The Icefields Parkway Driving Guide – Know Before You Go
Known as the most scenic drive in the world, the Icefields Parkway is definitely a bucket list worthy adventure. Filled with amazing hikes, incredible glacier views, gorgeous waterfalls, and mind-blowing turquoise lakes, there is so much to see and do! We have put together the Icefields Parkway driving guide to give you all the tips and pointers you need to know before you go!
What is the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway is a 232 kilometer (144 miles) stretch of highway which runs through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, taking you past incredible mountain views, iconic lakes, and seemingly-endless photo opportunities.
How Many Days Do You Need to Experience the Icefields Parkway?
Unfortunately, all the incredible vistas that can be found along the Parkway end up posing a problem to most travelers! In order to stop at every point of interest along the Icefields Parkway, and do all of the hikes, you would most likely need at least 2 full days!
While this may not seem like an issue when taking such a scenic road trip, the unfortunate fact is that there are very limited accommodations available. And the accommodations that are available, book up pretty far in advance, and come with pretty inflated price tags!
As a result, most people look for a one-day Icefields Parkway itinerary. With careful planning, you can actually take in quite a bit, including all the major sights, in one FULL day!
Where is the Icefields Parkway Located?
Located in Alberta, Canada, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) runs north-south between Lake Louise (Highway 1 Junction) and Jasper (Highway 16 Junction).
How Do You Get to the Icefields Parkway?
The closest airport to the Banff National Park entrance of the Icefields Parkway would be Calgary International Airport (145 km away). From the airport, take the TransCanada Highway (Highway 1) west, until you reach the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North).
If you are entering the Parkway from Jasper National Park, the closest major airport would be Edmonton International Airport (360 km away). From the airport, head southwest on Highway 16, then go south on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).
How Do You Get Around on the Icefields Parkway?
One of the first things you need to think about when contemplating a trip along the Icefields Parkway is which mode of transportation will best suit your bucket list trip. Of course, having a car is probably the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel, but there are other options.
By Car
In our opinion, traveling through the Canadian Rockies by car is the preferred way to go. It gives you the flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you like, as there are plenty of parking areas along the way.
And if you are arriving in Alberta by plane, renting a car at the Calgary or Edmonton airports is very simple. But did you know that even some of the smaller towns like Banff and Jasper also have car rental places available?
Once you have made the decision to travel by car, you are pretty much set to begin your adventure. All you will need to worry about is gas, which we will discuss a little later in this post.
Click here to find the best deals for car rentals.
By Bus
Many people don’t realize that there are actual bus lines operating on the Icefields Parkway. And this is true even throughout the winter.
You can very easily book a seat on a bus linking Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, but the convenience does have one major downside. An Icefields Parkway bus will definitely get you from point A to point B, but that’s it!
You will only be able to see the sights through the window of the bus, as it does not stop along the way. This may be good if you are in a hurry, but in our opinion, this is no way to experience the Icefields Parkway.
Take a Tour
Another awesome way to see the Icefields Parkway is via a coach tour. This option takes away the need to rent a car and drive, while still allowing you to see AND experience all the best attractions along the route.
The downside is a tour won’t allow you to choose your own itinerary or decide how long you would like to stop at each place. However, you will have the advantage of knowledgeable guides there to answer questions, and it is definitely a better option than taking public transportation.
Find the best coach tours to take you along the Icefields Parkway here.
Ride a Bike
Perhaps not the most family-friendly way to see the Icefields Parkway, but definitely one of the more adventurous, is by cycling your way across. And depending on your pace and fitness level, cycling the 232 kilometers of the Parkway could take you anywhere from 4 to 7 days!
Of course, taking on this kind of challenge would require some advanced planning. You would need to make arrangements for accommodations, as well as figure out meals, and how to pack what you need in the space that you have.
If this all seems a little daunting, there are Icefields Parkway bike tours available as long as you do not mind being a part of an organized group. These tours will arrange all the important details like accommodations, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your ride!
Some tours even have electric bikes available, allowing people of all fitness levels to participate in this adventure of a lifetime!
The Icefields Parkway Driving Guide – Know Before You Go
Before starting your epic journey along the Icefields Parkway, there are a few things you should keep in mind, as well as some basic points that you may have been wondering about!
What is the Actual Roadway Like?
The Icefields Parkway is a fully paved and relatively smooth road with wide shoulders. Considering you are driving through a pretty extreme landscape and two high mountain passes, there are only a few areas where the grade is steep, or where you have to navigate through switchbacks.
