Icefields Parkway: Canada’s Most Scenic Drive Through the Heart of the Rockies
- vamos39
- Sep 23
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Icefields Parkway, officially known as Highway 93 North, is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Stretching for 230 kilometers (143 miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper in Alberta, this route takes you deep into the Canadian Rockies, past towering peaks, turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and over 100 ancient glaciers. It’s not just a road trip—it’s a journey into some of the most breathtaking wilderness Canada has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a short day trip from Calgary or a multi-day adventure through Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Icefields Parkway promises a lifetime of memories. Below is a comprehensive guide with practical tips on how to get there, where to stop, what to eat, and how long to plan for the journey.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Beauty of Icefields Parkway
Getting to the Icefields Parkway from Calgary
How Long Does It Take to Drive the Parkway?
Top Scenic Stops Along the Route
Herbert Lake
Bow Lake & Crowfoot Glacier
Peyto Lake
Mistaya Canyon
Saskatchewan River Crossing
Weeping Wall
Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier
Sunwapta Falls
Athabasca Falls
Best Photo Opportunities
Where to Eat Along the Icefields Parkway
Accommodation Options
When to Visit the Parkway
Tips for Driving Safely
How Many Days to Plan for the Trip
Conclusion: A Road Trip of a Lifetime
Quick Facts Recap
Getting to the Icefields Parkway from Calgary
Most travelers begin their adventure in Calgary, the nearest major city and home to Calgary International Airport (YYC). From downtown Calgary, the drive to Lake Louise, where the Icefields Parkway begins, takes around 2 to 2.5 hours (185 km / 115 miles) via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).
If you’re coming directly from the airport, add another 15–20 minutes. The route is straightforward: head west on Highway 1, pass through Canmore and Banff, then continue toward Lake Louise.
Tip: If you have the time, consider spending a night in Banff or Lake Louise before tackling the Parkway. This lets you start fresh in the morning and enjoy the road with fewer crowds.
How Long Does It Take to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
Without stops, the Icefields Parkway can technically be driven in about 3–3.5 hours from Lake Louise to Jasper. But that would be missing the point. The real magic lies in stopping at the countless lakes, viewpoints, and short hiking trails along the way.
For a full experience, most travelers should allow:
1 full day – Quick version with selected highlights, lunch on the go, and a late arrival in Jasper.
2–3 days – The ideal pace. Allows time for photography, glacier tours, hikes, wildlife spotting, and relaxing overnight stays.
Book Your YYC Airport Shuttle to Banff
Top Scenic Stops Along the Icefields Parkway
The Parkway is dotted with pull-offs and iconic landmarks. Here are some must-see stops in order as you travel north from Lake Louise:
Herbert Lake – Just minutes from Lake Louise, this calm reflective lake offers stunning views of Mount Temple and is a peaceful first stop for photos.
Bow Lake & Crowfoot Glacier – One of the most photographed spots. The vibrant turquoise waters of Bow Lake sit beneath Bow Glacier, especially spectacular in the morning light.
Peyto Lake – Famous for its wolf-head shape and striking color, Peyto Lake is accessible by a short walk to a viewpoint platform.
Mistaya Canyon – A 10-minute walk leads to a dramatic canyon carved by the Mistaya River.
Saskatchewan River Crossing – A small service area with fuel, food, and washrooms. Also the junction where you can turn toward Abraham Lake and the David Thompson Highway.
Weeping Wall – A sheer cliff where water cascades down like tears, particularly in spring and early summer.
Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier – The crown jewel of the Parkway. Here you can take the Ice Explorer tour onto the glacier or walk the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform suspended over the valley.
Sunwapta Falls – A thundering waterfall just off the highway, best seen in early summer with high meltwater.
Athabasca Falls – Powerful and dramatic, this waterfall near Jasper is one of the most impressive in the Rockies.
Each stop is well-signed, and many have parking areas for easy access.
Best Photo Opportunities
Photography lovers will find endless opportunities along the Parkway. Some of the best spots include:
Bow Lake at sunrise – Perfect reflections of the surrounding peaks.
Peyto Lake viewpoint – A must for wide-angle shots.
Athabasca Glacier – Dramatic up-close images of ancient ice.
Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls – Long exposure photography is especially rewarding here.
Wildlife encounters – Keep your camera ready for elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and sometimes even bears along the roadside.
Where to Eat Along the Icefields Parkway
Food options are limited along this wilderness route, so plan ahead. A few stops where you can grab a bite include:
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge (Bow Lake) – A historic lodge offering meals with a view.
Saskatchewan River Crossing – A service center with a restaurant, café, and small store. Prices are higher here due to the remote location.
Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre – A large cafeteria and coffee shop overlooking Athabasca Glacier.
Tip: Pack snacks, sandwiches, and water in Calgary or Banff before setting off. Picnic areas along the route make it easy to stop and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
Accommodation Options
Whether you prefer rustic lodges, campsites, or cozy hotels, the Parkway offers several options:
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge (Bow Lake) – Rustic charm right on the lake.
The Crossing Resort (Saskatchewan River Crossing) – Comfortable rooms and a restaurant at the halfway point.
Glacier View Lodge (Columbia Icefield) – Modern rooms with spectacular glacier views.
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge – Close to the falls, offering chalet-style stays.
Camping – Several campgrounds along the route, including Wilcox Creek (near Columbia Icefield) and Waterfowl Lakes (near Peyto Lake).
For more amenities, many travelers choose to stay in Lake Louise before the drive or Jasper at the northern end.
When to Visit the Icefields Parkway
The Parkway is open year-round, but the best time to visit is late June to early October when the road is clear of snow and all attractions are accessible. In winter, conditions can be treacherous, and many facilities close. However, the road remains open, offering a serene snow-covered landscape for experienced winter drivers.
Tips for Driving the Parkway Safely
Fuel up before starting. There is only one gas station on the Parkway (at Saskatchewan River Crossing).
Drive slowly. Wildlife is often on the road, and photo opportunities appear suddenly.
Check road conditions. Weather can change rapidly, especially near the Icefields.
National Park Pass required. Since the Parkway runs through Banff and Jasper National Parks, a valid Parks Canada pass is mandatory.
Cell service is very limited. Download maps offline before starting.
How Many Days Should You Plan?
One day: Possible if you leave early from Lake Louise, make quick stops, and reach Jasper by evening. Great for travelers on a tight schedule.
Two days: Recommended. Spend one night at the Columbia Icefield or Sunwapta Falls area to break the trip into manageable sections and enjoy sunset/sunrise in the Rockies.
Three days or more: Perfect for hikers and photographers. Allows time for half-day hikes such as Parker Ridge, Wilcox Pass, or Valley of the Five Lakes near Jasper.
Conclusion: A Road Trip of a Lifetime
The Icefields Parkway is not just a road—it’s a journey through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth. From shimmering glacial lakes to roaring waterfalls and towering peaks, every curve in the road reveals a new postcard-perfect view.
Whether you spend a quick day or linger for several, the Parkway will leave you with unforgettable memories of the Canadian Rockies. For anyone visiting Alberta, this drive is an absolute must.
Quick Facts Recap:
Distance: 230 km (143 miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper
Driving time: 3–3.5 hours nonstop, but plan 1–3 days for full experience
Best season: Late June – Early October
Highlights: Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls
Food & fuel: Limited—stock up in Banff or Lake Louise
