The Icefields Parkway, running between Lake Louise and Jasper, Canada, is one of the most scenic drives in the world. I have visited many incredible places, but the Icefields Parkway still tops my list to this day.
I got to visit the Icefields Parkway with two friends in the summer of 2023 and we did the exact itinerary I share in this article. We plan an epic girlโs trip every year and we always find the best sights, common tourist stops you canโt miss, and hidden gems you might not know about!
This stretch of highway offers so many incredibles stops, hikes, and overlooks. In a perfect world I would easily spend two weeks here. But, thatโs not realistic for most of us.
So, if youโre like me and only have one day to spend here, Iโm going to make sure you know exactly where to stop, what to see, and what it is okay to skip in order to maximize your time at this bucket list destination.
In fact, if you start early in the morning like we did (and like I highly recommend), you can finish your Icefields Parkway stops by late afternoon and still have the evening to fit other activities in. I will share a few options that I recommend if you want to go this route.
This article focuses on the southern segment of the highway from Lake Louise to the Athabasca Glacier. This stretch of the road is 81 miles (130 km) long. While the entire route is stunning, this stretch packs an incredible variety of must-see stops, and the Athabasca Glacier makes for the perfect turnaround point where you can grab lunch and souvenirs.
This is the perfect for a day trip filled with unforgettable views and experiences. Ready to finally get your chance to see Peyto Lake in real life? Yes, it really is as vibrant as it looks in the photos! Letโs get into it!
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Jasper Wildfire Update
On July 22, 2024, a rapidly spreading and horribly destructive wildfire devastated the Jasper National Park area. This fire was tragic to the beauty of the area, all of the people and animals that call the area home, and all of us visitors who hold a special place in our hearts for Jasper.
At the time of this article, the Icefields Parkway is completely reopened and accessible to visitors. The portion of the Icefields Parkway discussed in this article was unscathed by the catastrophic Jasper Wildfire.
Visitors are always encouraged to check Parks Canadaโs website for any National Park updates or information before visiting.
Things to Know About The Icefields Parkway Before You Goโฆ
Before diving into the stops, letโs talk about a quick overview of the drive. The drive from Lake Louise to the Athabasca Glacier takes about two hours without stops because itโs a windy mountainous road.
A valid Canadian Parks Pass is required to access the Icefields Parkway. More information about purchasing a Parks Pass can be found on the Parks Canada website.
Of note, pets are allowed on all hikes and stops on the Icefields Parkway! They must always remain leashed, and of course clean up after them.
Services are limited, so travelers should come prepared with a full tank of gas, snacks, and plenty of water. There is only one place to get gas on this itinerary, which is at Saskatchewan River Crossing [Mile Marker 48 (77km)].
Snacks and meals are available at both Saskatchewan River Crossing and Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre, both of which I will talk about in more detail later in the article.
There is actually a small hotel along the drive if you did decide to extend your trip (I wouldnโt blame you). The Crossing Resort is also located at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, but I donโt think it comes as any surprise that you will pay a premium price to stay in this premium location (probably worth it, though!).
Where to Stay When Visiting the Icefields Parkway
If you want to stay as close as possible to Lake Louise (and if you can afford it you absolutely should!), there are a few hotel options such as:
- Lake Louise Inn
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
A popular alternative for this area is to book a VRBO. There are many VRBO options in this area with a variety of budgets and accommodation styles in mind. You can view these VRBO options here.
Alternatively, you can opt to stay in the towns of Banff or Canmore. Banff is going to come at a more premium price. Canmore is more affordable, but be prepared to drive further.
When to Drive The Icefields Parkway
Unsurprisingly, I recommend driving this highway when the road is clear of snow. This can range from late May to early October, but of course weather is unpredictable. I personally would not plan a trip earlier than June or later than early September.
Another advantage to visiting in the summer months is the extended daylight! The sun rises early and sets late on the Icefields Parkway in the summer. For example, on the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) in 2025, the sun will rise at 5:26AM and set at 10:13PM.
Coming from America, we were shocked at how different the sunrise and sunset times were compared to what we were used to.
Driving The Icefields Parkway in Winter
The Icefields Parkway is open year round, but it is not heavily maintained.
If you do decide to do this drive during the winter, you are in for a magical treat that few people ever experience! However, please, pleeeease be safe!
Note that it is mandated to have snow tires on your vehicle between November 1-April 1. The few services that exist along the drive, including the gas stations, are closed during these months.
Avalanches are a real danger along this route. You can call 511 in Alberta for up-to-date road conditions. More information about driving the Icefields Parkway in winter can be found on the Parks Canada website.
