mins – 196km from Jasper

The initially quit you’ll come 2 out of Lake Louise is the Crowfoot Glacier perspective. Crowfoot Glacier obtained its name from the truth that it is formed like 3 claws of a crow. Located on Crowfoot Mountain, it evaluates Bow Lake. Don’t take also long below at Crowfoot Glacier, since you are mosting likely to wish to reach your following quit which is Bow Lake.

3. Bow Lake

thirty minutes from Lake Louise 39 kilometres (24 miles) or 194km 2hr and also 14 minutes from Jasper

The following quit you become the incredible perspective of Bow Lake. Just thirty minutes up Highway 93 from the Trans Canada Highway in Lake Louise, you’ll wish to time your drive to show up below when the sunlight is up. Bow Lake lies at the foot of the Bow Summit which shows completely in the still waters of Bow Lake. There are routes along the coasts of the lake for far better sights, so make sure to leave your auto and also endeavor bent on see it.

From Bow Lake, you can see Crowfoot Glacier and also Bow Glacier both of which are the resources of the Bow River and also is a lovely quit with hills and also glaciers in the background. The lake is ideal beside the parkway, and also there is a parking lot for Num-Ti-Jah Lodge where you can quit and also discover the lake’s coast.

4. Bow Glacier Falls Hike

thirty minutes from Lake Louise 39 kilometres (24 miles) or 194km 2hr and also 14 minutes from Jasper

This trek deals gorgeous sights of Bow Lake, Bow Glacier, and also ultimately the incredible Bow Glacier Falls. The falls is fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier, which belongs to the Wapta Icefield.

Here are the information of the walking:

Trailhead: The path begins with the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge car park on the Icefields Parkway, simply by Bow Lake. Distance: The round-trip walking to Bow Glacier Falls has to do with 9 kilometres (5.6 miles). Elevation Gain: The path has a modest altitude gain of concerning 155 meters (510 feet). Difficulty: The walking is typically thought about modest. The path begins very easy around the lake, yet it ends up being rough and also unequal with a light slope as you obtain closer to the drops. Good shoes is suggested. Estimated Time: It generally takes concerning 3-4 hrs to finish the big salami, depending upon your speed and also the length of time you invest at the drops. Scenery: The path supplies sights of the noticeably blue Bow Lake and also the bordering hill tops. The course after that leads you towards the head of the lake and also up towards Bow Glacier Falls. The last location is a close-up sight of the falls cascading from the glacier over. On a bright day, you could also see a rainbow in the haze of the falls.

5. Num Ti Jah Lodge

thirty minutes from Lake Louise 39 kilometres (24 miles) or 194km 2hr and also 14 minutes from Jasper

Located straight at Bow Lake, this historical lodge is an excellent area to invest the nigh if you wish to truly hang out photographing Bow Lake in the early morning or night. The historical lodge go back to the 1920s. It’s a rustic experience and also the dining-room is loaded with old taxidermy heads of wild animals in the Elk Lodge. Choose it for an intriguing remain in Alberta and also a very early begin on the Icefields Parkway.

Check out the holiday accommodations below. See our options for where to remain in Banff below.

6. Peyto Lake

44 kilometres (27 miles) from Lake Louise or 190 kilometres – 2hrs and also 14 minutes from Jasper

Peyto Lake is one of the most preferred lake quit along the Icefields Parkway. From the car park, raise to the Peyto Lake Viewpoint and also as much as the Bow Summit. At 2,088 meters (6,800 feet) for the very best sights of the brilliant blue-green colours of this glacier lake. Cool truth, this is the highest possible altitude on the drive and also it’s the highest possible altitude gone across by a public roadway in Canada. (it truly doesn’t really feel that high when you exist though.

7. Mistaya Canyon

75 kilometres from Lake Louise or 158 kilometres and also 1hr 53min from Jasper

Mistaya Canyon is a lovely geological development along the Icefields Parkway, near to Saskatchewan River Crossing in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. The Canyon has actually been taken over countless years by the Mistaya River, and also the water circulation has actually developed a unique, deep canyon with smooth, whirling rock wall surfaces.

