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The Icefields Parkway is a brilliant stretch between Jasper and Lake Louise. Along this parkway stands brilliant attractions one can’t resist.
Visiting here is like a day in paradise. The parkway holds more than 100 ancient glaciers, gushing waterfalls, incredible rocks, pristine lakes, and dense forests. Check out the study here.
Wildlife lovers can explore Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. You must stop here for hiking or to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Canada never fails to surprise us, just like offering Icefields Parkway. Every city or town in Canada has its top attractions. But what about these beautiful areas we miss out on?
This article answers every query on how to explore Icefields Parkway. Have a good read.
How to Reach Icefields Parkway?
Icefields Parkway road remains open year-round. Often the road remains closed due to unpredictable weather in winter.
In winter, due to heavy snowfall, all tourist attractions are closed here. Before going into details on Icefields Parkway, let’s know how to get there first.
Icefields Parkway is a few km drives from the west of Banff. From Calgary, it’s a two and a half hours journey, while from Edmonton it’s a 30-minute drive.
The parkway spreads for 230 km and takes 3 hours to complete it. But tourists spend more time here due to eye-catchy attractions.
How is the Road?
The Icefields Parkway is a fully surfaced, widespread road. You’ll pass through scenic landscapes and mighty mountain passes.
An incredible sight, much better than your expectations. An easy drive with a few steep areas. Large RVs can easily access here.
You may have got the idea of how to reach Icefields Parkway from above. Let’s explore the top attractions on Icefields Parkway.
The main attractions are the scenic roadways and Banff National Park. There are picnic spots, beautiful lakes, and many others. These attractions fall along the parkway.
Icefields Parkway – Everything You Need To Know
First: A Glacier or Icefield?
There are over hundreds of glaciers to explore. You really cannot explore a hundred glaciers in one day. This trip lets you walk over glaciers. As the journey ends at Columbia Icefield, you can walk on Athabasca Glacier.
The best part is you can walk both on a glacier and the ice field.
Water from Columbia Icefields flows into three major oceans, The Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic. Several interconnected glaciers together form icefields. Thus, Icefields Parkway offers both icefields and glaciers. You can enjoy both.
Second: Historical Significance
The massive ancient icefield keeps on shifting and forms unusual sculpted geography. Glaciers are moving at a fast rate.
These are like an alarm to us. On Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier has been retreating from its base point since the 1990s.
The Columbia Icefields keep on getting shallow with high density. It’s as deep as the Empire State Building. A historical journey for over 100 years.
Also a matter of concern. The parkway is still the best place to visit. However, it hasn’t harmed any tourists.
Third: The Glacier Skywalk
A trip to Icefields Parkway is incomplete without Glacier Skywalk. The Glacier Skywalk is a must-try one that offers incredible scenic views.
The skywalk starts from the Discovery Center. The monster ice bus reaches you at this point. The skywalk hangs at the bottom, with glass over the valley offering a panoramic view.
Exploring Icefields Parkway: Quick Facts
- Icefields Parkway spreads over 325 km, making it the largest ice body in the Rocky Mountains.
- The Parkway is Mount Columbia’s highest point standing at 3745 meters.
- The road was built under Public Works Depression Relief project.
- The road construction took nine years long, from 1931 to 1940.
- More than 2000 unemployed men had built this parkway.
- Instead of machinery, hand tools were used for construction.
- Eight years were taken to complete 33 km of road with hand tools.
- It receives an average rainfall of 23 feet per year.
- The average height is 10,000 feet.
- The waters wonderfully drain into the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans.
Icefields Parkway: Top 15 Places to Explore
Here are top 15 places to explore near Icefields Parkway!
1. Incredible Roadway
The parkway never fails to live up to expectations. It’s the number one attraction in Banff National Park. The roadway is a beautiful stretch of land that offers overwhelming drives worldwide. One cannot just explore its absolute beauty in just a day.
An ideal spot to try out long drives. It would help if you looked outside the window to feel every scenic spot.
From Banff to Jasper National Park, the road gives breathtaking views. Capture those captivating scenes with your cameras. And cherish them forever.
