The Ultimate Columbia Icefields Parkway Guide
Columbia Icefields Parkway in Canada is one of the best scenic drives in the world. Our Columbia Icefields Parkway travel guide includes the best things to see and do, best stops, top attractions, tips on accommodation, what to pack. Simply put, we share everything you need to know before driving this beautiful road between Lake Louise and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies.
Road tripping in the Canadian Rockies is one of the top activities every traveler has on the bucket list. And there's probably not a more renowned road in the region than Columbia Icefields Parkway.
We are not even afraid to say that Columbia Icefields Parkway could be a synonym for a perfect road trip anywhere in the world.
The driveway has everything you can think of. First of all, the road itself is in excellent condition, so even less experienced drivers will feel confident and safe.
Second, the road is lined with incredible scenery - waterfalls, forests, rivers, mountains, glaciers - and it is sometimes hard to believe this is not a dream but a reality.
Last but not least, there are so many stops along the way that every type of traveler can choose their own unique itinerary.
Do you want to simply drive as you're pressed for time and enjoy all the beauty through the car's window? That's completely fine.
Do you prefer making multiple stops and maybe squeeze several short hikes in your trip? That's doable as well.
Columbia Icefields Parkway provides endless options, but the outcome is the same. Thousands of excited nature lovers daily.
Columbia Icefields Parkway is a true Canadian gem, 232 kilometers long double lane highway, linking mountainous towns Lake Louise and Jasper, Banff National Park, and Jasper National Park, and thanks to the strategic location, it is an essential 'stop' on every travel itinerary.
If you're in the planning stage of your Canadian Rockies trip, you've come to the right place, as we believe Columbia Icefields Parkway must inevitably be on every first-time road tripper travel schedule.
This travel guide includes everything you need to know before traveling Columbia Icefields Parkway, including top things to see and do, directions, tips on how to get around, and much more.
PLANNING COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS PARKWAY TRIP
Even though it is possible to drive Columbia Icefields Parkway from one end to the other in only three hours, it would be more than foolish, and we don’t see a single reason why anyone would have done it.
Believe us, we've driven this road several times already and hope we'll return one day in the future as there's certainly much more to explore.
Nature along the road is out of this world, and for us, the highway is one of the most rewarding places on the planet. Where else can you see otherworldly mountains, crystal clear lakes, wildlife, and thick forest without even stepping out of the car?
The density of top attractions means only one thing; you need to plan your day carefully.
Icefields Parkway is on every Canadian Rockies travel itinerary, so don't expect to have it just for yourself. Instead, hit the road early and try to beat the crowd, especially big coaches carrying large groups.
HOW MANY DAYS YOU NEED FOR COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Traveling Columbia Icefields Parkway is quite specific because of an insufficient number of accommodation options along the road. This fact causes that most of the travelers complete the trip in one day.
One long day is really an absolute must, at least in our opinion, to get the most of this iconic journey, and even if you allow yourself one full day, you'll have to prioritize.
Splitting the road trip into two days is even better when you have enough time, but it means you must book accommodation along Columbia Icefields Parkway well in advance because of limited capacity, plus you must be ready for higher rates.
There are also other alternatives to spending more time on the road, but it all comes down to your itinerary.
If your itinerary is not a loop, you can drive from Banff to Jasper (or in the opposite direction), explore the best Jasper National Park has to offer, and then return back to Banff via the same road, which we, at this special circumstances, do not see as a disadvantage, rather the opposite.
WHICH DIRECTION TO DRIVE
Columbia Icefields Parkway, alias State Highway 93, connects Lake Louise and Jasper, two wonderful mountainous towns surrounded by surreal nature.
Many first-time visitors wonder whether it is better to travel from south to north or in the opposite direction. Having toured the road both ways ourselves, with good conscience, we can say that it really does not matter.
You really won't miss anything no matter for which option you'll decide; you just need to build your itinerary according to your plans.
We had a feeling that both directions are similarly popular and did not notice that one lane would have been busier than the other one.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Getting around Columbia Icefields Parkway is very straightforward and easy, under one condition. You must have a car. Of course, there are a few more alternatives, and you must weigh all pros and cons of every option.
To be honest, we do not have any other experience than traveling by car, but we are pretty sure the adventure would not be the same without it.
Here's a list of transport options you have for traveling Columbia Icefields Parkway.
