Riding the Icefields Parkway is a great way to explore the Canadian Rockies in Alberta Canada. It is also known as Highway 93 and considered one the most spectacular drives in the world. The 232 km(144 mile)road stretches from Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper in Jasper National Park. The parkway was built in 1940 and named for features such as the Columbia Icefield, visible from the parkway (and worth a stop to go up and walk on it).
The parkway offers scenic views of ancient glaciers, thundering waterfalls, sweeping valleys, pristine lakes and the opportunity to see elk and black bear. The two-lane asphalted road encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, one of the famous turns is the Big Bend that wraps in a circle below towering peaks
National Park permits must be obtained when camping or fishing in the parkway.
With a speed limit that varies from 50 to 90 km/h, the drive along the parkway can take three hours, but its worth taking a day or so to explore and do a few walks. There are a variety of lodging choices in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Canmore and further on in Calgary. The four hostels along the parkway are considered wilderness hostels, some of which have limited facilities. There are also several campgrounds located in the Banff National Park end of the parkway and in the Jasper National Park Camping, Jasper section of the parkway. Jasper is the pick of the places to spend the night along the way if you are looking for peace and quiet. Banff at the southern end if you are looking for a night out.
Interesting sights on the route
Start your visit at Lake Louise, a beautiful hamlet known for its turquoise lakes, the Victoria Glacier, and soaring mountain backdrop. Herbert Lake is a small glacial lake in the Banff National Park. When the water is calm, the refection of Mount Temple and Mount Victoria is incredibly stunning.
Bow Lake that is located on the Bow River where you can get a shot of the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge across the sparkling turquoise lake. Crowfoot Glacier is best viewed from here. Bow Glacier Falls Trail is a short hike that winds along the shore of the Bow Lake.
Peyto Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The striking turquoise waters of this lake, somewhat resembling a coyote’s head, is an old favourite.
Along the way you can check out the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies called Columbia Icefield, that gives the road its name. It is one of the most accessible bodies of ice south of the Arctic Circle. One of the six ice sheets of the Columbia Icefield is the Athabasca Glacier, the most visited glacier in North America.
Panther Falls, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls are also worth a visit when in the Icefields Parkway.
What is the best time of year to travel the route?
Make sure to fill up your tank in Jasper or Lake Louise before starting the trip as there’s only one gas station along the road which can be found at at the Saskatchewan River Crossing Resort. Due to its remoteness, prices are typically higher than other towns.
Photo credit: Mr Hicks46 / CC BY Photo credit: KateEditor / CC BY Photo credit: m01229 / CC BY Photo credit: Laurent GASS / CC BY Winter! Photo credit: Pixabay
