Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is likely one of the most lovely drives in Canada. Also referred to as Freeway 93 North, this scenic street stretches between Lake Louise and Jasper within the Canadian Rockies. The Icefields Parkway Drive is understood for its beautiful views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering mountains attracting guests from around the globe.
The place Is the Icefields Parkway?
Beginning in Banff Nationwide Park and ending in Jasper Nationwide Park in Alberta Canada, the Icefields Parkway is simply 293 km (182 miles) and could be carried out in a day, however it is going to 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 closest worldwide airports are Calgary Worldwide Airport (YYC) and Edmonton Worldwide Airport (YEG). From both airport, you may lease a automotive and drive to the beginning of the Icefields Parkway.
By Automotive: For those who’re coming from Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Freeway (Freeway 1) west to Lake Louise. The Icefields Parkway begins simply west of Lake Louise. For those who’re coming from Edmonton, you’d take Freeway 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 may doubtlessly be a part of a tour or rent a automotive to drive the Icefields Parkway.
At all times test street circumstances earlier than you permit. If you’re driving in winter, ensure you have good winter tires as winter climate could make driving hazardous and even shut the street totally.
Parks Canada Go
Keep in mind that a sound park go is required to journey on the Icefields Parkway, because it runs by way of nationwide parkland. Additionally, the Parkway is in a distant space with restricted providers, so be sure your automobile is in good situation, and it’s advisable to hold some emergency provides corresponding to meals and water, and blankets within the winter.
When driving to Lake Louise, you will want to buy an entrance go from Parks Canada to the Nationwide Park which is $10 per particular person per day. If you’re going to be spending just a few days within the parks, it’s price it to purchase a Parks Discovery Go on 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 buy this on-line right here.
If you’re simply going for a day or two, you should buy your go on the entrance on the freeway when coming into Banff Nationwide 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 course of Banff Nationwide Park. It’s 2 hours from the Calgary airport to Lake Louise. We all the time e-book a automotive rental to be prepared once we land in Calgary beginning our Alberta journey instantly as soon as we go away the airport.
Greatest Stops Alongside 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 Nationwide 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! Take pleasure in your journey – the Icefields Parkway is taken into account some of the lovely drives on the earth!
1. Lake Louise
Positioned inside Banff Nationwide Park, Lake Louise is likely one of the most well-known stops in all of Canada (not to mention Alberta). The gorgeous turquoise waters of Lake Louise sit under the imposing Victoria Glacier looming overhead. Positioned instantly in entrance of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise resort, there are climbing trails to soak up the view from all instructions and you’ll canoe on Lake Louise. (A bucket record merchandise for Canada vacationers)
When taking your drive alongside the Icefields Parkway, we advise leaving Lake Louise at dawn so you may get to the enduring lakes alongside the drive within the morning earlier than the crowds and whereas the reflections are finest.
For those who can spend a day or two in Banff Nationwide Park or Lake Louise, do it! There are such a lot of issues to see and do right here. We advocate the Fairmont Chateau Louise or Deer Lodge for lodging in Lake Louise.
You possibly 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 primary cease you’ll come two out of Lake Louise is the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint. Crowfoot Glacier obtained its identify from the truth that it’s formed like three claws of a crow. Positioned on Crowfoot Mountain, it seems over Bow Lake. Don’t take too lengthy right here at Crowfoot Glacier, as a result of you’re going to 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 following cease you come to is the spectacular viewpoint of Bow Lake. Simply half-hour up Freeway 93 from the Trans Canada Freeway 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’ll want to get out of your automotive and enterprise out to see it.
From Bow Lake, you may see Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Glacier each of that are the sources of the Bow River and is a wonderful 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 may 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 ultimately the spectacular Bow Glacier Falls. The waterfall is fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier, which is a part of the Wapta Icefield.
Listed below are the main points of the hike:
Trailhead: The path begins from the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge car 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 Achieve: The path has a average elevation achieve of about 155 meters (510 toes). Issue: The hike is usually thought of average. The path begins off straightforward across the lake, however it turns into rocky and uneven with a gentle incline as you get nearer to the falls. Good footwear is beneficial. 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. Surroundings: The path gives views of the strikingly blue Bow Lake and the encompassing mountain peaks. The trail then leads you towards the pinnacle of the lake and up towards Bow Glacier Falls. The ultimate 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 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
Positioned 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 Nineteen Twenties. It’s a country expertise and the eating room is crammed with outdated taxidermy heads of wildlife within the Elk Lodge. Select it for an fascinating keep in Alberta and an early begin on the Icefields Parkway.