Otherwise, the drive is astonishingly easy! Even the larger RVs do not have an issue manoeuvering along the Parkway.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway is 232 kilometers long (144 miles), and will take you approximately 3 hours to drive the entire distance between Lake Louise and Jasper (without stopping). Of course, you WILL want to stop, so we recommend giving yourself a full day to explore this gorgeous area.
While the maximum speed limit is 90km/hr for most of the Parkway, there are places where you have to slow to 50 km/hr. And you can definitely expect the drive to take longer during the peak summer months, as there will be heavier traffic, RVs, tour buses, and possibly construction areas slowing things down.
Is There Cellphone Reception on the Icefields Parkway?
Once you leave Lake Louise or Jasper, you will find that cellphone service is spotty along the Icefields Parkway. In some places, reception is great, and then you could go for miles with none at all.
For this reason, we always recommend having printed maps, or downloading maps onto your phone that you can view offline. With little chance of getting lost due to all the signage along the parkway, you may still want to follow along on a map, just so you won’t miss out on something you really want to see!
What is the Best Direction to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
To be honest, it really does not matter! We have driven the Icefields Parkway in both directions, and the views have been absolutely stunning every time!
As long as you plan on stopping at all the best viewpoints, you won’t miss a thing!
Where Do You Stop Along the Icefields Parkway?
So with all of this natural beauty surrounding you, where exactly do you stop when traveling along the Icefields Parkway? Thankfully, there are parking lots along the way where you can pull off the highway to admire the view.
Parks Canada has made it easy for visitors to pull off the road into large parking lots, where they can safely get out of their vehicles to admire the views. Most parking lots are equipped with pit toilets, garbage cans, and even picnic tables or benches to relax on.
Some viewpoints even have informative signs that provide a little history about what it is you are looking at. This all adds to the amazing experience of traveling down the Icefields Parkway.
Is it Free to Drive on the Icefields Parkway?
When driving along the Icefields Parkway, you will be traveling through Banff National Park for 122km, as well as crossing into Jasper National Park. As a result, you will need to purchase a Parks Canada Pass for your epic adventure.
The park gates are located approximately 145 kilometers west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway, or 20 kilometers west of Jasper, depending on where you are starting from. There, you will find the Pass Booths (like toll booths), where you either show your pass or purchase one.
As we mentioned, you can either purchase passes at the gates, or they can be purchased in advance online. For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.
The pass will need to be left on your dashboard while in the parks.
As far as the passes go, you also have a couple of options to choose from:
1. Purchase a Day Pass
A day pass allows entry into any National Park for one day. The daily passes expire at 4 pm the following day. The cost is:
- Adult: $10.00
- Senior: $8.40
- Youth (up to 17 yo): FREE
- Family/group (up to 7 people): $20.00
- Commercial group (per person): $8.40
2. Purchase a Discovery Pass
A Parks Canada “Discovery Pass” can be purchased and used for multiple parks and is valid for one full year. The cost is:
- Adult: $69.19
- Senior: $59.17
- Family/group: $139.40
Are There Gas Stations Along the Icefields Parkway?
Our best advice is to make sure that you fill up your gas tank before starting your Icefields Parkway adventure. The only gas station along the Parkway is at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, and it is pretty expensive.
And since The Crossing is actually closed from November to April, your best bet is to grab gas before you leave Lake Louise or Jasper.
The Icefields Parkway Driving Guide – When is the Best Time to Go
Deciding when to plan your road trip along the Icefields Parkway can be a difficult decision. And although the road is open all year long, there are definitely some major factors to consider before you head out on your adventure.
Is Summer the Best Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
The summer season is definitely the most popular time to explore the Icefields Parkway. Lasting from late May until the end of September, the roads will be clear of snow, restaurants and hotels will be open, and hiking trails will be accessible.
Of course, the nicer weather is a huge factor in deciding to travel the Icefields Parkway during the summer. Even though the weather can still be unpredictable, and change rather quickly, the chances are good that you will have an awesome day.
Another perk to traveling in the summer season is that the days will be at their longest. This means you have more time to make as many stops as possible, and cram so much more into a single-day itinerary.
There is a downside to traveling in the summer, however. Firstly, there will be larger crowds at the popular stops (i.e. Athabasca Falls), especially during the peak season in July and August.
Second of all, you will notice that the prices for pretty much everything are higher during the summer. And lastly, it will be close to impossible to find last-minute accommodations anywhere along the Parkway!
Can You Drive the Icefields Parkway in the Winter?
