The Columbia Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, connecting Jasper and Banff through the mountains, has consistently been named one of the most scenic drives in the world. From Jasper to Banff without stopping, the drive takes about three hours. But if you try to rush it, you will miss what makes this route truly special. Ideally, set aside a full day or even two to explore the parkway properly.
I highly recommend both Jasper and Banff as bases, especially if you can rent a car or camper and make the drive between the two. During my time in Alberta, we spent one full day driving the parkway, plus some additional stops before and after to cover areas closer to each town.
Before you go, it is important to consider a few key details. Summer is the busiest season, so expect more visitors and limited parking at popular stops like Peyto Lake. Early morning or late afternoon drives help you avoid the largest crowds. Spring may still have snow in parts of the parkway, and fall offers incredible colors, which can make the scenery even more dramatic. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it is essential to dress in layers. Bring warm jackets, hats, and gloves for higher elevations, and lighter layers for sunny stretches. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended, especially if you are spending time outdoors at lakes or hiking trails.
Additionally, consider carrying bear spray and mosquito repellent. Bears can be active in the region, and mosquitos can be persistent in the summer months. These items, along with snacks, water, and a full tank of gas, will help ensure a safe and comfortable drive.
Planning Your Drive
Starting off with time of departure
I highly recommend leaving as early as possible. The earlier you get on the road, the more places you can stop before it gets late, and the fewer people at each stop. Parking in certain places can be quite limited, so the earlier you leave the better parking you will get. You may have to circle parking lots a few times as the day progresses, but the more time you leave yourself, the more relaxed you will feel about parking and utilizing your day as much as possible.
Important to note
Make sure you check up on the park passes for the time you are going. Most of the time you must purchase a pass for each park, but occasionally the Canadian parks will waive the park passes depending on the time of year.
Gas
Fuel up in Jasper before heading onto the parkway. There are limited rest stops, especially for the first couple of hours, so it is important that you go prepared with a full tank of gas so you have no problems.
Service
I highly recommend downloading an offline map before heading out, as the majority of the drive has no cell service. There are some areas with limited service where there are more establishments and food, but for the most part you will not have service during the drive. Be sure to download a map and jot down which stops you want to make so you know exactly where to pull off. With that being said, the road is just one straight shot through the mountains, and there are plenty of signs around with the names of different stops and activities, making it somewhat easy to follow even without a downloaded map.
Food
Pack snacks if you get hungry or are picky. Along the ride there are some stops with food options. Right at the toe of the glacier, about an hour and a half in, there is an establishment with a couple of restaurants and a Starbucks. Further down the road, about forty-five minutes later, there is another stop with a small store offering simple foods. Other than those few stops, food is generally limited, so be sure to plan ahead if needed.
Where to stop
First stop is to an iconic waterfall called Athabasca Falls
Located about thirty kilometers south of Jasper, this massive waterfall is powerful and impressive. There is an easily accessible viewing point that does not require any hiking, making this a quick and easy stop.
Second stop
The next stop is Sunwapta Falls, located about fifty-five kilometers south of Jasper. This stunning set of waterfalls has both a lower and upper falls. The upper falls is easily accessible with a short walk. The lower falls can be reached from a short hike about three kilometers round trip, and it is well worth checking out. The falls are beautiful from all points, and the sound of water rushing through the lush forests is absolutely amazing.
Third stop
The next stop on the parkway, located about one hundred and five kilometers from Jasper, is the toe of the glacier at the Athabasca Glacier. The glacier is part of the Columbia Icefield and very accessible for tourists. It is six kilometers long but is retreating every year. The toe of the glacier refers to the glacier’s edge, which you can reach on your own with a short hike of about one and a half kilometers round trip. You do not need a guide to get to the edge, but bring warm layers as the closer you get to the glacier, the colder it is. If you wish, you can book a guided tour to explore the glacier itself. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, located right across the street, arranges tours to the glacier that can be booked in advance.
After this stop, I recommend utilizing the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre as it is one of the only stops with proper food. You can head inside for a Starbucks coffee, a sit-down meal, or a snack. The views from the Discovery Centre are spectacular, looking out to the Athabasca Glacier and surrounding areas.
Fourth stop
For a quick stop with good views, I recommend stopping at the Big Bend Viewpoint, located about one hundred and twenty kilometers from Jasper. It features a hairpin curve in the road and dramatic views of the surrounding mountains.
Fifth stop
The next stop, about one hundred and fifty-nine kilometers from Jasper, is Mistaya Canyon. This canyon has a short but steep descent from the parking lot, with a footbridge over the river. The river winds through the area, creating stunning views of the water against the backdrop of mountains and dense forest. You can explore the canyon on foot depending on how far you wish to go. This stop can be brief or allow for more time to enjoy the surroundings.
Sixth stop
About one hundred and seventy-five kilometers from Jasper is Waterfowl Lake. This is a quieter stop with a small parking area, making it perfect for a peaceful break. The lake is calm and scenic, ideal for stretching your legs, taking photos, or just enjoying a moment of quiet.
Seventh stop
About one hundred and eighty-five kilometers from Jasper is Peyto Lake and the trail to Bow Summit, one of the most rewarding hikes along the Icefields Parkway. Peyto Lake is an easy, short walk from the parking lot and offers a famous view of its wolf-shaped turquoise waters surrounded by forest and peaks. The viewpoint can be busy, but it is a must-see. The Bow Summit hike is about six and a half kilometers round trip and takes you away from the crowds. It winds through quiet forest, small waterfalls, and alpine clearings before opening up to panoramic views of Bow Lake and the surrounding mountains. From the summit, you can see turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, and even distant glaciers. This stop can be as quick as a viewpoint visit or turned into a few hours of hiking. Either way, it is one of the best spots on the parkway and worth prioritizing.
There is so much to see and do along the Icefields Parkway. Whether hiking, relaxing by a lake, photographing waterfalls, or simply enjoying the drive and views, you will never get bored. Dress appropriately for the weather, bring snacks and water, and carry bear spray and insect repellent to stay safe. Prioritize the stops that interest you most, plan your timing accordingly, and embrace the journey. The Icefields Parkway is truly one of the most scenic drives in the world and an experience you will not forget.
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