The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper and Lake Louise via Highway 93. The drive takes you by majestic mountains, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. With several viewpoints, trails, campgrounds and sites along the way, you can easily make a day or weekend out of this drive.
The Icefields Parkway is about 232 kilometres (144 miles) long and takes about three hours to drive straight through. However, we highly recommend giving yourself at least an entire day to explore some of these spectacular natural wonders.
From Jasper to Lake Louise, here are the best stops along the Icefield Parkway.
Icefields Parkway Stops Map
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1. Jasper Skytram and Whistler’s Mountain Hike
If you’ve never been up the Jasper Skytram, make this your first stop as you leave Jasper! It is located at the very start of the parkway and is a great experience for all ages. At the top Skytram terminal, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Athabasca River valley.
The summit is close, just 200 metres gain over 1.2 kilometres, and worth the effort! It’s a more accessible way for families with children to explore the upper alpine and take in jaw-dropping views. Learn more about the Jasper Skytram.
2. Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is the next stop. With a 23 metre drop, the water from the Athabasca River rages through these narrow chutes! There are a few short trails, bridges and viewing platforms around the falls, and the entire visit should take about 30 minutes.
Tip: It gets busy here. To avoid the crowds, come first thing in the morning or late in the day.
3. Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls is easily accessible from a parking lot and offers great views of the powerful upper falls from a footbridge. This stop also gets busy, so try to get there early. If you want to extend your visit and escape the crowd, consider the short 2 km hike to the Lower Sunwapta Falls. You’ll likely have this section of the falls to yourself.
4. Honeymoon Lake
Honeymoon Lake is a charming little alpine lake with a grassy day-use area that has picnic tables and campfire pits. The Honeymoon Lake Campground offers a couple of dozen first-come, first-served campsites, including a few sought-after lakeside sites. This is a great spot to take kids for a hot-dog roast or picnic, and for a serene paddle on the small, calm lake.
5. Columbia Icefields Glacier Skywalk
The Columbia Icefields Glacier Skywalk follows the cliff wall of a deep valley to a glass-floored platform that hovers over a 918-metre drop. The walk is surrounded by glacier-encrusted peaks and wide-open views of the Sunwapta Valley. You’ll be walking on the cliff-edge and then on a see-through walkway. If you’re timid of heights, this might not be for you!
To get to the Skywalk, book your admission and catch a shuttle from the Glacier Discovery Centre.
6. Columbia Icefield
This is the most popular stop on the Icefield Parkway, so if you’re visiting in the summer, be prepared for the crowd. The main attraction is the Athabasca Glacier, surrounded by mountain peaks, high piles of moraine and a rocky landscape left behind as the ice continues to melt and the glacier recedes.
There is a parking lot near the foot of the glacier, and you can walk the short “Toe of the Glacier Trail,” a short and scenic 1.4 km in-and-out trail that traverses the moonscape at the glacier’s edge. There are also several tours available, including a snow-bus tour and guided glacier hiking adventures.
Plan your visit to the Columbia Icefield.
7. Wilcox Trail
The Wilcox Trail is one of our favourite hikes in Jasper National Park, and is accessible near the Glacier Discovery Centre. It’s only 2.5 km return, and brings you up to an incredible viewpoint of the Columbia Icefield (away from the crowds) and the classic Parks Canada red chairs.
If you want even more expansive views, you can continue the hike to Wilcox Pass (8 km return, 390 m gain) and further up the ridge. That is where this photo was taken.
8. Parker Ridge Hike
The Parker Ridge Hike is an easy hike and a great first ridge hike for adventurous kids and active travellers. It’s about 2.7 km return, with a 250 m gain on a well-maintained, switch-backed trail. From the top of the ridge, you can see the Saskatchewan Glacier and can explore in either direction.
9. Panther Falls
Just south of Parker Ridge, you can hike to the base of Panther Falls from the “big bend,” which is a sharp hairpin turn on the parkway. There are two parking lots on the bend. Pull into the first one at the top and look for a signed trail. The hike to Panther Falls is only 0.5 km, but it descends to the falls, so be prepared to hike back up a hill!