Yes, in most cases you can drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter. But if you do not have any winter driving experience, we definitely would NOT recommend making this drive. In any case, it is prudent to always check the road conditions BEFORE you go.
The photo below was taken the first weekend in October! The roads were pretty slick in some areas, with very little visibility in others, and would certainly not be fun for an inexperienced driver!
But if you do decide to travel the Icefields Parkway in winter, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, it is mandatory (by law) for your car to be equipped with snow tires from November first, until April first, in order to drive the Parkway.
Snow is only cleared off the roadway between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm. If the road conditions are particularly bad, Parks Canada will close sections of the Icefields Parkway.
Winter Hazards
This may be due to really bad weather, or the increased risk of an avalanche. Either way, you should have a backup plan.
You will also need to be completely self-sufficient when traveling the Icefields Parkway in the winter. This is because all services along the route, such as gas station, restaurants, and hotels, are closed during the winter season.
Make sure that you are carrying an emergency kit, extra layers of clothing, water, snacks, and even something hot to drink. If you become stranded due to the weather or road conditions, there is no cellphone reception to call for help and only very light traffic during the winter months!
Between December and February, the average high is around -5 C, with average lows around -15 C. However, it isn’t unheard of for the temperature to drop well below that!
Lastly, be realistic when creating your itinerary for winter travel. The days are much shorter, and it will conceivably take you much longer to make the trek across the parkway.
What Are the Shoulder Seasons Like?
As you have seen in our photo, winter in the Canadian Rockies, unfortunately, can arrive as soon as the beginning of October. And even though the weather is highly unpredictable (we have had days where we did not need a jacket), October is still one of the best options if you plan on traveling in the shoulder season.
If you do decide to travel in the late fall or early spring, you really should be prepared for full winter driving. October, May and early June are unpredictable, in that the conditions can range from clear dry pavement to icy patches, or even several inches of compact snow.
The Icefields Parkway Driving Guide – Safety Tips
Check the Weather Forecast
Earlier in the Icefields Parkway driving guide, we spoke extensively on how challenging winter driving can be. We also mentioned that conditions along the Parkway can change rather quickly, no matter what time of the year.
With that being said, it is really important to check both road and weather conditions BEFORE you head out on your road trip across the Parkway. You will need to be prepared for the weather, not just for driving, but also for the times you are outside your vehicle and exploring!
And just to illustrate how crazy the weather along the Parkway can get, let me give you an example from our last trip in early October! The weather was just insane!
We left Lake Louise and it was pouring rain (no snow), we hit several feet of snow at Bow Lake with clear skies, snowstorm with whiteout conditions at Saskatchewan River Crossing (so much snow our Glacier tours were canceled), overcast skies at Sunwapta Falls (light dusting of snow), and finally, sun and warm weather (no snow) in Jasper. All four seasons in the span of 8 hours!
Don’t Be a Distracted Driver
With all the jaw-dropping vistas and jewel-toned turquoise lakes, it is difficult NOT to be distracted by all the beauty along the Icefields Parkway. After all, it is one of the most scenic drives in the world!
At the same time, you can’t forget that you are still driving along a busy highway! Not only will you need to watch out for passing cars, large RVs, and cyclists, you will also have to keep your eyes open for wildlife that may cross into the roadway.
Since there is very little cellphone reception along the Parkway, put your phone away and let someone else ‘co-pilot.’ The signage is pretty good, so there is little worry about getting lost!
Keep Your Valuables Safe
This should go without saying! Although the Icefields Parkway is generally safe, anyplace you have a large gathering of tourists, there are bound to be opportunistic thieves in the bunch.
If you are traveling by car, remember to keep your valuables locked safely in the trunk or out of sight. It may be tempting to quickly jump out of your car at some of the lookouts, but most places will take you out of sight of your vehicle.
You can also choose to carry your valuables with you in a backpack. This may be ideal when you are planning to leave your vehicle (or tour bus) for an extended amount of time.
Use Common Sense When Stopping
As we have mentioned previously in the Icefields Parkway driving guide, there are parking areas dotted all over the Parkway; USE THEM! It is not safe to stop in the middle of the road
If you must pull over on the side of the road, use common sense. Make sure your vehicle is completely off the roadway and visible to other cars.
This means turning on your four-way flashers, and not stopping in a blind spot on a curve or just after a steep dip in the road. You don’t want to increase the risk of an accident.