Take a look at the lodging right here. See our selections 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 preferred lake cease alongside the Icefields Parkway. From the car 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 reality, that is the best elevation on the drive and it’s the best elevation crossed by a public street 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 wonderful geological formation alongside the Icefields Parkway, near Saskatchewan River Crossing in Banff Nationwide Park, Alberta, Canada. The Canyon has been carved out over 1000’s of years by the Mistaya River, and the water movement has created a singular, deep canyon with clean, swirling rock partitions.
The hike to Mistaya Canyon is comparatively brief and fairly straightforward, making it a well-liked cease for these touring alongside the Parkway. Listed below are some particulars in regards to the hike:
Trailhead: The trailhead to Mistaya Canyon is conveniently positioned off the Icefields Parkway. There’s a car parking zone from the place the path begins. Distance and Issue: 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: Your entire stroll could be accomplished in about 30-45 minutes, however chances are you’ll wish to spend further time for pictures or simply to benefit from the view. Options: 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 operating by way of it. There’s a bridge that crosses the canyon, providing a superb 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. It is a vital cease not just for its lovely view, however it’s also the place the North Saskatchewan River, Mistaya River and the Howse Rivers meet. If you want to 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 within the winter when the waterfalls are frozen. Additionally it is a well-liked place (clearly) for mountain climbing. Cease 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 principle waterfall is known as, Teardrop.
10. Huge Bend Peak
115 km from Lake Louise or 119 km and 1hr 25 minutes from Jasper
You possibly can’t miss our subsequent cease. Whenever you look out your window, you’re going to wish to get out of the automotive for this view! This flip alongside the drive has a pull-off the place you may get out and take a look at the huge valley surrounded by jagged peaks. It’s 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
That is the cease you’ve all been ready for! Columbia Icefield is the principle attraction on the Icefields Parkway. The guests heart is positioned the place Banff Nationwide Park and Jasper Nationwide Park meet. Within the Customer Middle, you may go to the museum, seize some lunch (meals is pricey although so be ready), and take within the views of the Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. You possibly can e-book excursions right here as properly.
Excursions refill rapidly, so chances are you’ll wish to e-book prematurely, however you may 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
Among the finest adventures we ever had was heading out onto the Athabasca Glacier. You possibly can e-book a snowcat tour to take you out to see the crevasses and ice caves. The Icefields are the most important nonpolar ice fields on the earth, and if you find yourself out on the Athabasca Glacier, you actually really feel how large it’s.
You possibly 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. That is the scariest glacier we’ve ever been on and the ice strikes often. For those who don’t have professional expertise, you may put your self at risk. Wanting right into a crevasse even whereas on a tour with an professional information was scary.
E-book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour right here from Jasper. It consists of transportation from Jasper, picture 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, however it was unbelievable! It’s the most recent attraction on the Icefields Parkway the place a glass ground juts out over the Sunwapta Valley. It’s excessive at 280 meters (918 toes) above the valley, so folks afraid of heights may be slightly 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 possibly can e-book tickets instantly on the Guests Centre and buses go away from there. E-book a whitewater rafting tour of the Sunwapta River by way of Beautiful surroundings and sophistication 3 rapids.
14. Sunwapta Falls
177 km from Lake Louse or 56km and 44 minutes from Jasper
Congratulations, you’ve got now entered Jasper Nationwide Park. One other Canadian treasure. Because you’ve had loads of adventures on the Glacier Skywalk and customer’s heart you’ve got a little bit of time to loosen up in your drive. Get a cappuccino to go earlier than leaving the customer’s heart 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 completely different viewpoints. It’s a powerful and loud waterfall certainly! Learn extra: 14 Greatest Hikes in Jasper Nationwide 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 lots 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 pressured by way of a slender gorge creating an immense movement of water over the 23-meter (75 toes) waterfalls. Athabasca Falls is spectacular certainly.
