Icefields Parkway in Canada: On the road on the most beautiful panoramic road in the world
The idea of sitting in a car all day on vacation isn't really that appealing. But that quickly changes when you're traveling on roads like the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian province of Alberta. This scenic drive is considered the most beautiful in the country; some even call it the most beautiful in the world.
This section of Highway 93 connects Jasper with Lake Louise and runs right through the Rocky Mountains—230 kilometers of pure Canada. We'll tell you where you should definitely stop and what you might encounter along the way.
If you're driving from the north into the Rocky Mountains, the Icefields Parkway starts in Jasper. This small town in the heart of the national park has its own charm – despite the devastating wildfires of 2024. In July of last year, locals and travelers alike experienced a true nightmare in Jasper.
Two lightning strikes ignited fires that spread in record time, destroying large parts of the town and the surrounding forests. The damage is still visible today and will remain so for decades to come. Nevertheless, a visit is worthwhile, as it is fascinating to see, among other things, how nature is already recovering and transforming the forest floor, once covered only with needles and branches, into a colorful meadow of flowers.
If you want to learn more about the wildfire and how to deal with it, you can book a "Wildfire Peak-Nik Tour." Participants hike with a guide through the burned-out forest near Jasper up to a peak offering fantastic views of the town and the national park.
Popular areas and trails around Jasper, including the Valley of the Five Lakes, are still closed. However, many attractions are open again, and it's worth checking online in advance.
The first few kilometers of the Icefields Parkway are scarred by the forest fire, and the road leads past charred trees and landscapes. A quick stop at Horseshoe Lake is still advisable, as you can stroll through the regenerating nature and end up at a magnificent blue lake. The lake is about a five-minute walk away, so this stop fits into any schedule.
At Athabasca Falls, it becomes clear why one day on the Icefields Parkway is actually far too little: The 23-meter-high waterfalls of the Athabasca River are not only beautiful to look at, they are also an ideal area for a rafting adventure.
If you prefer hiking, beware that the fog covers the surrounding rocks with a thin, slippery film of water, especially near the waterfalls. So, it's best to stay on the trails and respect the railings as a boundary.
Just 25 kilometers further, Sunwapta Falls beckon as your next stop. The hiking trail along the Athabasca River is also worthwhile here. This trail leads through a 1967 fire area, where you can see the future of the forests around Jasper and how the forest is regenerating.
This area is considered one of the best habitats for moose and bears in the national park, so keep your eyes open and your camera finger on the shutter button!
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The Glacier Sky Walk on the Icefields Parkway is very touristy, and you shouldn't have any faint nerves either: The curved bridge has a glass floor and hovers over the abyss. The skywalk is open between May and October, and the line is often very long, so it's best to book your tickets in advance.
If you dare to climb onto the glass floor, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Sunwapta Valley and the glacial landscapes. Mountain goats are often found in the area, so be sure to take a close look at the surrounding rock faces. This short, fun experience is a real treat; a ticket costs the equivalent of €25 to €30.
The Columbia Icefield is a landmark of the Rocky Mountains and is often referred to as the geological heart of Jasper National Park. Covering an area of 325 square kilometers and ranging in thickness from 100 to 365 meters, it is one of the largest ice accumulations south of the Arctic Circle. Some of the highest peaks in the Rockies are also nearby, including Mount Columbia (3,747 meters) and Mount Athabasca (3,491 meters).
It feeds eight large glaciers, but only three are visible from the road: Athabasca, Dome, and Stutfield. Below the tourist center, there's a parking lot with a wonderful view of the icefield. When you get out there, you'll quickly notice how much the ice affects the temperatures; it's suddenly several degrees colder than at previous stops.
To explore the nearby, six-kilometer-long Athabasca Glacier, you can book a tour on a so-called snow coach. This is a special bus with giant wheels and a highly touristy option. Guided hikes are also offered between June and September, or you can simply set off on your own to the glacier's tongue along the Toe of the Glacier Trail (1.8 kilometers).
If you have more time on the Icefields Parkway, you should definitely hike the Parker Ridge Trail. The hike takes about two and a half hours and gains 260 meters of elevation. The effort is worth it, as the views of the Rocky Mountains and the Saskatchewan Glacier are breathtaking.
The hike is rated as moderate, but there are no climbing sections or anything similar, making it ideal for all healthy individuals. Sturdy footwear is a must, so leave your slippers in your camper or car.
At the entrance to Banff National Park, there's a special rock face known as the Weeping Wall. In spring and summer, several waterfalls cascade down it, giving the impression that the rock face is weeping.
In winter, they freeze over, making it a popular spot for ice climbing. A quick stopover that can easily be incorporated into your trip.
Before you head to Lake Louise, the absolute tourist craze, it's worth exploring the equally beautiful Bow Lake. Of course, solitude isn't guaranteed here either, but there are significantly fewer people than at Lake Louise, one of the most visited mountain lakes in the world.
Even from the Icefields Parkway, you can see the vibrant blue of the water, created by the rock particles carried by the water from the glacier. The Shoreline Trail along the shore is perfect for a short excursion to the Bow Lake area. If you have more time, the hike to Bow Glacier Falls is also worthwhile. The round trip is about nine kilometers.
Also nearby is Peyto Lake, another alternative to the overcrowded Lake Louise. The Peyto Lake Viewpoint is easily accessible from the parking lot on the Icefields Parkway, and the views—like everywhere along the Icefields Parkway—are spectacular.
The Icefields Parkway ends at Lake Louise, marking the end of 230 kilometers of sights and unforgettable landscapes. Ideally, you'll arrive at Lake Louise in the late afternoon or just before sunset, as this increases your chances of finding a free parking space.
Generally speaking, it should be clear that Lake Louise is one of the most visited attractions along the Icefields Parkway, and you'll really get a dose of mass tourism here. You can safely skip that with longer stops at Bow and Peyto Lake.
230 kilometers is doable in half a day. However, if you want to spend more time at each stop, you may want to plan an overnight stay along the way. There are various lodges and campsites available for this purpose, which are best reserved in advance.
There's only one gas station between Jasper and Lake Louise, near the Saskatchewan Crossing. So make sure you have plenty of gas in the tank and snacks in the glove compartment. There's also no cell reception most of the time, so you'll want to research, download, or photograph all the necessary information beforehand. Alternatively, a good old travel guide is also worth considering.
For the Icefields Parkway, you'll need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a valid day ticket, as the road lies entirely within national parks. While the Icefields Parkway is open year-round, the easiest time to travel is between June and September, when sections are no longer covered in snow or ice.
The chances of seeing a bear, moose, or bighorn sheep are quite high. Keep an eye out along the side of the road or for parked cars. This usually means other travelers have seen something. Whenever you see one, stay in your car, don't feed it, and don't harass the animal. It's not worth a photo in the world.
On some trails, such as those around Lake Louise, solo hiking is prohibited. Signs then indicate the "Group of Four Rule," which requires that you always hike in groups to mitigate potential grizzly bear encounters.
The trip was sponsored by Travel Alberta. The editorial team alone decides on the selection and direction of the content.
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