If there’s one road trip you should take in your lifetime, let it be the Icefields Parkway. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this 232-km stretch of highway connecting Icefields Parkway Banff and Jasper National Parks is often ranked among the top 10 most scenic drives in the world and for good reason.
From turquoise glacier fed lakes to towering snow capped peaks, ancient glaciers, waterfalls, and lookout points that’ll take your breath away, this is icefields parkway Canada at its best and most underrated.
What is the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) runs between Lake Louise in Banff National Park and Jasper town in Jasper National Park, Alberta. It passes through protected wilderness, alongside over 100 glaciers, vast pine forests, and dramatic rocky cliffs.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this drive feels like flipping through pages of a National Geographic magazine but in real life.
🗓 Best Time to Visit Icefields Parkway • Summer (June–September): Ideal for driving, sightseeing, and hiking. Most attractions and tours (like the Ice Explorer) are open. • Fall (Late September–October): Gorgeous fall foliage and fewer crowds. • Winter (November–April): Snow-covered beauty, but check road conditions, some stops may be closed.
Must-See icefields parkway stops
Here are the top Icefields Parkway attractions (in the order you’ll encounter them if driving from Banff to Jasper):
1. Peyto Lake Lookout
Bow Summit
Famous for its wolf-head shape and vibrant turquoise color, this is one of the most iconic views in Banff. Short walk to the viewpoint, and it’s absolutely worth it.
2. Mistaya Canyon
A short hike leads you to a dramatic canyon carved by glacial meltwater. A hidden gem that many skip but shouldn’t.
3. Columbia Icefield & Glacier Skywalk
This is where the Icefields Parkway gets its name. • 🚍 Take the Ice Explorer tour right onto the Athabasca Glacier. • 👣 Walk the Glacier Skywalk a glass bottom platform suspended over a deep valley.
Pro Tip: Book tours in advance, especially in summer.
4. Athabasca Glacier Viewpoint
Even if you skip the tour, stop at the base of the glacier to soak it in. Standing before this massive glacier is humbling a true bucket list moment.
5. Sunwapta Falls
These thunderous waterfalls offer a short, scenic detour. The upper falls are right near the parking lot, while the lower falls require a short hike.
6. Athabasca Falls
Jasper National Park
Powerful and picturesque, these falls are one of Jasper’s top natural attractions. You can feel the sheer force of water cutting through the rock over thousands of years.
Tips for Your Icefields Parkway Road Trip
• Fill up your gas before you start (there’s limited fuel along the route).
• Pack snacks and water very few food options.
• No cell signal on most parts of the highway download maps ahead of time.
• Dress in layers weather changes fast in the Rockies.
• Plan for icefields parkway stops you’ll want to pull over every few kilometers.
Why Icefields Parkway Should Be On Your Bucket List
You’ll find yourself stopping often not because you’re tired, but because every turn is postcard perfect. It’s the kind of place where the journey is the destination.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, hiker, or someone who just wants to experience the raw beauty of Canada, the Icefields Parkway delivers.
✅ Stunning views ✅ Peaceful vibes ✅ A road trip you’ll never forget
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