10. Saskatchewan River Crossing
Saskatchewan River Crossing is a pit stop at the junction of Highway 93 and 11 (which leads to Abraham Lake and Nordegg). It is at the confluence of three rivers, including the North Saskatchewan, the Howse, and the Mistaya.
It’s the only place to fill up on fuel between Jasper and Lake Louise on the parkway. There’s also a hotel, restaurant, gift shop and ice cream counter.
11. Mistaya Canyon
Another accessible and popular stop is Mistaya Canyon. Look for the pullout area on the west side of the road. Space is limited, especially in the summer. Hike down a 0.5 km trail to a fenced bridge that overlooks the canyon. The river roars through the canyon, and it’s definitely worth the stop!
12. Waterfowl Lakes Campground
Waterfowl Lakes is one of our favourite first-come, first-served campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway. The sites are large, nestled in the trees and mostly private. The water of both lakes gets calm, especially in the mornings and evenings. This is a great spot to haul out the kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. If you want to secure a campsite, come in the morning.
13. Peyto Lake Lookout
This busy yet scenic stop offers a short walk to a viewpoint overlooking the stunningly turquoise Peyto Lake. The trail to the lookout deck is paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs and there are washrooms here. There is also a trail that leads down to the valley. It’s beautiful down there, but remember you’ll have to climb back up!
14. Bow Lake
Bow Lake is one of the most scenic stops on the Icefields Parkway. If you can get a spot in the day-use parking lot south of the lake, you’ll find picnic areas along a rocky beach. For photo stops, there’s a roadside pullout and room to park at the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint.
Tip: As of March 2026, you can no longer paddle on Bow Lake. It is classified as a Water Preservation Zone to prevent the spread of whirling disease. You can still paddle at nearby Waterfowl Lakes.
15. Hector Lake
Stop at the Hector Lake viewpoint for views of the second-largest lake in Banff National Park (after Lake Minnewanka)! If you want to go right down to the lake, there is a hiking trail from the parking lot that is a 5 km round-trip.
16. Herbert Lake
This is a quick and easy stop before heading towards Lake Louise. It’s a beautiful lake just off the highway, perfect for a little walk, a photo, or a swim in the summertime.
Icefields Parkway FAQs
How long is the Icefields Parkway?
The Icefields Parkway is 232 km long, and takes about 3 hours to drive if you don’t make any stops.
How much time should I allow for the Icefields Parkway?
We recommended spending at least an entire day exploring the parkway. If you plan to go for a hike, make all the stops or take a tour along the way, you can easily stretch it out for two or three days.
Are there any gas stations on the Icefields Parkway?
Yes, there is one gas station at Saskatchewan Crossing. It is very expensive, so try to fuel up before you start your adventure.
Are there accommodations along the Icefields Parkway?
Yes, there are places to stay along the Icefields Parkway.
Hotels: There is The Crossing Resort at Saskatchewan River Crossing, Glacier View Lodge at the Columbia Icefield and the Sunwapta Rocky Mountain Lodge at Sunwapta Falls.
Hostels: There are a few HI Wilderness Hostels along the parkway, including at Rampart Creek, Beauty Creek, Hilda Creek and Mosquito Creek.
You can also find places to stay near the Icefields Parkway, in Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper.
Can you camp on the Icefields Parkway?
Yes, there are 11 seasonal campgrounds along the parkway, and most of them are first-come, first-served. We recommend going early to secure a spot, as it can get busy during peak summer. You can also reserve a site closer to Jasper at Wabasso, Wapiti or Whistler’s campgrounds. Read more about camping on the Icefields Parkway.
Can you drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter?
Yes, but please check the forecast and road conditions before you go. This area is prone to extreme winter conditions and sometimes avalanches. In severe weather, they often close the road. If you’re embarking on a winter adventure, be prepared with a winter car emergency kit that includes a snow shovel, blanket, candles, and extra clothes. Make sure your vehicle has winter tires and cold-weather windshield washer fluid.
Is there cell service on the Icefields Parkway?
Cell service is very limited, and you’ll be out of range for most of the drive.
Is there anywhere to buy food along the Icefields Parkway?
Restaurants and food are limited and very expensive. There are cafes at Saskatchewan Crossing, Columbia Icefield and Sunwapta Falls Resort. We recommended stocking up on food and snacks before you start your trip.