Now, letโs explore the top eight stops along this breathtaking route!
Icefields Parkway Stops
1. Bow Lake Viewpoint (Mile Marker 14 / 22 km)
Parking: Thereโs a spacious parking lot near the lake.
Hiking required?: No hiking is required for the main viewpoint.
Bow Lake is one of the first major Icefields Parkway stops. The crystal clear water of this lake is stunning and will leave you so excited to continue up the Icefields Parkway to see what else this drive has to offer.
Bow Lake is fed by the Bow Glacier, part of the Wapta Icefield. If you time your drive so you arrive at Bow Lake right at sunrise, the photos you will obtain are magical. Bow Lake has the perfect sunrise golden hour with the sun reflecting from the surrounding peaks.
2. Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint (Mile Marker 25 / 40 km)
Parking: A large parking lot is available, but it fills up quickly during the summer. Arriving early is key.
Hiking required?: A short but steep paved trail leads to the upper viewpoint. It takes about 10-15 minutes. This really is a strenuous little workout, but well worth it!
Accessibility: There is some handicapped parking if you continue past the main parking lot, making the viewing deck easier to access for wheelchair bound and handicapped individuals.
Peyto Lake is iconic! I know you have seen photos of this lake everywhere. The best part- it is just as beautiful in person as it is in photos! I so wish you could get closer to the lake, but the viewpoint is gorgeous, too!
3. Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint (Mile Marker 36 / 58 km)
Parking: The roadside pull-off is small, but we stopped twice and had no problem getting parking either time.
Hiking required?: No hiking is required for the main viewpoint, but visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore.
This serene stop features two stunning lakes, Upper and Lower Waterfowl Lakes, surrounded by jagged peaks.
My friends and I discussed what our favorite stop along the Icefields Parkway was, and two of us chose the Waterfowl Lakes. This stop is simply magical.
Also, it is a tradition of ours to jump into a lake on our annual trip. Waterfowl Lakes was the spot! Iโm from Minnesota and grew up jumping into Lake Superior, and let me tell you- even a Minnesota lake is nothing compared to the cold of a glacier fed lake. But it was an absolute bucket list moment!
I feel obligated to say: if you are going to jump into a glacier fed lake, have someone with you in case your body goes into shock from the cold. Please have a dry towel and warm dry clothes with you. This isnโt meant to deter you, but meant to be kind words from a friend who cares about you. Be safe.
4. Mistaya Canyon (Mile Marker 45 / 72 km)
Parking: A medium-sized lot on the west side of the parkway provides easy access.
Hiking required?: Yes! It is a 1.2 mile / 1.9 km round-trip hike down to the canyon and back. The trail is also quite steep. This was a nice way to wake up after quite a bit of driving, but be aware that it is considered a โmoderately challengingโ trail.
Mistaya Canyon showcases the power of nature. The Mistaya River has carved deep, narrow gorges into the rock, creating an impressive sight that is vastly different from the other sights you have seen so far on the drive.
The spray from the rushing water can make the rocks slippery, and thereโs sharp drop-off points to the river all over the canyon. I would exercise extreme caution with kids and animals at this stop.
5. Saskatchewan River Crossing (Mile Marker 48 / 77 km)
Parking: A large lot is present, ample parking available.
Hiking required?: None.
This is the beacon of amenities in the distance. There is a store, gas station, and cafe combo. This is also where the one hotel on this portion of the Icefields Parkway is located that I mentioned earlier.
I know we were starving by the time we got here. There is a huge selection of food, from freshly popped popcorn, to cafe goods, to convenience items. There are also lots of souvenirs and knick-knacks. I got both of my kids a super cute Canadian themed travel pillow from the gift store.
The river crossing itself is also beautiful. This area features the intersection of three powerful rivers. Due to this, there is also historical significance- it was an important spot for settlers in the early 1800s.
6. Weeping Wall (Mile Marker 65 / 105 km)
Parking: A small roadside pull-off provides space for several vehicles.
Hiking required?: No hiking is required. The waterfalls are visible from the road.
The Weeping Wall on the Icefields Parkway is a stunning natural phenomenon where water cascades down a sheer limestone cliff, resembling tears.
The flow is fed by snowmelt and underground springs from the Cirrus Mountain range above, creating a series of silvery waterfalls, especially prominent in spring and early summer as the snow melts.
In winter, the wall transforms into a popular ice climbing destination as the water freezes into towering columns of ice.
