Searching for the most effective and most complete useful resource that will help you plan an journey driving the Icefields Parkway? Our information is all the things you want!
There’s a motive why the Icefields Parkway is called one of many world’s most stunning drives.
Connecting Banff and Jasper Nationwide Parks, two of essentially the most spectacular and iconic areas of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is a dreamy roadway surrounded by evergreen forests, alpine lakes, and jagged mountain peaks.
Oh, yeah, and that’s to not point out the over 100 glaciers that dot the world!
Whereas dwelling in Calgary for practically 6 months, I took the chance to discover the Canadian Rockies virtually each weekend.
And, of all the hikes, drives, and journey actions I attempted whereas there, the one factor that by no means bought previous was the awe-inspiring views alongside the Icefields Parkway.
If you happen to’re planning a street journey within the Canadian Rockies, you completely can’t miss a scenic drive by way of the Icefields Parkway.
Whereas there are such a lot of issues to do on the Icefields Parkway, I’ve included a few of my high journey suggestions and strategies for essentially the most beautiful sights on this submit.
The Fundamentals: Issues to Know Earlier than Driving the Icefields Parkway
Whereas street tripping alongside the Icefields Parkway is much like any alpine nationwide park space, there are just a few vital distinctive issues to find out about travelling on this area.
On this part, I’m sharing just a few essential tricks to pay attention to earlier than planning your Icefields Parkway street journey.
Don’t overlook to take a look at our information to the highest 30 issues to do in Canada!
Vital Icefields Parkway Journey Ideas
Whereas the roads are usually well-maintained and the tourism infrastructure could be very developed, a scenic drive within the Canadian Rockies can typically be difficult for just a few causes.
Listed below are a few normal pointers you must take note as you propose (and embark!) in your journey.
The Icefields Parkway is a year-round vacation spot.
Whereas the height season for the Icefields Parkway is in the summertime (extra on this within the subsequent part), you’ll be able to take this drive within the spring, fall, and winter, too.
There are tons of issues to do in Banff, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway year-round.
Observe that climate circumstances are most beneficial within the peak season, so that you’ll must take additional precautions in case you plan on touring within the colder, extra ice-prone months.
The climate could be very unpredictable year-round.
Simply since you select to go to the Canadian Rockies in the summertime doesn’t imply that you just’ll get sunny, heat climate on daily basis.
Snow can occur within the greater alpine areas till early June, and there are avalanche dangers on sure trails nicely into the summer season.
Make sure to examine all the street circumstances and path circumstances on the Parks Canada web site earlier than setting out for a drive or a hike. That would prevent a number of difficulties!
There’s wildlife in all places.
The complete Canadian Rockies space is residence to tons of animals, together with mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, elk, moose, and bears (of the grizzly and black varieties). If you happen to occur to identify one in every of these majestic beasts, you’ll be able to admire them from afar.
Nonetheless, don’t method them or try to feed them. If you happen to plan on tenting, remember to correctly retailer or get rid of all meals within the correct, marked receptacles.
These animals will be very robust and harmful in case you aren’t cautious, so take the required precautions to guard your self and your fellow travellers.
Contemplate reserving an audio information
There’s a lot to see and do on the Icefields Parkway, and there’s a lot to study. For a enjoyable, interactive driving expertise, take into account reserving a smartphone audio tour.
For simply $9 CAD, you’ll be able to obtain an app to your telephone which can present enjoyable info, trivia questions, and historical past in regards to the sights alongside the drive.
The audio information covers the principle sights corresponding to Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Sunwapta Falls, Bow Lake, and extra. But it surely nonetheless lets you journey at your personal tempo.
If you happen to’re tackling this street journey with the entire household, this is usually a enjoyable approach to hold everybody studying and entertained.
You’ll must pay a charge to enter.
The Icefields Parkway stretches from one Nationwide Park to a different, which means that you just’ll must pay the Parks Canada charge to enter.
The associated fee is $10.50 CAD per particular person per day, 2-7 adults in 1 automobile is $21 and youngsters are free!
You may pay once you arrive within the Banff space. There are small kiosks on the aspect of the street once you enter the park you can drive proper as much as.
It’s also possible to guide your Parks Canada go on-line, which is an effective choice in case you’re doing plenty of road-tripping round Canada. Purchase a Parks Canada go that mixes a number of areas to avoid wasting a bit of cash.
