The Icefields Parkway has been rated as one of the top ten scenic drives in the world. It is a treasure and one that deserves an all-day drive. Plan for a 144-mile day trip from Lake Louise to Jasper.
Helpful Hints: If you depart from Lake Louise, at the time of this writing Shell is the only station providing diesel fuel. It is only open from 10 am through 8 pm; it is not possible to pump fuel when the station is closed.
There is only one gas station on the Icefields Parkway — found at the Saskatchewan Crossing. If this station does not have internet capability due to bad weather (even in summer), you will need to pay with Canadian cash. Pack a picnic or light lunch; there are many places to stop and enjoy this spectacular scenery. But beware always that this is bear country and avalanche country. Signs are posted to advise the beginning and end of each avalanche area.
A valid national parks pass is needed to drive the Icefields Parkway. I bought a Discovery Pass for seniors ($64.50 for seniors; family/group $151.25; adult $75.25). This pass provides unlimited access to many of Canada’s extraordinary treasures.
There is no cell coverage on the Icefields Parkway. Services are available from June through September.
Key places to stop along the parkway:
- Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint: this glacier is shaped like a crow’s foot.
- Bow Lake Viewpoint: from the parking lot turnoff, walk a short distance to the lake.
- Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint: from this viewpoint, it is a short 10-minute walk. Peyto Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada.
- Mistaya Canyon: take an easy 0.6 mile walk to the canyon to various viewpoints.
- Weeping Wall: another small pullover bay on your left. You will see streams of water flowing over a 1,000 foot cliff that looks like it is crying.
- Big Bend Viewpoint: look for a viewpoint on the right side of the road and look back for beautiful photo opportunities.
- Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): The cost is rather high to complete a 4-hour walk on this glacier. Or you can drive to the parking lot and walk .6 miles on the Athabasca Glacier Trail. No walking on the glacier is allowed except by booking a tour due to inherent risks of danger.
- Skywalk: go to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, book your ticket (can be bought in advance), and a bus will take you to this glass-floored structure that hangs off the end of the mountain.
- Sunwapta Falls: take a very short walk to see the upper and also the lower falls.
- Athabasca Falls: take a short walk along the boardwalk.
I was lucky to have good weather for the first 25 miles.
Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake are easy to see from the viewpoint areas.
However, after these viewpoints, it rained heavily all the way to Jasper. When topping off my diesel fuel at the Crossing, the attendant advised that on a sunny day he sees mountains encircling his station. All I could see was fog and rain and only for a short distance. I managed to see the Athabasca Glacier and walked to the upper Sunwapta waterfall.
Even in drizzling, rainy, foggy weather, this drive offers some of the most magnificent beauty possible. I will definitely return for a sunny visit!
