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There’s a purpose why the Icefields Parkway is called one of many world’s most stunning drives.
Connecting Banff and Jasper Nationwide Parks, two of probably 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 realm!
Whereas dwelling in Calgary for practically 6 months, I took the chance to discover the Canadian Rockies nearly each weekend.
And, of the entire 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.
In the event you’re planning a street journey within the Canadian Rockies, you completely can not 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 solutions for probably the most gorgeous sights on this submit.
NOTE – The city of Jasper and the encompassing nationwide park has sadly been devastated by wildfires in July 2024, with vital injury to infrastructure. Our ideas and love are with the folks of this stunning group at this tragic time. For any guests planning a visit to the Rockies, now isn’t the time to be travelling to Jasper. The city will rebuild, stronger than ever, so please verify native tourism board web sites for updates.
The Fundamentals: Issues to Know Earlier than Driving the Icefields Parkway
Whereas street tripping alongside the Icefields Parkway is just like any alpine nationwide park space, there are a number of vital distinctive issues to find out about travelling on this area.
On this part, I’m sharing a number of 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 high 30 issues to do in Canada!
Essential Icefields Parkway Journey Suggestions
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 tough for a number of causes.
Listed here are a few common tips you must take into accout as you intend (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 possibly can 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.
Be aware that climate circumstances are most beneficial within the peak season, so that you’ll have to take further precautions should 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 daily.
Snow can occur within the greater alpine areas till early June, and there are avalanche dangers on sure trails nicely into the summer time.
You should definitely verify the entire street circumstances and path circumstances on the Parks Canada web site earlier than setting out for a drive or a hike. That would prevent lots of difficulties!
There’s wildlife in every single place.
Your complete Canadian Rockies space is dwelling to tons of animals, together with mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, elk, moose, and bears (of the grizzly and black varieties). In the event you occur to identify certainly one of these majestic beasts, you possibly can admire them from afar.
Nevertheless, don’t strategy them or try to feed them. In the event you plan on tenting, you should definitely correctly retailer or eliminate all meals within the correct, marked receptacles.
These animals will be very robust and harmful should you aren’t cautious, so take the mandatory precautions to guard your self and your fellow travellers.
Think about 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 possibly can obtain an app to your cellphone which is able to present enjoyable info, trivia questions, and historical past in regards to the sights alongside the drive.
The audio information covers the principle sights equivalent to Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Sunwapta Falls, Bow Lake, and extra. But it surely nonetheless means that you can journey at your individual tempo.
In the event you’re tackling this street journey with the entire household, this is usually a enjoyable approach to maintain everybody studying and entertained.
You’ll have to pay a payment to enter.
The Icefields Parkway stretches from one Nationwide Park to a different, that means that you just’ll have to pay the Parks Canada payment to enter.
The price is $10.50 CAD per individual per day, 2-7 adults in 1 automobile is $21 and youngsters are free!
You may pay whenever you arrive within the Banff space. There are small kiosks on the facet of the street whenever you enter the park that you would be able to drive proper as much as.
It’s also possible to guide your Parks Canada go on-line, which is an efficient possibility should you’re doing a number of road-tripping round Canada. Purchase a Parks Canada go that mixes a number of places to save lots of a bit of cash.
When to Go to the Canadian Rockies
Whereas the Canadian Rockies are a year-round vacation spot, the very best time to go to is between mid-June and the tip of September.
Throughout this time of yr, you’ll expertise the warmest temperatures and the least risky climate circumstances, in addition to with the ability to take part within the largest number of actions.
Nevertheless, should you choose to have a a lot quieter, much less crowded journey, the spring or later within the fall will be incredible 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! Nevertheless, we did expertise some snow flurries occasionally, and our in a single day tenting was generally barely lower than comfy within the chilly of the night time.
Be aware: this information is primarily meant for summer time journey throughout this peak season. A number of the actions talked about right here could also be closed or unavailable do you have to determine to go to earlier than June or after September.
Tips on how to Hire a Automobile within the Canadian Rockies
These visiting the Canadian Rocky Mountains from afar will almost certainly fly into Calgary Worldwide Airport (YYC). That is the most important worldwide airport in Alberta, and it providers many airways and locations round North America and the world.