BY CAR
In general, getting around the Canadian Rockies by car is recommended as it gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you like. Still, if you do not have other options, it is also possible to explore this part of the world without a car.
But it is much harder when it comes to Columbia Icefields Parkway. The road is basically dotted with plenty of parking spots and places where a traveler can stop, and only with a car are you a master of your time.
Renting a car in Calgary, Edmonton, but even smaller cities and towns in the Rockies such as Banff or Jasper is very straightforward, and you should definitely consider this possibility.
Once you decide to travel by car, you're free to go. It is better to fuel up in either Lake Louise or Jasper because there's only one fuel station along the Parkway at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, and the price is not exactly budget-friendly.
BY BUS
Bus lines are operating on Columbia Icefields Parkway, some of them even in the winter, but this service has, in our opinion, one major flaw.
If you do not have a car, booking a seat on a bus linking Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper is a great way how to get from point A to point B, but the thing is, you can admire all the beauty only through the window as this transport is a regular line and the bus does not stop along the way.
TOURS
Another best alternative how to see top sights along this driveway is to book a tour. If you do not have the possibility to drive a car, we think this is the second-best possibility as you'll have a transport, knowledgeable guide and see some of the best places.
Although you cannot exactly choose your own itinerary, it is definitely a better option than traveling by public transport.
Yes, the rate is a bit higher, but that's, in this case, nothing that should put you off; Columbia Icefields is worth investing in.
Check out this Columbia Icefields Parkways Tour from Jasper that has fantastic reviews.
BIKING
It did not take us long, and we've noticed that biking is pretty popular in the Canadian Rockies.
If you're an active traveler, biking Icefields Parkway might be exactly the activity you would like to try. It is challenging but totally rewarding.
If you are an independent traveler, you can certainly bike along this road; you just need to plan where you will stay and figure out what to pack to ensure a smooth ride.
Biking this 232 kilometers long road can take you anything from 4 to 7 days, depending on your pace.
If you do not mind being a part of an organized group, check out this 4-Day Canadian Rockies Biking Tour that arranges all the important things on your behalf, and you will only have to focus on your performance.
HITCHHIKING
Hitchhiking is another alternative, although we do not recommend it. This part of Canada is considered safe, which should not be a problem, but we are unsure whether your effort will be successful.
First of all, most of the travelers on Columbia Icefields Parkway already have an itinerary that does not need to match yours. Secondly, we've noticed that many families travel here, and they usually do not have enough space in the car.
Finally, you must be flexible and possibly be ready to spend a night at the campsite.
Suppose you're a solo traveler and need a lift to enjoy traveling along this road. In that case, we think it is better to find a fellow traveler in either Jasper or Lake Louise in advance, agree on the itinerary, preferred travel style, and share the cost of travel.
WHEN TO GO
Although you can in the Rockies experience four seasons in one day, in general, Canada has four distinct periods, and even though Icefields Parkway is accessible all year round, you should seriously consider what the best time for traveling is.
As winter arrives in the Canadian Rockies early and usually is not willing to leave that easily, we've divided the year into only two seasons, summer and winter.
SUMMER
Without any doubt, the summer season, which lasts approximately from late May till the end of September, is the most popular time for exploring top sights along Icefields Parkway.
The road should already be clear of snow during this time, and all hiking trails accessible (although some can still be muddy). Restaurants and hotels along the road are opened, which is more convenient for travelers.
Although the weather can be very challenging, your chances to enjoy nice weather are quite high. The biggest advantage is the long days, so you have enough time to make as many stops as possible.
Of course, the downside is the number of travelers (the peak season in July and August), but we noticed the crowds only by the Athabasca Falls, and other stops were not somehow unpleasant because of the number of tourists.
Also, prices are higher in the peak season, so you might want to check out our article on visiting the Canadian Rockies on a budget.
WINTER
Winter in the Rockies can arrive as soon as the beginning of October, but this month is still one of the best options if you plan on traveling in the shoulder season. November usually brings lower temperatures and snow, and the snow stays till late April.
Traveling Columbia Icefields Parkway in winter is surely possible; what else, it is a magical wonderland, but there are a few things a traveler needs to consider.
First of all, traveling in winter is a bit more challenging, and you should be well-prepared, even when you plan on spending most of the time in the car.
Snow tires are mandatory here from November 1 till April 1. The snow is cleared every day between 7 AM till 3:30 PM, but you should have a backup plan if the road is closed because of a snowstorm or avalanche hazard.