Watch the ancient glaciers, majestic mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and mesmerizing waterfalls through the drive itself.
Icefields Parkway is an incredible drive stretching 232 km amidst the Canadian Rockies. There are several short hikes and road stops to try out. They offer more splendid views.
A once is a lifetime experience. Feel the coniferous trees protecting you from either side.
If you are traveling to Banff National Park, choose this roadway. The road remains crowded during peak summer months. You will never regret it.
Avoid these times as you won’t be able to enjoy them much. Also, in winter, car access is denied. Plan your trip accordingly.
2. Herbert Lake
You can stare at the fascinating Herbert Lake for the whole day. The top place along Icefields Parkway. A pristine and serene lake sure to make you fall in love with it.
Since Herbert Lake is crystal clear, witness the perfect reflection of mountains, sky, and the forest over it. A priceless moment to store in your memories.
Visit during the early morning to experience such beauty. Mother nature offers us such mesmerizing views.
Explore more in this area. Click photographs and have fun. Dip your fingers in this lake—an ideal spot for nature photographers.
3. Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is a must-stop spot under exploring Icefields Parkway. A quick turn from the parkway will reach you here. The parkway isn’t complete without Peyto Lake. A beautiful lake that keeps you halted for hours.
A 40 km distance away from Lake Louise. Peace lovers can spend time here alone, secluded from the city chaos—a perfect place to spend time with families and kids.
Feel the fresh air whispering in your ears. It’s similar to a short hike until you reach the viewpoint.
The surrounding area is fantastic, and the lake seems perfect, as in an animated movie. Experience the overwhelming visual treat.
The water is bright turquoise due to rock flour. This makes the lake more attractive. Glaciers feed such lakes. Rock flour occurs due to the grinding of rocks when glaciers move.
Peyto Lake falls amidst Bow Summit, the highest point of Icefields Parkway. It stands at a height of 2088 meters. Enjoy the view, climb the rocks, and watch the chipmunks play.
Watch how the mountain peaks remain hidden under the clouds. A brilliant sight to ever witness.
To avoid crowds, visit in the early mornings or late evenings. Early mornings are better for experiencing a picturesque view. Witness the sunset in the evening and how the sun hides among the majestic mountains.
4. Columbia Icefields
The best part about Icefields Parkway is witnessing the majestic glaciers. Such massive ice sheets hang against the mountains. A fascinating sight to ever see.
Not just this parkway, but there are other parks in Canada.
Be more close to the exciting Athabasca Glacier. Visit the Columbia Icefield Glacier Centre to enjoy the splendid glacier skywalk.
The Skywalk is a suspended glass bridge over a valley. It gives you amazing views of the surrounding nature.
From Columbia Icefield, ride the glacial travel vehicle. An exciting adventure towards Athabasca Glacier.
Reach the world’s second steepest road. Explore the history of the glaciers. Walk on them and have adventurous fun. You can even drive your car to get here.
Explore the ice glaciers within a safe marked area. Feel the beauty of mother nature. Carry enough water. You may be tired of fun activities. Do taste the cold glacial water nearby.
5. Glacier Skywalk
Take a shuttle from Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre to reach Glacier Skywalk. This suspended glass floor gives an excellent view of the rocky mountains and Columbia Icefields.
Some people might be scared due to heights phobia. Other than that, the view is breathtaking.
Valleys, mountains, forests, and ice fields build up the scenery. Watch the great Sunwapta Valley below your feet. Listen to your steps as you walk the glass bridge.
The bridge stands at the height of 918 feet above the whitish glacier. It’s like an extraordinary experience. Glacier Skywalk is a must-try to experience chills. Still, you would wish to visit here again. Save 45 CAD for this adventure.
Do try out Jasper Skytram, another adventurous ride.
6. Sunwapta Falls
About 177 km away from Lake Louise and 45 minutes away from Jasper is the incredible Sunwapta Falls.
The area close to Jasper holds several waterfalls. But the best among them is Sunwapta Falls. People feel blessed to witness such beauty.
