15 stunning stops for your Icefields Parkway Itinerary

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The highway stretches 233 km from Lake Louise to Jasper, winding through sweeping valleys and rugged mountain ranges, past pine forests, towering glaciers, and turquoise lakes. If you’re driving the highway for the first time, you won’t want to miss any of the beautiful Icefields Parkway stops!

Over the past three years, I’ve driven the Icefields Parkway four times – both in summer and winter. I’ve put together this Icefields Parkway itinerary with everything you need to know, including the best photography spots and hiking trails along the way. This road can be very dangerous so this guide also includes practical information and tips to help you plan your own Icefields Parkway road trip. 

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PLANNING YOUR ICEFIELDS PARKWAY ITINERARY

I’ve had a lot of questions about driving the Icefields Parkway, including road conditions, when to go, and facilities along the way. Before we jump into the best things to see on the Icefields Parkway, here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions I get:

How long is the Icefields Parkway drive?

The Icefields Parkway is 232 km long (144 miles) and would take you about 3 hours to drive it in one go. However, with so much to see, I recommend taking a whole day to do this Icefields Parkway itinerary or even splitting it up over two days. Depending on when you visit, there are some lovely places to stay along the way (see below for options).

If you only have one day to explore the Icefields Parkway, make sure you get up early so you can cover as many spots as possible. It might seem like a lot to fit into one day but the nice thing about driving the Icefields Parkway is that you can pick and choose what you want to see. Some stops on this Icefields Parkway itinerary are just quick stops or viewpoints, so you don’t even have to get out of the car if you don’t want to.

What is the best direction to drive the Icefields Parkway?

Personally, I don’t think it matters which direction you drive as you’ll be able to stop at all of the same sights and viewpoints. Depending on your travel plans, you might even get to drive both directions. Every time I’ve driven the Icefields Parkway, I’ve gone from Banff to Jasper and then back to Banff. I can honestly say that he views are breathtaking in both directions.

When is the best time to drive the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway is an impressive drive all year round. In summer, the lakes are a brilliant turquoise colour, the meadows are filled with wildflowers, and most of the Icefields Parkway stops are open and accessible. From October to April, Banff and Jasper National Parks are transformed into winter wonderlands. It’s a breath-taking sight, but if you decide to venture out on the Icefields Parkway in winter make sure you are fully prepared.

In my opinion, June or September are the best months to drive the Icefields Parkway. Although some lakes might still be partially frozen in June, the weather is normally quite nice and you’ll avoid the summer crowds. September is my favourite month to do this Icefields Parkway itinerary as the larches turn golden and the lakes are still vibrant shades of blue.

Can you drive the Icefields Parkway in winter?

The Icefields Parkway is open all year round; however, there are sometimes closures in winter if the risk of avalanches is too high during winter storms. These closures normally only last a day or two.

Most man-made attractions along the Icefields Parkway are also closed in winter. If you plan to drive from Banff to Jasper, the Jasper Skywalk, Glacier Explorer, and Icefields Discovery Centre are all closed from November to April. The restaurant and fuel station are also closed from November to April so make sure you have plenty of gas and supplies before starting this drive. Always check the road conditions report before heading out.

The weather can be very unpredictable and incredibly cold so take lots of layers and make sure your car is prepared for these conditions. Snow tires are mandatory from November until April. For more information, check out my guide to visiting Banff in winter which includes some must-know information and tips about driving the Icefields Parkway in winter.

Do you need a car to explore the Icefields Parkway?

There are so many incredible places to stop on this Icefields Parkway itinerary so having a car definitely gives you more freedom. That being said, you can still explore the Icefields Parkway without a car. The first time I visited the Canadian Rockies, I didn’t hire a car and actually travelled around Banff and Jasper on public transport.

I booked a spot on the Brewster Express shuttle service to get from Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway. They run a daily service from 1st May to mid-October and then Sundog Tours takes over from mid-October to May. This is a great way to see the Icefields Parkway but it doesn’t include any sightseeing stops.

Fortunately there are a few tours that you can book which will stop at a number of places on this Icefields Parkway itinerary. I recommend the Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway tour. It’s a full-day sightseeing tour that will take you to Lake Louise, and then up the Icefields Parkway to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, before dropping you back at your hotel. Unlike some tours, this one runs all year round so you can see some incredible spots on this Icefields Parkway itinerary regardless of when you visit. I normally book my tours through Viator or Get Your Guide as you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your tour if your plans change. 

Do you need a Parks Pass to drive the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway runs through two national parks so although it is free to drive, you will need to buy a Parks Pass. The fees are based on the number of people in your group and the number of days you’ll be in the parks. There are ticket booths along the highway and at the park entrances where you can purchase one for your visit, so you don’t need to worry about buying it online in advance. 

Is there cell service on the Icefields Parkway?

