If you find yourself visiting Banff or Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Canada, do yourself a favor and drive the Icefields Parkway! Stunning natural beauty. Imposing mountain peaks. The threat of wildlife and breathtaking views around every bend. Arctic glaciers. Gatorade-colored alpine lakes.
Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?
I sure hope so.
When planning our trip to Canada, Ashley kept mentioning the Icefields Parkway. I had absolutely NO idea what that was, where it was, or if I would enjoy doing…whatever…it was.
And now that I’ve experienced it, I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to try something new. To branch out. You never know when you’re going to find your next favorite place.
And to be honest, I’m writing this article to answer questions that I had before driving the Icefields Parkway. Nothing is better than hindsight in this case. Hopefully these questions and answers help you figure out how to drive the Icefields Parkway someday!
What is the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway is a beautiful stretch of highway that connects Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Canada. The road in its entirety is approximately 230-235 kilometers long, depending on who you ask.
Almost every “Top Scenic Drives” list includes the Icefields Parkway, and for good reason. There are several pull-off spots with stunning lakes, rivers, glaciers, mountains, trees, wildlife, you-fill-in-the-blank nature thing.
The highway runs along and through the Canadian Rockies, dwarfing everyone who rides along. The feeling of isolation and adventure sits heavily in the air along the road. It’s a remote place in the world where pictures don’t really do it justice, and seeing it in person is to find yourself in the presence of greatness.
What is the Driving Time and Distance?
The beauty of driving the Icefields Parkway is you can create your own itinerary. While technically Alberta Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway connects major attractions within Banff and Jasper.
Your driving time and distance will be determined by where you stop and for how long.
If you drive from start to finish along the highway, plan on at least 3 hours without stops, one way. But what’s the point of just blazing through without taking in your surroundings?
Related: How to Road Trip With A Dog
We drove the Icefields Parkway from Moraine Lake to the Athabasca Glacier, about 80 miles, one-way. And even though a distance like that would take me about an hour under normal conditions, we spent half of the afternoon enjoying the drive.
Ashley and I were in Canada at the beginning of October, so crowds were thin and other vehicles were far between. During high season (summer, holidays), there are more cars on the road and with it, more traffic. Something to keep in mind.
In a perfect world with unlimited time, Ashley and I would love to have taken a few days to explore the Icefields Parkway: camping along the way, eating picnics by the streams and lakes, star-gazing without any light pollution. Sounds like a dream.
What are the Road Conditions?
For the most part, the road along the Icefields Parkway is a wide, single-lane each way with plenty of shoulder space to pull over if you need to let others pass. There are numerous additional pull-outs and smaller parking lots along the way as well.
Wider vehicles and RVs can easily navigate the roads, most of which are curved. I can’t tell you how many RVs we passed along the way and I just wished that we had the opportunity to use one as well.
During the winter and snow, expect slower driving speeds and reduced visibility. Winter driving is no joke in the mountains and the Icefields Parkway isn’t plowed. If you’re not a confident driver in inclement weather, maybe aim to drive the Icefields Parkway during the hotter months.
What Type of Vehicle Can Drive the Icefields Parkway?
We saw all types of vehicles on the Icefields Parkway: cars, RVs, semis, and motorcycles. The highway is wide enough, paved well enough, and direct enough for all types of vehicles to traverse.
That being said, there are a few caveats. The pull-offs and parking spots fill up quickly, so driving an RV or larger vehicle might be tricky when it comes to finding a parking spot or turning around.
Weather can change quickly in the Canadian Rockies, so take care if you decide to ride a motorcycle. Dress warmly.
When is the best time to drive the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but most of the driving is done during the summer. If you want to avoid the crowds, shoot for the shoulder season – late spring and early fall. If you don’t mind the crowds, summer is for you.
If your goal is to pull off at every attraction and bend in the road, aim for a lesser-traveled month. Remember – the more cars on the road = the less likely parking spots will be free!
And if you’re not a confident winter driver, avoid snowy months at all cost!
What Should I Expect on the Icefields Parkway?
A Valid Park Pass is Needed
Yes, you will need to have a valid national park pass to drive along the Icefields Parkway. Visit the entrance booth in Banff, Jasper, or Lake Louise to secure your pass. Or, if you’re like Ashley and I, ask your AirBnB host if they have a pass you can use and save yourself some money. Even if you’re just driving through without stopping, you’ll need a park pass.
Wildlife on the Icefields Parkway
Even though Ashley and I weren’t lucky enough to spot any, you’re bound to see wildlife during your drive. Grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and deer all call Alberta home. Don’t approach, feed, or touch any wild animal. Stay in your vehicle. Observe without interfering with their lives.
Limited Mobile Phone Service
Take this opportunity to fully disconnect from the outside world. Don’t check social media. Don’t read your emails. Stay away from the news reports. Enjoy where you are and soak in the natural beauty around you. Although you might get a weak signal from time to time, expect some gaps in cell service. If you’re driving alone, make sure you let someone know where you’ll be.
What’s the Food Situation?
