Pack up your car and take a road trip along the Icefields Parkway – the most beautiful drive in Canada! Stretching 232 kilometers between Banff and Jasper, this scenic route promises a journey through landscapes that seem like you’re stepping into a postcard. Here are ten must-see stops along the way, making this an unforgettable drive through the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Tip: Before you start your adventure along the Icefields Parkway, download offline maps as you won’t have any cell service for the entire drive.
First stop on the Icefields Parkway: Bow Lake Viewpoint
From Banff, your adventure kicks off with the breathtaking beauty of Bow Lake. Make your way down to the shore to snap some pics of the majestic peaks mirrored perfectly in the crystal-clear waters. If you’re visiting during winter, the lake freezes over and the peaks are blanketed in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. Believe me, this is just the start of the jaw-dropping wonders you’ll discover along the Icefields Parkway!
Distance From Banff: Approximately 40km
Stop 2: Peyto Lake
Next up is Peyto Lake, known for its wolf-shaped outline when viewed from above. Park your car at the lower parking lot, and it’s about a 1.3 km (0.8 miles) walk to the viewpoint. The walk is surrounded by beautiful pine forests, and during the winter months, it becomes a winter wonderland. When the lake isn’t frozen, you’ll be able to see the stunning turquoise glacial waters. It’s really a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this magical spot!
Distance from Bow Lake: Approximately 40km
Stop 3: Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint
Just when you think it can’t get any better, the Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint appears, offering yet another stunning scene. Take a moment to breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak in the serenity. During winter, we walked out onto the lake to snap this photo, but please be cautious and ensure the ice is safe before venturing out.
Distance from Peyto Lake: Approximately 20km
Stop 4: Saskatchewan River Crossing
Ready for a break and a bite to eat? Look no further than the Saskatchewan River Crossing, about halfway to Jasper. In Australia, we’d call this a ‘roadhouse’—a spot where you can fill up your car and grab some snacks if you’re feeling peckish. They also offer some lunch options, so take your time here if you’re not in a rush. Plus, the views are pretty nice too!
Distance from Waterfowl Lake: Approximately 30km
Stop 5: Weeping Wall Viewpoint
Prepare to be amazed by the Weeping Wall! From late spring to fall, water tumbles down the cliffs in a beautiful display of nature’s power. It’s a stunning sight that really makes you appreciate the natural world.
Distance from Saskatchewan River Crossing: Approximately 30km
Stop 6: The Big Bend
Don’t miss this viewpoint! The Big Bend, with its sweeping curves that hug the mountainside, is a must-see. Take a moment to pause, snap a photo of the iconic bridge, and soak in the stunning beauty all around you. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on your amazing journey along the Icefields Parkway so far.
Distance from eeping Wall Viewpoint: Approximately 20km
Stop 7: Columbia Icefields and Skywalk
One of the highlights of any Icefields Parkway adventure is the Columbia Icefields! Imagine walking on ancient ice and peering into the abyss from the Skywalk. To do this, you’ll need to stop by the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre to get your tickets for the tour trucks that take you onto the Icefield and the Skywalk. Tours typically run from May to mid-October. By chance, we were lucky to get on the last tour for the season on our drive back from Jasper, so it’s worth looking into booking beforehand.
The experience will take approximately 2-3 hours and cost you around $100 or more, but trust me, it’s worth every loonie!
Distance from The Big Bend: Approximately 40km
Stop 8: Sunwapta Falls
Looking for a moment to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders? Sunwapta Falls is a top pick for me along the Icefields Parkway, and it’s even more magical in the different seasons! During winter months, ice sculptures create a stunning frozen landscape. Then in late spring, you’ll witness the rushing melting glacial waters with thundering waterfalls. Don’t forget to lace up your hiking boots or chuck on those crampons during winter, as you can explore the nearby trails! Trust me, Sunwapta Falls will leave an unforgettable mark on your journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Distance from Columbia Icefields: Approximately 50km
Stop 9: Goats and Glacier Lookout
Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats as you make your way to the stunning Goats and Glacier Lookout. I’m still yet to see a mountain goat, but maybe you might be more lucky than me! This scene looks like it is straight out of a postcard and a great photo spot along the Icefields Parkway.
Distance from Sunwapta Falls: Approximately 30km
Last Stop on the Icefields Parkway: Athabasca Falls
As our journey draws to a close, there’s one more spot to see before arriving at Jasper – Athabasca Falls! In late spring, when the Athabasca River is at its most powerful, the experience is truly captivating. I could feel the mist spraying my face as I watched the waterfall! Make sure to explore the designated trails to fully appreciate the river and waterfall flowing through the canyon. It’s the perfect finale to your adventure through the Canadian Rockies.
Distance from Goats and Glacier Lookout: Approximately 10km
Distance to Jasper: Approximately 30km
So there you have it, ten unforgettable stops along the Icefields Parkway that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time explorer, this iconic stretch of highway promises a journey like no other through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies along the Icefields Parkway.