When to Go to the Canadian Rockies
Whereas the Canadian Rockies are a year-round vacation spot, the most effective time to go to is between mid-June and the top of September.
Throughout this time of 12 months, you’ll expertise the warmest temperatures and the least unstable climate circumstances, in addition to having the ability to take part within the largest number of actions.
Nonetheless, in case you favor to have a a lot quieter, much less crowded journey, the spring or later within the fall will be unbelievable choices.
The primary time I travelled to the Canadian Rockies was in Might, and it was stunning, with pretty delicate temperatures and few fellow guests.
Even Lake Louise wasn’t crowded! Nonetheless, we did expertise some snow flurries on occasion, and our in a single day tenting was typically barely lower than snug within the chilly of the night time.
Observe: this information is primarily meant for summer season journey throughout this peak season. A few of the actions talked about right here could also be closed or unavailable must you resolve to go to earlier than June or after September.
Easy methods to Hire a Automotive within the Canadian Rockies
These visiting the Canadian Rocky Mountains from afar will most definitely fly into Calgary Worldwide Airport (YYC). That is the most important worldwide airport in Alberta, and it companies many airways and locations round North America and the world.
From there, you’ll be able to hire a automobile from quite a lot of worldwide businesses, together with Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. There are kiosks for many of those main businesses proper on the airport itself.
If you’re going to drive the Icefields Parkway in winter, positively get a automobile with winter tires so you’ll be able to keep secure and safe whereas winter driving.
It’s also possible to hire a automobile from Calgary’s metropolis heart. In my expertise, I’ve discovered that the charges for automobile leases downtown are considerably cheaper than on the airport.
If you happen to would like to hire a campervan the place you’ll be able to sleep and prepare dinner, there are just a few businesses that function out of Calgary as nicely. I’ve by no means personally carried out this within the Canadian Rockies, however two businesses that appear to have nice opinions are Escape Campervans and Karma Campervans.
The easiest way to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Vehicles, which has the most important vary of autos for the most effective worth in the marketplace.
However in case you’ve at all times dreamed of touring alongside the Icefields Parkway, and also you’d moderately not hire a automobile, there are many nice excursions that can take you to the highlights.
Although it’s preferrred to spend just a few days or extra exploring the world with your personal automobile, guided excursions from Jasper city, Lake Louise, or Banff may also help you see all the things and not using a automobile.
The place to Keep close to the Icefields Parkway
As this can be a main vacationer vacation spot in Alberta, there are many locations to remain throughout your Icefields Parkway itinerary.
Whilst you can decide to drive the complete parkway in sooner or later (it’s solely about 3 hours from Banff to Jasper), I’d strongly advocate taking your time and spending an evening or two within the space.
Listed below are just a few choices for all budgets for the place to remain once you drive the Icefields Parkway:
- Lodge: Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge is constructed into a comfortable log cabin, and rests towards the northern a part of the Icefields Parkway, proper subsequent to Sunwapta Falls. Right here, you’ll discover snug rooms and a full-service restaurant.
- Hostel: HI Magnificence Creek Wilderness Hostel is a hostel in the midst of the Icefields Parkway, typically frequented by hikers and ice climbers. They provide dorm beds at cheap charges and superior entry to the Parkway as an entire.
- Tenting: Tenting is normally the lodging choice that I select once I go to the Canadian Rockies. There are tons of campsites dotting the Icefields Parkway, each within the Banff and Jasper jurisdictions. Lots of them are first-come, first-served, which means you’ll want to indicate up early on the day you wish to camp to inquire about availability.
Issues to Do on the Icefields Parkway
After all, you’re most likely not going to easily drive the Icefields Parkway with out stopping for some epic views and journey actions.
You may admire the well-known alpine lakes corresponding to Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the long-lasting Lake Louise. You may trek throughout the Athabasca Glacier or see unimaginable views at Crowfoot Glacier.
Go canoeing, mountain climbing, ice-climbing, and extra. You may pack a lot superb stuff into an Icefields Parkway Itinerary, so attempt to profit from your time there.
That will help you plan your journey, listed here are some unimaginable actions to attempt whilst you’re driving by way of the Icefields Parkway.
It’s also possible to see the areas of those stops on the official Icefields Parkway map right here.