Pack your own food. Trust me on this one. Pack a picnic lunch and/or dinner and stop at one of the many scenic pull-offs and picnic/camping areas. There are a few places you can purchase a cafeteria-style meal: the Saskatchewan Crossing and Icefields Visitor Center serve expensive items during the summer/fall months; sometimes the Columbia Icefields Visitor Center has options; and the Saskatchewan Crossing rest area has gas station-style items for sale. My advice? Hit up a grocery store prior to entering Banff National Park and plan a meal after you leave.
Do I Have Fuel Options?
There is ONE spot along the Icefields Parkway to get fuel – Saskatchewan Crossing. Fuel up prior to entering Banff or Jasper and top off once you reach Saskatchewan Crossing. The attendants will pump your gas for you, so no need to get out of the vehicle. Prices will be higher than usual, due to the isolated location.
What if I Need Accommodations?
In an effort to keep environmental impact at a minimum, the sleeping options in Banff and Jasper are limited. There are plenty of places along the drive to pull off and camp, and if you have an RV, you can just pull into a parking spot, bada-bing, bada-BOOM! The campsites closer to Lake Louise and other notable attractions are able to be reserved ahead of time, and I strongly recommend you do so. They can fill up quickly in the summer months.
Most of the accommodations you will encounter are basic and unglamorous. Why? Because the glamor is outside! The Saskatchewan Crossing, Icefields Visitor Center and Sunwapta Falls all have accommodation options, but tend to be expensive due to the isolation.
What Will I See Along the Icefields Parkway?
You will be driving along some of the most imposing mountains in the northern hemisphere, and along with it, oodles of unbelievable views and vantage points. There really isn’t a “bad” spot or location.
We were told that Peyto Lake was a must-see, but it was unfortunately closed for the season and repairs on the trail. Although some people said to just skirt the barricades and hike to the lake anyway, there was some law enforcement present when we visited. If it’s open, definitely go there for me! Regardless, there was plenty for us to see during our drive. Here are a few of my personal favorite points of interest along the way:
Athabasca Glacier
Ever wonder what it’s like to stand on an actual glacier? At the Columbia Icefield Center, you can either hike to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier or pay approximately $114CAD to drive out on a huge Ice Explorer (think bus on steroids, tires as big as an adult) and actually walk on a cleared section of the glacier.
If you have the cash, I highly recommend paying to go out on the glacier. Note that glaciers create their own weather patterns, so it was constantly biting cold and windy while we were walking around for 45 minutes.
For more information, check out their website. Note that if you’re paying with a foreign credit card, you will need to call ahead. Ashley and I were able to just show up, rather than book ahead of time. I definitely would recommend booking ahead, especially if you’re traveling in the busy season.
128 km from Lake Louise
104 km from Jasper
I’ve heard that during the summer/warmer months, parts of the glacier melt enough for visitors to take a drink of the glacial water. We arrived just after a big storm and the weather was colder than usual, so we had to settle for chewing on ice chunks instead!
Mistaya Canyon
After being cooped up in a vehicle for so long, it was nice to get out and take the short hike down to Mistaya Canyon.
(Actually, I grumbled a lot of the time, but it was worth it. Shout out to Ashley for putting up with me.)
Mistaya River is a great example to showcase the sheer power of water. Imagine a river so powerful, it cuts its own path through rocks and large boulders. With a glacier-topped mountain in the background. Surrounded by beautiful, towering pines.
BOOM! Mistaya Canyon.
There are numerous signs, warning visitors to stay within a certain area. Take heed of those signs. Rocks can get slippery and there are wild animals that call this piece of paradise home.
75 km from Lake Louise
158 km from Jasper
Bow Lake
Want to see the gatorade-blue water without the crazy crowds of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake? Bow Lake is a great alternative. Bow is one of the largest lakes along the Icefields Parkway and definitely a great place to get out and stretch your legs.
Along the shores of Bow Lake lies the red-roofed mountain lodge Num-Ti-Jah. If you’ve got the cash, stay a night in the rustic lodge and imagine what it might have been like to discover the lake hundreds of years ago. If you’re just passing through, stop in at the gift shop (hopefully the power won’t shut off on you…it did when we were there), and walk around the beautiful grounds.
40 km from Lake Louise
194 km from Jasper
Endless Instagram-worthy Viewpoints
This should go without saying, but there are going to be endless spots to pull off the highway and grab the ever-important selfie, Insta-shot, portrait, you name it. We saw girls in all sorts of getups, grandmas taking 100 pictures of the same thing, Instagram husbands, props, and everything in between.
Take your time. Step away from the crowd. Turn the corner. Find your own solace. Get your own shot. Or just have a quiet spot to take it all in…until someone comes along and sidles up right next to you, even though there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Is it Worth it?
In a word? Unquestionably.
Drive the Icefields Parkway. Ashley and I wished that we had more time to check out every nook and cranny. Photograph all the glaciers. Find more wildlife. Camp along the river.
It’s no wonder that the Icefields Parkway is constantly on the list of the most beautiful highways in the world.
Go.
Experience the majesty.
Have you ever driven the Icefields Parkway? What was your experience? Did you have fun?
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