Once you leave Lake Louise and Jasper, cell service is very limited. There are spots along the drive where you’ll get signal, but it doesn’t last long and usually has gone before you can load a web page!  You’ll normally get some signal at the Saskatchewan River Crossing and Columbia Icefields Center but in winter, they turn it off.

The main sights and attractions are well sign posted so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. However, I recommend download maps in advance or printing them off for peace of mind.

Where can you stay along the Icefields Parkway? 

As I mentioned earlier, there are a few accommodation options near the popular Icefields Parkway stops:

CAMPSITES

If you’re going in the summer months, I’d recommend booking a campground. Waterfowl Lakes campground is a great spot to stay and has access to some lovely hiking trails. Wilcox Creek campground is another good option as it’s situated halfway along the Parkway (126 km from Lake Louise and 106 km from Jasper).

Campsites operate on a first come first serve basis so make sure you bear this in mind when planning your trip. Check in is usually around 2pm and check out is at 11am. Make sure you bring cash as most of the campsites use an ‘honesty box’ where you pay by putting cash into a locked box. 

HOSTELS AND LODGES

If you don’t fancy camping overnight, there are a few alternative options along the Icefields Parkway. A good budget friendly option is HI Rampart Creek Hostel which is 90 km from Lake Louise. For something a bit more luxurious, I’d recommend Num-Ti-Jah Lodge near Bow Lake if you’re heading from Jasper to Lake Louise, or Sunwapta Falls Resort if you’re driving towards Jasper.

THE BEST icefields parkway Stops

As far as scenery goes, the Icefields Parkway is the most spectacular road I’ve ever experienced. The drive from Lake Louise to Jasper takes about 3 h 30 minutes but with all of the beautiful places to stop along the way, you’ll want to make a day of it. When we drove the Icefields Parkway on our 5-day road trip, we ended up pulling over several times to take photos so the journey took closer to 7 hours!

I’ve included the top photography spots that should be on your Icefields Parkway itinerary, along with a few hikes that offer incredible views over the highway and surrounding peaks. You can see most of these Icefields Parkway stops in one day; however, if you’re planning to do the hikes as well, I’d suggest splitting this Icefields Parkway itinerary into 2 days.

In this post, I’ve listed the best photography spots from Lake Louise to Jasper, but you can do this Icefields Parkway itinerary in the opposite direction as well. At the end of the guide you’ll find a map with all of the Icefields Parkway stops listed in this guide. To save the map, click on the star on the right hand side of the title. This will save the map to “Your Places” in Google Maps.

1. Bow Lake

The first stop on this Icefields Parkway itinerary is the beautiful Bow Lake. Located at the base of Bow Summit, the lake is fed by meltwater from the Blow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield. It’s one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park and offers stunning views of the Crowfoot and Bow glaciers.  If you’re looking for the best photo spots in the park, Bow Lake is arguably one of them.

As it’s only 30 minutes from Lake Louise, Bow Lake is an ideal spot to stop for a quick break or for some breakfast as there are lots of picnic tables overlooking the lake. On a calm day, you can see the mountains perfectly reflected in the lake’s aquamarine water.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 39 km
• Distance from Jasper: 194 km

2. Peyto Lake and Bow Summit

Just 5 km up the road lies one of the most famous Icefields Parkway stops – Peyto Lake. The lake is renowned for its brilliant aqua colour created by the meltwater from the Wapta Glacier. If you’re visiting Banff National Park, make sure you add Peyto Lake to your trip itinerary. You can get some beautiful photos of the lake from the viewing platform which is a short walk from the parking lots, or you can take the trail up to Bow Summit for even better views. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the viewing platform. If you’re travelling in winter, you may need snow shoes as the snow is very deep and your feet can easily fall through.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 44 km
• Distance from Jasper: 189 km

3. Waterfowl Lakes

Continue driving along the Icefields Parkway and in less than 15 minutes, the treeline on your left-hand side will open up to reveal the beautiful Waterfowl Lakes. The two lakes offer great photography opportunities, especially on a clear day when the mountains are perfectly reflected in the water. When we went, the larches had just turned golden and the contrast of the yellow tones against the turquoise water was magical.

The viewpoint offers incredible views of the turquoise lakes and rugged mountains. It’s very accessible as it’s located just on the side of the Parkway, making it the perfect place for a quick stop. Waterfowl Lakes Campground is located between the two lakes and is a scenic place to stay if you decide to split this Icefields Parkway itinerary into two days.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 55 km
• Distance from Jasper: 178 km

4. Mistaya Canyon

This beautiful canyon is one of the lesser-known stops along the Icefields Parkway. As a result, it’s a lot quieter than some of the places on this itinerary and is a lovely place to stop and stretch your legs. The canyon is a short downhill walk (1 km) from the car park to the wooden bridge which crosses the river and offers lovely views of the deep canyon.

