Top Attractions on Icefields Parkway, the Most Scenic Road

The Icefields Parkway is often hailed as one of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the world, offering a stunning 230 kilometers of pristine wilderness that connects Jasper in the north to Lake Louise in the south. As you traverse this majestic route, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. With each curve of the road, the scenery evolves, revealing hidden gems and iconic landmarks that beckon exploration. This article delves into the must-see attractions along the Icefields Parkway, providing you with a comprehensive guide to make the most of your journey.

As you continue down the Icefields Parkway, you may find yourself questioning if the views can possibly improve. After days spent immersed in such unparalleled beauty, it’s hard to imagine returning to the mundane landscapes of urban life. The natural splendor of Canada captivates your senses from the moment you step outside your accommodation, leaving an indelible mark on your memory.

Map of the Icefields Parkway route

To get the most out of your drive, it’s essential to have a good map of the Icefields Parkway that highlights all the key stops and points of interest. This way, you can plan your journey effectively and ensure that you don’t miss any of the awe-inspiring sights along the way.

Practical tips for driving the Icefields Parkway

• The Icefields Parkway is a well-maintained two-lane road. While it’s generally safe, always be cautious of wildlife crossing the road. On our drive, we encountered a goat grazing right on the asphalt!
• This elevated highway reaches its highest point at Bow Pass, sitting at 2,068 meters above sea level, which means it can be snowy year-round. Make sure to take precautions if you're driving in winter conditions. During our visit in May, the scenery was still snow-covered, yet the road was clear.
• Although the parkway is famous for its winter sports, it’s also a popular summer destination, especially in July and August. Expect heavy traffic during peak tourist season, so prepare a great playlist to pass the time.
• There are free parking lots at the main attractions, but they can fill up quickly. Patience is key; sometimes you may have to circle around to find a space.
• Cellular reception is often spotty, so download a map using the Maps.me app and mark your desired stops. You'll find various signs indicating points of interest and restroom facilities, which are often non-flush toilets—a unique experience for many!
• Fill up on gasoline before you start your journey. The only gas station between Jasper and Lake Louise is at Saskatchewan River Crossing. To compare fuel prices, consider downloading the GasBuddy app.
• As the route passes through two national parks (Jasper and Banff), ensure you’ve purchased a daily pass or an annual park pass prior to starting your adventure.

Must-see attractions along the Icefields Parkway

Let’s dive into the highlights of what to see and do along this iconic route, featuring essential stops that you won't want to miss:

1. Athabasca Falls and viewpoint

Athabasca Falls may not be the tallest waterfall, but it is renowned for its impressive water flow and power. The trail from the parking area offers multiple scenic viewpoints of the falls, showcasing unique rock formations reminiscent of the Pancake Rocks of New Zealand.

Don’t stop there; continue down the well-marked path to discover a natural tunnel formed by erosion and enjoy a lookout over the Athabasca River. You can even make your way closer to the riverbank for a more intimate experience. The main viewpoint is only about 100 meters from the parking area.

Before you reach Athabasca Falls, be sure to stop at the Athabasca Pass Lookout for stunning views of the jagged Rocky Mountain peaks.

2. Sunwapta Falls

These charming falls on the Sunwapta River, one of Athabasca's vital tributaries, may only drop about 20 meters, but their charm lies in their central islet that divides the river right before the cascade. The name “Sunwapta” means “turbulent water,” and it’s easy to see why. A parking area is conveniently located near the main road, and it’s just a short 200-meter walk to the viewpoint.

If you’re without a vehicle, consider this guided tour from Banff for a more structured experience.

3. Stutfield Glacier viewpoint

One of the many glaciers visible from the Icefields Parkway, Stutfield Glacier is easily accessible from the road. There’s a small parking area where you can stop to admire this stunning glacier perched high on the mountain to your right.

4. Tangle Falls

After witnessing numerous waterfalls, you might think Tangle Falls is just another cascade. However, it’s hard to overlook the beauty of a waterfall located just steps away from your car! This multi-tiered waterfall cascades down the rock face, often retaining patches of ice in spring, adding to its allure. The parking area is on your right as you head south, with the falls across the road. You can catch glimpses of them from the road, or, for the adventurous, scramble up the rocks for a closer view.

5. Athabasca Glacier

As the most visited glacier in North America and one of the largest non-polar ice masses on Earth, Athabasca Glacier stretches approximately 6 kilometers. However, it is retreating at an alarming rate of about five meters per year, having lost over 60% of its original size. You’ll notice markers indicating the glacier’s historical extents.

