9 Must See Highlights Of The Icefields Parkway

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Don’t miss these epic highlights of the Icefields Parkway when you drive from Banff to Jasper in Canada (or vice versa)…

The Icefields Parkway is a 235 km stretch of jaw-droppingly scenic road running from Lake Louise, near Banff, to Jasper. This sweeping mountain road is the stuff of road trip dreams. So good, I’ve been twice – and I’m still dreaming about going back.

Dramatic snow-capped mountains, lakes so turquoise they look man-made, plunging waterfalls, and over 100 glaciers mean it’s seldom safe to stop looking out the window!

There are dozens, maybe hundreds, of incredible viewpoints, hiking trails, and attractions to stop off at along the way. But if you’re short on time and it’s your first visit, these are the top highlights you shouldn’t miss…

9 Highlights You Need to Stop at on the Icefields Parkway

1. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is actually just before the Icefields Parkway officially starts, but it’s close enough to count – and far too famous not to include here! Overlooked by the iconic Fairmont Chateau, this impossibly bright blue lake is a must-see in Banff National Park.

Top Tip: If you want to take the iconic canoeing photo seen all over Instagram, be warned: canoe rental costs a whopping $170 CAD + tax for an hour. You can’t book in advance, so try to arrive early. More info here.

2. Bow Lake Viewpoint

This is an easy, quick stop-off at a viewing area overlooking another gorgeous glacial lake. The water’s vivid blue colour comes from tiny particles of silt picked up as the glacier moves across the rocks. There’s a small parking area: if it’s full, wait a few minutes, as most people don’t stay very long.

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3. Peyto Lake

Wolf-shaped Peyto Lake, viewed from the highest elevation on the Icefields Parkway, is the kind of view that just makes you throw your arms wide in speechless wonder. It’s another mineral-rich glacier lake, this time the most astonishing shade of vivid turquoise. It’s a short walk (slightly uphill) from the car park to the lookout point, which should take around 10-15 minutes.

Top Tip: Arrive early if you can. On my first trip, I was there at 6:30am and had the place to myself. More recently, I visited at midday and shared the viewing platform with busloads of elbowing tourists!

4. Saskatchewan River Crossing

You can’t miss this one, as the Icefields Parkway road will take you right across the North Saskatchewan River. Look left and right as you cross the bridge for sweeping views of the river and the surrounding forested valley. About 1km after the crossing is a service area with a motel, restaurant and a gas station. You can’t stop on the bridge, so pull over at the Howse Pass Viewpoint if you want to snap a photo.

5. Optional Detour: Rockies Helicopter Tour

This one is a slight detour from the Icefields Parkway, but it’s worth it if you want to throw in something truly special to your road trip! Head to Rockies Heli Canada to take a helicopter flight over the Rockies. Even after a decade of travelling the world, this remains one of the all-time best things I have EVER done.

Honestly, I could gush and gush about this magical flight over mountains laden with pristine white snow, and into the Cline River valley. The rush of adrenaline and awe at the breathtaking views brought genuine tears of joy to my eyes! A 20-minute flight starts from $277 CAD (around £149) per person, so it’s not cheap, but this is the stuff of bucket lists – if you can make it work, it’s worth the splurge.

Timing: Rockies Heli Canada is about a 30-minute drive from the Icefields Parkway, so allow 1.5 hours or more if you opt for a 20- or 30-minute flight.

6. Columbia Icefield & the Visitor Centre

The Icefields Parkway gets its name from the Columbia Icefield, so of course, you can’t miss it! Stop off at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre for views of three of the six major glaciers that make up the Icefields. The Discovery Centre is home to interpretive exhibits and self-guided trails that teach you all about the glaciers.

You can also pay to visit the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-bottom bridge with views of the glaciers. I’ve not done this myself, but I’ve heard mixed reviews, and I think you can get more or less the same views from the roadside.

7. Athabasca Glacier

Almost directly opposite the Discovery Centre, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the most famous and accessible glaciers on the Columbia Icefields. You can park in the small Toe of the Glacier carpark and hike a short way uphill to almost the very edge of the glacier. Surrounded by the peaks of snowcapped mountains, the Athabasca Glacier is an impressive reminder of the power of nature and the silent strength of ice.

8. Sunwapta Falls

Fed by the Athabasca River, running off from the same glacier we just stopped off at, Sunwapta Falls is at its best in spring or early summer. That said, my photo above was taken in September, and the falls were still incredible. The main “upper” falls are right next to the carpark, with a drop of around 18.5m and a stunning mountain backdrop. You can extend your visit with a 3km there-and-back hike to the less-visited “lower” falls (hiking guide here).

9. Athabasca Falls

Another waterfall fed by the Athabasca River, the Athabasca Falls is 24m high and around 18m wide. While not the most impressive size, this is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, with huge volumes of water plunging over the rockface. This powerful flow has carved out a rocky canyon, complete with a pothole with a swirling whirlpool.

Useful Info

How Long to Drive the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway is 235km, but the full drive from Banff to Jasper is 288km in total. The driving time without any stops would take around 3.5 to 4 hours.

Allow 7-8 hours to see everything on the list above, and longer if you plan on doing any hikes or activities. The first time I did this trip, we were on the road for around 14 hours in total, which included both the helicopter flight and the Ahtabasca Glacier hike.

Important Info

Cell Service: There’s no cell signal on the Icefields Parkway AT ALL. There are even signs warning you about this at the start of the road. I’m not joking: it was a full 8-hour day without a blip! Everything is well signposted, and it’s just one road the whole way. Still, it’s a good idea to download a map to your phone or SatNav before setting out.

Fuel: There’s only ONE petrol/gas station on the Icefields Parkway, just after the Saskatchewan River Crossing. There are gas stations in Banff and Jasper, so make sure you fill up before you leave.

Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at the side of the road, especially around dawn and dusk. If you see cars pulled over at the roadside ahead, there’s a good chance they’ve spotted something, so slow down and be ready to pull over! Black and grizzly bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and caribou are all common sights. Remember to stay in your vehicle (especially around bears) and keep a safe distance from the animals.

Highlights of the Icefields Parkway: Map & Quick List

1. Lake Louise
2. Bow Lake Viewpoint
3. Peyto Lake
4. Saskatchewan River Crossing
5. Rockies Helicopter Tour
6. Columbia Icefield & the Visitor Centre
7. Athabasca Glacier
8. Sunwapta Falls
9. Athabasca Falls

Are there any other unmissable stops or highlights along the Icefields Parkway? Share your favourites in the comments below!