You should also create a realistic itinerary because days are shorter.
Please note that services along the road (fuel station, restaurants, hotels) are closed in the winter, so make sure you are self-sufficient, have extra layers of clothes, snacks, and preferably hot drinks with you, to enjoy this spectacular drive.
We do not want to put you off; we just think that to fully enjoy driving the road in the winter, you must know first about all possible challenges and prepare for them.
SAFETY
Icefields Parkway is a safe destination; still, you must take a few things into account. First, you will likely travel in a car, have all your valuables in the car trunk, and once you park your vehicle, you will probably hurry to be on a viewpoint as soon as possible.
Before you do that, you should keep in mind that the car is not safe, and if you do not want to carry all your valuables, keep them at least out of sight.
Parking lots full of travelers can attract opportunistic thieves, so make sure you keep your stuff protected.
We've already mentioned that winter is challenging for traveling this road because there are many high mountain passes.
When you opt for this time of the year, you should certainly not underestimate the conditions. Always check the weather forecast, latest road conditions, be well-prepared, and tell someone your plans.
Last but not least, we know the scenery is out of this world, but drivers should always pay attention.
It is easy to be enthralled by the ubiquitous beauty of nature around, but don't forget you are still on a busy highway, so keep an eye on passing by cars and watch out for wildlife.
It is exciting to see bears, bighorn sheep, or deer in the wild, but it is less exciting to be involved in a car crash caused by a lack of awareness.
If you plan on hiking, be always well-prepared for lousy weather conditions and keep the bear spray in your pocket to stay safe.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO ALONG ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Columbia Icefields Parkway offers beautiful sights along the road such as glaciers (supposedly more than 100!), waterfalls, emerald lakes, and, of course, mountain crests lining the way.
The freedom to plan the day was something we appreciated the most, and this stretch of road was where we were the most grateful for having a rental car.
Even though the highlights along the Columbia Icefields Parkway are easily accessible and can get crowded, you still have a choice to personalize this day bit more because the number of side trips is enormous.
When we visited the Canadian Rockies for the first time, we traveled from north to south, so our journey started in Jasper, and all attractions below are sorted accordingly, based on this trip.
If you travel in the opposite direction, just read this itinerary in reverse order. Here's the list of must-see places we think you should not miss when traveling Columbia Icefields Parkway.
ATHABASCA FALLS
Athabasca Falls is a cascade on the Athabasca River, only 30 kilometers from Jasper, so for many, it is often the first or the last stop on Columbia Icefields Parkway.
This stop was insanely busy in the morning; the parking lot was full of tour buses and selfie lovers, so we have to make our way through the crowds to take some pictures.
The first, a not very positive impression, was improved once we stepped on the bridge overlooking this waterfall.
Athabasca Falls is not known for the height; it is 23 meters tall and 18 meters wide, but for the enormous quantity of water falling into the gorge, and you might see it at its best when the snow melts in late April or rather an early May.
It would be a mistake to focus solely on the busy viewing platform; make sure you take a trail that will take you to a beautiful canyon and mighty Athabasca River.
SUNWAPTA FALLS
Athabasca Glacier is a large reservoir of water, and it feeds Sunwapta Falls as well.
Sunwapta Falls consists of two waterfalls, upper and lower, while the upper part is more heavily visited as it is easily accessible; if you are looking for a more peaceful experience, you need to walk 1.3 kilometers to the lower section.
The Sunwapta Falls are at their best in early spring when the water melts (lately winter lasts longer in the Rockies, so it is the end of April, beginning in May), but we visited this place in early July and the waterfall was still powerful.
WATERFALLS ALONG THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
It would be impossible to direct you to every single waterfall along this scenic road. Although the first we mentioned are considered as the best ones, there are many more places that you might see while driving, and it is only up to you if you decide to stop.
Tangle Creek Falls is just one of many we could see from the car on the way.
How many waterfalls you see also depends on what season you are traveling in the Canadian Rockies, but most of them run perpetually, such as Weeping Wall or Bridal Veil Falls.
Take a short break and pull over, stretch your legs.
ATHABASCA GLACIER & MOUNT ATHABASCA
The 3491 meters high giant Mount Athabasca, looming over the Icefields Parkway, and the iconic Athabasca Glacier, easily one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, just a short walk from a parking lot, made this road trip even more special.