The trek to Mistaya Canyon is reasonably brief and also fairly very easy, making it a prominent quit for those following the Parkway. Here are some information concerning the walking:

Trailhead: The trailhead to Mistaya Canyon is comfortably situated off the Icefields Parkway. There’s a parking area where the path starts. Distance and also Difficulty: The walking has to do with 0.5 kilometres (0.3 miles) each method, or 1 kilometres (0.6 miles) big salami, with a light descent right into the canyon. It’s ranked as very easy, making it obtainable for the majority of people. Time: The whole stroll can be finished in concerning 30-45 mins, yet you might wish to invest extra time for images or simply to take pleasure in the sight. Features: The path leads with a woodland prior to opening to the canyon. The canyon itself is slim and also deep, with the fast-moving Mistaya River going through it. There’s a bridge that goes across the canyon, using a superb perspective.

8. Saskatchewan River Crossing

79 kilometres from Lake Louise or 153 kilometres and also 1hr 49min from Jasper

After watching the lake, our following area to see is the Saskatchewan River Crossing. This is a substantial quit not just for its gorgeous sight, yet it is likewise where the North Saskatchewan River, Mistaya River and also the Howse Rivers satisfy. If you require to head to the shower room, this is the area to do it as there are centers below with a dining establishment and also filling station.

9. Weeping Wall

106 kilometres from Lake Louise or 125 kilometres and also 90 mins from Jasper

The Weeping Wall is most outstanding in the winter months when the falls are iced up. It is likewise a prominent area (clearly) for ice climbing. Stop below to see this 100-meter-high (330 feet) rock high cliff that is understood for its falls that look like rips as they cascade the hill. Naturally, the major falls is called, Teardrop.

10. Big Bend Peak

115 kilometres from Lake Louise or 119 kilometres and also 1hr 25 mins from Jasper

You can’t miss our following quit. When you watch out your home window, you are mosting likely to wish to leave the auto for this sight! This turn along the drive has a pull-off where you can go out and also consider the huge valley bordered by rugged tops. It is our preferred perspective on the Icefields Parkway.

11. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

128 kilometres from Lake Louise or 104 kilometres and also 1hr and also 16 minutes from Jasper

This is the quit you’ve all been awaiting! Columbia Icefield is the piece de resistance on the Icefields Parkway. The site visitors facility lies where Banff National Park and also Jasper National Park satisfy. In the Visitor Center, you can most likely to the gallery, get hold of some lunch (food is pricey though so be prepared), and also absorb the sights of the Icefield and also Athabasca Glacier. You can publication scenic tours below also.

Tours fill swiftly, so you might wish to publication ahead of time, yet you can hop on them (if you are fortunate in the nick of time.

12. Athabasca Glacier

128 kilometres from Lake Louise or 104 kilometres and also 1hr and also 16 minutes from Jasper

One of the very best journeys we ever before had was going out onto the Athabasca Glacier. You can reserve a snowcat scenic tour to take you bent on see the abyss and also ice caverns. The Icefields are the biggest nonpolar ice areas worldwide, and also when you are out on the Athabasca Glacier, you truly feel exactly how substantial it is.

You can abandon some routes from the site visitor facility for a more detailed sight of the Athabasca Glacier yet don’t ever before endeavor out on it alone without an overview. This is the most frightening glacier we’ve ever before gotten on and also the ice relocates consistently. If you don’t have experienced experience, you can place on your own at risk. Looking right into an abyss also while on an excursion with a professional overview was frightening.

Book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour below from Jasper. It consists of transport from Jasper, picture quits at Athabasca Falls and also Stutfield Glacier, an Ice Cat scenic tour of the Athabasca Glacier, and also the Icefield Skywalk with lunch!