Cease at a Glacier Viewpoint
If you happen to’re going to do one factor on the Icefields Parkway, remember to make the most of the varied overpasses and street shoulder areas that boast among the most superb views of the landscapes surrounding the freeway.
There are a number of of those sorts of lookout factors all around the Parkway, beginning at Peyto Lake, which is simply previous Lake Louise after you flip onto the Icefields Parkway.
In a while, in the direction of Jasper Nationwide Parks, you’ll discover much more roadside viewpoints that overlook glowing alpine lakes, marvelous mountain ridges, and naturally, the Columbia Icefield and its many glaciers.
You need to cease at as many of those as you need — they’re there for a motive!
Please ensure you ONLY cease on the designated viewpoint areas and NOT in the midst of the freeway. Belief me, I do know that the landscapes are stunning and it may be tempting to decelerate or cease in the midst of the street whereas driving to admire the views.
On your and everybody else’s security, please don’t do that! Discover a secure place to park your automobile earlier than admiring the views round you.
Professional tip: These viewpoint areas can get REALLY widespread through the summer season, so in case you’re hoping to cease off at a number of them, I like to recommend beginning early within the morning.
This manner, not solely will you get to soak within the views with out as many crowds, however you’ll additionally be capable of seize the attractive morning gentle on the faces of the mountains. Rating!
Take a look at our Final Canada Journey Information for extra suggestions!
Go Mountain climbing Alongside the Icefields Parkway
For the hikers on the market, there are TONS of superior trails within the Icefields Parkway space that you just positively shouldn’t miss.
Amongst them are trails that take you above canyons, by way of evergreen forests, and produce you to hidden alpine lakes or breezy viewpoints to soak in essentially the most breathtaking views of the complete space.
Professional tip: If you happen to’re planning on mountain climbing, remember to pack loads of water, additional layers (together with a water-resistant rain shell), and a can of bear spray in case of an sudden run-in with wildlife. You may get bear spray at most outside outfitters in Calgary or in one of many close by nationwide parks.
Whereas I might most likely write a complete new submit on the hikes within the Icefields Parkway, listed here are just a few nice ones to get you began:
Mistaya Canyon
This quick, 1.1-kilometer canyon path is ideal for newbie hikers or households in search of some contemporary air and exquisite views.
You’ll make your approach alongside jagged, eerie grey rock formations which have essentially the most stunning, teal water working by way of them.
The Mistaya Canyon path is a bit lesser-known than most, so there’s an opportunity you’ll have some areas of it to your self!
Parker Ridge
The 5-kilometer, average Parker Ridge Hike is an ideal, barely longer hike to catch among the most beautiful glacier views across the Icefields Parkway.
You’ll take a sequence of switchbacks as much as the highest of the ridge, the place you’ll be able to catch a powerful glimpse of the Saskatchewan Glacier and its corresponding river under.
Chephren Lake
This simple to average 7.7-kilometer hike takes you thru a forested path to an exquisite, deep turquoise-colored lake surrounded by rock partitions and peaks.
This path can get muddy after intervals of snow soften or rain, so carry waterproof mountain climbing boots and thick socks!
Helen Lake & Cirque Peak
As a difficult hike, this 17.2-kilometer path is a full-day journey that can take you to the gorgeous Helen Lake, earlier than ascending a steep slope to the highest of Cirque Peak.
If you happen to’re in search of a shorter model of this hike, merely cease at Helen Peak and switch again — the views are nonetheless glorious and also you’ll nonetheless have time to do different actions within the space that day.
For extra mountain climbing concepts, take a look at our Final Information to the Finest Banff Hikes
Chase Some Waterfalls
As an space with tons of glaciers, rivers, and mountain springs, you’re certain to run into some stunning waterfalls in some unspecified time in the future throughout your journey alongside the Icefields Parkway.
Even within the winter, you could possibly catch among the waterfalls frozen into large, gentle blue icicles, which is a extremely freaking stunning show of nature.
Listed below are just a few of the preferred waterfalls you can go to alongside the Icefields Parkway.
Weeping Wall
One of many extra distinctive waterfalls within the space, the weeping wall is a vertical rock face that has small waterfalls that “weep” through the summer season.
