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In this blog, we will be listing the top 8 MUST SEE stops on the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway is without doubt, one of THE most spectacular roads in the world. If you enjoy road trips, then you must add this spectacular drive to your bucket list! There are so many stops on the Icefields Parkway and you could easily spend a number of days exploring everything this beautiful road has to offer!
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a road that is located in Alberta in the Canadian Rockies and runs from Lake Louise in Banff National Park to the town of Jasper, in Jasper National Park. It’s a 232km stretch of road that offers jaw-dropping views, spectacular glaciers, beautiful hikes, cascading waterfalls, sweeping valleys and sometimes even wildlife viewings!
For the purposes of this blog post we have not included Moraine Lake or Lake Louise as these are usually visited when staying in Banff National Park. You now need a reservation to visit both of these lakes so we would advise that you do them on a different day. If you try and squeeze in both of those lakes, you won’t be able to explore much of the Icefields Parkway.
What you need to know about the Icefields Parkway
You will need a Parks Canada Pass to drive the Icefields Parkway which you will be able to purchase from one of the toll stations as you enter or exit Banff or Jasper National Park. Often people will just spend a day exploring the Icefields Parkway.
There are very limited facilities along the Icefields Parkway road, with only one gas station. We would recommend stocking up with everything you need and filling up with gas before you hit the road.
The locations below are starting from Banff National Park, as if you are driving to Jasper National Park. It doesn’t matter which way you drive the road as it is equally spectacular in both directions! Below are 8 of our absolute favourite must-see spots!
IMPORTANT: If driving the Icefields Parkway between the months of October – May you could encounter snow and parts of the road could be closed. The winter months will likely impact the drive times as you will need to drive more slowly. Always check the weather for the time of year you want to visit so you can plan accordingly and safely.
1. Bow Lake
Bow lake is an absolutely stunning glacial-fed lake located on the Icefields Parkway. On a summer’s day, the vibrant turquoise colour of the lake is absolutely breath taking! The backdrop of the mountains makes it a spectacular spot to wander along the shoreline, relax by the water or even go paddle boarding! It is an excellent place for a lunch stop and has a few picnic benches scattered around the area.
It’s a really accessible lake as you can park and walk to the shoreline of the lake very easily. The car park is free and can fill up very quickly during the summer months, so we would recommend visiting early morning or later on in the day.
During the winter months Bow Lake will be frozen over, the bright brilliant turquoise colour can be seen during the summer months when the ice has thawed.
- Distance from Banff Town : 94km / 58 miles
- Approximate drive time from Banff Town : 1 hour
- Distance from Jasper Town : 194km / 120 miles
- Approximate drive time to Jasper Town : 2 hours & 30 minutes
2. Peyto Lake
After Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake is probably the third most popular lake to visit in the Canadian Rockies and with good reason! This lake made our jaws drop and completely encapsulates Canada’s natural beauty. The striking blue colour of the unique wolf-shaped lake with the backdrop of mountains is truly out of this world and is sure to put a smile on your face.
The main viewing point for the lake is a 15 minute uphill paved walk from the car park. It’s around a 1.3km (0.8 miles) round trip to the viewpoint and back. There is a second viewpoint that veers off to the right, so do make sure you check that one out, however it is not a paved path.
The summer months offer the best chance of seeing the lake on a clear day. You can’t always guarantee the visibility of the lake; the first time we visited was in the autumn and we couldn’t see a thing! Remember if you visit during the winter months the lake will be frozen.
The car park is free and most cars will park in the lower section. There are disabled spaces located in the upper car park.
- Distance from Banff Town : 100km / 62 miles
- Approximate drive time from Banff Town : 1 hour & 10 minutes
- Distance from Jasper Town : 187km / 116 miles
- Approximate drive time to Jasper Town : 2 hours & 15 minutes
3. Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon was one of our favourite stops on the Icefields Parkway. A beautiful canyon that has been forged by the roaring Mistaya River and its river banks are lined with beautiful pine trees.
It’s fairly accessible but it is a short downhill walk on an unpaved path. There is a free car park, but it’s not very big so be sure to bear this in mind when visiting as it is a very popular spot.