13. Glacier Skywalk

128 kilometres from Lake Louise or 104 kilometres and also 1hr and also 16 minutes from Jasper

I’ll confess, I assumed the glacier Skywalk was mosting likely to be a little bit tacky, yet it was great! It’s the latest tourist attraction on the Icefields Parkway where a glass flooring protrudes over the Sunwapta Valley. It’s high at 280 meters (918 feet) over the valley, so individuals worried of elevations may be a little anxious. The 1km sidewalk has some expository quits in the process and also overviews are offered to address your concerns, yet the magnum opus is the glass sidewalk offering incredible sights of the valley.

You can reserve tickets straight at the Visitors Centre and also buses leave from there. Book a whitewater rafting scenic tour of the Sunwapta River with Gorgeous views and also course 3 rapids.

14. Sunwapta Falls

177 kilometres from Lake Louse or 56km and also 44 mins from Jasper

Congratulations, you have actually currently gotten in Jasper National Park. Another Canadian prize. Since you’ve had a great deal of journeys at the Glacier Skywalk and also site visitor’s facility you have a little bit of time to loosen up on your drive. Get a coffee to precede leaving the site visitor’s facility to take pleasure in in the process prior to you quit at the following gorgeous perspective.

Sunwapta Falls has strolling routes and also a bridge to see the 18 meters (60-foot) waterfall from various perspectives. It’s an excellent and also loud falls without a doubt! Read much more: 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada

15. Athabasca Falls

200 kilometres from Lake Louise or 32km and also 29 mins from Jasper

Athabasca Falls is one more stunning sight and also is your last quit on the Icefields Parkway prior to getting to the community of Jasper. Like a lot of the quits on the parkway, there are strolling routes to provide various perspectives. The substantial quantity of water from the Athabasca River is compelled with a slim canyon producing an enormous circulation of water over the 23-meter (75 feet) falls. Athabasca Falls goes over without a doubt.

16. Town of Jasper

The last quit on Icefields Parkway is the community of Jasper. This is an excellent area to make an online for a number of days. Jasper National Park has a wealth of points to do. So, publication a space at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and also remain some time. 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. Winter driving can be treacherous and also routes are not preserved.

There is just one filling station on the Icefields Parkway at the Saskatchewan River Crossing so see to it you fill prior to leaving Lake Louise or Jasper.

The Icefields Parkway Visitors Centre is Close from late October to mid-April. Meaning, there are no glacier scenic tours or Glacier Skywalk.

The Icefield Parkway can be driven from Lake Louise to Jasper in 3 hrs, a line of sight. But it can take a number of days to discover every little thing noted above. Especially if you are mosting likely to reserve an Athabasca Glacier scenic tour and also the Glacier Skywalk see.

Where to Stay on the Icefields Parkway

There are a couple of locations to remain on the Icefields Parkway. It is minimal and also you can quickly do excursion from Banff and also Jasper. Also, hotels are shut for the winter months with them opening up at different times in between March and also May. If you wish to remain right in the thick of points to make one of the most out of discovering, below are the resorts situated straight on the Icefields Parkway.

Camping on the Icefields Parkway

There are 11 Campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway. Rates begin at $16 daily. Check with Banff National Park and also Jasper National Park for information on what camping areas are open.

Camping along the Icefields Parkway gets on a very first preceded offer basis so if you wish to camp, we suggest reaching your camping area of selection at 3 pm sharp. (that is the earliest check-in). Check-out is 11 am.

The closest outdoor camping to Lake Louise on the Glacier Parkway is Mosquito Creek Campground in Banff National Park.

The closest camping areas to Jasper are Wapiti Campground and also Whistlers Campground. Both are simply a couple of kilometres from the community of Jasper.

What is the Best Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway

The finest time to drive the Icefields Parkway is generally throughout the summer season (June with September). The weather condition throughout these months is normally moderate, with temperature levels varying from 15 to 25 levels Celsius (59-77 Fahrenheit). It’s likewise when the parks’ centers, like site visitor facilities and also camping areas, are completely functional.

