Complete Icefields Parkway Itinerary For A Show Stopping Ride! Global Gadding

Do you want to go on the ride of a lifetime?

This Icefields Parkway Itinerary will transport you along a 232 km stretch of mountain road, with views so sublime that you will be lost for words. You will stare out of the window in awe and disbelief at the sheer beauty of nature, performing at it’s best.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY ITINERARY

The Icefields Parkway or Hwy 93, stretches between Lake Louise and Jasper, spanning across two National Parks. Transporting you through 232 kms of spectacular sights and raw natural beauty, this journey is not about the start or indeed finishing point.

It is the magic that you witness along the way that makes it so special.

So be sure to set aside a whole day or more for this drive, as the route is jam packed with worthy stopping points, hikes and activities.

Glistening blue lakes, mirrored snow capped peaks, verdant forests, gushing waterfalls, easy hiking trails and incredible wildlife are all on the menu.

I will share with you the highlights of Columbia Icefields Parkway as they unfold, starting your journey from Lake Louise. Many of these can be viewed simply by pulling over on the road while others can be reached by a short walk.

The first 122 kilometers of the Icefields parkway passes through Banff National Park and the rest of the parkway through Jasper National Park.

Let’s discover the best Icefields Parkway stops and points of interest on the itinerary.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY MAP

Parks Canada has a detailed map of the Icefields Parkway that can be downloaded, or you can pick one up from the tourist office in Banff Avenue, Banff. Be sure to purchase a National Parks Pass before your journey from either Banff or Jasper as this is a requirement.

Another tip if you would like an accompaniment along the route, is to download the Icefields Parkway GyPSy Guide, a narrated driving tour app. It lets you know what you are seeing as you drive and uses GPS to know where you are. Cool!

DRIVING DISTANCES ALONG THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

Every drive along the Icefields Parkway will be a different and unique experience. Whether you follow the route north to Jasper or south to Lake Louise the scenery is magnificent and spectacular either way.

Here are some distances and times to give you a general idea, before you factor in any stops.

Banff Town to Lake Louise (Hwy 93) 58.7 km / 36 mins
Banff Town to Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre 184 km / 2 hrs 12 mins
Banff Town to Jasper Town 286 km / 3 hrs 23 min
Banff Town to Athabasca Falls 256 km / 3 hrs 3 min
Lake Louise (Hwy 93) to Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre 127 km / 1 hr 40 min
Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre to Jasper Town 102 km / 1 hr 12 min

HERBERT LAKE

The beautiful glacier fed Herbert Lake is your first stop northbound on the Icefields Parkway, about 5 minutes from the Park entrance.

Accessible and can viewed directly from the parking pull out, on the left hand side.
20 km from Lake Louise, 212 km from Jasper.
For the best photography shots, visit at sunrise and sunset, to see beautiful Mount Temple reflected in the calm water.

HECTOR LAKE TRAIL

The peaceful small glacial Hector lake is a further 16 km north and if you are seeking solitude, this is a stop for you. The lake is surrounded by the Waputik Range and was named after James Hector, a geologist and naturalist.

Trailhead is accessed from a small pull off on your left hand side. There is a small wooden sign “Hector Lake Trail” but is missed by the majority of drivers, so should be very quiet.
The trail is relatively flat and is 5 km / 3 mile round trip.

CROWFOOT GLACIER

Clinging to the northeastern side of Crowfoot Mountain is the mighty Crowfoot Glacier. This is one of more than 100 glaciers dotted along the Icefields Parkway, and can be viewed from a pull off before reaching Bow Lake.

BOW LAKE

The waters of this glacier fed lake are a mesmerizing turquoise colour during the summer. From here, you get incredible views of Wapta Icefield, Crowfoot Glacier, Crowfoot Mountain, Mount Thompson and Bow Glacier.

From the parking lots you can pick up the trail for Bow Glacier Falls and enjoy wonderful views in every direction. The trail is 8.4 km / 2-3 hour round trip.

Accessible and can be viewed directly from the off road parking viewpoint on the left hand side.
Extra parking can be found at Num Ti Jah Lodge, which sits on the lake’s north shore.
Frozen until mid-June, the best photo opportunities are early morning to mid-day and early evening to sunset.
36 km from Lake Louise, 196 km from Jasper.

PEYTO LAKE & BOW SUMMIT

The best spot to take in the grandeur and grace of this popular glacier-fed lake is from Bow Summit. At 2,088 metres (6,800 feet) above sea level, this is also the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.

