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There’s a purpose why the Icefields Parkway is called one of many world’s most lovely 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 world!
Whereas dwelling in Calgary for almost 6 months, I took the chance to discover the Canadian Rockies virtually each weekend.
And, of the entire hikes, drives, and journey actions I attempted whereas there, the one factor that by no means acquired previous was the awe-inspiring views alongside the Icefields Parkway.
In case you’re planning a highway journey within the Canadian Rockies, you completely can not miss a scenic drive by the Icefields Parkway.
Whereas there are such a lot of issues to do on the Icefields Parkway, I’ve included a few of my prime journey ideas and solutions for probably the most beautiful sights on this publish.
NOTE – The city of Jasper and the encompassing nationwide park has sadly been devastated by wildfires in July 2024, with important harm to infrastructure. Our ideas and love are with the folks of this lovely neighborhood at this tragic time. For any guests planning a visit to the Rockies, now shouldn’t be the time to be travelling to Jasper. The city will rebuild, stronger than ever, so please test native tourism board web sites for updates.
The Fundamentals: Issues to Know Earlier than Driving the Icefields Parkway
Whereas highway tripping alongside the Icefields Parkway is much like any alpine nationwide park space, there are a number of vital distinctive issues to learn 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 highway journey.
Don’t neglect to take a look at our information to the prime 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 usually be difficult for a number of causes.
Listed below are a few common pointers you need to 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 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.
Word that climate situations are most beneficial within the peak season, so that you’ll have to take additional precautions for those who 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 properly into the summer time.
Be sure you test the entire highway situations and path situations on the Parks Canada web site earlier than setting out for a drive or a hike. That might prevent plenty of difficulties!
There’s wildlife in all places.
The whole 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). In case you occur to identify one in all these majestic beasts, you possibly can admire them from afar.
Nonetheless, don’t method them or try and feed them. In case you plan on tenting, you’ll want to correctly retailer or eliminate all meals within the correct, marked receptacles.
These animals may be very robust and harmful for those who aren’t cautious, so take the required precautions to guard your self and your fellow travellers.
Contemplate reserving an audio information
There may be a lot to see and do on the Icefields Parkway, and there’s a lot to be taught. For a enjoyable, interactive driving expertise, contemplate reserving a smartphone audio tour.
For simply $9 CAD, you possibly can obtain an app to your cellphone which can present enjoyable information, trivia questions, and historical past in regards to the sights alongside the drive.
The audio information covers the primary sights comparable to Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Sunwapta Falls, Bow Lake, and extra. But it surely nonetheless means that you can journey at your personal tempo.
In case you’re tackling this highway journey with the entire household, this is usually a enjoyable method to hold everybody studying and entertained.
You’ll have to pay a price to enter.
The Icefields Parkway stretches from one Nationwide Park to a different, which means that you just’ll have to pay the Parks Canada price to enter.
The price is $10.50 CAD per individual per day, 2-7 adults in 1 car is $21 and youngsters are free!
You may pay if you arrive within the Banff space. There are small kiosks on the aspect of the highway if you enter the park you could drive proper as much as.
You can too ebook your Parks Canada go on-line, which is an effective possibility for those who’re doing a lot 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 most effective time to go to is between mid-June and the top of September.
Throughout this time of yr, you’ll expertise the warmest temperatures and the least unstable climate situations, in addition to having the ability to take part within the largest number of actions.
Nonetheless, for those who want to have a a lot quieter, much less crowded journey, the spring or later within the fall may be improbable choices.
The primary time I travelled to the Canadian Rockies was in Could, and it was lovely, with pretty gentle 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 comfy within the chilly of the night time.
Word: 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 must you determine to go to earlier than June or after September.
Easy methods to Hire a Automobile within the Canadian Rockies
These visiting the Canadian Rocky Mountains from afar will most certainly 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 possibly can lease 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, undoubtedly get a automobile with winter tires so you possibly can keep protected and safe whereas winter driving.
You can too lease 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 case you would like to lease a campervan the place you possibly can sleep and cook dinner, there are a number of businesses that function out of Calgary as properly. I’ve by no means personally achieved this within the Canadian Rockies, however two businesses that appear to have nice evaluations are Escape Campervans and Karma Campervans.
One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of autos for the most effective worth available on the market.
However for those who’ve at all times dreamed of touring alongside the Icefields Parkway, and also you’d reasonably not lease a automobile, there are many nice excursions that may take you to the highlights.
Although it’s superb to spend a number of days or extra exploring the world with your personal car, guided excursions from Jasper city, Lake Louise, or Banff will help you see every thing with out 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 decide to drive the whole parkway in in the future (it’s solely about 3 hours from Banff to Jasper), I’d strongly suggest taking your time and spending an evening or two within the space.
Listed below are a number of choices for all budgets for the place to remain if 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, usually frequented by hikers and ice climbers. They provide dorm beds at affordable charges and superior entry to the Parkway as a complete.
- 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. A lot of them are first-come, first-served, which means you’ll want to indicate up early on the day you need to camp to inquire about availability.
Issues to Do on the Icefields Parkway
In fact, 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 comparable 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 strive whilst you’re driving by the Icefields Parkway.
You can too see the places of those stops on the official Icefields Parkway map right here.
Cease at a Glacier Viewpoint
In case you’re going to do one factor on the Icefields Parkway, you’ll want to reap the benefits of the varied overpasses and highway shoulder areas that boast a number of 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.
Afterward, 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 purpose!