However, bear in mind that summertime is likewise the busiest season for tourist, so you can anticipate even more web traffic and also even more individuals at the preferred websites along the parkway.

If you take pleasure in winter months views and also don’t mind chillier weather condition, the Icefields Parkway can likewise be gorgeous in the winter season (December with February), yet it’s critical to be planned for winter months driving problems and also feasible roadway closures because of hefty snowfall. Note that several centers will certainly be shut or have actually minimized hrs throughout the winter months.

If you don’t have winter months driving experience, we don’t suggest driving the Icefields Parkway. It can be hazardous. If you choose to drive the icefields parkway in the winter months, make sure to have snow tires.

In any type of period, it’s important to examine the roadway problems and also weather prediction prior to your journey. Always have a complete container of gas prior to you begin (as there are long stretches without gasoline station), and also lug a map because cell solution can be erratic. Remember to appreciate the wild animals and also maintain the park tidy for future site visitors.

How Long Does it Take to Drive the Icefields Parkway?

The whole Icefields Parkway extends 232 kilometers (144 miles) in between Lake Louise and also Jasper. You can practically drive the whole icefields parkway in concerning 3 to 4 hrs continuous, nevertheless, this breathtaking path deals such impressive sights and also special quits that merely driving directly with would certainly suggest losing out on the complete experience.

To completely value the all-natural appeal and also benefit from the different breathtaking areas, treking routes, and also outing locations along the path, it’s suggested to devote a complete day to this drive. Some individuals also extend it over several days to have even more time for treking, digital photography, wild animals watching, or simply to loosen up and also take pleasure in the views.

Factors such as weather condition, roadway problems, web traffic (particularly throughout top vacationer period), and also individual speed can influence the length of time the drive takes.

Here are some noteworthy tourist attractions along the parkway that you could wish to quit and also see:

Peyto Lake: Known for its extreme blue-green shade, this lake is a must-see. A brief walking will certainly take you to a prominent perspective. Columbia Icefield: One of the biggest build-ups of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Here, you can check out the Athabasca glacier exploration facility and also take an excursion of the glacier itself. Athabasca Falls: Just off the parkway, this effective, stunning falls deserves a check out.

Remember, it’s not practically the location, yet the trip also. Taking your time to submerse on your own in the magnificent environments along the Icefields Parkway will certainly produce an extraordinary journey.

Should I rent out a Car to Drive Along the Icefields Parkway?

If you don’t have your very own auto, you ought to most definitely rent out an auto to drive along the Icefields Parkway. There are bus scenic tours that can take you bent on see the Athabasca Glacier and also SkyWalk, yet the Icefields Parkway is a drive that ought to be done gradually and also by yourself. There are numerous locations to pick up panoramas of the amazing Canadian Rockies and also treking routes bent on watch its excellent blue-green lakes that you’ll enjoy for the wheels.

You can examine rental auto costs at CarRentals.com

Where to Fill Up Along the Icefields Parkway

Fueling terminals along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) are reasonably sporadic because of its area with the heart of the wild in the Canadian Rockies, so it’s vital to prepare in advance. Here’s where you can locate gas along or near the path:

Lake Louise: This is the southerly beginning factor of the Icefields Parkway, and also there’s a gasoline station below. It’s important to fill your container prior to you begin the drive. Saskatchewan River Crossing: Approximately midway along the parkway, you will certainly locate a gasoline station at the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Note that this filling station is generally just open from April to October, and also the costs can be dramatically greater than somewhere else because of its remote area. Jasper: At the north end of the Icefields Parkway, Jasper is a completely serviced community with several gasoline station. This is the last area to fill if you’re heading southern or the very first if you’re beginning with the north.

Given the lengthy stretches without solutions, it’s highly suggested to begin your trip with a complete container of gas and also refuel at Saskatchewan River Crossing if required, especially if you’re intending on doing any type of side journeys or it’s beyond the summer season when solutions are much more minimal. As of my understanding cutoff in September 2021, these were the only fueling factors straight on or near the parkway yet constantly look for one of the most existing info prior to your journey.