Within the wintertime, this set of cliffs is a well-liked spot for sport ice climbers. Nonetheless, in the summertime, you’ll be able to merely go to to observe the gorgeous cascade of water over the rocks.
Sunwapta Falls
Fairly presumably my favourite waterfall in the complete Icefields Parkway space is Sunwapta Falls, an exquisite set of falls within the Sunwapta River within the southern a part of Banff Nationwide Park.
Sunwapta means turbulent water in an area indigenous language, Stoney. You may see why Sunwapta Falls was named so once you arrive at this set of highly effective falls.
Sunwapta Falls consists of two waterfalls that converge into one unimaginable epic viewpoint.
Bow Glacier Falls
Attending to Bow Glacier Falls requires an 8.7-kilometer hike from Bow Lake, nevertheless it’s actually definitely worth the effort and time to see some of the stunning waterfalls (and surrounding viewpoints) within the space.
You’ll go over wood bridges alongside the Bow River as you tackle this leisurely uphill path. This waterfall is widespread amongst ice climbers within the winter, because the falls can freeze over.
Athabasca Falls
Positioned in Jasper Nationwide Park, Athabasca Falls is a well-liked cease on any Icefields Parkway itinerary. It isn’t the largest waterfall within the space, however it’s thought of some of the highly effective.
Athabasca Falls drops about 25 meters and is surrounded by stunning forests. Flip off the Icefields Parkway once you see the signal for Athabasca Falls, and the principle viewing platform is true there.
For a little bit of an journey, hike the Athabasca Falls Path which takes you to the higher falls and decrease falls and traverses the Athabasca River and canyon.
Tangle Creek Falls
This multi-tiered waterfall close to the Columbia Glacier Skywalk is unquestionably some of the stunning in Western Canada.
It’s simple to overlook Tangle Creek Falls as there’s only a small signal on the aspect of the Icefields Parkway for “Tangle Creek”. Pull over right here into the small parking zone and full the quick stroll to the falls – it’s price it!
Go to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is a component info-center and half museum. It sits off of the Icefields Parkway about an hour and a half away from the Jasper Data Centre.
Right here you’ll be able to take a look at the displays, which characteristic the area’s many glaciers, to study extra about how they have been fashioned.
Admission to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is free, and you too can meet right here to embark on the free shuttle to the Glacier Skywalk. It’s also possible to get info on a number of glacier treks and excursions contained in the constructing.
If you happen to’re feeling hungry, seize a chunk on the restaurant, Altitude, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in superb views of the glaciers by way of the a number of home windows spanning the perimeter of the constructing. Lunch is buffet model, whereas dinner and breakfast are a la carte.
Reap the benefits of the Canadian-inspired menu alternatives, which embody roasted beef, west coast salmon, and beef tenderloin.
In case you are simply passing by on the best way to Jasper, plan to spend half-hour right here for a fast pit cease.
Stroll the Glacier Skywalk
Take a stroll alongside a 400-meter-long glass-bottomed walkway that overlooks the attractive Sunwapta Valley!
The Glacier Skywalk, which sits 280 meters above the bottom and extends 35 meters out from the sting of the cliff, affords jaw-dropping views of the Columbia Icefield and Sunwapta Valley. It’s a extremely nice exercise to expertise superb views with none strenuous mountain climbing — excellent for households or non-hikers!
The Skywalk is positioned about 6 km away from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, however there isn’t any parking onsite. Guests must park on the Discovery Centre and take a free shuttle to the Skywalk.
The Skywalk normally opens at 10 am and closes within the late afternoon, relying on the time of 12 months. To examine the closing hours for the dates of your journey, examine the Columbia Icefield web site.
If you happen to’re planning on doing the Skywalk, you’ll spend about 45 minutes to an hour there.
Professional tip: Tickets will be bought both on the day of on the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or on-line. They price $35 on the door, however you’ll be able to pre-purchase them on-line upfront for a ten% low cost.
It’s also possible to guide your ticket on Get Your Information, which incorporates entry to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, an audio information, and a round-trip switch to Jasper.
Do An Athabasca Glacier Trek
Probably the most unimaginable issues you’ll be able to expertise alongside the Icefields Parkway is a glacier trek. An ideal place to do this is Athabasca Glacier in Jasper Nationwide Park. That is one in every of North America’s most visited glaciers.
