Epic Stops on Icefields Parkway: You Won’t Believe It’s Canada

Looking for the best Icefields Parkway stops? Searching for a detailed Icefields Parkway map?

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful scenic drives you’ll ever take. I’ve driven it three times (round-trip) so far, and I am still in awe each time.

This 230-kilometer-long drive from Lake Louise to Jasper is filled with breathtaking viewpoints, road stops, and amazing family hikes, where you’ll see the iconic wolf-shaped Peyto Lake, the impression Athabasca Glacier, and many waterfalls, including the Athabasca Falls.

It is one of the most scenic drives in North America and is also known as Highway 93.

The Icefields Parkway is open year-round (except for a few closing for avalanches during winter) and is worth driving in the summer and winter. The scenery completely changes with the seasons.

In this blog post, I will tell you:

• the best stops along the Icefields Parkway
• a detailed map with all the Icefields Parkway stops
• valuable tips to make sure your family road trip is unforgettable

Let’s dive into your guide to driving one of the most beautiful drives on earth, the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies.

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Where does the Icefields Parkway start and end

The Icefields Parkway drive starts in Lake Louise in Banff National Park and ends in the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park.

The distance from Lake Louise to Jasper is 230 kilometers, one-way.

How long does it take to drive the Icefields Parkway?

Don’t expect to do the drive in less than 5 hours, even if it’s only 230 km long. There are so many stops to do along the way. Plus, some sections of the drive are pretty whiny. It’s a must-see on a Banff and Jasper road trip. It’s one of those drives you need to add to your bucket list, same as the Going-to-the-Sun drive in Glacier National Park or the ByWay 12 in Utah.

So plan on at least a full day for your Banff to Jasper drive time if you want to enjoy it and admire the views.

⛰️ More articles on the Canadian Rockies with Kids ⛰️
➡️ Planning Your Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
➡️ Fun Things to Do in Banff with Kids

Icefields Parkway Map (With Main Stops)

Below is a map with the main stops along the Icefields Parkway.

Note that most stops are on the left side of the road when departing from Lake Louise. If you plan a round-trip drive along Highway # 93, keep some stops on the way back.

💡 Important – Stop at a gas station in Lake Louise and/or Jasper before entering the Parkway.
Make sure your gas tank is full. There are limited gas stations on the Icefields Parkway. There is only ONE gas station at The Crossing Gas Station and Store at Highway # 93 and Highway # 11. But it has limited opening hours. It’s open only in the summer from mid-April to mid-October (call ahead to make sure it’s open), which means there are no gas stations between Lake Louise and Jasper in the wintertime.

Main Icefields Parkway Stops

The drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway is breathtaking. There are so many stops along the Icefields Parkway, and they are all AMAZING.

You’ll want to have those before driving the Icefields Parkway

⭐ Road Trip Activity Book for Kids — This activity book is perfect if you’re traveling with kids. It will keep them entertained. With more than 70 pages of activities to do while driving, it’s the perfect road trip game for kids.

⭐ AllTrails — You can easily find the ideal trails using their filters, including difficulty, length, route type, and ratings. This is our app to look at trail reports and see if the trail is kid-friendly.

⭐ GuideAlong —This app is our ultimate road trip companion! You can discover exciting facts about the Icefields Parkway in a fun way. You can also use this easy guide in all sorts of places, like city parks and other areas you travel to while driving.

1. Hector Lake Viewpoint

📍 22 km from Lake Louise

Hector Lake Viewpoint is one of the first stops you can make on the Icefields Parkway. It’s only about 22 km from Lake Louise. You can enjoy the views or venture on a hike.

The hike to Hector Lake is 4.5 km (out-and-back). It’s not really marked from the highway, so it’s important to have the hiking trail map downloaded on your phone (using AllTrails). Plus, there is no cell service.

The trail can be muddy (especially in the spring and fall). You’ll want to have the proper water-resister hiking shoes.

💡 Insider Tip: You don’t have to cross the river to get to the lake. Simply walk along the river.

2. Relax by Bow Lake.

📍 40 km from Lake Louise

Bow Lake is the first alpine lake you’ll see on your drive to Jasper. It’s only 40 km away from Lake Louise.

There is a short walk along the lakeshore that is family-friendly. Then, have fun taking pictures on the nice bridge by the lake.

3. Admire Peyto Lake from one of the two viewpoints.

📍 44 km from Lake Louise

Peyto Lake is a popular glacier-fed lake with a bright and turquoise color. There are two hiking options to get a nice lake view:

• Peyto Lake Panorama Overlook
• Bow Summit Viewpoint

I only went to the Peyto Lake Panorama Overlook, a quick and easy hike.

🥾 Peyto Lake Viewpoint Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.3 km (0.8 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 78 m

When at Peyto Lake, you’ll also have a beautiful view of the Bow Summit. The Bow Summit is 2,088 meters above sea level and is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.