Is there Cell Service on the Icefields Parkway

Cellular solution along the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada is fairly minimal because of the remote nature of the area. There are considerable stretches of the parkway without any mobile phone insurance coverage, especially in the center areas in between Lake Louise and also Jasper.

You will certainly obtain cell solution around the communities at either end of the Parkway (Lake Louise and also Jasper) and also potentially near the Saskatchewan River Crossing and also the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. However, also these locations can have erratic or weak signals, and also insurance coverage might differ depending upon your company. The Discovery Center has Wi-fi.

Because of this, it’s important to be planned for stretches of your trip where you won’t have cell solution:

Plan your path and also drops in breakthrough. Download any type of maps, path overviews, or various other info you could require in advance. Inform somebody of your strategies prior to you go. Carry a typical paper map as a back-up. If you intend on treking, take into consideration lugging a satellite-based emergency situation interaction gadget.

Remember, emergency situation roadside phones lie at different periods along the Icefields Parkway for usage in situation of a break down or emergency situation. Always examine one of the most existing info concerning solutions and also problems from Parks Canada prior to you establish out on your trip.

Where to Eat on the Icefields Parkway

Num Ti Jah Lodge has a dining-room and also coffee shop. The Crossing has a basic shop to grab treats. There’s likewise the Parkway Pub offering sights of  Mt. Sarbach and also Mt. Murchison and also you can get hold of lunch at the Crossing Café. Saskatchewan River Crossing: There’s a dining establishment at The Crossing Resort, which is open seasonally (generally April with October). provide a variety of dishes, and also there’s likewise a corner store where you can grab treats or outing materials. The Saskatchewan River Crossing shuts for the winter months. Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre: The Discovery Centre has a dining-room and also a lunchroom, which give a variety of dish alternatives. However, it’s likewise seasonal and also generally runs from April with October. Num-Ti-Jah Lodge: This historical lodge near Bow Lake has a dining-room that uses dishes, generally open from May to October. Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge: Located closer to the Jasper end of the Parkway, this lodge has a dining establishment and also a convenience food electrical outlet. The Icefields Parkway likewise has numerous outing locations, if you like to bring your very own food. This can be an excellent choice as it provides you adaptability and also you can appreciate your dish bordered by magnificent sights. Just keep in mind to comply with all park policies and also standards for garbage disposal to secure the atmosphere.

What Wildlife Will I see along the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, puncture a few of one of the most magnificent wild in the Canadian Rockies, so there’s a likelihood you could see different types of wild animals throughout your journey. However, discoveries can never ever be assured and also rely on elements such as the period, weather condition, and also time of day. Here are some pets you could run into:

Bears: Both black bears and also grizzly bears reside in this area. They are much more frequently seen in the springtime and also very early summertime, typically on the roadside consuming the fresh eco-friendly greenery. Remember to maintain a secure range, never ever feed them, and also do not leave your auto to take images. Elk: Elk prevail in the area, particularly in the fields and also meadows. Males with their huge horns are an excellent view, especially in the loss throughout the rut (breeding period). Big Horn Sheep & Mountain Goats: Both bighorn lamb and also hill goats can typically be seen along the Parkway, often also when driving itself. Look for them on rough inclines and also near the high cliffs. Moose: Moose are much less frequently seen than a few other pets, yet you could obtain fortunate, especially in marshy locations or near water bodies. Wolves, Coyotes, and also Foxes: These killers are much more evasive, yet they do reside in the location. Early early morning or late night are the very best times to possibly detect them. Birds: Many types of birds can be seen, consisting of eagles, hawks, and also different songbirds. Near water bodies, you could see waterfowl like ducks, geese, and also crazies. Small Mammals: Keep an eye out for pets like squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and also pikas in the rough locations.

And these are one of the most remarkable quits on your journey from Banff to Jasper. You can likewise drive from Jasper to Banff, (we’ve done both!) and also it is remarkable to see the sights from each end of the Icefields Parkway.