Watch Out for Wildlife
Chances are good that you will spot wildlife while driving on the Icefields Parkway! Black bears, grizzly bears, mountain goats, deer, caribou, mountain lions, big-horned sheep, moose, as well as hundreds of different birds, call the Parkway their home.
You will need to be the most vigilant while driving at dawn or dusk because this is when the wildlife is most active. But really, you may see animals grazing along the road, or even trying to cross, at any time of the day.
Another word of advice, pay close attention to the drivers in front of you! If they decide to suddenly slow down or stop for wildlife, you need to be prepared.
If you do see any wildlife, especially bears or elk along the road, be sure to give them plenty of space. And whatever you do, DO NOT attempt to feed them or get out of your vehicle for a closer look!
Not only is this incredibly dangerous, but it could land you with an eye-watering fine for feeding the animals. Worse yet, you could get the animal killed as any bears that have had contact with humans are put down.
And don’t forget, both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are bear country! If you choose to stop along the Parkway for a hike, try to go in a group and make lots of noise to alert animals to your presence. Always carry bear spray and make sure you know how to use it safely.
The Icefields Parkway Driving Guide – Where to Stay
This section of the Icefields Parkway driving guide will provide you with information on the various types of accommodations available along the Parkway. As we mentioned previously, there are not a lot of options available. And the accommodations that are out there, tend to book up really quickly.
Camping
Camping is a great option for people who like to ‘rough it’ and want to sleep under the stars. Whether you are traveling in an RV or are planning on sleeping in a tent, the Icefields Parkway has a few great campsites available.
Most of the campsites along the Parkway operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You may want to double-check online, however, as some sites are now allowing people to make advanced reservations due to the increase in demand over the last couple of years.
During the summer months, campgrounds book up really quickly, especially on the long weekends. Try to arrive at the campgrounds before noon, for your best chance at finding a vacant campsite. If you aren’t lucky enough to find an available spot, there is also overflow camping at the Icefield Discovery Centre for trailers and camper vans.
Campsites
Banff National Park has a couple of campsites that are located off the Icefields Parkway. Rampart Creek and Upper Waterfowl Lakes are family-friendly and offer some pretty great hiking trails.
You can find a complete list of campgrounds in Banff National Park here.
Jasper National Park also has some pretty nice campgrounds available close to the Icefields Parkway. Again, these are first-come-first-served.
The Columbia Icefield Campground is tent only with just 33 sites that are pretty secluded, perfect for those looking for a little more privacy. The Wilcox Creek Campground is larger with 46 sites, that can accommodate both tents as well as trailers up to 27 feet.
Both campgrounds are family-friendly with lots of trails to explore and beautiful views of the glacier-capped mountains.
You can find a complete list of campgrounds in Jasper National Park here.
Hostels
Hostels are a very budget-friendly option when looking for accommodations along the Icefields Parkway. And they can be a great choice for single travelers, as well as families looking for an overnight stay.
The 6 hostels found along the Parkway feature rustic wilderness settings, with amazing opportunities for wildlife sightings and hiking. They offer shared facilities and dormitory rooms with basic bunks, but some do not have electricity or running water, and you will need to provide your own bedding.
Some of the hostels may offer a limited number of private rooms, included perks such as snowshoes in the winter, as well as proximity to some of the best attractions on the Parkway.
You will find several Hostels available in both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park that may work for your needs.
Hotels and Lodges
Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge sits right on the shores of Bow Lake and is considered one of the Canadian Rockies’ most picturesque locations. Not only do you have stunning lakeside and glacier views, but access to some of the nicest hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and photography in the area.
This picturesque lodge has 25 rustic rooms with shared or private washrooms. But just be warned, there are no phones or TVs in the rooms!
The restaurant has a large stone fireplace where you can enjoy a wonderful experience. The Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is open from May until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October.
The Crossing Resort
Located at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, The Crossing Resort is a motel-style lodging that is available from March through to October. The Crossing Resort sits on a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is nestled at the base of Mt. Wilson.
The accommodations include 66 rooms, most with two double beds, a bathroom, satellite TV, and a telephone. There are also Family Suites, Executive Rooms, and pet-friendly rooms available.
As far as amenities go, The Crossing Resort has a spa, cafeteria, dining room, pub, gift shop, and service station.
The Glacier View Lodge
The Glacier View Lodge is located on the 3rd floor of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, approximately 1 hour south of Jasper and 2.5 hours north of Banff on the Icefields Parkway.
