Banff to Jasper Drive: The Complete Icefields Parkway Guide
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We moved to Canada in 2019 and the Icefields Parkway was one of the first big road trips we tackled in the Rockies, and it set the bar for every scenic drive we have taken since.
If there’s one road trip that defines the Canadian Rockies, it’s the Icefields Parkway. Stretching for 232 kilometres between Lake Louise and Jasper, this legendary drive connects Banff National Park to Jasper National Park and is consistently ranked among the most scenic highways in the world. From glacier-fed lakes and dramatic mountain peaks to ancient icefields and cascading waterfalls, this journey showcases the raw beauty of icefields parkway Canada like no other route.
For travelers already planning a Rockies adventure, pairing this drive with a longer trip to Banff makes perfect sense, as Banff serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the region’s most iconic landscapes.
Whether you begin the banff to jasper drive from Lake Louise or choose the reverse jasper to banff drive, you will find that every kilometre of this banff to jasper road trip rewards you with views that belong on a postcard.
Planning your time in the Rockies? Our Banff itinerary covers the full Rockies experience including the Icefields Parkway, ready to download and use.
What is the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) runs from Lake Louise in Icefields Parkway Banff territory to the town of Jasper. This route passes through protected wilderness areas and alongside more than 100 glaciers, offering some of the most accessible alpine scenery in North America.
Unlike other scenic highways, this drive feels raw and untouched. With limited cell service and vast open stretches, it’s an ideal escape for nature lovers who enjoy immersive road trips similar to some of the best hikes in Canada, where the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
Why the Icefields Parkway Is Famous Worldwide
Driving through icefields parkway Canada feels like watching a live nature documentary. Every curve reveals turquoise lakes, hanging glaciers, jagged mountain peaks, and frequent wildlife sightings. It’s not uncommon to spot mountain goats, elk, or even bears along the roadside.
For travelers who enjoy scenic outdoor experiences, the Icefields Parkway complements other nature-based journeys across the country, including visits to some of the best waterfalls in Canada, many of which are also shaped by glacial meltwater.
Best Stops on the Banff to Jasper Drive
1. Peyto Lake Lookout
Known for its striking wolf-head shape and surreal turquoise color, Peyto Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies. A short uphill walk leads to a viewpoint that offers postcard-perfect views.
We arrived just after 8 am to beat the crowds and had the viewing deck almost entirely to ourselves for about 20 minutes, which was well worth the early start on our Banff to Jasper drive. If you visit in summer, arriving before 9 am makes a real difference.
Address: Bow Summit, Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), Banff National Park, AB
Hours: Open year-round (access road may close in winter conditions)
Admission: Included with Parks Canada day pass or Discovery Pass
Parking: Free parking at Bow Summit lower lot; upper lot for buses and accessible vehicles only
Confirm current road and seasonal conditions at parks.canada.ca before visiting.
If you enjoy lakeside scenery like this, our guide to wildlife in Canada covers the incredible animals you may also spot along the parkway.
2. Mistaya Canyon
This underrated stop features a dramatic canyon carved by glacial waters over thousands of years. It’s quick to visit and often less crowded than major viewpoints.
We pulled in on our way north and spent about 20 minutes here; the sound of the water echoing through the canyon was something we were not fully prepared for. It is a short walk from the parking area and completely worth the brief detour on the icefields parkway stops list.
Address: Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), approximately 73 km north of Lake Louise, Banff National Park, AB
Admission: Included with Parks Canada day pass
Parking: Small pullout lot directly off the highway
Confirm trail access and conditions at parks.canada.ca before visiting.
For more Rockies adventures and Canadian outdoor experiences, see our guide to spring vacation ideas in Canada for ideas on timing your trip.
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.
We booked the Ice Explorer tour in advance and it was one of the highlights of our entire Canada road trip; standing on a glacier at that scale puts the sheer size of the Rockies into perspective in a way that photographs simply cannot capture.
Address: Icefield Centre, Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), Jasper National Park, AB T0L 1E0
Hours: Mid-April to mid-October (seasonal); verify exact dates at columbia-icefield.com
Admission: Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk tickets are ticketed separately; book in advance
Parking: Large paid lot at the Icefield Centre
Confirm tour availability and opening dates before visiting.
🏔️ Staying Inside Jasper National Park?
Find top-rated hotels within Jasper National Park and lock in your rate through Expedia — the perfect base for exploring one of Canada’s most breathtaking wilderness destinations.