If you happen to’re feeling courageous, guide an Athabasca Glacier Tour the place you’ll be able to stroll on and drink from the ten,000-year-old sheet of ice (with an knowledgeable information and the precise tools, after all!).
A number of excursions run each day from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and most function between late spring to early fall. The itineraries are sometimes related throughout the completely different operators.
You’ll be taken out to Athabasca Glacier on an enormous all-terrain bus with a educated information who will train you in regards to the space’s historical past, how the glaciers have fashioned and moved through the years, and the way the geography of the world has impacted the ecosystem.
After arriving at Athabasca Glacier, you’ll get to stroll straight on the ice and discover crevasses and hills.
Some excursions are all-day occasions (10 am – 5 pm), however you’ll find shorter journeys on the Discovery Centre which might be 3 hours in size. All required gear (crampons and ice picks, if mandatory) are normally included in these excursions.
Trekking throughout Athabasca Glacier is among the coolest experiences in southern Alberta.
See the Well-known Lake Louise
If there’s one sight on the Icefields Parkway that each vacationer desires to see, it’s Lake Louise.
Lake Louise is a beautiful glacial lake in Banff Nationwide Park that’s surrounded by the towering mountains of the Rocky Mountains. It’s the quintessential view of Banff, and is a must-see alongside the Icefields Parkway.
Lake Louise can also be the title of the small vacationer city subsequent to the lake. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a well-known luxurious lodge proper on Lake Louise. If you wish to deal with your self to the very best lodging alongside the Icefields Parkway, take into account a keep right here.
However most guests simply go to Lake Louise for the day. The Lakeshore Path is the preferred approach to see Lake Louise. This simple strolling path follows the sting of the lake so you’ll be able to admire all of the views.
Different enjoyable issues to do in Lake Louise embody renting a canoe and going for a paddle, or finishing the 4-mile spherical journey hike as much as Lake Agnes Tea Home.
Of all of the beautiful turquoise lakes alongside the Icefields Parkway, and there are a lot of, Lake Louise is the preferred.
Go to the opposite Beautiful Glacial Lakes
After leaving Lake Louise, head to among the different turquoise lakes within the space. I’ll point out three of the most effective ones intimately, although there are such a lot of others together with Herbert Lake, Chephren Lake, Vermilion Lakes, and the Waterfowl Lakes.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is simply 20 minutes from Lake Louise, so the 2 are sometimes visited collectively. This stunning lake is much like Lake Louise.
It has vibrant blue water, mountains, and forests within the background, and you’ll hike or hire a canoe in summer season.
If you would like a break from driving, you too can guide a sightseeing tour from Banff which incorporates Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is one other widespread spot to go to. Only a 30-minute drive north of Lake Louise this lake is a barely smaller and fewer touristy choice.
Bow Lake is fed by icy water from the Bow Glacier within the Wapta Icefield. It’s a peaceable place that’s nice for an informal stroll or a picnic lunch by the water. You may swim within the lake if you would like an adrenaline rush from the freezing glacial water, however most guests go for admiring the lake from the shore.
Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint are close by, so it’s simple to mix the 2 into one go to.
Peyto Lake
Only a 5-minute drive north of Bow Lake lies Peyto Lake, one other gem of the Icefield Parkway.
Although its vivid-turquoise hues could look inviting, most guests don’t truly go to the shores of Peyto Lake as a result of it’s surrounded by forest and is sort of troublesome to entry.
One of the best factor to do at Peyto Lake is hike to one of many viewpoints and simply admire the views from above.
From the Peyto Lake parking zone there’s a 500-meter path as much as the viewing platform. The path is known as each the Peyto Lake Viewpoint Path or Bow Summit Lookout Path, and that is the simplest hike with the most effective views.
You could possibly additionally embark on a tougher hike as much as Commentary Peak, which is 8km complete.
Wrapping up this Icefields Parkway Journey Information
Hopefully this information has supplied you with all the information you could must embark on an unimaginable drive of the Icefields Parkway.
That is really top-of-the-line issues to do in Canada, and this can be some of the scenic drives on this planet.
From the jagged mountain peaks and sweeping valleys to the glittering glaciers, sapphire lakes, and tumbling waterfalls, this stunning nook of western Canada could also be some of the stunning locations you’ll ever go to.
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