This Glacier View Lodge has 32 guest rooms each with a comfortable living room with satellite TV, telephone, sofa bed, and balcony or terrace. But the best part of staying here is waking up to the incredible views of the Athabasca Glacier and the Canadian Rockies!
As part of the Columbia Icefield Center, the Glacier View Lodge offers a gift shop, restaurant, cafeteria, and plenty of free parking. You are also right across the street from the Toe of the Glacier Trail. And staying in the Lodge is convenient if you have purchased one of the tours offered by the Discovery Centre.
The Glacier View Lodge is open from mid-April through to October.
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
The Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge offers cabin-style accommodation from May through to October. Located between the Columbia Icefields and Jasper townsite in Jasper National Park, the resort sits on the edge of a forest and is only a short walk to the Sunwapta Falls.
There are three types of suites available. The standard room consists of two double beds, a fridge, a private bathroom, and a sundeck. Pets are also allowed at the Rocky Mountain Lodge at an additional cost.
Amenities include a restaurant lounge with a fireplace, a cafeteria, and a gift shop. You can even pre-arrange for a picnic lunch to be made to take with you on your Icefields Parkway adventure!
The Icefields Parkway Driving Guide – Where to Eat
This portion of the Icefields Parkway driving guide will let you know where to find all the food options available along the Parkway. These are all located within the Hotels and Lodges we mentioned above.
Food on the Icefields Parkway is generally overpriced, so you should definitely consider packing a lunch ahead of time for your day (or more) of adventure! Canmore, Banff, and Jasper all have grocery stores where you can purchase everything you need at reasonable prices.
Lake Louise Village also has a small convenience store where you will find some necessities, as well as the Trailhead Cafe where you can purchase pre-made food to go.
The Crossing Resort
The Parkway Pub
The Parkway Pub is more of an experience than a grab-your-food-and-go kind of place. This is because every day at noon (between mid-June and mid-September) the Pub fires up their grill, and invites guests guest to show off their culinary skills and cook their own food!
Guests choose their entrée of steak, burger, or jumbo dog, which then arrives at their table fresh and on a platter with accompaniments. They then head to the grill where everyone is provided with a variety of seasonings and sauces to customize the flavor of their meal selection.
Staff are on hand to suggest cooking times, or to offer any assistance if needed.
Mt. Wilson Restaurant
The MT. Wilson Restaurant offers a casual dining experience and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat lunch which includes a fresh salad bar and classic hot entrées.
For dinner, The Mt. Wilson Restaurant offers a full-service a la carte menu and bar, in addition to the extensive dinner buffet.
The Crossing Cafe
The Crossing Cafe offers a variety of menu options perfect for lunch or just a snack. You can find coffee, soups, sandwiches, or burgers. You can also order boxed lunches and picnic fare in advance to take with you for a day of sightseeing on the Parkway.
The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
Chalet
Chalet offers a casual family-friendly atmosphere that features freshly prepared food with grab-and-go service. This cafeteria-style restaurant offers snacks like chili, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. ($8-14). Both places can get mobbed with tour groups.
Altitude
Altitude restaurant provides incredible glacier views as the backdrop to your dining experience. They offer a buffet breakfast and lunch, as well as boasting a Canadian-inspired and locally sourced à la carte menu for dinner and cocktails.
Starbucks
Yes, you read that right! You can actually grab a cup of your favorite coffee concoction in the Discovery Centre! Perfect for warming up after a chilly excursion out on the Athabasca Glacier.
The Starbucks in the Discovery Centre is only a small kiosk, so they may not have all the items that a full location would. But it is definitely sufficient!
Keep in mind, the Discovery Centre is a huge hub for tourists and tour busses! All three of these establishments tend to get quite busy during peak times!
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
The Restaurant at Sunwapta Falls
The Restaurant at Sunwapta Falls offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their rustic dining room. Not only do they offer awesome health-conscious and vegan dishes, but the food is fresh and delicious.
You can also request freshly made lunches to go anytime after 8 am! This is the perfect way to prepare for your days’ adventure, and exactly what we opted for.
During our trip along the Icefields Parkway, we chose a Roasted Yam Soup and a Butter Chicken with Rice Wrap. We ordered our food to go and took maybe 15 minutes for it to be ready.
The soups were very creamy, and the wraps were flavourful, filling, and absolutely delicious! We would definitely recommend a stop here if you find yourself in need of a quick bite!
Final Thoughts on the Icefields Parkway Driving Guide
We hope that the Icefields Parkway driving guide will provide you with all the information and tips needed, to make the most out of your adventure on one of the most scenic roads in the world.
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