You can't see a lot from the glacier from the viewing platform as the mountains hide the rest, but even the "snout" is impressive more than enough.
For a better view, hike up to the Wilcox Pass.
You can also join a walking or coach tour to get a more intense glacier experience, but it does not come cheap.
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of the coach tours on the glacier, opt-out.
Probably a much better way to explore the glacier is on foot with this Athabasca Guided Hiking Tour.
WILCOX PASS HIKE
Wilcox Pass Hike is often considered an off-the-beaten-path, but as it is easily accessible, basically just across Parker Ridge trailhead, we decided to give it a try to have a comparison.
The first part of Wilcox Pass hike is a steady climb through a thick forest until it reaches the first lookout.
Two photogenic red chairs mark this lookout, and this is a place where most of the travelers turn around. Do not be one of them. When you continue further up, the scenery dramatically changes, and you get an open valley view of fragile sub-alpine meadows, small lakes, and creeks.
The main attraction is the view of the Athabasca glacier and exploring the vast plains.
Be prepared that it can get windy up there, and pack a windproof jacket.
PARKER RIDGE TRAIL
One of the most rewarding hikes on the Icefields Parkway, which often makes it on the list of the best things to do, Parker Ridge Trail, deserves its popularity.
Even if you are not an experienced hiker, add this trail to your itinerary. This moderate and short trek starts with series of switchbacks and goes up through the forest.
Once you leave the tree line behind and the trail levels out, the scenery is breathtaking.
Continue further along the trail as the views of Saskatchewan Glacier, the largest of the Columbia Icefields, get only better. Overlooking a glacial valley with the opposite rock wall with waterfalls is almost indescribable and leaves you in awe.
Spend extra time on the top and explore the ridge; it's worth it.
BIG HILL & BIG BEND
One of the most stunning vistas along Columbia Icefields Parkway is right on the road, so you really get here the best what the Canadian Rockies has to offer with literally zero effort.
When traveling from Jasper, you can see the road descending, and the valley will open up all of a sudden in front of you.
There is a limited space where you can stop, so be careful and don't block the traffic. You will certainly do not miss this lookout because, in the season, there's a queue of cars trying to find a spot to park.
SASKATCHEWAN CROSSING
Saskatchewan Crossing is a viewpoint with incredible vistas, from where you can watch a river snaking through mountains.
This place was once an important point as indigenous people trading with fur had to cross the river in this spot if they wanted to make a living.
Crossing the North Saskatchewan River was not, of course, an easy task, and you can hear many legends about the difficulties of aboriginal people who lived in this cold and remote mountainous area.
WATERFOWL LAKES
An idyllic setting of two lakes - Upper and Lower Waterfowl Lake - is so inviting that almost every traveler driving around stops here.
Upper Lake is a bit more picturesque than the other one and is a popular place to have a snack. One would say that after traveling around the Canadian Rockies for a while, it gets a bit repetitive to see so many lakes along the road, but we did not feel it this way, rather the opposite.
We welcomed every photo opportunity, and the Waterfowl Lakes stop was a very rewarding photo location.
PEYTO LAKE VIEWPOINT
Are you looking for the most shining star and the best place to visit on the Columbia Icefields Parkway? Although the competition is tight, and it is hard to choose the real winner, Peyto Lake is often considered the top attraction along the road and in Banff National Park.
This glacier-fed lake lures visitors all over the world because of its seemingly unreal emerald color and exceptional star-like shape. The lake lies almost at the end of Icefields Parkway and is easily accessible from the parking lot.
Because of the popularity, the parking lot and viewing platform were insufficient for a long time. Therefore a significant renovation took place in 2020 and 2021 for travelers' better experience and to keep the fragile environment protected.
Peyto Lake is very near to Lake Louise's village, so when traveling from Jasper and arriving in Lake Louise late, make sure you still have enough time for the visit. If not, it is still possible to make an independent trip from Lake Louise village, home to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
If you are still not tired of stunning lakes, check our post about the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
BOW LAKE
Bow Lake is another worthwhile stop, and if you wish to stretch your legs a bit, there are several hiking options that start on the shore.
The lake lines the Columbia Icefields Parkway, and just before you arrive at the turn-off for the parking lot, you can see Crowfoot Mountain with Crowfoot Glacier.