From there, you possibly can hire a automobile from a wide range of worldwide companies, together with Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. There are kiosks for many of those main companies proper on the airport itself.
If you’re going to drive the Icefields Parkway in winter, undoubtedly get a automobile with winter tires so you possibly can 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.
In the event you would favor to hire a campervan the place you possibly can sleep and cook dinner, there are a number of companies that function out of Calgary as nicely. I’ve by no means personally completed this within the Canadian Rockies, however two companies that appear to have nice critiques are Escape Campervans and Karma Campervans.
One of the best ways to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Vehicles, which has the most important vary of automobiles for the very best worth available on the market.
However should you’ve all the time dreamed of touring alongside the Icefields Parkway, and also you’d slightly not hire a automobile, there are many nice excursions that may take you to the highlights.
Although it’s best to spend a number of days or extra exploring the realm with your individual automobile, guided excursions from Jasper city, Lake Louise, or Banff may help you see every part 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.
When you can choose to drive your entire parkway in in the future (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 here are a number of choices for all budgets for the place to remain whenever 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 comfy 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 possibility that I select after 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, that means you’ll want to point out up early on the day you need to camp to inquire about availability.
Issues to Do on the Icefields Parkway
After all, you’re in all probability 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 equivalent to Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the enduring Lake Louise. You may trek throughout the Athabasca Glacier or see unbelievable 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 take advantage of your time there.
That can assist you plan your journey, listed here are some unbelievable actions to attempt when you’re driving by way of the Icefields Parkway.
It’s also possible to see the places of those stops on the official Icefields Parkway map right here.
Cease at a Glacier Viewpoint
In the event you’re going to do one factor on the Icefields Parkway, you should definitely 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 everywhere in the Parkway, beginning at Peyto Lake, which is simply previous Lake Louise after you flip onto the Icefields Parkway.
In a while, in 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 purpose!
Please be sure 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.
In 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 well-liked throughout the summer time, so should you’re hoping to cease off at lots of them, I like to recommend beginning early within the morning.
This fashion, not solely will you get to soak within the views with out as many crowds, however you’ll additionally be capable of seize the beautiful morning mild on the faces of the mountains. Rating!
Take a look at our Final Canada Journey Information for extra suggestions!
Go Mountaineering Alongside the Icefields Parkway
For the hikers on the market, there are TONS of superior trails within the Icefields Parkway space that you just undoubtedly 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 probably the most breathtaking views of your entire space.
Professional tip: In the event you’re planning on mountain climbing, you should definitely pack loads of water, further layers (together with a water-proof 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 in all probability write a complete new submit on the hikes within the Icefields Parkway, listed here are a number of 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 recent air and delightful views.
You’ll make your means alongside jagged, eerie grey rock formations which have probably the most stunning, teal water operating 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, reasonable Parker Ridge Hike is an ideal, barely longer hike to catch among the most gorgeous glacier views across the Icefields Parkway.
You’ll take a sequence of switchbacks as much as the highest of the ridge, the place you possibly can catch an impressive glimpse of the Saskatchewan Glacier and its corresponding river under.
Chephren Lake
This simple to reasonable 7.7-kilometer hike takes you thru a forested path to a phenomenal, deep turquoise-colored lake surrounded by rock partitions and peaks.
This path can get muddy after intervals of snow soften or rain, so convey 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 may take you to the attractive Helen Lake, earlier than ascending a steep slope to the highest of Cirque Peak.
In the event you’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 sooner or later throughout your journey alongside the Icefields Parkway.
Even within the winter, you could possibly catch among the waterfalls frozen into large, mild blue icicles, which is a very freaking stunning show of nature.
Listed here are a number of of the preferred waterfalls that you would be able to 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” throughout the summer time.
Within the wintertime, this set of cliffs is a well-liked spot for sport ice climbers. Nevertheless, in the summertime, you possibly can merely go to to observe the attractive cascade of water over the rocks.