Please be sure to ONLY cease on the designated viewpoint areas and NOT in the midst of the freeway. Belief me, I do know that the landscapes are lovely and it may be tempting to decelerate or cease in the midst of the highway whereas driving to admire the views.
To your and everybody else’s security, please don’t do that! Discover a protected place to park your automobile earlier than admiring the views round you.
Professional tip: These viewpoint areas can get REALLY standard in the course of the summer time, so for those who’re hoping to cease off at plenty 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 ideas!
Go 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 undoubtedly shouldn’t miss.
Amongst them are trails that take you above canyons, by evergreen forests, and convey you to hidden alpine lakes or breezy viewpoints to soak in probably the most breathtaking views of the whole space.
Professional tip: In case you’re planning on mountain climbing, you’ll want to pack loads of water, additional 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 may most likely write a whole new publish on the hikes within the Icefields Parkway, listed here are a number of nice ones to get you began:
Mistaya Canyon
This brief, 1.1-kilometer canyon path is ideal for newbie hikers or households searching for some contemporary air and delightful views.
You’ll make your approach alongside jagged, eerie grey rock formations which have probably the most lovely, teal water operating by 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 a number of the most beautiful glacier views across the Icefields Parkway.
You’ll take a collection of switchbacks as much as the highest of the ridge, the place you possibly can catch a powerful glimpse of the Saskatchewan Glacier and its corresponding river beneath.
Chephren Lake
This simple to reasonable 7.7-kilometer hike takes you thru a forested path to a wonderful, 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 may take you to the gorgeous Helen Lake, earlier than ascending a steep slope to the highest of Cirque Peak.
In case you’re searching for a shorter model of this hike, merely cease at Helen Peak and switch again — the views are nonetheless wonderful and also you’ll nonetheless have time to do different actions within the space that day.
For extra mountain climbing concepts, try 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 lovely waterfalls in some unspecified time in the future throughout your journey alongside the Icefields Parkway.
Even within the winter, you might be able to catch a number of the waterfalls frozen into large, mild blue icicles, which is a very freaking lovely show of nature.
Listed below are a number of of the most well-liked waterfalls you could 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” in the course of the summer time.
Within the wintertime, this set of cliffs is a well-liked spot for sport ice climbers. Nonetheless, in the summertime, you possibly can merely go to to look at the gorgeous cascade of water over the rocks.
Sunwapta Falls
Fairly presumably my favourite waterfall in the whole Icefields Parkway space is Sunwapta Falls, a wonderful 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 if 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 definitely definitely worth the effort and time to see some of the lovely 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 standard 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 some of the highly effective.
Athabasca Falls drops about 25 meters and is surrounded by lovely forests. Flip off the Icefields Parkway if you see the signal for Athabasca Falls, and the primary 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 some of the lovely 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 brief stroll to the falls – it’s value 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 possibly can try the displays, which characteristic the area’s many glaciers, to be taught extra about how they have been shaped.
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. You can too get data on a number of glacier treks and excursions contained in the constructing.
In case you’re feeling hungry, seize a chew on the restaurant, Altitude, the place you possibly can get pleasure from superb views of the glaciers by the a number of home windows spanning the perimeter of the constructing. Lunch is buffet fashion, whereas dinner and breakfast are a la carte.
Reap the benefits of the Canadian-inspired menu alternatives, which embrace roasted beef, west coast salmon, and beef tenderloin.
If you’re 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 beautiful Sunwapta Valley!
The Glacier Skywalk, which sits 280 meters above the bottom and extends 35 meters out from the sting of the cliff, gives 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 positioned about 6 km away from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, however there isn’t a 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 yr. To test the closing hours for the dates of your journey, test the Columbia Icefield web site.
In case you’re planning on doing the Skywalk, you’ll spend about 45 minutes to an hour there.
Professional tip: Tickets may 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.
You can too ebook 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 unimaginable issues you possibly can expertise alongside the Icefields Parkway is a glacier trek. A fantastic place to do this is Athabasca Glacier in Jasper Nationwide Park. That is one in all North America’s most visited glaciers.
In case you’re feeling courageous, ebook an Athabasca Glacier Tour the place you possibly can stroll on and drink from the ten,000-year-old sheet of ice (with an skilled information and the fitting gear, in fact!).
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 completely different operators.
You’ll be taken out to Athabasca Glacier on an enormous all-terrain bus with a educated information who will educate you in regards to the space’s historical past, how the glaciers have shaped 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 immediately on the ice and discover crevasses and hills.
Some excursions are all-day occasions (10 am – 5 pm), however you could find shorter journeys on the Discovery Centre which might be 3 hours in size. All required gear (crampons and ice picks, if needed) are normally included in these excursions.
Trekking throughout Athabasca Glacier is without doubt one of 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 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, contemplate a keep right here.
However most guests simply go to Lake Louise for the day. The Lakeshore Path is the most well-liked method 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 beautiful turquoise lakes alongside the Icefields Parkway, and there are lots of, Lake Louise is the most well-liked.
Go to the opposite Gorgeous Glacial Lakes
After leaving Lake Louise, head to a number of 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 lovely lake is much like Lake Louise.
It has vibrant blue water, mountains, and forests within the background, and you may hike or lease a canoe in summer time.
In order for you a break from driving, you too can ebook a sightseeing tour from Banff which incorporates Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is one other standard 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 if you need 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 really go to the shores of Peyto Lake as a result of it’s surrounded by forest and is type of tough to entry.
The most effective 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 best 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 data it’s possible you’ll have to embark on an unimaginable drive of the Icefields Parkway.
That is actually among the best 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 lovely nook of western Canada could also be some of the lovely locations you’ll ever go to.
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