SERVICES ALONG ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Icefields Parkways is one of the busiest roads in the province, especially in the summer, so you can expect adequate services, although nothing fancy.
Almost every notable stop has a designated parking lot with toilets, which is something you surely appreciate.
There's also one fuel station, several cafes, restaurants, and a few lodges and campgrounds. It probably does not come as a surprise that rates are higher than in towns, so if you are a budget traveler, we recommend you packing water and snacks with you.
Everything changes in the winter when the area is much quieter, and there are only a fraction of visitors as most of the services (if not all) are closed for this period, which means you are truly on your own.
WHAT TO PACK
Weather in Canada can be pretty harsh, even in the summer, and you should be ready to experience all four seasons within one day.
It is pretty easy to pack for the road trip as you can bring more things because everything stays in the trunk and you don't have to carry it all the time on your back.
No matter if you plan on exploring only places close to the parking lots or plan on hiking, these are several essentials you should pack when traveling Columbia Icefields Parkway.
The terrain is often rough, even close to the top attractions, so having hiking boots is a must, especially when you plan on hiking to Wilcox Pass or Parker Ridge Trail.
The cold wind often picks up in the afternoon, so you'll need a windbreaker, and we also would not travel without our trusty down jacket, even in the summer.
Weather in the mountains changes quickly, and high-quality rain jacket together with a rain poncho is a must-have for the Rockies.
A comfortable daypack is also essential so that you can store there extra layers, snacks, water bottles (pack a reusable water bottle or a more environmentally friendly water bottle with a filter), and a travel camera.
We know it is nowadays possible to capture beautiful landscape photos on a mobile phone, but we are a bit old-fashioned and do not mind carrying a mirrorless camera and good general-purpose lens.
Last but not least, sun in the mountains is tricky, and you should have a strong protection against the sun such as sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and a headwear.
For more information on this topic, you can read our more detailed all-season Canadian Rockies packing list.
WHERE TO STAY
There are only a few accommodations along the Icefields Parkway; they usually work seasonally and because of the remote location are a bit more expensive.
So your best bet is to stay in places with a wide range of lodging options like Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper.
Still, if you want to split the journey into two days and the budget is not a problem, staying on the Icefields Parkway is truly a magical experience.
The Canadian Rockies is in high demand, so once you establish your travel dates, make sure to reserve accommodation as soon as possible, as last-minute rates are expensive.
We've hand-selected the best hotels in every location that we believe are great choices to stay in before or after a long day's drive.
Banff | Banff Park Lodge - This is an environmentally friendly hotel located in the town center surrounded by stunning scenery. Banff has a quite good selection of hotels; check out our guide on Where to stay in Banff and choose lodging that suits you the best.
Lake Louise | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Lake Louise is another iconic town in the Rockies. There's probably not a more famous hotel in the area than Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise standing on the shore of the eponymous lake, overlooking the glittering water surface, glaciers, and mountains.
Jasper | Jasper Inn and Suites - Are you looking for a hotel with an excellent location, cozy rooms, sauna, and steam room? Jasper Inn & Suites will provide you with just that.
Icefields Parkway | Hi-Athabasca Falls - Very basic hostel, that on the other hand, offers one of the most stunning locations as it sits close to super-famous natural attraction, Athabasca Falls. The hostel is about 30 kilometers drive from Jasper, and you can choose a bed in the dormitory; the selection of private rooms is very limited.
Icefields Parkway | Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge - This hotel offers mediocre accommodation for the price, but on the other hand, it is rustic, clean, and the staff is friendly. We would have booked this property because of the location, but we could not justify the rate.
Icefields Parkway | Glacier View Lodge - If you want to break the journey and stay in a tranquil place that features amazing views of the glacier, stop at Glacier View Lodge, which is about a 1-hour drive from Jasper. It does not matter if you travel to Banff or in the opposite direction; this outstanding property has a lot to offer.
CAMPING
If you travel in RV or sleep in a tent, you can spend a night in one of the campgrounds along Icefields Parkway. The majority of these campsites work on a first-come, first-served basis, but it changes every year, and because of the increasing number of travelers, a few of them are already bookable.
Near Jasper and Lake Louise are large campgrounds with hundreds of spots, but you can find several smaller sites where it feels very laidback on the Icefields Parkway.
These campsites are often very basic, but the price reflects that, so this alternative is perfect for budget travelers with a car.
For more camping tips, read our Canadian Rockies Camping Guide.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