A paved trail leads uphill from the Bow Summit carpark, to a wooden viewing deck. Here, you have the most fantastic view of turquoise blue Peyto Lake, normally along with hordes of tourists!

Peyto Lake was named after “Wild Bill” Peyto, an early outfitter and is one of the most popular stops along the Icefields Parkway.

Peyto Lake is currently under construction. It will not reopen fully until the spring of 2021. Check the Parks Canada Website for details.

Accessible from a parking bay via a short paved trail.
It is the suspended rock particles from glacial rock flour flowing into the lake during the summer, that gives the lake its bright turquoise colour.
You will find the best light for photos at sunrise or mid-day to mid-afternoon. A wide angle lens comes in handy!
44 km from Lake Louise, 190 km from Jasper

WATERFOWL LAKES

There are nice mountain reflections in the water on the roadside stop on Waterfowl Lake’s eastern shore. From sunrise to mid-morning and at sunset, the light is at its best for photo opportunities.

Accessible and can be viewed directly from a roadside viewpoint.
59 km from Lake Louise, 173 km from Jasper

MISTAYA CANYON

Carved by the Mistaya River over thousands of years, the steep-walled canyon is home to the raging and thundering waters of the river being funnelled into the gorge below.

A 10 minute/300m downhill walk from the roadside carpark through forest, takes you down to this impressive sight via a wooden bridge.

Time time to explore the rock formations from different angles and watch in awe as the water gushes into the gorge, forming mini waterfalls.

Accessible from roadside via a short walk.
73 km from Lake Louise, 159 km from Jasper
Best light for photos is in the morning to avoid shadows.

SASKATCHEWAN RIVER CROSSING

Back in 1807 when explorers and fur traders first travelled through the Rockies enroute to British Columbia, Saskatchewan Crossing was an important settlement.

The “Crossing” is the junction where the North Saskatchewan River, the Howse River and the Mistaya River all meet. Importantly for travellers, it also offers the only fuel station between here and Jasper, some 154 km.

There are also limited grocery supplies, public bathrooms, a restaurant and accommodation.

The Crossing Resort, sits at the base of Mount Wilson and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The modern appointed rooms have a rustic feel to match the surrounding mountain scenery. They offer relaxation and a chance to enjoy the surrounding stunning views, whilst being close to all the attractions along the Icefields Parkway. Rooms can be booked here.
85 km from Lake Louise, 153 km from Jasper

WEEPING WALL

Located on your right hand side is towering Cirrus Mountain, which stands at 100 metres / 330 feet. During spring and summer, the mountain face resembles a wall of tears, as water cascades down in a series of waterfalls, the main one being called “Teardrop”.

In winter the freezing water turns the mountain face into an ice climbers playground.

The roadside pullover will be on your right hand side.
106 km from Lake Louise, 126 km from Jasper.
To photograph the wall, the light is best from mid-day to sunset.

PARKER RIDGE HIKE

The Parker Ridge Trail transports you through forest, rising 250 metres / 820 feet and takes about 2 hours in total to complete.

After about 2 km, the trail crosses the ridge but keep going and you will be rewarded with views of Saskatchewan Glacier and the multiple mountain ranges. Be sure to watch out for wildlife which could include mountain goats, bighorn sheep and maybe even a wandering bear!

The trail is 5.9 km / 3.7 miles and takes about 2 hours return.
120 km from Lake Louise, 112 km from Jasper.

WILCOX PASS TRAIL

Only about 6 km from Parker Ridge Trail, the east end trail head is accessed from Wilcox Creek Campground car park. Initially climbing through trees to a ridge, where you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Athabasca Glacier, as well as Mt Athabasca, Mt Andromeda and Mt Kitchener.

With a moderate amount of walking and effort, you get a birds eye view around the Columbia Icefields Visitor Centre with views of mountain peaks abound.

The return hike is 7 km / 4.2 miles to the pass and takes about 3 hours.
Keep a look out for bighorn sheep and mountain goats
126 km from Lake Louise, 106 km from Jasper

COLUMBIA ICEFIELD DISCOVERY CENTRE

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, located at the junction of Banff and Jasper National Parks, is positioned directly across the road from the Athabasca Glacier. Inside, a natural history museum with interpretive exhibits, is a great way to discover how glaciers are formed, grow and retreat.

The center also houses a cafe, restaurant, gift shop, washrooms and hotel. But more importantly, this is where you purchase tickets for the Ice Explorer snow coach, which will take you right up onto the glacier. The tours depart from the discovery centre and include admission to the Glacier Skywalk, located further along the Parkway.

