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 gorgeous 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 just 293 km (182 miles) and may be carried out in a day, however it will likely 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 superb 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 can hire a automotive and drive to the beginning of the Icefields Parkway.
By Automobile: Should you’re coming from Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Freeway (Freeway 1) west to Lake Louise. The Icefields Parkway begins simply west of Lake Louise. Should you’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.
All the time verify street situations earlier than you allow. If you’re driving in winter, be sure to have good winter tires as winter climate could make driving hazardous and even shut the street solely.
Parks Canada Go
Keep in mind that a sound park go is required to journey on the Icefields Parkway, because it runs via nationwide parkland. Additionally, the Parkway is in a distant space with restricted providers, so be sure that your automobile is in good situation, and it’s advisable to hold some emergency provides resembling 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 individual per day. If you’ll be spending a couple of days within the parks, it’s value it to purchase a Parks Discovery Go on the Parks Canada web site that prices $139 for a household or $69 per individual. 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 purchase 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 at all times e book a automotive rental to be prepared after we land in Calgary beginning our Alberta journey instantly as soon as we depart the airport.
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 via the Canadian Rockies that you simply’ll always remember. I hope this helps you when planning your Icefields Parkway journey! Get pleasure from your journey – the Icefields Parkway is taken into account probably the most lovely drives on the planet!
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 beneath 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 listing 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 long-lasting lakes alongside the drive within the morning earlier than the crowds and whereas the reflections are greatest.
Should you 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 suggest 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 bought its identify from the truth that it’s formed like three claws of a crow. Positioned on Crowfoot Mountain, it appears over Bow Lake. Don’t take too lengthy right here at Crowfoot Glacier, as a result of you’ll wish to get to your subsequent cease which is Bow Lake.
3. Bow Lake
half-hour from Lake Louise 39 km (24 miles) or 194km 2hr and 14 min from Jasper
The subsequent cease you come to is the spectacular viewpoint of Bow Lake. 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 make sure you get out of your automotive and enterprise out to see it.
From Bow Lake, you possibly can see Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Glacier each of that are the sources of the Bow River and is a gorgeous cease with mountains and glaciers within the backdrop. The lake is true 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 presents 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 here are the small print 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 reasonable elevation achieve of about 155 meters (510 toes).
- Issue: The hike is mostly thought of reasonable. The path begins off straightforward across the lake, but it surely turns into rocky and uneven with a gentle incline as you get nearer to the falls. Good footwear is really useful.
- Estimated Time: It usually 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 encircling mountain peaks. The trail then leads you towards the top 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 may even see a rainbow within the mist of the waterfall.
5. Num Ti Jah Lodge
half-hour from Lake Louise 39 km (24 miles) or 194km 2hr and 14 min from Jasper
Positioned instantly at Bow Lake, this historic lodge is an efficient 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 stuffed 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.
- Try 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 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 one of the 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 top 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 gorgeous geological formation alongside the Icefields Parkway, near Saskatchewan River Crossing in Banff Nationwide Park, Alberta, Canada. The Canyon has been carved out over hundreds of years by the Mistaya River, and the water move 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. Listed here are some particulars in regards to the hike:
- Trailhead: The trailhead to Mistaya Canyon is conveniently positioned off the Icefields Parkway. There’s a car parking zone from the place the path begins.
- Distance and Issue: The hike is about 0.5 km (0.3 miles) every approach, 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 may be accomplished in about 30-45 minutes, however you might wish to spend extra time for pictures or simply to benefit from the view.
- Options: The path leads via a forest earlier than opening as much as the canyon. The canyon itself is slim and deep, with the fast-moving Mistaya River working via it. There’s a bridge that crosses the canyon, providing a wonderful viewpoint.
8. Saskatchewan River Crossing
79 km from Lake Louise or 153 km and 1hr 49min from Jasper
After viewing the lake, our subsequent place to see is the Saskatchewan River Crossing. This can be a important cease not just for its lovely view, however additionally it is the place the North Saskatchewan River, Mistaya River and the Howse Rivers meet. If you have to go to the lavatory, that is the place to do it as there are amenities right here with a restaurant and fuel station.
9. Weeping Wall
106 km from Lake Louise or 125 km and 90 minutes from Jasper
The Weeping Wall is most spectacular within the winter when the waterfalls are frozen. 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 identified for its waterfalls that resemble tears as they cascade down the mountain. Naturally, the principle waterfall is known as, Teardrop.
10. Massive 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’ll 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 possibly can 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 nicely.
Excursions replenish shortly, so you might 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
The most effective 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 planet, 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 commonly. Should you don’t have professional expertise, you may put your self at risk. Trying 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 contains transportation from Jasper, photograph stops at Athabasca Falls and Stutfield Glacier, an Ice Cat tour of the Athabasca Glacier, and the Icefield Skywalk with lunch!
13. Glacier Skywalk
128 km from Lake Louise or 104 km and 1hr and 16 min from Jasper
I’ll admit, I believed the glacier Skywalk was going to be a bit tacky, but it surely was unbelievable! It’s the latest attraction on the Icefields Parkway the place a glass ground juts out over the Sunwapta Valley. It’s excessive at 280 meters (918 toes) above the valley, so individuals afraid of heights may be just a little 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 depart from there.
- E-book a whitewater rafting tour of the Sunwapta River via 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 quite a lot of adventures on the Glacier Skywalk and customer’s heart you’ve got 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 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 formidable 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 compelled via a slim gorge creating an immense move 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. This can be 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. Ideas for Driving the Icefields Parkway
It’s best to drive the Icefields Parkway in the summertime months. Winter driving may be treacherous and trails will not be maintained.
There is just one fuel station on the Icefields Parkway on the Saskatchewan River Crossing so be sure to replenish earlier than leaving Lake Louise or Jasper.
