Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada- Your full travel guide

Driving from Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper, highway 93 or better know as the Icefields Parkway is the most iconic scenic drive in Canada and one of the top drives in the world.

Stretching for 232 km, the drive takes you along the rugged rocky mountains, by the incredible icefields and through deep sweeping valleys. It is nothing short of amazing with over 100 ancient glaciers, bright turquoise lakes and waterfalls cascading off the mountain.

If this doesn’t get you excited. I don’t know what will. Truth be told the Icefields Parkway is really an adventure you have to see for yourself. Photos don’t do it justice but I will try my best!

There are so many places to stop so make sure you give yourself plenty of time. I suggest taking two to three days minimum and if you want to stop and do some hikes, longer! This is not something you want to rush. You also will want to have your own vehicle or rent one so you can stop when you want and for however long you want. Trust me, it’ll be worth it!

You can also rent a motorhome which is a great way to travel through this stretch as well. There are many campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway but be aware come summertime it gets really busy! Not every place will take reservations but do so where you can or get to the campgrounds early.

When I traveled the parkway, I didn’t stop at every stop and I also didn’t go hiking. This is a great guide if you were like me, with your dad or didn’t really have time to throw hiking into the mix of things. If you do want to get out on the trails, Banff has some awesome tracks with epic views. Here is a great guide with track suggestions and a guide on what to pack!

One thing to note, be super careful while you’re driving. The scenery is jaw dropping and very distracting it’s so beautiful. Don’t be that person driving where your gaze is stuck and end up off the mountain, into wildlife or another vehicle!

Here we go. Here are 7 must sees on the Icefields Parkway. These are in order travelling south to north.

1. Herbert & Hector

These are two beautiful lakes that a bit more quiet than the rest of them. These are the start of the epic road trip north! Herbert Lake is right next to the road and a very short walk to the shore line. I’ll admit I didn’t go down for a photo (although I regret it now). Hector is a little harder to get to. It’s a 10km return hike in which certainly means it’s a lot more quieter. Make sure before you hike you are equipped with bear knowledge and spray!

2. Bow Lake & Glaciers

Bow Lake is a glacial fed lake. It isn’t a huge but stunning to say the least. You can view is from the road side pull out or turn down to get to the shore where these are toliets and small cafe and gift shop. I suggest taking time to stop at both. The road side pull out gives you views of Bow Glacier, Wapta Icefield, Bow Peak, Mount Thompson, Crowfoot Glacier and mountain. It’s very impressive just thinking of it. A calm day is the best as you get those beautiful lake reflections and as the water warms up in the summer it turns to that beautiful milky turquoise colour.

3. Peyto Lake

I wont lie, I miss this stop. It was the one place I really wanted to go so how I managed that I am not sure. I think I got distracted by wildlife! This lake is on the list of most instagrammed lakes in Canada. Famous for its bright turquoise water and the fact that it’s shaped like a wolf, its just 2km hike up the hill. This one is busy but as you can see worth it. Just don’t be like me and drive right by!

4. Cirrus Mountain viewpoint

They call it the Big Bend. You’ll know when you get there as you literally go around a big bend! Whether you’re descending into the valley from the north or going up from the south this is certainly worth stopping to take it all in. The magnitude and grandeur of the mountains around is breathtaking. There is a large road side pull out so it is easy to stop at take it in. This is also the point where the Banff National Park meets the Jasper National Park.

5. Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier

This spot is probably the busiest spot. And when i saw busy i mean lines and lines of tours buses stopped. There is a large Icefields center that reminds me a bit like a tiny airport! None the less, it is certainly a site to see and one you can see just from the road. The Columbia Icefield is the largest in North America apart from Alaska and is so large that it creates it’s own weather systems. When we went it was having a little weather fit of it’s own and it started to snow!

The Athabasca Glacier can be seen right from the road. It covers about 6 sq km and is 300 m at it’s thickest point. Sadly it has receded and has lost half its volume in the last 125 years.

If you’re looking to tour this part I suggest going up with Pursuit. I’ve done a few other tours with them that were fantastic!

5. Tangle creek Falls

This will be the easiest view you will get your entire trip! This gem is right off the side of the road, literally! There is enough room to set up a tripod. Of course during the day the cars line up and be very careful crossing and standing on the side of the road! Very careful! There are toliets here as well.