16. City of Jasper
The final cease on Icefields Parkway is the city of Jasper. It is a very good place to make a house base for a few days. Jasper Nationwide Park has an abundance of issues to do. So, e-book a room on the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and keep awhile. See our Full Information to all of the Issues to do in Jasper.
17. Suggestions for Driving the Icefields Parkway
It’s best to drive the Icefields Parkway in the summertime months. Winter driving could be treacherous and trails are usually not maintained.
There is just one fuel station on the Icefields Parkway on the Saskatchewan River Crossing so ensure you refill earlier than leaving Lake Louise or Jasper.
The Icefields Parkway Guests Centre is Shut from late October to mid-April. That means, there are not any glacier excursions or Glacier Skywalk.
The Icefield Parkway could be pushed from Lake Louise to Jasper in 3 hours, a straight shot. However it may take a few days to discover every little thing listed above. Particularly if you’re going to e-book an Athabasca Glacier tour and the Glacier Skywalk go to.
The place to Keep on the Icefields Parkway
There are just a few locations to remain on the Icefields Parkway. It’s restricted and you’ll simply do day journeys from Banff and Jasper. Additionally, resorts are closed for the winter with them opening at numerous occasions between March and Might. If you wish to keep proper within the thick of issues to take advantage of out of exploring, listed here are the lodges positioned instantly on the Icefields Parkway.
Tenting on the Icefields Parkway
There are 11 Campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway. Charges begin at $16 per day. Test with Banff Nationwide Park and Jasper Nationwide Park for particulars on what campgrounds are open.
Tenting 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). Test-out is 11 am.
The closest tenting to Lake Louise on the Glacier Parkway is Mosquito Creek Campground in Banff Nationwide Park.
The closest campgrounds to Jasper are Wapiti Campground and Whistlers Campground. Each are only a few km from the city of Jasper.
What’s the Greatest Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway
The most effective time to drive the Icefields Parkway is usually throughout the summer time months (June by way of September). The climate throughout these months is often gentle, 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 absolutely operational.
Nevertheless, needless to say summer time can also be the busiest time of yr for tourism, so you may anticipate extra visitors and extra folks on the widespread websites alongside the parkway.
For those who take pleasure in winter surroundings and don’t thoughts colder climate, the Icefields Parkway can be lovely within the winter months (December by way of February), however it’s essential to be ready for winter driving circumstances and attainable street closures because of heavy snowfall. Notice that many services will likely be closed or have lowered hours throughout the winter.
For those who don’t have winter driving expertise, we don’t advocate driving the Icefields Parkway. It may be harmful. For those who determine to drive the icefields parkway within the winter, you’ll want to have snow tires.
In any season, it’s vital to test the street circumstances and climate forecast earlier than your journey. At all times 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 could be spotty. Keep in mind to respect the wildlife and preserve the park clear for future guests.
How Lengthy Does it Take to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
Your entire Icefields Parkway stretches 232 kilometers (144 miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper. You possibly can technically drive all the icefields parkway in about 3 to 4 hours continuous, nevertheless, this scenic route affords such breathtaking views and distinctive stops that merely driving straight by way of would imply lacking out on the complete expertise.
To completely admire the pure magnificence and reap the benefits of the assorted scenic spots, climbing trails, and picnic areas alongside the route, it’s beneficial to dedicate a full day to this drive. Some folks 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.
Elements corresponding to climate, street circumstances, visitors (particularly throughout peak vacationer season), and private tempo can have an effect on how lengthy the drive takes.
Listed below are some notable points of interest alongside the parkway that you simply would possibly wish to cease and see:
Peyto Lake: Recognized 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 many largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Right here, you may go to the Athabasca glacier discovery heart and take a tour of the glacier itself. Athabasca Falls: Simply off the parkway, this highly effective, picturesque waterfall is price a go to.
Keep in mind, it’s not simply in regards to the vacation spot, however the journey as properly. Taking your time to immerse your self within the beautiful environment alongside the Icefields Parkway will make for an unforgettable street journey.
Ought to I lease a Automotive to Drive Alongside the Icefields Parkway?
For those who don’t have your individual automotive, you need 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 ought to be carried out slowly and by yourself. There are such a lot of locations to cease for scenic views of the magnificent Canadian Rockies and climbing trails out to view its pristine turquoise lakes that you simply’ll be comfortable for the wheels.