If you don’t fancy paying the ticket price, you can park at the discovery center and walk to the Athabasca Glacier Viewpoint instead. The trailhead (2.8 km return), begins from a dirt parking lot across the road from the visitor centre. Markers along the route indicate the positions the glacier used to hold and is a stark indication of how far it has receded over the years.

The return walk is 2.8 km / 1.68 miles
Open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October. Check the official site for current times.

COLUMBIA ICEFIELD & ATHABASCA GLACIER

The Icefield is about 100-365 metres in depth and receives an average of 7 metres of snowfall annually. These glaciers or fields of ice, are the largest, south of the Arctic Circle and straddle Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Feeding six glaciers, only the Dome, Athabasca and Stutfield can be seen from the Icefields Parkway. Flowing to within walking distance of the Parkway is the Athabasca Glacier, it’s tongue measuring an impressive 1 km in width and 6 km in length. This makes it one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and you can experience it first hand.

A giant wheeled all terrain snow coach transports you onto the ice, where you learn all about glaciology followed by 20-25 minutes of free time to walk around and take photos. It is a memorable experience but comes with a slightly hefty price tag. You are then transferred by coach to the Glacier Walkway to continue learning about glaciers.

Check out this short video of visiting the glacier together with questions/answers about the experience and current prices.
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure ticket price includes entry to the Glacier Skywalk. You cannot choose the adventure as a single experience.
125 km from Lake Louise, 108 km from Jasper.

GLACIER SKYWALK

The skywalk glass-floor platform sits approximately 280 metres / 918 feet above the Sunwapta valley floor. The glass-floored platform or discovery vista, extends 35 metres / 115 feet out from the edge of the cliff face.

A hand held audio guide and interpretive walkway inform you about the history of the area and the animals that call it home. Plus the views are incredible! You just have to put up with the hordes of visitors depending on the time of your visit.

Have a look through the glass floor at the surreal views, and don’t worry, it is perfectly safe.

TANGLE FALLS

About 7.4 km further north from the Columbia Icefields, on the north side of Tangle Hill, is Tangle Falls, a roadside waterfall. The delicate multi-tiered cascade sprays down a broad cliff but can be a trickle in drier months. In the winter the layers of water become popular with ice climbers.

Parking is on the opposite side of the road, on your right.
Latitude: 52.26793, Longitude: -117.28744
96 km from Jasper

QUARTZITE BOULDER FIELD

Sitting just prior to the Endless Chain mountain range is an area of large pink quartzite rocks. You will see them on both sides of the road, covered in lichen moss and they look very beautiful.

SUNWAPTA FALLS

These falls are fed by the Athabasca Glacier and have a drop of approximately 18 metres / 59 feet. The upper falls are framed by a mountain backdrop with a small island of trees in the centre. They are easily accessed from the falls carpark. View the full force of the torrential water from the bridge before walking around to view them from different angles.

The access road is near to the Sunwapta Falls Lodge.
178 km from Lake Louise, 54 km from Jasper

KERKESLIN GOAT LICK

Heading north from Sunwapta Falls, after about 15 minutes you will see a road sign with a 50km speed limit and a picture of a goat. On the left hand side of this road is a small parking area. A short trail leads to a lookout offering great views across the Athabasca River.

This area is a favourite for mountain goats due to the salty mineral deposits which the goats like to lick. You will often see them on the road or alongside the road, just sitting or licking.

42 km from Jasper

ATHABASCA FALLS AND CANYON

The falls are renowned less for their height and more for the sheer volume and force of water plummeting through a narrow gorge. The Athabasca River is the largest river system in Jasper, hence the incredible power of these 23 metre / 75 feet drop falls.

These are popular falls and are very busy during the summer, so try and time your visit either early in the morning or late afternoon.

Off road parking and a short hike to the falls
202 km from Lake Louise, 30 km from Jasper

Now that you know the best Icefields Parkway points of interest, let’s consider some additional information to get the best out of your Icefields Parkway Itinerary.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY DRIVING GUIDE

The Icefields Parkway is open all year apart from extreme winter conditions. Also known as Highway 93N, the 230 km road runs through Banff and Jasper National Parks, and the driving time from one end to the other is roughly 3-3.5 hours without stopping.

The best way to experience the Parkway is in your own vehicle or RV. The road is well paved with wide hard shoulders. Large RV’s will have no problem navigating the whole route, although parking spaces may be limited during busy times.

There is no cell coverage on the Icefields Parkway, so relish the peace and lack of distraction.

For the best chance of good weather and spotting wildlife, the ideal months to travel are June to September, with July and August being the busiest.

