Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is likely one of the most stunning drives in Canada. Also called Freeway 93 North, this scenic street stretches between Lake Louise and Jasper within the Canadian Rockies. The Icefields Parkway Drive is thought for its gorgeous views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering mountains attracting guests from all over the world.
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 might be performed in a day, however will probably 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 possibly can hire a automobile and drive to the beginning of the Icefields Parkway.
By Automotive: When 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. When you’re coming from Edmonton, you’ll take Freeway 16 west to Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway begins simply south of Jasper.
By Bus: There are bus companies that function from Calgary and Edmonton to Banff and Jasper, respectively. From there, you would probably be part of a tour or rent a automobile to drive the Icefields Parkway.
All the time test street circumstances earlier than you permit. If you’re driving in winter, be sure you have good winter tires as winter climate could make driving hazardous and even shut the street fully.
Parks Canada Cross
Keep in mind that a legitimate park move is required to journey on the Icefields Parkway, because it runs via nationwide parkland. Additionally, the Parkway is in a distant space with restricted companies, so be certain that your car 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 have to to buy an entrance move from Parks Canada to the Nationwide Park which is $10 per individual per day. If you will be spending a number of days within the parks, it’s price it to purchase a Parks Discovery Cross on the Parks Canada web site that prices $139 for a household or $69 per individual. This provides 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 purchase your move on the entrance on the freeway when getting into Banff Nationwide Park from Calgary. Okay, now that now we have 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 automobile rental to be prepared once we land in Calgary beginning our Alberta journey instantly as soon as we go away the airport.
Finest 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 just’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 one of the stunning 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 attractive turquoise waters of Lake Louise sit under the imposing Victoria Glacier looming overhead. Positioned immediately in entrance of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise resort, there are climbing trails to soak up the view from all instructions and you may canoe on Lake Louise. (A bucket listing merchandise for Canada vacationers)
When taking your drive alongside the Icefields Parkway, we propose leaving Lake Louise at dawn so you will get to the long-lasting lakes alongside the drive within the morning earlier than the crowds and whereas the reflections are finest.
When 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 advocate the Fairmont Chateau Louise or Deer Lodge for lodging in Lake Louise.
- You’ll be able to 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 title 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 will 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 automobile 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 an exquisite 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 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 affords stunning views of Bow Lake, Bow Glacier, and finally 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 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 Acquire: The path has a average elevation achieve of about 155 meters (510 toes).
- Issue: The hike is usually thought-about average. The path begins off simple across the lake, nevertheless it turns into rocky and uneven with a light incline as you get nearer to the falls. Good footwear is advisable.
- 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 offers views of the strikingly blue Bow Lake and the encompassing 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 immediately 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 Twenties. It’s a country expertise and the eating room is full of 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 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 most well-liked lake cease alongside the Icefields Parkway. From the 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 very best elevation on the drive and it’s the very best elevation crossed by a public street in Canada. (it actually doesn’t really feel that top when you find yourself there although.
7. Mistaya Canyon
75 km from Lake Louise or 158 km and 1hr 53min from Jasper
Mistaya Canyon is an exquisite 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 simple, 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 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 light descent into the canyon. It’s rated as simple, making it accessible for most individuals.
- Time: The whole stroll might be accomplished in about 30-45 minutes, however you might wish to spend further time for images 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 slender and deep, with the fast-moving Mistaya River working via 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. This can be a vital cease not just for its stunning view, however additionally it is the place the North Saskatchewan River, Mistaya River and the Howse Rivers meet. If it is advisable to go to the lavatory, that is the place to do it as there are amenities right here with a restaurant and gasoline 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. It’s also a well-liked place (clearly) for mountaineering. 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 primary waterfall known as, Teardrop.
10. Massive Bend Peak
115 km from Lake Louise or 119 km and 1hr 25 minutes from Jasper
You’ll be able to’t miss our subsequent cease. Once you look out your window, you will wish to get out of the automobile for this view! This flip alongside the drive has a pull-off the place you will 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 primary attraction on the Icefields Parkway. The guests middle is positioned the place Banff Nationwide Park and Jasper Nationwide Park meet. Within the Customer Heart, 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’ll be able to e book excursions right here as effectively.
Excursions replenish rapidly, so you might wish to e book upfront, however you will get on them (if you’re fortunate on the final minute.
12. Athabasca Glacier
128 km from Lake Louise or 104 km and 1hr and 16 min from Jasper
Probably the greatest adventures we ever had was heading out onto the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll be able to 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 when you find yourself out on the Athabasca Glacier, you actually really feel how large it’s.
You’ll be able to stroll out on some trails from the customer middle for a more in-depth 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 usually. When you don’t have knowledgeable expertise, you would put your self in peril. Trying right into a crevasse even whereas on a tour with an knowledgeable information was scary.
- E-book this Columbia Icefield Half Day Tour right here from Jasper. It contains 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 assumed the glacier Skywalk was going to be a bit tacky, nevertheless it was implausible! 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 individuals afraid of heights could be just a little nervous. The 1km walkway has some interpretive stops alongside the best way 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’ll be able to e book tickets immediately on the Guests Centre and buses go away 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 may have 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 middle you may have a little bit of time to calm down in your drive. Get a cappuccino to go earlier than leaving the customer’s middle to get pleasure from alongside the best way earlier than you cease on the subsequent stunning 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 Finest 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 large quantity of water from the Athabasca River is compelled via 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. This can be a excellent 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 might be treacherous and trails aren’t maintained.
There is just one gasoline station on the Icefields Parkway on the Saskatchewan River Crossing so be sure you replenish 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 might be pushed from Lake Louise to Jasper in 3 hours, a straight shot. However it will probably take a few days to discover all the pieces listed above. Particularly if you will e book an Athabasca Glacier tour and the Glacier Skywalk go to.