7. Big Hill and Big Bend Viewpoint (Mile Marker 71 / 115 km)
Parking: There are some roadside pull offs to take in the views.
Hiking required?: None.
Big Hill and Big Bend Viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway arenโt so much a โsingular stop,โ but rather describe the general area on the route. These two landmarks provide incredible panoramas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Big Hill marks a steep descent with dramatic views of the road winding through the wilderness. At Big Bend, the road loops in a sweeping curve, providing an ideal vantage point to admire the towering mountains and the rugged beauty of the landscape.
This spot is a favorite for photographers capturing the essence of the Canadian Rockies. We stayed here for a long time attempting to capture the beauty of the mountains on our phones. Of course, our novice skills just could not do the area justice!
8. Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre (Mile Marker 81 / 130 km)
Parking: A large lot provides ample parking.
Hiking required?: None.
The Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre is a hub of activity along the Icefields Parkway, offering a variety of services. Inside, youโll find a visitor information desk, a cafeteria with indoor and outdoor seating offering stunning mountain and glacier views, a gift shop featuring local souvenirs, and a museum with educational displays about the region’s glacial history. Thereโs even a Starbucks.
From the Discovery Centre, you can go on the iconic Icefield Adventure, a guided tour that takes you onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard an all-terrain Ice Explorer vehicle. Another option is to visit the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform that extends over a deep canyon, offering unique views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and glaciers.
We did not do either of these activities, instead opting to return to Banff for an evening activity there. We strongly considered the Icefield Adventure- the tours run more frequently than we expected and were a more reasonable price than we expected.
At the time of this article, it is only $117CA or $81US for a ticket covering both the glacier tour and the skywalk. You can find more information about tickets on the Columbia Icefield website.
At this point, turn around and drive back towards Lake Louise.
What to Do After Driving the Parkway?
We still had some time once we returned from driving the Icefields Parkway, so we opted to spend our evening doing the Lake Louise Gondola, visiting Emerald Lake, and getting dinner in Banff.
Below I’ll share 3 convenient options to add on to the end of your Icefields Parkway itinerary.
Lake Louise Gondola
The Lake Louise Gondola is located right at the southern terminus of the Icefields Parkway, making it the perfect addition to the dayโs itinerary. We were told by locals that this is one of the best places in the area to spot wildlife, so we knew we had to give it a try.
The gondola did not disappoint! Not only did we see a bear on the gondola ride, but you also get an incredible, unique vantage point of Lake Louise that is beautiful.
Lake Louise Shuttle
I talk more extensively about the Lake Louise Shuttle in my Banff itinerary post, but Parks Canada now requires taking the Lake Louise Shuttle to access both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. If you have not visited these lakes yet during your trip, or would like to visit them again, the southern terminus of the Icefields Parkway leads you right to the parking lot for the shuttle pick up.
The last shuttle leaves the Lake Louise Park and Ride at 6:00pm, with the final shuttle departing Lake Louise at 7:30pm. If you return from the Icefields Parkway early enough in the afternoon, you may have time to visit either of these iconic lakes and get some dreamy evening photos.
Emerald Lake- Yoho National Park
A third evening option is to visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Emerald Lake is only about a 30 minute drive (22 miles / 36 km) from the town of Lake Louise at the southern end of the Icefields Parkway.
Emerald Lake is gorgeous, easily accessible, and well worth the short drive in my opinion. Plus, the scenery on the drive to Emerald Lake through Yoho National Park is uniquely different from the scenery in Banff and Jasper. It is almost as beautiful as the Icefields Parkway. Almost. And, how cool is it that you can visit three National Parks in one day?
Which National Park is the Icefields Parkway In?
You will be in both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park boundaries driving this segment of the Icefields Parkway. You will pass signs for both that you can take a photo with, if you enjoy doing that (like I do).
Icefields Parkway- A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
If you have the opportunity to visit this incredible 81 mile stretch of paradise, I promise it will forever be one of the most beautiful, unforgettable places you visit. If you follow this guide, you will make the most of this bucket list trip, even if you only have one day to spend here.
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Thank you for such an in depth guide – I loved looking at all the photos of the different stops ๐
I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to explore the beauty of Canada. Just know, you can experience “winter” weather anytime of the year, especially when you travel further north!
Absolutely! Always check the weather before your trip!
Great list – I’ve done the Icefields 3x (once in winter, oof, never again!) and you covered ’em all! Love the photos!
I’ll be driving the icefields parkway for my anniversary trip this year! I’m saving this for inspiration when we hit the road!
This is a wonderful anniversary destination! Enjoy!