There’s an island on top, mountains at its backdrop, and the incredible falls gush into the canyon.
Cross the bridge amidst the forest to reach the shore of waterfalls. Rocks are quite slippery; watch your path. Views are unbelievable and known as Jasper’s top photography spots.
Make sure to add this excellent piece of nature to your bucket list.
7. Athabasca Falls
Another dramatic waterfall to ever witness. The bright white waters flow into a narrow canyon. Perfect for nature photography. Experience the splendid view or try out the adventurous white water rafting.
Tourists come here to witness the spectacular scenes. Various platforms offer a view from every angle. Be careful against slippery; do not go too near the waterfall. Save at least half an hour for this beauty.
8. Bow Lake
Bow Lake is nearest to Lake Louise. A perfect glacial lake. One of the biggest lakes of all.
The lake is bright blue as if someone has added color.
Stop by the road and watch it from the trail. A less-traveled trail path that leads to Bow Summit.
This area is usually less crowded. A vast green meadow, sandy path, magnificent landscapes, and majestic mountains surround this lake.
9. Parker Ridge
Halfway through Icefields Parkway, you’ll reach Parker Ridge. One of the main highlights of this parkway.
A favorite hike among tourists. View the spectacular glacier from here. The glaciers feel like iced lava coming out of far volcanos. The area is quite steep and exposed.
Unless you hike towards the edge, this sight is rare to witness. Save a couple of hours to hike till here. The strenuous hike is rewarding. Avoid walking in windy or rainy weather.
This hike is perfect in good weather. Parker Ridge should be on top of the hiking list.
10. Wilcox Pass
This Pass is the best place to witness the Athabasca Glacier if you don’t wish to take the tour. It’s a short hike among the forest ad gives a view of the glacier from above.
Wilcox Pass is ideal for the ones who want to save time. There are chairs for you to relax and experience outstanding beauty.
A 3 km trail that takes 1 hour to finish. A longer walk adds more than 3 km from the lookout to the Pass. The best part is sitting and watching the glacier. Bring in your snacks to munch on.
11. Mistaya Canyon
One of the exciting places on Icefields Parkway the Mista Canyon. It’s easily accessible from the car parking area.
This canyon holds scenic rocks, among which the lake gushes. Coniferous forests surround the background. The whole scene is like a dreamland. A total beauty to witness.
It remains crowded during peak times. The early morning view is perfect. If you wish to click pictures, visit here in the early morning.
The water gives a pale blue color that comes from the melting glacier.
12. Valley of Five Lakes
Just close to reaching Jasper is the Valley of Five Lakes. The name itself is incredible. Cover three miles to visit these magnificent five lakes. An ideal hike spot for trekkers in Icefields Parkway.
Coniferous trees surround each lake—a perfect exploration on a bright sunny day to witness the colorful lakes.
One of the lakes even forms a heart shape, upon which the surrounding reflection falls. A treat to the eyes.
Trekking difficulty is moderately easy. A must-try the route in summers. Do wear good grip shoes that protect you against uneven paths. You won’t enjoy this in winter.
13. Old Parkway
Wish to go back in history? Even Icefields Parkway has an old Icefields Parkway. Take the sharp curve from this parkway that leads to Big Hill and Big Bend. On the left side, there’s a small path leading downwards.
From the Banff route, this area falls on the left, while from Jasper, it’s on the right side. It’s an old road blocked by granite rocks. Cross a small stream to reach here.
Pass through an old bridge from 1938. The American Navies had built this road. View an old crashed car beside the bridge.
There is less information about this road—an offbeat track in Icefields Parkway. The road leads to Saskatchewan Glaciers. A place where early American soldiers tried modern ice walking equipment. Explorers are sure to love this hidden beauty.
14. Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake doesn’t belong to either Banff National Park or Jasper National Park.
It’s a must-visit lake along Icefields Parkway. While you drive, halt for some time near the lake. Visit during summer to experience the pristine blue lake.
In winter, the lake freezes, and methane bubbles also freeze, creating a spectacular moment. Daring ones can try walking on the freezing lake.
