Icefields Parkway in Canada
Icefields Parkway in Canada: 10 highlights
Along the way, you’ll pass through two national parks, Banff and Jasper, and see glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, deep valleys, and towering mountain peaks. You could drive the route in 3-4 hours, but that would be a waste. There are so many viewpoints and attractions that it’s worth stopping at multiple spots. In this guide, we share 10 highlights along the Icefields Parkway: all worth visiting!
List of highlights on the Icefields Parkway
- Jasper National Park
- Athabasca Falls
- Sunwapta Falls
- Maligne Canyon
- Columbia Icefields
- Athabasca Gletsjer
- Peyto Lake
- Johnston Canyon
- Banff
- Lake Louise
Jasper National Park and Athabasca Falls
Your adventure begins (or ends) in Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s largest and most scenic parks. The area is full of mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Just a short drive from the town of Jasper is Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall that plunges through a narrow canyon. Wooden walkways and observation platforms let you experience the sheer force of the water up close. The roaring sound of the falls against the surrounding mountains creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
A little further north, you’ll find Sunwapta Falls, where water tumbles over rugged rock formations, giving the landscape a wilder, more dramatic feel. In Jasper itself, wildlife sightings are common – keep an eye out for elk, deer, coyotes, and occasionally bears. For hikers, the nearby Maligne Canyon is a deep and scenic gorge that’s perfect for exploring on foot, with waterfalls, rapids, and walking trails winding through its narrow passageways.
Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Gletsjer
Driving south along the Parkway, you’ll reach the Columbia Icefields, one of the largest icefields in North America. Here, the famous Athabasca Glacier stretches across the mountains, visible even from the roadside. Visitors can get up close through guided tours on massive ice vehicles or hike with a certified guide across the glacier’s surface.
Nearby is the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform that extends over a steep valley, providing a thrilling perspective of the surrounding mountains and icefields. If you’re not afraid of heights, the Skywalk is an incredible way to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the region. This stop is ideal for photography, offering panoramic views that make the glacier and mountains seem almost endless.
The view of Peyto Lake
Continuing south, you’ll come to Peyto Lake, one of the most photogenic and iconic locations along the Icefields Parkway. Nestled between mountains and dense forests, the lake’s bright turquoise waters are visible from the Bow Summit viewpoint. A short but steep walk leads to a panoramic platform where you can soak in the dramatic scenery.
Peyto Lake shines its brightest on sunny days, reflecting vivid turquoise hues that look almost unreal in photographs. It’s one of the most popular stops along the route, and once you stand there, it’s easy to understand why. Don’t forget your camera, as this is a place you’ll want to remember forever.
The gorge of the Johnston Canyon
As you approach Banff National Park, make time for Johnston Canyon, a narrow gorge with a well-maintained walking trail that takes you past several waterfalls and rapids. Metal walkways above the rushing river allow for close-up views of the Lower and Upper Falls, making it an easy and enjoyable hike for families and casual walkers alike.
In summer, Johnston Canyon is a lively spot, so try to visit early in the day for a quieter experience. Winter offers a completely different perspective: frozen waterfalls and sparkling ice formations create a magical wonderland that’s perfect for adventurous hikers.
Banff and Lake Louise
The southern gateway to the Icefields Parkway includes two of Canada’s most famous destinations: Lake Louise and the town of Banff.
Lake Louise is world-famous for its brilliant blue waters and the surrounding rugged peaks. From the lakeshore, you can admire the Victoria Glacier and the fairy-tale-like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Summer activities include hiking, canoeing, and simply enjoying the view, while in winter, the frozen lake is perfect for ice skating or snowshoeing.
Banff, on the other hand, is a charming and vibrant mountain town with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and excellent restaurants. Don’t miss a ride on the Banff Gondola, which offers sweeping views of the Bow Valley, or a relaxing soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. It’s an ideal place to start or end your Icefields Parkway journey, offering the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty.
Takeaway: Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway isn’t just a road – it’s an experience. Every stop along the route offers something unique, from towering waterfalls and glacial vistas to serene turquoise lakes and charming mountain towns. Whether you explore it in a single day or spend multiple days soaking it all in, the key is to take your time, stop often, and truly enjoy the journey.
Tips for Driving the Icefields Parkway:
- Buy a Parks Canada Discovery Pass if you’re visiting multiple national parks – it’s cheaper than separate daily passes.
- Bring a credit card; debit cards are not accepted everywhere.
- Pack food and snacks, as restaurants are limited along the route (except at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre).
- Fuel up in Jasper or Lake Louise, as there are no gas stations along the route.
With the right preparation, the Icefields Parkway will reward you with some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada – a true bucket-list road trip!