TRAVEL TIPS – BE PREPARED

Fill Up With Fuel

The only fuel station along the Icefields Parkway is in Saskatchewan Crossing and prices will be above average due to the isolated location. For the best price be sure to fill your tank before you depart from Lake Louise or Jasper.

Make Sure You Have a National Parks Pass

This is one of the times that you require a pass, even if you are driving through without stopping. But then who in their right mind wouldn’t stop!

Check Weather Conditions Before Your Journey

Weather conditions should not be a problem outside of winter time, but checking the AMA Mobile App will allow you to check all road conditions throughout the area.

Allow Yourself Plenty Of Time

This is not a journey to be rushed believe me. It IS all about the journey. Always leave as early as possible to avoid crowds, especially during peak times. You will be rewarded with lake views and trails to yourself, plus this is an ideal time to spot wildlife.

You want to have plenty of time to be able to make frequent stops and enjoy the views without feeling rushed, so you will need a good 8 hour day if time is limited. If however you can afford more time, I strongly suggest seeing half the sights in one direction and stopping over for a night. Then you can take in the remaining sights on your return journey.

It is surprising how you get a different perspective and alternate views when you drive the Parkway in both directions.

Bring Snacks Or A Picnic

Pack yourself a picnic from the great bakeries/delis in Lake Louise or Jasper and stop to eat while enjoying sublime views. A lovely place to stop is along Bow Lake or along one of the trails. There are only a few options in terms of food and drink services along the Parkway, some of which are overpriced.

Icefields Discovery Centre has a cafe and restaurant, but there are queues at busy times.
Saskatchewan Crossing has a restaurant and limited grocery supplies.
The Crossing Resort, Num Ti Jah Lodge and Sunwapta Falls Resort all have sit down places to eat.

WILDLIFE ALONG THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

icefields-parkway-itinerary-grizzly-bear — A Wow Moment!

Alongside stunning scenery, you will probably be hoping to catch sight of some of the Rockies famous wildlife on your trip. It is a privilege seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. Sometimes it is down to luck and being in the right place at the right time, especially spotting bears.

As you travel through two national parks, chances are high that you will spot some wildlife. Animals you have the chance of spotting along the route are Grizzly and Black Bears, Woodland Caribou, Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Pika, Marmot and White Tail deer.

Animals are often spotted on the roadsides or roaming across open spaces, so keep your eyes open and drive slowly, especially early morning and evening. If you stop to observe wildlife, for their safety and yours, be sure to pull onto the hard shoulder and stay inside your vehicle.

Always give animals plenty of space, do not approach them and NEVER feed them. Treat wildlife with utmost respect. It is their habit we are travelling through! Be sure to have binoculars at hand and a zoom lens will certainly reap rewards when taking photos.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY ACCOMMODATION

Despite the popularity of the Icefields Parkway and the tremendous amount of traffic that weaves its way along it every day, accommodation options are limited.

This ensures the environmental impact is kept to a minimum, and there are plenty of accommodation options in both Lake Louise and Jasper to choose from. These range from basic campgrounds to hostels and resorts.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY HOTELS / LODGES

NUM-TI-JAH-LODGE

A great stopping point on your Icefields Parkway itinerary! Check out room descriptions, availability and prices here.

This intimate 16 room lodge offers comfortable, rustic, quirky, old world charm, especially loved by couples. With a location to die for in terms of views, you will be surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery along the iconic Canadian Rockies.

The views over Bow Lake and Bow Glacier are stunning. Wander along the trails around the lake and you may spot some wildlife. Follow this with dinner in the restaurant and you will go to bed very happy.

Location – 36 km from Lake Louise / 194 km from Jasper

THE GLACIER VIEW INN –

If you fancy splashing out for a unique experience then a stay here will tick the boxes. Blending Scandinavian style, cosy atmosphere, spectacular views over the Athabasca Glacier and a chance to experience a trip on the Ice Explorer without the day trippers.

Location – 125 km from Lake Louise / 103 km from Jasper

THE CROSSING RESORT

The Crossing Resort, sits at the base of Mount Wilson and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The modern appointed rooms have a rustic feel to match the surrounding mountain scenery. They offer relaxation and a chance to enjoy the surrounding stunning views, whilst being close to all the attractions along the Icefields Parkway. Rooms can be booked here.
85 km from Lake Louise, 153 km from Jasper

SUNWAPTA FALLS ROCKY MOUNTAIN LODGE

Nestled in the Catacomb Mountains, this lodge is in an ideal position for all attractions and activities. With a choice of cabin style accommodation you can get a great deal whether you are a couple looking for a touch of romance or a family looking for space. Throw in wood burning fireplaces and fine dining by candlelight and you are onto a winner all round.

