If you are planning a road trip on the Icefields Parkway, then you have come to the right place!
Trust me, I know how amazing this road trip can be, having driven it myself.
It is one of the top drives in Canada that will leave you speechless at every turn.
With multiple sites for camping on the Icefields Parkway, it can become difficult to decide exactly where to stop.
I have listed some of the best attractions on the Icefields Parkway that you cannot miss.
Honestly, whether you stop every few kilometers or simply take in the views from your car window, the Icefields Parkway in Canada feels like a highlight reel of the Rockies.
Keep reading on to know the Best Stops on the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper!
Where is the Icefields Parkway Located?
This is Highway 93 North that runs through the heart of the Canadian Rockies and connects Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta.
The Icefields Parkway stretches for 230 kilometers and begins near Lake Louise and reaches north to Jasper.
It passes through some of the most stunning glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and Rocky Mountain peaks.
Since the road begins from Banff, you can plan a stop here and explore the shops, cafes, and beautiful viewpoints such as Tunnel Mountain.
The road ends in Jasper, another beautiful mountain town where you will be surrounded by mountains, lakes, and hiking trails.
You can easily spend a few days here exploring the trails, going on wildlife sightings, or just relaxing in the hot springs.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs
Where to Stay: The Crimson Jasper
Icefields Parkway Weather
Let’s talk about the Icefields Parkway weather before you plan your road trip.
Well, you can drive this road throughout the year, but the weather changes drastically in each season.
In the summers (June – September), you get long daylight hours, clear roads, and pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, though mornings can still be chilly.
During the Fall season, you can enjoy the vibrant foliage, but it also means colder days with snow possible as early as late September.
In the winter season, the entire route transforms into a snowy wonderland with temperatures dropping well below freezing.
So, I would recommend only experienced winter drivers to plan this road trip in winter.
In spring, the snow is melting, and you can enjoy waterfalls at their fullest with wildlife returning to the valleys.
However, it doesn’t matter when you go, just be sure to pack layers as the weather can change suddenly here.
Banff & Jasper: Best Stops on the Icefields Parkway
Lake Louise (Banff National Park)
If you are starting from Banff, one of the most iconic and first stops on the Icefields Parkway in Canada is the stunning Lake Louise.
I honestly cannot get over how blue and clear this lake is and how amazing the peaks look, especially the reflection in the lake.
You can rent a canoe, take the Lakeshore Trail, or go on the famous Plain of Six Glaciers hike.
Trust me, this place doesn’t look real, which is why you have to make a stop here on your Icefields Parkway road trip.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Icefields Parkway: Herbert Lake
Just minutes after leaving Lake Louise, you can make a stop at Herbert Lake, which often gets overlooked.
But I really find it to be one of the most peaceful spots for a quick stop.
You can watch the amazing reflection of the surrounding peaks in this lake in early mornings.
Trust me, it is a great photography spot and you should take advantage of it before the road gets crowded.
Bow Lake, On The Icefields Parkway
Of course, when you are going on an Icefields Parkway camping trip, you have to stop at one of the largest lakes along this road.
Bow Lake sits right beneath the Crowfoot Glacier and features vibrant blue water, which looks especially vivid during a sunny day.
You can go on a lakeshore trail or simply enjoy a short picnic here before making your way north.
Bow Summit & Peyto Lake
No trip along this road is complete without stopping at Peyto Lake.
The lake’s wolf-head shape and neon-blue color make it one of the most famous viewpoints in the Rockies.
You can hike to the Bow Summit, the highest point on the Parkway, and enjoy sweeping views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
If you are lucky and it is a clear day, you will be able to witness the intense blue color of this lake, which looks almost unreal!
Icefields Parkway: Mistaya Canyon
Another one of my favorite stops on the Icefields Parkway road trip is the Mistaya Canyon.
This is a deep limestone canyon carved by rushing glacial waters, and you have to hike to reach this stunning canyon.
Don’t worry, the hike is less than a kilometer, and you reach a bridge from where you can watch the water moving through the smooth rock formations.
It’s not as crowded as other stops, so I felt like I discovered a hidden gem on this popular road.
Banff & Jasper Waterfowl Lakes
Another quieter spot on this route is Waterfowl Lakes, which is set against the backdrop of Mount Chephren.
The lakes’ turquoise shades are amazing, and this is a popular spot for camping on the Icefields Parkway route.
This pair of lakes is perfect if you’re looking for a quieter spot to take in the views.
The still waters reflect the peaks of Mount Chephren, and there are plenty of amazing hikes around if you are looking for a bit of adventure.
I would highly recommend spending a night here to enjoy the view of the Rockies under the stars.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
After spending a night at the Waterfowl Lakes, you have to stop at the Saskatchewan River Crossing on the Icefields Parkway route.
This is a wide-open valley where three rivers meet, and it was historically used by Indigenous peoples and fur traders as a crossing point.
Today, it’s also one of the few places along the Parkway with services, including a small lodge and gas station. So, make sure to fuel up here.
If you have some time, you can also go on some lesser-known hikes in this area.
Where to Stay: The Crossing
Weeping Wall
One of the best spots to visit in summer and spring is the Weeping Wall.
The Weeping Wall is a massive rock face where thin streams of water fall like tears.
It’s right off the road, so you don’t need to hike or take too much of a detour to see this natural wonder.
Icefields Parkway: Big Bend
If you are a photography enthusiast, then Big Bend is a must-stop for you on the Icefields Parkway Canada trip.
It is one of the most photographed sections of the highway.
Big Bend is a sweeping curve in the road that offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
So, you can stop the car, take a photo, and then get back on the road. It doesn’t take up much of your time.
Parker Ridge
If you’re up for a short hike, the Parker Ridge Trail is a great stop on the Icefields Parkway road trip as you enjoy one of the best views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.
The trail is just over 5 km round trip and not too difficult.
However, the scenery at the top is just jaw-dropping and worth the stop.
Saskatchewan Glacier is one of the largest in the Columbia Icefield and makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. So, don’t miss this!
Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest icefields south of the Arctic Circle, and the Athabasca Glacier is its most accessible path.
You can walk right up to the glacier’s edge, or even take guided tours onto the ice itself.
The Icefield Centre across the road has exhibits that explain the history and future of these glaciers.
This is the star attraction of the Icefields Parkway, so do plan at least half a day here.
Glacier Skywalk
You can also visit the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform that looks out over a 280-meter-deep valley.
It is just a few minutes from the Icefield Centre and a thrilling stop for anyone who wants to see the Rockies from a unique perspective.
Sunwapta Falls
Once you reach Jasper National Park, it is time to make a stop at the powerful Sunwapta Falls on the Sunwapta River.
You can easily access the main falls from the parking lot and can go on a short hike to reach the lower falls, where there are fewer crowds.
If you want something more memorable, then you can even go whitewater rafting on the Sunwapta River.
Trust me, it is definitely a unique experience on your Icefields Parkway road trip!
Banff & Jasper Athabasca Falls
Last, but not least, don’t miss out on visiting one of the most famous waterfalls in Jasper – Athabasca Falls.
It is not the tallest waterfall, but it is quite powerful moving through a narrow canyon, which makes it quite stunning to look at.
There are plenty of viewpoints and several short trails around from where you can watch this fall in all its glory.
Make sure to plan your visit during sunset when the mist catches the light because Athabasca waterfall looks magical then!
Banff & Jasper: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when visiting spas or pools.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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