There are two ways to visit:

• On your own: There's a parking area that leads down to the glacier’s base, where you can embark on a 500-meter walk (about 20 minutes). During our visit in May, there were still patches of snow, but the ascent was manageable. While you won't reach the glacier, you'll get within about 50 meters of it.
• With a guided tour: At the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, you can book a tour that includes a ride on a special bus to the glacier. This experience allows you to walk on the glacier for a few minutes. After this, you'll head to the Skywalk, a remarkable glass-floored observation deck that offers breathtaking views (it's located 6 kilometers north and is not directly related to the glacier).

6. Wilcox Pass Trail and Parker Ridge Trail

The Wilcox Pass Trail is a moderate 10-kilometer hike (taking around 3-4 hours) that provides a fantastic frontal view of Athabasca Glacier. Parker Ridge Trail is a shorter 5-kilometer trek that brings you closer to Saskatchewan Glacier, offering beautiful vistas of the valley and towering peaks that surround the park.

7. Big Bend Turn

This hairpin turn along the Icefields Parkway features one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the route. If you're driving south, you’ll find a large parking area on your left before reaching the curve, where you can take in breathtaking views of the valley and river below, flanked by towering mountains. Explore the higher areas to discover beautiful rock waterfalls as well.

8. Wheeping Wall viewpoint

Although not widely mentioned, Wheeping Wall is definitely worth a stop. After passing Big Bend, you'll notice an impressive vertical rock wall on your left, adorned with waterfalls that give it the name "crying wall." There’s a parking area right off the road for easy access.

9. Saskatchewan River viewpoint

This lookout offers expansive views of the valley where three rivers converge: the North Saskatchewan (which originates in the Rockies and stretches nearly 1,300 kilometers), the Howse, and the Mistaya. It's a perfect rest stop during your journey, complete with a gas station, restaurants, and public restrooms. From here, you can also take the detour to the town of Nordegg, where we spent a night.

10. Mistaya Canyon

Park along the road and follow a 0.5-kilometer trail down to an old bridge spanning this narrow gorge that has been sculpted by flowing water. You can linger on the bridge, but we recommend crossing it and exploring the rocks for some fantastic photo opportunities (always exercise caution!).

11. Viewpoints over the Waterfowl Lakes

As you descend through Banff National Park, these two lakes will be visible on your right. There are several viewpoints along the way for you to admire their beauty, along with short hiking options for those with extra time.

12. Snowbird Glacier viewpoint

Another quick stop, this viewpoint offers distant views of the Snowbird Glacier, situated on Mt. Patterson across the Mistaya River.

13. Peyto Lake and Bow Summit Lookout

Peyto Lake is among the most famous stops along the Icefields Parkway, known for its striking turquoise color. You may have seen countless pictures of this lake in brochures and on Instagram! Its vibrant color comes from glacial meltwater that carries rock minerals, settling on the lakebed. Unfortunately, when we visited, the lake was frozen, and the area was closed for grizzly bear hibernation season.

To visit, there’s a parking area after the main road detour. From there, a paved trail leads to the viewpoint, taking no more than 15 minutes. For a more impressive panorama, hike to Bow Summit at 2,000 meters; you’ll need to continue on the trail for an additional 3 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 230 meters.

14. Bow Lake

Another stunning glacial lake surrounded by mountains, Bow Lake is one of the largest in Banff National Park. While it was also frozen when we visited, we were still able to explore it. The parking lot is adjacent to a lodge, and within 5 minutes, you can reach the lake’s edge, where a small wooden bridge awaits. Although it may not be the most impressive lake compared to Moraine, Louise, or Peyto, it’s worth a quick visit.

15. Viewpoints over Crowfoot Glacier, Hector Lake, and Herbert Lake

As you travel toward Lake Louise, you’ll encounter numerous lakes on your right that can be admired and photographed directly from the road. Crowfoot Glacier is among them, continuing to recede under the mountain. These stops are the final opportunities to capture memorable photographs before reaching Lake Louise, leaving you with lasting impressions of this remarkable journey.

As you can see, the Icefields Parkway is a route that could be driven in just three hours, but with all the captivating stops and attractions along the way, it can easily transform into a full day of exploration. Alternatively, you could split your journey into two days, as we did, staying overnight at the HI Nordegg, a charming hostel located in the historic mining town of Nordegg, about 90 kilometers from the Icefields Parkway. The drive to Nordegg is equally beautiful, passing by the stunning Abraham Lake with its turquoise waters.

Traveling along the Icefields Parkway is undoubtedly one of the essential experiences in the Canadian Rockies, and we hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip!

Make the most of your adventure by following our tips and recommendations, and don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas that await you on this remarkable journey through one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.

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