Check out room descriptions, availability and prices here.

Location – 177 km from Lake Louise / 53 km from Jasper

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY HOSTELS

HI MOSQUITO CREEK WILDERNESS HOSTEL :

Located in a beautiful and peaceful location in the heart of Banff National Park and offers basic clean beds at good rates. It is only a 20 minute drive from Lake Louise. Check rates and reviews here.
Address – Hwy 93N / 26 km from lake Louise / 205 km from Jasper.

HI RAMPART CREEK WILDERNESS HOSTEL :

Located roughly half way between Banff and Jasper and offering simple but clean and warm beds. Great hiking trails close by. Check rates and reviews here.
Address – Hwy 93N / 87 km from Lake Louise / 141 km from Jasper.

HI HILDA CREEK WILDERNESS HOSTEL :

Okay, this is VERY rustic, unstaffed and set among trees of the upper subalpine!
Address – Hwy 93N /117 km from Lake Louise / 112 km from Jasper.

HI BEAUTY CREEK WILDERNESS HOSTEL :

Simple, basic accommodation on the edge of the Sunwapta River.
No electricity but great setting.
Address – Hwy 93N / 141 Km from Lake Louise / 86 km from Jasper

HI ATHABASCA FALLS WILDERNESS HOSTEL :

Rustic cabins and private rooms within walking distance of the Athabasca Falls.
Off-the-grid living: solar powered, fresh mountain well water, no showers.
Address – Hwy 93N /195 km from Lake Louise / 33 km from Jasper

HI MOUNT EDITH CAVELL WILDERNESS HOSTEL :

Shared rooms in a great position especially for access to Cavell Meadows and Angel Glacier.
Living off-the-grid, no electricity, no running water
Address – Cavell Road, Jasper National Park

Find hostel details and pricing on the official website here.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY CAMPING

The Icefields Parkway travels through two national parks: Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. All campsites operate on a first come, first serve basis and can fill up quickly, especially during summer.

BANFF NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS:

MOSQUITO CREEK CAMPGROUND :

Open Early June – Mid October
32 Sites, Not Serviced
26 km from Lake Louise / 206 km from Jasper

SILVERHORN CREEK CAMPGROUND :

Open early Early June – End of September
45 sites, Not Serviced
51 km from Lake Louise / 178 km from Jasper

WATERFOWL LAKES CAMPGROUND :

Open Mid June – Early September
116 Sites, Not Serviced
59 km from Lake Louise / 173 km from Jasper

RAMPART CREEK CAMPGROUND :

Open Early June – Mid October
50 Sites, Not Serviced, Reservations June 12 – Sept 13
90 km from Lake Louise / 142 km from Jasper

Find campground details and pricing on the official website here.

JASPER NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS

WILCOX CREEK CAMPGROUND :

Open Early June – Late September
46 Sites, Not Serviced
126 km from Lake Louise / 106 km from Jasper

ICEFIELD TENT ONLY :

Open Early June – Mid October
33 Sites, Not Serviced
124 km from Lake Louise / 105 km from Jasper

ICEFIELDS CENTRE RV :

Open Early May – Mid October
100 Sites, Not Serviced

JONAS CREEK CAMPGROUND :

Open Mid May – Mid September
25 Sites, Not Serviced
155 km from Lake Louise / 77 km from Jasper

HONEYMOON LAKE CAMPGROUND :

Open Mid May – Late September
35 Sites, Not Serviced
182 km from Lake Louise / 50 km from Jasper

KERKESLIN CAMPGROUND :

Open Mid May – Late September
42 Sites, Not Serviced
198 km from Lake Louise / 34 km from Jasper

WABASSO CAMPGROUND :

Open Early May – End of September
231 Sites, Some electrical sites for small RV’s
230 km from Lake Louise / 17 km from Jasper
Can be Reserved

WAPITI SUMMER CAMPGROUND :

Open Early May – Mid October
363 Sites, some with electricity
225 km from lake Louise / 6 km from Jasper
Can be Reserved

WAPITI WINTER CAMPGROUND :

Open Mid October – Early May
75 Sites, Not Services
225 km from Lake Louise / 6 km from Jasper

Find campground details and pricing on the official website here.

I hope that this post has suitably magnified the amazing stopping places along the Icefields Parkway. The mountain road really is as stunning as reports state and is certainly one to put on your bucket list!

Complete Icefields Parkway Itinerary For A Show Stopping Ride!