Note that the Peyto Lake Panorama Overlook can be super crowded in the summer. Be patient. If you are looking for quieter times, try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

4. Hike to Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon trail is a short hike and easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway. It’s a 1.9-km (1.2 miles) moderate loop near Saskatchewan River Crossing. The hike is downhill on the way to the bridge and uphill on the way back to the parking area.

You’ll have a beautiful view of the canyon.

🥾 Mistaya Canyon Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.9 km (1.2 miles) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 83 m

5. Stop for a coffee at Saskatchewan River Crossing.

📍 79 km from Lake Louise

This is where three rivers meet: the North Saskatchewan River, the Howse River, and the Mistaya River. The Columbia Icefields tours depart from this location. It’s also the only place along the parkway where basic services are available, including public bathrooms and restaurants at The Crossing Resort.

There is also a nice short hike to Mistaya Canyon.

6. Admire the Weeping Wall Viewpoint

📍 106 km from Lake Louise

The Weeping Wall can be seen from the road. When we drove, we didn’t stop, but rather just looked at it. You’ll see water dropping from the mountains, some are more than 100 metres high (330 feet).

It’s really impressive during the wintertime when the falls are frozen.

6. Hike the Parker Ridge Trail

📍 120 km from Lake Louise

The Parker Ridge Trail is a wonderful hike to do on the Icefields Parkway, but it’s a moderately challenging route. It’s a 6.4-km out-and-back trail with 343 m of gain in elevation.

There are a series of switchbacks through the forest with creeks, small waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife. At the end, you’ll be rewarded will be views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.

🥾 Parker Ridge Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 6.4 km (4 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 343 m

7. Walk on Columbia Glacier.

📍 136 km from Lake Louise

The Columbia Icefields is pretty much halfway through the drive. The glacier area receives up to 7 meters of snowfall per year. They are the largest glacier south of the Arctic Circle.

You can walk around from the parking lot along the parkway. The Toe of the Athabasca Glacier hike is a great way to get close to the glacier.

💡Be careful, has you’ll be walking on a huge piece of ice. It can get really windy and cold around the glacier, so dress accordingly (even in the summer).

🥾 Toe of the Glacier Athabasca Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.4  km (0.9 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 61 m

During the summer, it’s possible to visit the glacier in the comfort of large snowcoaches.

I personnally don’t recommend it. When you see how the glacier is recessing each year and how we (as human) have an impact, it makes you think.

8. Find the Parks Canada’s red chairs at Wilcox Pass Viewpoint

You can hike the first part of the Wilcox Pass trail up to the Wilcox Pass Viewpoint. It takes 3.1 km to reach the viewpoint. There, you’ll find a pair of the famous red Adirondac chairs. You’ll have a wonderful view over the Glacier.

If you feel like it, you can continue to the Wilcox Pass.

9. Walk on the Glacier Skywalk

📍 135 km from Lake Louise

Fairly recent, with an opening in 2014, the SkyWalk offers a unique experience. This glass-floored observation platform sits at 280 meters over the Sunwapta Valley.

It’s perfect… if you’re not afraid of heights.

10. Look at the Tangle Creek Falls.

📍137 km from Lake Louise

Tangle Creek Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall with a vertical drop of 100 feet. It’s especially impressive in the winter when most of the water is frozen.

The waterfalls can be seen right from Icefields Parkway Drive. On the other side of the road is a small parking lot with pit toilets. Be careful if you cross the road to get closer to the falls.

11. Chase more waterfalls at Sunwapta Falls.

📍179 km from Lake Louise

The Sunwapta Falls are two waterfalls (upper and lower waterfalls) that feed from the Athabasca Glacier.

To access the Sunwapta, You’ll have to take the small access road by the Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge. Then, you’ll find a parking lot for the waterfalls. You can walk directly to see the upper falls from the viewpoint parking lot or do a longer hike (1.3 km) to reach the lower falls.

12. Have a picnic at Goats and Glaciers Lookout.

📍195 km from Lake Louise

Goats-and-Glaciers Lookout is a great road stop along the Icefields Parkway for a picnic. The views from the viewpoints are breathtaking. You’ll have impressive mountain peaks and the turquoise river in front of you.

There are benches at the viewpoint, making it perfect for a rest.

A few feet away in the Banff direction is a small river access. You can park on the side of the road and enjoy the river a bit. My kids loved playing in the rocks by the river.

13. Be impressed by the force of the Athabasca Falls.

📍200 km from Lake Louise

The Athabasca Falls is worth the drive to Jasper. They are among the most powerful falls in the Canadian Rockies, and the overall view is simply breath-taking. There is a secure 0.8 km out-and-back trail where you can safely admire the falls.

