The Icefields Parkway starts at Lake Louise.
Some drives get you somewhere. This one is somewhere.The Icefields Parkway is 232 kilometers of glaciers, turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls, and wildlife wandering roadside, rated by National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler as one of the most scenic drives on the planet.If you've been planning a Canadian Rockies road trip, this is the one that earns the camera roll you'll spend a week editing and a lifetime showing off.
This page is for road trippers who want to know what's worth stopping for, what to expect in each season, and how to come prepared.
One insider tip before you go: the direction matters. Lake Louise to Jasper delivers drama that builds with the Columbia Icefield as a centrepiece, Jasper as the finish line.
Jasper to Lake Louise flips the light, the perspective, and which stops you linger at longest. Drive it both ways if you can.
The Icefields Parkway is a drive of a lifetime between Jasper and Lake Louise.
On this page, you'll get answers to your questions - find out:
- Where does the Icefields Parkway start and end.
- What's at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center halfway?
- Whether you need a National Park Pass to drive it.
- What makes the Icefields Parkway worth it
- The top things to see along the way — in summer and in winter.
What to See & Do in the Summer
Peyto Lake
The most photographed lake on the parkway, famous for its electric turquoise color and sweeping valley views from Bow Summit.
Bow Lake
The headwaters of the Bow River are one of the most scenic picnic stops on the drive.
Columbia Icefield / Athabasca Glacier
The centerpiece of the parkway is one of the largest accessible icefields in the Rocky Mountains.
Glacier Skywalk
A glass-floored observation deck cantilevered over the Sunwapta Valley. Book ahead in peak season.
Parker Ridge
A short but rewarding hike above treeline with panoramic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.
Sunwapta Falls + Athabasca Falls
Two of the parkway's most powerful waterfalls — both signposted, both worth the stop.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
The only gas, food, and services mid-route. A good place to stretch and refuel before the second half.
What to See & Do in Winter
Tangle Falls
Dramatically frozen in winter, and one of the easiest stops on the route. Pull over and walk right up to it.
Athabasca Falls
Partially frozen and framed by snow and ice, it's a completely different experience from summer.
Peyto Lake
Fewer crowds and a snow-covered valley make this one of the most serene stops on the winter drive.
Wildlife on the road
Bighorn sheep and mountain goats come down to the roadway in winter. Slow down and enjoy them from your vehicle.
Columbia Icefield
The Discovery Centre is open seasonally. Check ahead for hours of operation, regardless the glacier views are stunning year-round.
6 Top Travel Tips - Winter & Summer
- Give it a full day
It's a 3-hour drive straight through, but you won't be driving straight through. - Fuel up before you leave Lake Louise
There is one gas station midway along the route at Saskatchewan River Crossing. Prices reflect the convenience of location, so you'll save money by gassing up in Lake Louise. - Download your maps
There is very limited to no cell service on the Icefields Parkway. We recommend you plan your stops before you go or spontaneity works well too, especially for wildlife viewing. - Know your bathroom options
Outhouses are available at most viewpoints.
Running water is only available at Saskatchewan River Crossing and the Icefield Center. - Pack food & snacks
We always recommend that our guests grab a bakery lunch in Lake Louise at the TrailHead Cafe or Laggan's Bakery, both are located at the Samson Mall, steps from the Mountaineer Lodge.
There are some fantastic picnic spots along the way that make the drive well worth it. - Driving the Icefields Parkway in the Winter
The Icefields Parkway is the quickest way to get to Jasper, but wind and snow can sometimes make the road conditions unpredictable. Many who travel the Icefields Parkway in the winter have no problems at all, and the roads are mostly very well maintained. However, we encourage every traveler to pack extra layers, a shovel, and blankets. Also, check road conditions before you leave and stay within the speed limit, as wildlife often comes down to the road in winter to lick the salt on the roads.
Questions about the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) starts at Lake Louise in Banff National Park and ends in the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. This 232 km (144 mile) scenic route connects the two mountain hubs and takes approximately three hours to drive direct, though most travelers spend a full day exploring the stops.
Located halfway between Lake Louise and Jasper, the Discovery Centre is the hub for the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and the Ice Explorer glacier tours. The facility features an interpretive museum, a glacier-view restaurant, and essential services like a gift shop and restrooms.
Yes, a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a day pass is mandatory for all vehicles traveling the Icefields Parkway. Since the highway runs entirely through Banff and Jasper National Parks, passes are required for driving the route, even if you do not plan on stopping at the viewpoints.
Consistently rated as one of the top 10 scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway offers unparalleled access to over 100 ancient glaciers, turquoise alpine lakes like Peyto Lake, and abundant wildlife. It is the most direct and scenic link between Lake Louise and Jasper, providing a true "High Rockies" experience.
In the summer, the highlights are the vibrant blue waters of Peyto Lake and walking on the Athabasca Glacier. In the winter, the road transforms into a serene landscape famous for frozen waterfalls like Sunwapta Falls and frequent sightings of bighorn sheep and mountain goats along the roadside. - IcefieldsParkway.com