Driving Canada's Icefields Parkway

 Canada's Icefields Parkway has been ranked as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Drives in the World. This 144 mile scenic highway linking Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Canada is arguably the most scenic paved road in North America. Having driven it, I can attest that my answer on this would be a resounding YES! Beautiful blue lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and some of the most stunning mountains that I have ever seen make up this road. It's usually driveable between mid-June to early October so our timing of being there at the beginning of July was perfect. And I'm probably going to say this quite a few times but if you haven't been - and have the chance - GO! You won't regret it

We started our drive in the small town of Field, outside of Banff, and drove to Jasper, our turnaround point, where we had lunch and got back on the road. All together it was a long day,12 hours, but well worth it. The parkway is open year round and requires a Parks Canada Discovery Pass which also gives you access to Banff and Jasper National Parks. The fee is $11 per day per adult but we found it better to buy a year pass since we were there for over a week. 

If you go to the Icefields Parkway website, it gives you access to maps of Lake Louise, Jasper, a map of the parkway and a map of the most popular stops along the way. We used the popular stops guide to stop at everything we wanted on the left side of the road on the way north and then the right on the way south - you do you, but this just worked for us. All stops have good signage and most have parking available. So with out further ado, come along on one of the most scenic drives in the world, The Icefields Parkway!

Best Stops Along the Icefields Parkway:

1. Bow Lake

 This beautiful glacier-fed lake is easily accessible from the parkway.  There is a small parking pull-off with great views and it makes for a short stop. If you prefer to spend more time here then you can hike around the lake  - I've heard estimates of one hour around the lake - or visit the Lodge at Bow Lake, a 24 room lodge there since 1922. And if you're really ambitious you can bring your own canoe or kayak - no rentals are available. 

You can just see the famous red roof of Bow Lake Lodge

2. Peyto Lake

This is a jaw droppingly stunning lake that is a must see if you're driving the parkway. There is a larger parking area here and it is a short, uphill walk to the viewing platform where you can take in the incredibly blue lake. Definitely a spot where you are in awe of nature.

3. Athabasca Glacier & Columbia Icefields

Approximately 2 1/2 hours north of Banff you will come to the Athabasca Glacier. Located in the Columbia Icefield, it is the most visited glacier in North America and one of the most accessible in the world. It is 3.7 miles long, between 300 to 900 feet thick and covers some 2.5 square miles. Interestingly, it is one of the thick ice mass that once covered Canada's western Rocky Mountains. Sadly, due to climate change, it is receding at a rate of 16 feet per year. In 2023, it saw more glacier ice melt than in the last 10 years.

You can stop at a visitor center here and, also, go on some unique adventures - walk the Columbia Icefields Skywalk, ride in a special Ice Explorer Vehicle to walk on the glacier or spend the entire day there doing all of the above including meals. As you can imagine, all of these are quite pricey. We decided to forgo all the tours and just visit the Visitor Center.  Until we saw that it was heaving with people.  So we viewed it from the road - both ways - and we went on our way.

4. Sunwapta Falls

Close to the parkway with a small parking area, Sunwapta Falls is actually a pair of waterfalls, Upper and Lower. Located just south of Jasper, to see the Upper falls it's a 100 meter stroll with a viewpoint from a bridge while it's a 1.2 km hike to the Lower Falls. 

5. Jasper

Our turn around spot on this journey was the town of Jasper. Located in the Athabasca River Valley, Jasper is a small - population is 4,700 - and low key town in the middle of Jasper National Park - which is the largest national park in Canada. This alpine town is an outdoor lovers dream - hiking, golfing, skiing and even Miette Hot Springs nearby.

Our stop here was short enough to enjoy a beverage and snack on an outdoor patio at Jasper Brewing Company and then a wander through the souvenir shops. The weather was picture perfect and the town was hopping. I'm sure we could've done much more with a stay here but one only has so many vacation days, right? So it was a short visit and then off to see the rest of the parkway.

Unfortunately, about 10 days after our visit here, multiple wildfires were ignited by lightning. Parks Canada wildfire firefighters fought the fire bravely but suppression was impossible and 81,000 acres of forest burned including a large amount of the town. (Estimated that 33 of the 1,000 structures of Jasper burned) The town and the park have not fully recovered - it's believed that it will take years - but they are open for business while rebuilding begins. 

6. Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint

This is a scenic viewpoint known for its potential wildlife sightings, specifically mountain goats. There is plenty of parking and a short walk to the viewpoint.

We spent a good bit of time here first seeing the mountain goats a bit far off and not realizing that there were some right below us. And it's not just about wildlife - there's a fantastic view of the mountains, too.

7. Weeping Wall

The Weeping Wall is a set of cliffs, 300 feet tall, with waterfalls cascading down them. Said to resemble a mountain with a river of tears, we had a snack here while parked at the viewpoint with this viewpoint.

We ended the day tired but happy and kudos to our driver, Mr. UR, who drove all 12 hours without complaint. He's an excellent driver - just ask him lol

How about you? Have you driven the Icefields Parkway?