Watch the gas bubbles trapped in various layers of ice. Have a safe walk on the ice. The central part of this trip is to open your eyes wide. Icefields Parkway’s surroundings are full of life. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Spot various animals like grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, deer, caribou, mountain lions, big-horned sheep, and moose.
Bird lovers can spot different kinds of birds. The best time to travel to enjoy the wildlife here is dawn and dusk. Animals remain active during this period. Check the small streams near the road. It’s common to see animals drinking water.
Drive carefully, as you may crash with an animal. Let them be as free as they are. It’s their home. Check out the list of wild animals in the Canadian Rockies for more details.
Points to Remember Before Exploring Icefields Parkway
- Start Early
Icefields Parkway is the most famous road. It remains busy almost the whole year. Starting late, you may get stuck in road jams due to overcrowding.
Drive early to feel the chill weather and explore the places. Give yourself enough time to explore. This parkway is all about good exploration, which requires plenty of time.
- Take your lunch
This parkway doesn’t offer good dining out. There aren’t many places to have a proper lunch. Restaurants are not pocket friendly.
Make sure to pack your lunch. There are enough spots to have a great picnic. Enjoy with your family and friends while munching on a good lunch.
- Prebook tickets
The Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre remains busy all the time. They have a long waiting line for tickets. It’s better to book tickets in advance.
This will save you time. And you can enjoy Glacier Adventure Tour and Glacier Skywalk.
- Carry layered clothes
Each area offers different weather. In some regions, the climate is moderate, while in some, it’s windy. Carry layered garments to help you cope with the weather.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Best Time to Visit Icefields Parkway?
The road remains open the whole. But the main time to visit is from May to October. Avoid peak winter times.
Winters bring unpredictable weather and heavy snowfall. The parkway remains open, but the park attractions stay closed. Car access is usually denied in winter.
Rocky mountains don’t have definite weather. Temperature changes drastically from day to evening.
You can explore the park well. The best time to visit is from June to September, when the heat is average. These months offer favorable road conditions and wildlife watching.
Snowfall occurs from mid-October. June and September offer cold temperatures. During August, the parkway is mostly crowded.
Accommodations in Icefields Parkway remain closed from November to April. It opens from April to October if you wish to explore the Athabasca Glacier Ice Adventure.
The spring and autumn weather may stun you. Though these seasons still may receive heavy snowfall. Summer offers dry and sunny days. But higher elevations receive light snow and rain.
Temperatures are below the freezing point from November to April. It is best to ignore these months.
2. Are There Any Nearby Restaurants?
It is advised to bring your lunch or snacks. There are many scenic points nearby to sit and have a proper picnic. Food prices are hyped. Only a few food outlets are available. You may not like them.
The restaurants at Saskawetch Crossing serve mediocre food. At the same time, Icefields Parkway Visitor Centre serves costly food.
During summers, these places remain crowded. There is also a small store, but the items are overpriced. Near Lake Louise is Num Ti Jah Lodge, a restaurant that offers luxury dining. Stop there for a coffee or pie.
3. What are Accommodations like in Icefields Parkway?
Guesthouses are available in Saskatchewan Crossing, Icefields Visitor Center, and Sunwapta Falls. Num Ti Jah Lodge is the most expensive of all.
Further from Jasper, Baker Chalets offer cabin-style accommodation. Beauty Creek, Hilda Creek, Rampart Creek, and Mosquito Creek have hoteling style accommodations. They are no electricity and water sources.
Campsites along the Parkway provide first come, first served service. It would help if you arrived early in the summer to book a camp.
Campsites are available in Mosquito Creek, Waterfowl Lake, Rampart Creek, Wilcox Creek, and Columbia Icefields. Few have washrooms and water sources, while others have toilet pits.
Campsites near Lake Louise and Jasper remain fully booked in the summer.
Plan thoroughly before coming here. Staying back can cost you more. It’s better to have one round trip.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this article served your query on how to explore Icefields Parkway. Make a comment on which places you wish to visit here.
Last Updated on by riyaspeaks