The Icefields Parkway Guests Centre is Shut from late October to mid-April. That means, there aren’t any glacier excursions or Glacier Skywalk.
The Icefield Parkway may be pushed from Lake Louise to Jasper in 3 hours, a straight shot. However it could possibly take a few days to discover all the things listed above. Particularly if you’ll e book an Athabasca Glacier tour and the Glacier Skywalk go to.
The place to Keep on the Icefields Parkway
There are a couple of 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. Examine 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 suggest attending to your campground of alternative at 3 pm sharp. (that’s the earliest check-in). Examine-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 often through the summer season months (June via 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’ amenities, like customer facilities and campgrounds, are absolutely operational.
Nonetheless, needless to say summer season can be the busiest time of yr for tourism, so you possibly can count on extra visitors and extra individuals on the common websites alongside the parkway.
Should you take pleasure in winter surroundings and don’t thoughts colder climate, the Icefields Parkway may also be lovely within the winter months (December via February), but it surely’s essential to be ready for winter driving situations and potential street closures as a consequence of heavy snowfall. Word that many amenities shall be closed or have decreased hours through the winter.
Should you don’t have winter driving expertise, we don’t suggest driving the Icefields Parkway. It may be harmful. Should you determine to drive the icefields parkway within the winter, make sure you have snow tires.
In any season, it’s necessary to verify the street situations and climate forecast earlier than your journey. All the time 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 may 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 the whole icefields parkway in about 3 to 4 hours continuous, nonetheless, this scenic route presents such breathtaking views and distinctive stops that merely driving straight via would imply lacking out on the total expertise.
To completely recognize the pure magnificence and make the most of the assorted scenic spots, climbing trails, and picnic areas alongside the route, it’s really useful to dedicate a full day to this drive. Some individuals even stretch it over a number of days to have extra time for climbing, images, wildlife viewing, or simply to calm down and benefit from the surroundings.
Elements resembling climate, street situations, visitors (particularly throughout peak vacationer season), and private tempo can have an effect on how lengthy the drive takes.
Listed here are some notable points of interest alongside the parkway that you simply may wish to cease and see:
- Peyto Lake: Recognized for its intense turquoise coloration, 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 possibly can 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 value a go to.
Keep in mind, it’s not simply in regards to the vacation spot, however the journey as nicely. Taking your time to immerse your self within the gorgeous environment alongside the Icefields Parkway will make for an unforgettable street journey.
Ought to I hire a Automobile to Drive Alongside the Icefields Parkway?
Should you don’t have your personal automotive, you must positively hire 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 must 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 joyful for the wheels.
You possibly can verify 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 as a consequence of its location via the guts of the wilderness within the Canadian Rockies, so it’s important to plan forward. Right here’s the place yow will discover fuel alongside or close to the route:
- Lake Louise: That is the southern place to begin of the Icefields Parkway, and there’s a fuel station right here. It’s smart to replenish your tank earlier than you begin the drive.
- Saskatchewan River Crossing: Roughly midway alongside the parkway, you’ll discover a fuel station on the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Word that this fuel station is often solely open from April to October, and the costs may be considerably greater than elsewhere as a consequence 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 replenish in case you’re heading south or the primary in case you’re ranging from the north.
Given the lengthy stretches with out providers, it’s strongly really useful to start out 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 facet journeys or it’s exterior of the summer season 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 at all times verify for probably 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 sort of restricted because of the distant nature of the area. There are substantial stretches of the parkway with no cellphone protection, significantly within the center sections between Lake Louise and Jasper.
You’re going to get cell service in and across the cities at both finish of the Parkway (Lake Louise and Jasper) and presumably close to the Saskatchewan River Crossing and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Nonetheless, even these areas can have spotty or weak alerts, and protection might range relying in your service supplier. The Discovery Middle has WiFi.
Due to this, it’s necessary 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 may want forward of time.
- Inform somebody of your plans earlier than you go.
- Carry a standard paper map as a backup.
- Should you plan on climbing, think about carrying a satellite-based emergency communication system.
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. All the time verify probably the most present details about providers and situations 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 normal 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 (usually April via October). supply a spread of meals, and there’s additionally a comfort retailer the place you possibly can decide up snacks or picnic provides. The Saskatchewan River Crossing closes for the winter.
- Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre: The Discovery Centre has a eating room and a cafeteria, which offer a spread of meal choices. Nonetheless, it’s additionally seasonal and usually operates from April via October.
- Num-Ti-Jah Lodge: This historic lodge close to Bow Lake has a eating room that provides meals, usually 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, in case you desire 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 gorgeous views. Simply 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 via a number of the most gorgeous wilderness within the Canadian Rockies, so there’s a very good likelihood you may see numerous species of wildlife throughout your journey. Nonetheless, sightings can by no means be assured and depend upon components such because the season, climate, and time of day. Listed here are some animals you may encounter:
- Bears: Each black bears and grizzly bears stay on this area. They’re extra generally seen within the spring and early summer season, typically on the roadside consuming the recent inexperienced vegetation. Keep in mind to maintain a secure 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 formidable sight, significantly within the fall through the rut (mating season).
- Massive Horn Sheep & Mountain Goats: Each bighorn sheep and mountain goats can typically 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 may 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 within the space. Early morning or late night are one of the best occasions to doubtlessly spot them.
- Birds: Many species of birds may be seen, together with eagles, hawks, and numerous songbirds. Close to water our bodies, you may see waterfowl like geese, geese, and loons.
- Small Mammals: Hold an eye fixed out for animals like squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and pikas within the rocky areas.
And these are probably the most superb stops in your street journey from Banff to Jasper. You may as well drive from Jasper to Banff, (we’ve carried out each!) and it’s superb to see the views from every finish of the Icefields Parkway.