Search Jasper National Park Hotels on Expedia →
4. Athabasca Glacier Viewpoint
Standing at the base of this ancient glacier is a humbling experience and one of the most memorable icefields parkway stops on the route.
Even from the lower viewpoint, without the paid tour, you can feel just how ancient and vast this glacier is. We were struck by the markers showing where the glacier’s edge stood decades ago, a visible reminder of how quickly it has retreated.
Address: Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), Jasper National Park, AB (adjacent to Icefield Centre)
Admission: Viewpoint access is free with a national park pass; Ice Explorer tour is additional
Parking: Shared with Icefield Centre lot
Confirm parking details at columbia-icefield.com before visiting.
Combine this stop with the nearby best biking trails in Canada post for ideas on extending your Rockies adventure beyond the car.
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.
We visited in late afternoon and the angle of the sun on the canyon walls was spectacular. The upper falls alone are worth a 20-minute stop, but if you have energy to spare, the 1.3 km trail to the lower falls passes through beautiful pine forest and is one of the quieter moments on an otherwise busy stretch of the parkway.
Address: Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), approximately 55 km south of Jasper, Jasper National Park, AB
Hours: Access road open early May to early October; winter access on foot or snowshoe only
Admission: Included with Jasper National Park pass
Parking: Free lot at end of 600 m access road off the highway
Confirm seasonal road status before visiting.
6. Athabasca Falls
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.
What surprised us about Athabasca Falls is that it is not especially tall, but the raw volume of water pouring through that narrow gorge is unlike anything else we experienced on the drive from Banff to Jasper. The paved trail makes it accessible for all fitness levels.
Address: Highway 93A, approximately 32 km southeast of Jasper, Jasper National Park, AB
Hours: Open year-round; lower canyon trail not recommended in icy winter conditions
Admission: Free to access; valid Jasper National Park pass required
Parking: Free lot at site; two accessible stalls available
Confirm current conditions at parks.canada.ca before visiting.
If spectacular waterfalls are your thing, our roundup of the best waterfalls in Canada covers many more across the country worth adding to your list.
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, as very few food options are available on the highway.
- No cell signal on most parts of the highway; download offline maps ahead of time.
- Dress in layers as weather changes fast in the Rockies.
- Plan your icefields parkway stops in advance; you will want to pull over every few kilometres.
Planning an Overnight Stay?
Whether you’re stopping in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper, booking early ensures better views and better prices.
Best Time to Visit the Icefields Parkway
Spring (May to early June): We recommend May if you want powerful waterfalls, as snowmelt pushes Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls to their maximum flow. The parkway is typically open by late April but some side roads and facilities remain closed until mid-May, so check conditions before setting out.
Summer (June to September): This is the peak season for the drive from Banff to Jasper and the best time for the Columbia Icefield tours, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Expect crowds at the most popular stops, particularly between 10 am and 3 pm; arriving early in the morning makes a noticeable difference. Most facilities, including the Ice Explorer tour and Glacier Skywalk, are open during these months.
Fall (late September to October): We love the Rockies in fall because the crowds thin out and the golden larch trees along the parkway create stunning contrast against the rocky peaks. The icefields parkway winter transition begins in late October, with some facilities starting to close.
Winter (November to April): The parkway stays open year-round but winter driving requires preparation and appropriate tires. Some stops like the Sunwapta Falls access road close seasonally. The reward is a snow-covered landscape that feels completely remote, and on clear days the light on the glaciers is extraordinary.
Icefields Parkway Stops by Area
- Lake Louise to Saskatchewan River Crossing (southern section): This stretch holds the highest concentration of lake viewpoints on the banff to jasper drive. Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are both in this section, along with Mistaya Canyon. It is approximately 77 km and easy to cover in a morning with planned stops. Expect the most traffic here during summer weekends.
- Saskatchewan River Crossing to Columbia Icefield (central section): The highway climbs here and the landscape becomes more dramatic and exposed. The Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk are the centrepiece of this stretch. We suggest allocating a minimum of two to three hours for this area, more if you book the Ice Explorer.
- Columbia Icefield to Jasper (northern section): Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls are both in this final stretch, making it just as rewarding as the start. This section takes you into Jasper National Park proper, where wildlife sightings become even more frequent. We spotted elk grazing right by the roadside on our drive through here.
Free and No-Reservation Options on the Icefields Parkway
Several of the most memorable stops on the drive from Banff to Jasper cost nothing beyond your Parks Canada national park pass. Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Athabasca Falls, and Sunwapta Falls (upper falls) are all free to access once you are inside the national park. The Athabasca Glacier lower viewpoint is also free, giving you a clear look at the glacier without paying for the Ice Explorer tour.