You possibly can test rental automotive costs at CarRentals.com
The place to Fill Up Alongside the Icefields Parkway
Fueling stations alongside the Icefields Parkway (Freeway 93 North) are comparatively sparse because of its location by way of the guts of the wilderness within the Canadian Rockies, so it’s important to plan forward. Right here’s the place you could find fuel alongside or close to the route:
Lake Louise: That is the southern start line of the Icefields Parkway, and there’s a fuel station right here. It’s smart to refill your tank earlier than you begin the drive. Saskatchewan River Crossing: Roughly midway alongside the parkway, you can see a fuel station on the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Notice that this fuel station is usually solely open from April to October, and the costs could be considerably increased than elsewhere because of its distant location. Jasper: On the northern finish of the Icefields Parkway, Jasper is a completely serviced city with a number of fuel stations. That is the final place to refill when you’re heading south or the primary when you’re ranging from the north.
Given the lengthy stretches with out providers, it’s strongly beneficial to start out your journey with a full tank of fuel and refuel at Saskatchewan River Crossing if wanted, notably when you’re planning on doing any facet journeys or it’s exterior of the summer time months when providers are extra restricted. As of my data cutoff in September 2021, these have been the one fueling factors instantly on or close to the parkway however all the time test for essentially the most present data earlier than your journey.
Is there Cell Service on the Icefields Parkway
Mobile service alongside the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada is kind 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’ll get cell service in and across 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. Nevertheless, even these areas can have spotty or weak indicators, and protection could range relying in your service supplier. The Discovery Middle has WiFi.
Due to this, it’s vital to be ready for stretches of your journey the place you gained’t have cell service:
Plan your route and stops prematurely. Obtain any maps, path guides, or different data you would possibly want forward of time. Inform somebody of your plans earlier than you go. Carry a standard paper map as a backup. For those who plan on climbing, take into account carrying a satellite-based emergency communication gadget.
Keep in mind, emergency roadside telephones are positioned at numerous intervals alongside the Icefields Parkway to be used in case of a breakdown or emergency. At all times test essentially the most present details about providers and circumstances from Parks Canada earlier than you set out in your journey.
The place to Eat on the Icefields Parkway
Num Ti Jah Lodge has a eating room and cafe. The Crossing has a common retailer to choose up snacks. There’s additionally the Parkway Pub providing views of Mt. Sarbach and Mt. Murchison and you’ll seize lunch on the Crossing Café. Saskatchewan River Crossing: There’s a restaurant at The Crossing Resort, which is open seasonally (sometimes April by way of October). provide a variety of meals, and there’s additionally a comfort retailer the place you may 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 give a variety of meal choices. Nevertheless, 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 Might to October. Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge: Positioned 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, when you desire to carry your individual meals. This generally is a good possibility because it offers you flexibility and you’ll take pleasure in your meal surrounded by beautiful views. Simply keep in mind to comply with all park guidelines and tips for waste disposal to guard the atmosphere.
What Wildlife Will I see alongside the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, cuts by way of a number of the most beautiful wilderness within the Canadian Rockies, so there’s a very good likelihood you would possibly see numerous species of wildlife throughout your journey. Nevertheless, sightings can by no means be assured and depend upon elements such because the season, climate, and time of day. Listed below are some animals you would possibly encounter:
Bears: Each black bears and grizzly bears dwell on this area. They’re extra generally seen within the spring and early summer time, usually on the roadside consuming the recent inexperienced vegetation. Keep in mind to maintain a protected distance, by no means feed them, and don’t get out of your automotive to take pictures. Elk: Elk are frequent within the area, particularly within the meadows and grasslands. Males with their giant antlers are a powerful sight, notably within the fall throughout the rut (mating season). Huge Horn Sheep & Mountain Goats: Each bighorn sheep and mountain goats can usually be seen alongside the Parkway, generally even on the street itself. Search 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, 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 could be seen, together with eagles, hawks, and numerous songbirds. Close to water our bodies, you would possibly see waterfowl like geese, geese, and loons. Small Mammals: Preserve an eye fixed out for animals like squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and pikas within the rocky areas.
And these are essentially the most wonderful stops in your street journey from Banff to Jasper. You can even 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.