If you have time, you can cross the bridge and walk along the river for a bit for some different views. There aren’t any barriers here so be very careful on the rocks as they are slippery and can be dangerous.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 75 km
• Distance from Jasper: 158 km

5. Saskatchewan River Crossing

As the name suggests, Saskatchewan River Crossing is where three rivers meet; the North Saskatchewan, the Howse and the Mistaya. It’s one of the less scenic Icefields Parkway stops in my opinion as you only briefly see the rivers while driving. However, it is one of the few places where you’ll find some basic services on the Icefields Parkway. There are public washrooms, a gas station and a restaurant so it’s a good place to stop. Just remember that it’s closed during the winter months.   

• Distance from Lake Louise: 79 km
• Distance from Jasper: 154 km

6. Weeping Wall

Located at Cirrus Mountain, you can often see waterfalls cascading down the rock cliff. This is known as the Weeping Wall and it’s an impressive 100 metres high (330 feet). It’s especially magical to see if you’re driving the Icefields Parkway in winter as all the waterfalls have frozen down the mountain.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 106 km
• Distance from Jasper: 127 km

7. Cirrus Mountain Viewpoint (Big Hill & Big Bend)

This may have been my favourite view on our Icefields Parkway road trip. You’ll know when you arrive at the Big Hill and Big Bend as you’ll ascend steeply as the road bends through the valley. This famous hairpin turn marks the border between Banff and Jasper National Parks.

As you begin to descend, you’ll see a pullover on the right-hand side where you can stop to take in one of the best views of the Icefields Parkway. Looking down at the highway cutting through the mountains really encompasses what the drive is all about!

• Distance from Lake Louise: 115 km
• Distance from Jasper: 118 km

8. Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier

The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and is one of the most popular stops along the Icefields Parkway. You can park at the Icefield Centre on the right-hand side of the road for a view looking out over the icefield. Alternatively, you can drive to the foot of the glacier for a closer view. For your safety, stay behind the barriers and don’t walk on the glacier yourself.

If you want to see more of the glacier, you can book onto a small-group guided hike where you’ll learn more about the Glacier’s history and geology. There may also be an opportunity to descend below the ice surface to discover some hidden wonders.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 128 km
• Distance from Jasper: 104 km

9. Glacier Icefield Skywalk

Located 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley, this one-kilometre cliff-edge walkway leads you to a glass-floored platform where you can peer down at the valleys and waterfalls below. The interpretive walk along the Columbia Icefield Skywalk costs around $40 for adults and $18 for children. After the walk, head to the Glacier Discovery Centre where you can grab some food and visit the Glacier Gallery.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 135 km
• Distance from Jasper: 98 km

10. Tangle Creek Falls

Out of all of the Icefield Parkway stops, I think Tangle Creek Falls is one of the most underrated. If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway for the first time and don’t know about this spot, it’s very easy to miss it. The waterfall has multiple tiers and is stunning all year round, but even more so in winter when it’s dusted in snow and the top waterfall becomes a wall of icicles.

The waterfalls are right on the highway. If you’re driving from Lake Louise to Jasper, it will be on your right hand side. There is a small parking lot on the opposite side (jasper to Lake Louise direction). Be careful crossing the road to park as cars do speed through this section.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 137 km
• Distance from Jasper: 96 km

11. Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint

The Icefields Parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers. You’ll see lots of them as you drive but if you have time, I recommend stopping at the Stutfield Glacier viewpoint. It’s a quick photo stop on this Icefields Parkway itinerary but is a beautiful sight to see.

From the pull-in, you can look across Sunwapta River’s valley to Stutfield Glacier. The parking pull-in is on the left hand side of the Icefields Parkway so if you’re travelling from Lake Louise be careful crossing over to park.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 139 km
• Distance from Jasper: 94.8 km

12. Sunwapta Falls

Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta Falls is one of the many beautiful waterfalls located along the Icefields Parkway. In Stoney native language, Sunwapta means ‘turbulent water’ which is an apt name for this rushing waterfall. There is a viewing bridge near the car park which offers incredible views of the upper falls. If you want to visit the lower falls, there is a short trail (1.3 km) which takes you through the forest and down to the falls. It’s one of my favourite things to see when visiting Jasper in summer but I think it’s even more magical in winter once the waterfall freezes. If you’re visiting Jasper in winter, make sure you drive to Sunwapta Falls!

• Distance from Lake Louise: 177 km
• Distance from Jasper: 56 km

13. Goats and Glaciers Lookout

I missed this viewpoint the first couple of times I drove the Icefields Parkway as the sign isn’t very obvious and it’s a small pull-in. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled as you don’t want to miss this lookout. The Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint is also known as ‘Goat Lick’ and is named after the mountain goats that are often seen on the cliffslide ‘licking’ the minerals off the rocks.