None of these free stops require advance reservations. You simply pull into the parking area and walk in. The key is timing your arrival to avoid the midday rush. We have found that stopping at Peyto Lake before 9 am and Athabasca Falls in the late afternoon significantly reduces the crowd experience at both. The lower falls at Sunwapta require a 1.3 km hike, which also acts as a natural filter; far fewer people make it there compared to the upper falls.
The only major paid experience that requires advance booking is the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer tour and Glacier Skywalk, which we recommend reserving online before you leave. Everything else on the icefields parkway stops list can be enjoyed spontaneously. If you are driving the parkway on a budget, the free stops alone would make for an exceptional day.
Tips for Visiting the Icefields Parkway with Kids or Toddlers
The drive from Banff to Jasper is surprisingly family-friendly. Athabasca Falls and Peyto Lake both have paved, accessible trails that work well for strollers and younger children, and the stops are short enough to keep little ones engaged without long hikes. We suggest building in more time per stop than you think you need, because kids naturally want to linger and explore every viewpoint.
Pack more snacks than you think necessary because food options along the parkway are limited primarily to the Icefield Centre and Sunwapta Falls Lodge. A cooler in the car with familiar foods makes the day much smoother for toddlers. Bring layers regardless of the season; the temperature can drop noticeably at higher elevations even on a warm summer day.
If you are planning an overnight stay in Jasper with the family, book well in advance. For more ideas on travelling the Rockies region with children, our trip to Banff guide includes practical family tips for the broader area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stop along the Icefields Parkway?
The most popular icefields parkway stops include Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Mistaya Canyon, the Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls. We recommend planning at least six stops if driving the full 232 km route from Banff to Jasper. Downloading an offline map in advance helps you identify each pullout without relying on cell service.
How long does it take to do the Icefields Parkway?
The straight drive from Lake Louise to Jasper takes around two hours without stops. Most visitors take five to eight hours to complete the full drive from Banff to Jasper when including the major viewpoints and a stop at the Columbia Icefield. We recommend treating it as a full day if you want to enjoy it properly.
What is the route of the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway follows Highway 93 North for 232 km from Lake Louise in Banff National Park to the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. The route passes through some of the most protected and scenic wilderness in Canada, with more than 100 glaciers visible from the road.
Is it better to drive Icefields Parkway north or south?
We drove it south to north, starting from Lake Louise and ending in Jasper, and found that the light was better on the lake viewpoints in the morning. Many people prefer the banff to jasper drive direction because you start near Lake Louise and build toward Jasper. That said, the reverse jasper to banff drive works equally well if your itinerary requires it.
Is it better to drive from Banff to Jasper or Jasper to Banff?
Both directions offer the same scenery, but the southbound direction (Jasper to Banff) puts the Columbia Icefield in the first half of the drive, which can be helpful if you want to finish the day in Banff. The northbound direction (banff to jasper drive) builds toward Jasper, which makes for a great overnight destination at the end of the drive.
Is Icefields Parkway open year round?
Yes, the Icefields Parkway is open year-round, though winter driving conditions require appropriate tires and caution. Some facilities and side roads close seasonally, including the Sunwapta Falls access road. Always check road conditions and closures on the Parks Canada website before heading out in shoulder or winter months.
Why Icefields Parkway Should Be On Your Bucket List
Whether you’re visiting Banff for the first time or returning for another Rockies adventure, the Icefields Parkway Banff route never disappoints. Every drive feels different depending on the season, lighting, and weather conditions.
For travelers who love combining scenic routes with unique stays, consider extending your journey with an overnight experience like the Sunshine Mountain Lodge in Banff, which offers a rare opportunity to stay inside a national park.
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, and a road trip you will never forget.
We have done the drive from Banff to Jasper multiple times now and still find new details to appreciate with every passing season.
We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
Related Destinations
See our guide to the best hikes in Canada for more outdoor adventure ideas across the country.
Explore our complete trip to Banff guide for everything you need to plan your Rockies visit.
Discover overnight options with our review of Sunshine Mountain Lodge in Banff, one of our favourite Rockies stays.
For more Canadian nature inspiration, check out our guide to the best waterfalls in Canada, many of which are fed by the same glaciers you will see on the parkway.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep bringing you great travel content. All recommendations are based on our personal experience.
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