Icefields parkway
10 must see stops
The Icefields Parkway is a 232 km stretch of highway that connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.
This is no ordinary road and people from all over the world flock here just to experience its’ wondrous scenic points. The landscape is adorned with towering mountains, alpine forests, canyons, turquoise lakes, glaciers and some pretty incredible wildlife.
You could easily make this a several day journey. We just had one day, and we somehow packed in 10 amazing stops. There is no cell phone service and very minimal places to stop for gas or food. So grab your Parks Canada Pass, pack a cooler, fuel up your vehicle and download your stopping points to get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Keep in mind that you are traveling in the Canadian Rockies, during the winter months there may be hazards or closures. So make sure to prepare for this ahead of your start.
bow lake
1 | BOW LAKE
Distance From Lake Louise : 37 km
Type of Stop: Pull Off or Hike Available
Bow Lake is another gorgeous glacier-blue lake. It’s easily accessible as you can view this impressive beauty from a pull over point. There are picnic benches nearby, making this a wonderful place to enjoy a nice picnic.
If you have extra time, you can hike to Bow Glacier Falls. This hike mostly follows the shoreline and features stunning panoramic views along the way.
Peyto lake
2 | PEYTO LAKE
Distance From Lake Louise: 44 km
Type of Stop: Short Walk
This is another world famous lake in Banff National Park. Its’ wolf-like shape and vibrant blue waters make this an easily recognizable landscape. This lake is easily accessible and even has a handicap-accessible section for everyone to have simple viewing.
Mistaya canyon
3 | MISTAYA CANYON
Distance From Lake Louise: 74 km
Type of Stop: Short Hike
This was one of our favorite stops along the parkway. Just a short hike from the parkway and you’ll be surrounded by a striking canyon sculpted by the Mistaya River. Here you can appreciate a deep slot canyon featuring curvy limestone walls.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
4 | SASKATCHEWAN RIVER CROSSING
Distance From Lake Louise: 85 km
Type of Stop: Pull Over
This is your only chance to get fuel and snacks on your journey along the Icefields Parkway. The River Crossing is located at the turn-off for Nordegg and is only open during the summer months.
THE big bend
5 | BIG BEND VIEWPOINT
Distance From Lake Louise: 116 km
Type of Stop: Pull Over
Around the half-way point you will come to a switchback, otherwise known as the Big Bend Viewpoint. From this location you’ll have fantastic views of the highway you’ve been traveling on and there are views of multiple waterfalls cascading down the enormous mountains.
Athabasca glacier
6 | TOE OF ATHABASCA GLACIER
Distance From Jasper: 104 km
Type of Stop: Hike or Tour
We didn’t have time for one of the popular glacier tours. So this moderately challenging hike to the Toe of Athabasca Glacier was a great alternative for us. We were happy that we got a chance to see this as global warning is quickly ceasing the existence of this glacier.
sunwapta falls
7 | Sunwapta Falls
Distance to Jasper: 56km
Type of Stop: Easy Hike
The parking lot for the powerful Sunwapta Falls is right next to the viewpoint, which makes it an easy walk to the falls. There are multiple trails in the area, so you can spend as little or as much time as you want here.
goats & glaciers
8 | GOATS & GLACIERS
Distance To Jasper: 38 km
Difficulty Level: Roadside Viewpoint
Goats are often seen here licking the minerals off the side of the cliffs. We didn’t get to see them during our trip. It was still a breathtaking view with a short stroll from the parking lot.
Athabasca Falls
9 | ATHABASCA FALLS
Distance to Jasper: 32km
Type of Stop: Easy Hike
You should not miss these impressive falls. The rushing water is a true display of power and the rock has uniquely formed over the years. This is easily one of the best stops along the Icefields Parkway.
maligne canyon
10 | MALIGNE CANYON
Distance to Jasper: In Jasper
Type of Stop: Hiking
This stop is technically not on the Icefields Parkway, but is located in Jasper near the end of the route. We needed to mention this as it was one of our very favorite hikes throughout our entire time in the Canadian Rockies. We hiked here for hours and were continually amazed by the scenery. The trails are sectioned by labeled bridges, so you can spend as little or as much time here as you would like.
