This incredibly scenic drive will no doubt be a highlight of your tour in the Canadian Rockies. It has been voted the World’s Most Beautiful Mountain Drive. You can drive the Icefields Parkway in either direction.
Along the way, we’ll point out the must-do stops of the drive, as well as places that you may want to explore if you have lots of time. Be amazed by the incredible mountains, brightly coloured lakes and glaciers that line the western side of the road.
The thundering waterfalls are amazing and your chances of spotting wildlife are excellent.
Many of the best best views and iconic stops only require to park and then a short walk to a viewpoint. If you have a time and are willing to walk further, some places have more vantage points and hidden views that are worth venturing to. And for much of the superb scenery, you don’t have to do anything more than look out the window as you drive by.
The Icefields Parkway is usually done one of two ways. Either drive the whole length between Lake Louise and Jasper as a one way trip. This is how you transition between the Jasper part of the of the Canadaian Rockies, and the Banff/Lake Louise section. Or, its also common to drive from Banff or Lake Louise up to the Icefields Centre, and then return, as a day trip.
There are many stories about important characters of the Rockies who shaped its past and future and were able to enjoy a rewarding lifestyle in this often difficult environment.
The Peyto Lake day use area (Icefields Parkway), including the viewpoint, viewing platform, parking lots, restrooms and access road, are closed until November 2020.
Lake Louise or Jasper. The Icefields Parkway is Hwy 93N.
Expect it to take 8 – 12 hours with time for sightseeing and a tour onto the Athabasca Glacier
The drive between Lake Louise and Jasper, one way is 233km (145 miles)