- Distance from Banff Town : 130km / 81 miles
- Approximate drive time from Banff Town : 1 hour & 30 minutes
- Distance from Jasper Town : 158km / 98 miles
- Approximate drive time to Jasper Town : 2 hours
4. Athabasca Glacier & Columbia Icefield Centre
The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. It’s one of the most popular glaciers to visit in the world as it is very accessible and you are able to book a tour to walk on the glacier. The tours run from May – October from the Columbia Icefields Centre where there are also restrooms, a coffee shop, gift shop and interpretive displays. Even if you aren’t planning on taking a tour, it’s a great spot on the Icefields Parkway to take a break on your road trip!
We personally have mixed feelings about the glacier tours as the glacier is retreating at a very fast rate. You can see the glacier from the Centre so you don’t need to book a tour in order to see it.
- Distance from Banff Town : 187km / 116 miles
- Approximate drive time from Banff Town : 2 hours & 15 minutes
- Distance from Jasper Town : 105km / 65miles
- Approximate drive time to Jasper Town : 1 hour & 20 minutes
5. Tangle Creek Falls
A gorgeous cascading waterfall that is located right on the side of the Icefields Parkway, so it’s impossible to miss it! You will often see people crossing the road to see it. Drive with caution around this area as people do have a tendency to run across the road! There is a little car park on the opposite side of the road.
It’s not the most impressive waterfall in the area, however we still think it’s totally worth a stop, especially as you drive right by it!
- Distance from Banff Town : 192km / 119 miles
- Approximate drive time from Banff Town : 2 hours & 10 minutes
- Distance from Jasper Town : 96km / 60 miles
- Approximate drive time to Jasper Town : 1 hour & 5 minutes
6. Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls is definitely one of the iconic stops of the Icefields Parkway. It’s also only a 40 minute drive from Jasper town, therefore you could visit at a later date if you are staying in Jasper for a few days and want more time to explore other stops on the Icefields Parkway.
The upper falls are really accessible and only a short walk from the car park. To see the lower falls, you will have to hike approximately 1.4km down to the lower falls. It is totally worth the hike in our opinion! Be really careful though as it can get quite slippery!
It can get very busy during the day, so bear that in mind when you plan your visit. There a couple of picnic benches scattered around the car park, so a good place for lunch!
- Distance from Banff Town : 243km / 145 miles
- Approximate drive time from Banff Town : 2 hours & 30 minutes
- Distance from Jasper Town : 55km / 34 miles
- Approximate drive time to Jasper Town : 40 minutes
7. Goats & Glaciers Lookout
Goats and Glaciers is a beautiful stop on the Icefields Parkway, but it is really easy to miss as the viewpoint is hidden from the road by trees! We missed it the first time we drove the Icefields Parkway, therefore keep your eyes peeled. It is on your left if you are driving from Banff to Jasper!
It has a car park and the lookout is right next to it, so it is really accessible. It’s a great spot overlooking the stunning Athabasca River and sometimes you are able to spot mountain goats.
- Distance from Banff Town : 250km / 155 miles
- Approximate drive time from Banff Town : 3 hours
- Distance from Jasper Town : 38km / 24 miles
- Approximate drive time to Jasper Town : 30 minutes
8. Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is a beautiful waterfall, it may not be the largest, however it is a powerful one! Standing next to the falls, feeling the spray on your face and hearing the water roar down into the river is really impressive! It’s one of the most popular stops on the Icefields Parkway. Similar to Sunwapta Falls, it can be visited from Jasper town if you are staying a few days and want more time to explore other stops on the Icefields Parkway.
There are lots of little paths and fenced viewpoints all around the falls and gorge that give you all sorts of beautiful viewpoints. The main path around the trail is fairly flat, but the other short path descends down to the riverside and is steeper and more uneven.
The ground is a little uneven and often wet from the spray of the falls, so watch your step as it will be slippery. Stay behind the barriers and do not approach the edges though as it is very slippery and can be dangerous if you venture too close.
Visit in winter to see the waterfall frozen!
- Distance from Banff Town : 257km / 160 miles
- Approximate drive time from Banff Town : 3 hours
- Distance from Jasper Town : 32km / 20 miles
- Approximate drive time to Jasper Town : 30 minutes
Got any questions about driving the Icefields Parkway? Leave them below!
Need help planning a road trip? Check out our road trips blogs.
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