I didn’t see any goats when we stopped here sadly but the views made up for it! Even on a cloudy day, you can see the mountain ranges and the Athabasca river cutting through the valley. It’s a lovely place to stop quickly for photos. The parking lot is quite small and is on the left hand side so be careful crossing over the road to park.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 195 km
• Distance from Jasper: 38 km

14. Athabasca Falls

The final stop on this Icefields Parkway itinerary takes you to a spectacular waterfall. Located just over 30 km from Jasper, Athabasca Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies, but it is one of the most powerful. There are plenty of platforms along the interpretive trail where you can get some beautiful photos and learn about the Athabasca River. The waterfall is at its most powerful at the end of spring when the snow has just melted.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 200 km
• Distance from Jasper: 33 km

HIKES TO DO ON YOUR ICEFIELDS PARKWAY ITINERARY

There are plenty of beautiful Icefields Parkway stops but if you have time on your trip, I highly recommend squeezing in one of the following hikes on the Icefields Parkway. They all offer incredible views of the mountains and glaciers.

Parker Ridge (5 km round trip)

Located just after Big Hill and Big Bend, Parker Ridge is a short hike which offers dramatic views of the valleys, mountain ranges, and the Saskatchewan Glacier to the north west. The hike takes around 2 hours and has a 250-metre elevation gain with some gentile switchbacks.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 120 km
• Distance from Jasper: 112 km

Wilcox Pass (9.3 km round trip)

Wilcox Pass is close to Parker’s Ridge but is a bit harder and longer at 9.3 km. It offers incredible views of the peaks and glaciers on the eastern side of the Columbia Icefield and is often frequented by bighorn sheep. The first kilometre is quite steep, but it does level out. It takes around 3 – 4 hours to complete but you can just hike to the first viewpoint which is only a 2.4 km roundtrip.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 126 km
• Distance from Jasper: 106 km

Mount Edith Cavell (8.5 km round trip)

This beautiful hike takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the Angel Glacier and Cavell Pond. It continues to climb uphill through the subalpine forest before reaching the Cavell meadows. During the summer, these meadows are covered with colourful wildflowers. This trail is usually closed from October until mid-July until it dries out.

• Distance from Lake Louise: 126 km
• Distance from Jasper: 106 km

LOCATION DETAILS

Here are the locations of the Icefields Parkway stops listed above. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title so you can use it to plan your own itinerary.

TIPS FOR DRIVING THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

Here are a few final important things you should know before you head off on your Icefields Parkway road trip:

Get gas and groceries before you start your trip

I’d highly recommend filling up with gas before you start your Icefields Parkway road trip as there is only one gas station along the highway at Saskatchewan River Crossing and it’s quite expensive. From November to April it’s actually closed so you’ll need to get gas before you leave Lake Louise or Jasper.

Similarly, there aren’t any supermarkets along the Icefields Parkway so get some snacks for the journey before you go. There are a few shops where you can buy food and drinks but they can be quite overpriced.

Watch out for wildlife

As you’re driving through some of the most wild and remote parts of the Canadian Rockies, it’s highly likely that you’ll spot some local wildlife along the way. Drive carefully as you may see wildlife grazing on the side of the road or even trying to cross. Pay attention to drivers in front of you in case they suddenly decide to slow down or stop.

If you do spot wildlife whilst driving, give them plenty of space and admire from a distance. Be respectful and don’t put these animals at risk. It’s always very sad to hear about bears that have been put down because they have had human interactions.

If you’re hiking, try to go in a group and make lots of noise when hiking to alert animals to your presence. Always carry bear spray and make sure you know how to use it safely.

Be sensible when you stop

The views are breath-taking and you’ll probably want to pull over several times just to take photos of the open road. There are plenty of spots to stop safely on the side of the road but be sensible. Make sure you have pulled off the road properly, don’t stop in a blind spot (i.e. on a curve or just after a sharp dip) as you won’t be visible to other cars and increase the risk of an accident.

If you are going to try and get some photos of you in the road then be extremely careful. It is a fast road so make sure you have good vision of cars coming in both directions, and move quickly.

Final thoughts on this icefields parkway itinerary

The Icefields Parkway passes through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Canadian Rockies and offers unparalleled views. There are so many gorgeous stops along the Icefields Parkway so take your time and spend the day exploring the incredible lakes, waterfalls and viewpoints along the way. We drove from Vancouver to Banff and then up to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway and it was one of my favourite road trips to date!

Where to explore next?

I absolutely love the Canadian Rockies and have been lucky enough to visit several times over the past three years. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Canadian Rockies, check out my detailed travel guides.

Here are some more beautiful drives in Canada to inspire your next road trip:

• North Vancouver Island: The ultimate road trip
• Exploring the Pacific Marine Circle Route
• City to coast: Victoria to Tofino

Love from Steph

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