Icefields Parkway Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) is frequently cited as one of the most scenic drives on the planet, and for good reason. Stretching 232 kilometers through the rugged heart of the Canadian Rockies, this road is less of a commute and more of a pilgrimage through a landscape of ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, and sweeping valleys. It is a place where the scale of nature makes you feel wonderfully small, connecting two of Canada’s most beloved national parks: Banff and Jasper.

Driving the Parkway is a journey through time. You will pass geological formations that have stood for millions of years and icefields that are remnants of the last Ice Age. Whether you are navigating the winding asphalt in a campervan, a rental car, or on a bicycle, the lack of cell service forces a welcome digital detox, keeping your eyes glued to the panoramic views rather than a screen.

A Route Carved by Ice and History

Completed in 1940, the Icefields Parkway was built as a depression-era relief project, employing hundreds of men to carve a road through previously inaccessible wilderness. Before the asphalt, this corridor was a difficult pack trail used by Indigenous peoples and early fur traders. Today, it remains a protected corridor; commercial trucks are banned, preserving the tranquility for visitors and the safety of the abundant wildlife, including grizzlies, black bears, moose, and mountain goats that call the roadside home.

The ecological significance of this region cannot be overstated. It crosses two major mountain passes, Bow Pass and Sunwapta Pass, and traverses the Continental Divide. The water you see flowing in the rivers here eventually ends up in three different oceans: the Arctic, the Atlantic, and the Pacific. It is a living geography lesson of the highest order.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Athabasca Glacier - The most accessible toe of the massive Columbia Icefield. You can view it from the road for free or take a tour. Located 103km south of Jasper. Free to view; tours approx. $115 CAD.

Peyto Lake - Famous for its surreal turquoise water fed by glacial rock flour. The viewing platform has recently been upgraded for better access. Located 44km north of Lake Louise. Free with Park Pass.

Athabasca Falls - A powerful waterfall where the Athabasca River forces itself through a narrow gorge. Paved trails make it accessible for all skill levels. Located 30km south of Jasper. Free with Park Pass.

Mistaya Canyon - A spectacular limestone canyon with curving walls, located just a 10-minute walk from the highway. Often quieter than the waterfalls. Located 72km north of Lake Louise. Free with Park Pass.

Bow Lake - The headwaters of the Bow River, reflecting the hanging Crowfoot Glacier. A perfect roadside stop for a picnic. Located 37km north of Lake Louise. Free with Park Pass.

Planning Your Visit

Logistics on the Icefields Parkway require a bit more foresight than your average road trip. There is only one gas station along the entire 232km route, located at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, and prices there are significantly higher than in town. It is essential to leave Lake Louise or Jasper with a full tank. Furthermore, there is absolutely no cell phone coverage for the vast majority of the drive, so downloading offline maps or carrying a physical backup is non-negotiable.

Packing layers is also critical, regardless of the season. You are driving at high elevation, and weather can change from sunshine to hail in minutes. Even in July, you might need a fleece jacket at the Columbia Icefield Centre. Don’t forget your Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which must be displayed on your dashboard at all times while parked along the highway.

The Icefields Parkway is not just a road; it is the spine of the Canadian Rockies. Whether you rush through it in a day or take a week to explore every trail, the memories of these towering peaks and ancient ice will stay with you long after you’ve returned to sea level.