💡 Note: There are a few stairs, but they are unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

14. Hike the Valley of Five Lakes

The trailhead is on the Icefields Parkway a few minutes before entering the town of Jasper.

Along this trail, you’ll see five stunning lakes, a must-see in Jasper. The combination of shades of blue and green in the lakes is spectacular, and there are plenty of photo opportunities on the trail.

Try to do the path counterclockwise, starting with the fifth lake. When you make the trail clockwise, there is little to see past the fifth lake, which can be less exciting with tired kids. By first starting with the less interesting section, kids should have a lot of fun on this hike, searching for all five lakes.

🥾 Valley of Five Lakes Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 4.8 km (3.0 miles) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 163 m

Icefields Parkway road conditions & driving tips

The drive along the Icefields Parkway is 230 kilometers in the mountains. There can be drastic weather changes. You want to make sure you can enjoy it, so follow those driving tips. Also, don’t forget to check the Icefields Parkway conditions regularly.

Planning to visit the Icefields Parkway in the winter?

⛅ Check the weather the day before. The drive is in the mountains at a high altitude. The weather changes a lot along the drive, and there are some risks of avalanches in the winter. You’ll want to ensure there is no storm or weather warning before you hit the road.

❄️ Know the Icefield Parkway road conditions before leaving. Parks Canada maintains the road well year-round, but road closures are common in winter. Parks Canada’s website has detailed information regarding the Icefields Parkway road conditions.

🚙 Drive carefully and according to the road conditions. It’s important to drive carefully on the Icefields Parkway as there are higher risks of hazards and storms.

• Keep extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Look far ahead down the road, and slow down when needed.
• Plan for possible hazards.
• Watch for wildlife on the road.

For more information on driving in the winter, check out our post on tips for winter road trips.

🏔️ Best Places to stay in Icefields Parkway

There are a few options for lodging on the Icefields Parkway, from campgrounds to cabins, hostels, and Icefields Parkway hotels.

But make sure you book well in advance in the summertime as it gets full pretty quickly.

Also, some campgrounds work on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you might want to be a plan B and C.

Remember that services are limited along this scenic drive, and there is no cellphone coverage at most places. Check ahead with the Banff and Jasper National Parks websites for the status of any campgrounds.

🏨 In Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise enjoys the best views of the lake, though it comes with a price. Baker Creek Mountain Resort offers cozy log cabins, or check out the affordable hostel option in Lake Louise.

⛰️ Read our Baker Creek Mountain Resort Review here ⛰️

🏨 In Saskatchewan River Crossing Area

There are a few options for hostels in the Saskatchewan River Crossing Area, such as the Mosquito Creek Hostel and the Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel.

For a motel, check out The Crossing Resort (it’s also where you’ll find the only gas station between Lake Louise and Jasper)

🏨 At the Columbia Icefields

If you want to start the morning with a glacier view, book The Glacier View Lodge at the Icefield Centre.

🏨 In Jasper

For a great location with a price, choose the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. An affordable option is the HI Jasper.

⛰️ Read our HI Jasper Review here ⛰️

F.A.Q.S: Best Icefields Parkway Stops

What is the most scenic part of the Icefields Parkway?

The Athabasca Glacier is the Icefields Parkway’s most popular and scenic part. The glacier is a massive sheet of ice that you can actually walk on (with a guide, of course, though you can do it yourself, I still recommend taking a guided tour to enjoy the Athabasca Glacier fully).

Where is the best view on the Icefield Parkway?

For me, the best views on the Icefield Parkway are at Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, Bow Lake Viewpoint, Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint, Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint, and Mistaya Canyon. These places offer stunning vistas of Alberta’s beautiful nature while providing amazing opportunities to see some of Alberta’s most spectacular landscapes!

Is Icefields Parkway worth it?

Yes, it’s worth it! The scenery is out of this world, with snowy mountain peaks, vibrant blue glaciers, lush forests, and beautiful waterfalls. Because of its beauty, you’ll want to pull over at all the amazing spots for photos and exploration. Having driven along the Icefields Parkway three times, I can say that its beauty never ceases to amaze me. Whether it’s your first time or your third, the Icefields Parkway is something you won’t want to miss.

Final Thoughts: Icefields Parkway Stops

Driving along the Icefields Parkway is a scenic drive you should do at least once in your life. It’s so beautiful!

There are many stops to do along the way that the entire family will love. Our family favorites are Athabasca Falls, Goats-and-Glaciers, and Valley of the Five Lakes.

But everywhere you look, it’s jaw-dropping.

Will you be driving along the Icefields Parkway in the summer or the winter?

Related Articles

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read the following articles:

• Your Guide for Planning a Trip to Banff and the Canadian Rockies
• Best Winter Hikes in Alberta for Families
• 26+ Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies (Curated by a Local Family)