6. Sunwapta Falls

These falls are fed from the Athabasca Glacier and is only a short walk to the upper falls. The falls have carved a deep limestone gorge at an impressive 18 meter below the footbridge! A 1.3 km walk takes you down a pine forest to the lower falls.

7. Athabasca Falls

These falls aren’t the biggest but are very powerful considering it carved out a gorge deep into the Athabasca River, the largest river system in Jasper. They’re estimated to drop 23 meters! They are easy to get to and have a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Things to know travelling the Icefields Parkway

There are a few things to know before you go so you can pre plan.

Weather & Driving
Be aware of what type of weather to expect at certain times of year. Of course, during the summer months, July and August you wont be fighting snow storms but I went beginning of June and it started to snow. The day I finished the parkway a storm rolled in. Winter time is stunning in the Rockies but very touch and go with the weather.
Also make sure you pay extra attention while driving. If you see wildlife or want to stop only do so when there is a shoulder to pull over on or a pull out.

When to go
The beauty of the Canadian Rockies is that every season brings a different kind of magic. Depending on what you want to see and do and what kind of weather you’re hoping for will determine what season to go in.

I quite liked going at the beginning of Canadian summer– early June. Many things are just opening up for the season and it is not as busy. It’s usually not too cold but the weather can still change quite quickly. It snowed early June when I was there and storm rolled in! There is a greater chance of seeing wildlife at this time of year as bears have just come out of hibernation and animals are getting a good feed with the grass sprouting up.

July/August are very busy tourist months but its also the middle of summer and the sun is shining! So it is a lot warmer. It is a better time of year to go swimming, paddle boarding and water sports. It may not be quite as common to see wildlife as they tend to hide in the shade when it’s very hot.

September/October would be lovely times as well especially with the change of colours. It’ll be getting cooler and tourist traffic slowing down.

Winter, which is generally November to March but can extend into May, I feel would be super magical and a very different kind of experience and trip. The lakes would be frozen over, mountains blanketed with snow– like I said just magical. You do have to be mindful of bad weather, highway closures and many places to stay, close for the winter months. I highly suggest basing out of Lake Louise in the winter as this will give you good flexibility for when the weather is good enough to drive up the Icefield’s Parkway. There is so much to do in the area from sleigh rides, ice skating, snow shoeing and more.

Park Pass
If you are making any stops in the park you are required to have a park pass. Canada Parks can help you with getting one.

Watch out for wildlife!
There is plenty of wildlife down the highway and you honestly never know where or when you’ll see it. If you see anything make sure to pull over safely.
If you decide to hike, ALWAYS carry bear spray and hike in groups. Do not underestimate this!

Wildlife is amazing to see. Check out ‘Where to see wildlife in the Canadian Rockies‘ for spots and safety tips.

No mobile service
Pretty much once you leave Banff the cell reception cuts out. It’s easy not to get lost if you’re road tripping through. Pick up a map at one of the tourist centers in Banff and you’ll be set! Everything is very well marked.

Fuel
I would suggest filling up in Banff or Jasper (whichever way you’re starting from). There is a fuel station at Saskatchewan River Crossing which is about halfway up the highway. Fuel will be cheaper in Banff and Jasper.

Food & Groceries
There are only a few spots to stop for snacks: Bow Lake cafe and Columbia Icefield Center. Be prepared to over pay. I paid $18 for two coffees and two cookies! It’s ridiculous. You’re better off stocking up on groceries in Canmore, Banff or Jasper. Lake Louise doesn’t have much and again, over priced!

Bring cash money!
If you’re camping, many sites are operated on honesty boxes where you write down your details and put money in an envelope in a box. Please don’t skip this step and think you can just not pay. Most sites seem to be $15.60, $17.60 and one was $21.50 a day. Some charge an extra $8.80/day for a fire. Make sure you bring exact change. You can write credit card details on the envelope.

Where to stay along the Icefields Parkway

There are many places to stay along the highway but most are campgrounds. If you aren’t travelling in a camper, I stayed in Lake Louise one night and Sunwapta Falls the next. If you want to take more time and do some hiking, camping either in a van or tent is your best bet. If you are going to book a hotel or hostel, book early! These room sell out quickly for the summer months.

Hostels & Hotels

Campgrounds

Most campgrounds have space for tents and RVs. The one that is tent only is the Icefields campground. Most campgrounds range from 25-116 sites.

I hope this guide can help you plan your ultimate trip to the Icefields Parkway. It is an amazing place to explore. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask or leave a comment below!
Thanks for reading and enjoy!

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