The place to Keep on the Icefields Parkway
There are a number of locations to remain on the Icefields Parkway. It’s restricted and you may simply do day journeys from Banff and Jasper. Additionally, resorts are closed for the winter with them opening at numerous instances 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 immediately 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 just some km from the city of Jasper.
What’s the Finest Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway
One of the best time to drive the Icefields Parkway is often throughout the summer season months (June via September). The climate throughout these months is normally gentle, 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 totally operational.
Nevertheless, remember that summer season can also be the busiest time of 12 months for tourism, so you possibly can count on extra site visitors and extra individuals on the well-liked websites alongside the parkway.
When you get pleasure from winter surroundings and don’t thoughts colder climate, the Icefields Parkway will also be stunning within the winter months (December via February), nevertheless it’s essential to be ready for winter driving circumstances and potential street closures as a result of heavy snowfall. Observe that many amenities can be closed or have diminished hours throughout the winter.
When you don’t have winter driving expertise, we don’t advocate driving the Icefields Parkway. It may be harmful. When you determine to drive the icefields parkway within the winter, make sure you have snow tires.
In any season, it’s necessary to test the street circumstances and climate forecast earlier than your journey. All the time have a full tank of gasoline earlier than you begin (as there are lengthy stretches with out gasoline stations), and carry a map since cell service might be spotty. Bear in mind to respect the wildlife and maintain the park clear for future guests.
How Lengthy Does it Take to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
The whole Icefields Parkway stretches 232 kilometers (144 miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper. You’ll be able to technically drive the whole icefields parkway in about 3 to 4 hours continuous, nevertheless, this scenic route affords such breathtaking views and distinctive stops that merely driving straight via would imply lacking out on the total expertise.
To completely admire the pure magnificence and benefit from the varied scenic spots, climbing trails, and picnic areas alongside the route, it’s advisable 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.
Components resembling climate, street circumstances, site 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 just may wish to cease and see:
- Peyto Lake: Identified 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 middle and take a tour of the glacier itself.
- Athabasca Falls: Simply off the parkway, this highly effective, picturesque waterfall is price a go to.
Bear in mind, it’s not simply in regards to the vacation spot, however the journey as effectively. 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 Automotive to Drive Alongside the Icefields Parkway?
When you don’t have your personal automobile, it’s best to positively hire a automobile 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 performed 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 just’ll be glad for the wheels.
You’ll be able to test rental automobile 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 result of its location via the center of the wilderness within the Canadian Rockies, so it’s important to plan forward. Right here’s the place you could find gasoline alongside or close to the route:
- Lake Louise: That is the southern place to begin of the Icefields Parkway, and there’s a gasoline station right here. It’s sensible to replenish your tank earlier than you begin the drive.
- Saskatchewan River Crossing: Roughly midway alongside the parkway, one can find a gasoline station on the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Observe that this gasoline station is often solely open from April to October, and the costs might be considerably increased than elsewhere as a result of its distant location.
- Jasper: On the northern finish of the Icefields Parkway, Jasper is a totally serviced city with a number of gasoline stations. That is the final place to replenish for those who’re heading south or the primary for those who’re ranging from the north.
Given the lengthy stretches with out companies, it’s strongly advisable to start out your journey with a full tank of gasoline and refuel at Saskatchewan River Crossing if wanted, notably for those who’re planning on doing any aspect journeys or it’s exterior of the summer season months when companies are extra restricted. As of my information cutoff in September 2021, these had been the one fueling factors immediately on or close to the parkway however at all times test for essentially the most present info 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 as a result of distant nature of the area. There are substantial stretches of the parkway with no cellular phone protection, notably 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 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 might fluctuate relying in your service supplier. The Discovery Heart has WiFi.
Due to this, it’s necessary to be ready for stretches of your journey the place you received’t have cell service:
- Plan your route and stops upfront.
- Obtain any maps, path guides, or different info you may want forward of time.
- Inform somebody of your plans earlier than you go.
- Carry a conventional paper map as a backup.
- When you plan on climbing, contemplate carrying a satellite-based emergency communication gadget.
Bear 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 test essentially the most present details about companies 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 may seize lunch on the Crossing Café.
- Saskatchewan River Crossing: There’s a restaurant at The Crossing Resort, which is open seasonally (sometimes April via October). provide a variety 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 give a variety of meal choices. Nevertheless, it’s additionally seasonal and sometimes operates from April via October.
- Num-Ti-Jah Lodge: This historic lodge close to Bow Lake has a eating room that gives 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, for those who choose to deliver your personal meals. This is usually a good possibility because it offers you flexibility and you may get pleasure from your meal surrounded by gorgeous views. Simply keep in mind to observe all park guidelines and pointers for waste disposal to guard the atmosphere.
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. Nevertheless, 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 reside on this area. They’re extra generally seen within the spring and early summer season, usually on the roadside consuming the recent inexperienced vegetation. Bear in mind to maintain a secure distance, by no means feed them, and don’t get out of your automobile to take images.
- Elk: Elk are frequent within the area, particularly within the meadows and grasslands. Males with their giant antlers are a formidable sight, notably within the fall throughout the rut (mating season).
- Massive 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 may get fortunate, notably in marshy areas or close to water our bodies.
- Wolves, Coyotes, and Foxes: These predators are extra elusive, however they do reside within the space. Early morning or late night are the very best instances to probably spot them.
- Birds: Many species of birds might 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: Maintain a watch out for animals like squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, and pikas within the rocky areas.
And these are essentially the most superb stops in your street journey from Banff to Jasper. You can too drive from Jasper to Banff, (we’ve performed each!) and it’s superb to see the views from every finish of the Icefields Parkway.