Sunwapta Falls
Fairly probably my favourite waterfall in your entire Icefields Parkway space is Sunwapta Falls, a phenomenal set of falls within the Sunwapta River within the southern a part of Banff Nationwide Park.
Sunwapta means turbulent water in a neighborhood indigenous language, Stoney. You may see why Sunwapta Falls was named so whenever you arrive at this set of highly effective falls.
Sunwapta Falls consists of two waterfalls that converge into one unbelievable 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 probably the most stunning waterfalls (and surrounding viewpoints) within the space.
You’ll go over picket bridges alongside the Bow River as you tackle this leisurely uphill path. This waterfall is well-liked 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-about probably the most highly effective.
Athabasca Falls drops about 25 meters and is surrounded by stunning forests. Flip off the Icefields Parkway whenever 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 certainly probably the most stunning in Western Canada.
It’s simple to overlook Tangle Creek Falls as there’s only a small signal on the facet 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 an element 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 possibly can take a look at the displays, which function the area’s many glaciers, to study extra about how they had been fashioned.
Admission to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is free, and you may also meet right here to embark on the free shuttle to the Glacier Skywalk. It’s also possible to get data on a number of glacier treks and excursions contained in the constructing.
In the event you’re feeling hungry, seize a chunk on the restaurant, Altitude, the place you possibly can get pleasure from superb views of the glaciers by way of the a number of home windows spanning the perimeter of the constructing. Lunch is buffet fashion, whereas dinner and breakfast are a la carte.
Make the most of the Canadian-inspired menu alternatives, which embrace roasted beef, west coast salmon, and beef tenderloin.
In case you are simply passing by on the way in which 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 beautiful 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 very nice exercise to expertise superb views with none strenuous mountain climbing — excellent for households or non-hikers!
The Skywalk is situated about 6 km away from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, however there is no such thing as a parking onsite. Guests should 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 yr. To verify the closing hours for the dates of your journey, verify the Columbia Icefield web site.
In the event you’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 possibly can pre-purchase them on-line prematurely 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
One of the vital unbelievable issues you possibly can expertise alongside the Icefields Parkway is a glacier trek. An important place to do this is Athabasca Glacier in Jasper Nationwide Park. That is certainly one of North America’s most visited glaciers.
In the event you’re feeling courageous, guide an Athabasca Glacier Tour the place you possibly can stroll on and drink from the ten,000-year-old sheet of ice (with an knowledgeable information and the correct tools, after all!).
A number of excursions run day by day from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and most function between late spring to early fall. The itineraries are sometimes comparable throughout the totally 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 realm has impacted the ecosystem.
After arriving at Athabasca Glacier, you’ll get to stroll instantly on the ice and discover crevasses and hills.
Some excursions are all-day occasions (10 am – 5 pm), however you will discover shorter journeys on the Discovery Centre which can be 3 hours in size. All required gear (crampons and ice picks, if obligatory) 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 possibly can admire all of the views.
Different enjoyable issues to do in Lake Louise embrace 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 gorgeous turquoise lakes alongside the Icefields Parkway, and there are a lot of, Lake Louise is the preferred.
Go to the opposite Gorgeous Glacial Lakes
After leaving Lake Louise, head to among the different turquoise lakes within the space. I’ll point out three of the very best 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 just like Lake Louise.
It has vibrant blue water, mountains, and forests within the background, and you’ll hike or hire a canoe in summer time.
If you would like a break from driving, you may also guide a sightseeing tour from Banff which incorporates Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is one other well-liked spot to go to. Only a 30-minute drive north of Lake Louise this lake is a barely smaller and fewer touristy possibility.
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 in order for you 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 form 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 named each the Peyto Lake Viewpoint Path or Bow Summit Lookout Path, and that is the simplest hike with the very best views.
You may additionally embark on a tougher hike as much as Remark Peak, which is 8km whole.
Wrapping up this Icefields Parkway Journey Information
Hopefully this information has offered you with all the data it’s possible you’ll have to embark on an unbelievable drive of the Icefields Parkway.
That is actually probably the greatest issues to do in Canada, and this can be probably the most scenic drives on the 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 probably the most stunning locations you’ll ever go to.
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