The Icefields Parkway has been named one of the most scenic drives in the world but it can be difficult to pick and choose where to stop along the way. Having been on the Icefields Parkway on two separate occasions, I have extensive knowledge on the best places to enjoy the views. The parkway runs between Lake Louise and Jasper in Alberta, Canada and is a part of Banff and Jasper National Parks.
I would highly recommend picking up a detailed map of the Icefields Parkway from the visitor center in Lake Louise Village in order to avoid missing any points of interest. (An online version of the map can be found here.) This guide is in chronological order based on that map starting with the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) with the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Since most cars in Canada use the metric system, I left the “mile” markers in kilometers.
Km 3- Herbert Lake– There is a great picnic area next to this lake and it is the first of many beautiful lakes along the Icefields Parkway.
Km 18- Hector Lake lookout– This lookout give a great view of Hector Lake below and the surrounding mountains. If you want to hike the 3.1 miles round trip to the shore of Hector Lake, the trailhead is at Km 16.
Km 33- Crowfoot Glacier– This lookout give you an up close view of the glacier. You will understand why it is called “crowfoot” once you see it.
Km 37- Bow Lake and trailhead to Bow Glacier Falls– This ended up being one of the most picturesque lakes on our second trip to the Icefields Parkway as the mountains were perfectly reflected on the lake below. There is also a small lodge here that has a few snacks and restrooms. The hike to Bow Glacier Falls across the lake is 5.6 miles round trip and takes about 3 hours.
Km 40- Peyto Lake– This is a must stop, especially if you are lucky enough to have a clear day. After a 20 minute, fairly steep hike, you are rewarded with views of the beautiful blue lake below.
Km 71- Mistaya Canyon– Don’t make the mistake I did on both of our trips and skip out on this short ten minute hike to a bridge over the Mistaya River. It is less popular than Maligne Canyon near Jasper, but I have been told it is nearly as beautiful.
Km 117- Bridal Veil Falls and Panther Falls– Warning, this is my hidden gem! Most people who stop at the lookout for Bridal Veil Falls totally miss out on Panther Falls. The trail head is at the right hand side of the parking lot, a little bit away from where people normally park. The hike is only 1 km round trip but does have a few obstacles such as fallen trees and large rocks. The trail leads to a close up view of the powerful Panther Falls complete with a face full of mist from its spray.
Km 118- Parker Ridge trailhead– As you can tell from the photos, the area was a little smoky on the day we hiked Parker Ridge. This trail is 3.1 miles roundtrip but has significant elevation gain so it takes several hours to complete. On a clear day you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Km 127- Icefield Center– not only is there a hotel and several restaurants at this stop, this is where the Glacier Adventure Tour departs for the Athabasca Glacier. On this tour, you get to ride an all-terrain Ice Explorer onto a small section of the glacier and get the opportunity to try fresh glacial water.
Km 134- Tangle Falls– This is a small cascading waterfall right on the edge of the highway, be on the lookout for sheep!
Km 136- Stutfield Glacier– one of the most picturesque glaciers along the drive, if you look through binoculars you can see small waterfalls running down the rock face.
Km 143- Beauty Creek/Stanley Falls trailhead– Another hidden gem on the Icefields Parkway, we were informed of this hike from the desk agent at the Sunwapta Falls Resort. This 1 hour round trip hike takes you along Beauty Creek and past numerous waterfalls until you reach Stanley Falls. The hike was very peaceful and you are surrounded by beautiful backdrops everywhere you look.
Km 176- Sunwapta Falls and Sunwapta Falls Resort– We were able to stay at the Sunwapta Falls Resort on our second trip to the Icefields Parkway. It is a somewhat dated hotel but we had no complaints, especially not about the delicious food we had at the restaurant! Sunwapta Falls is about 1/2 mile from the resort and can be easily seen from lookout points around the falls.
Km 200- Athabasca Falls– Similar to Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls can be seen at all angles thanks to trails and viewing platforms throughout the area. What this waterfall lacks in height it makes up for in power.
Km 221- Valley of Five Lakes – This 4.5 km hike was definitely a highlight of our trip. Each of the five lakes are a different shake of blue-green based on the glacial rock dust and special algae present in each one. There is some elevation gain and loss on the hike but the views are worth every step. It also seemed to be a popular swimming spot but the water was freezing!
Km 230- Town of Jasper– Jasper is a fun mountain town with a population of about 4500 people. There are numerous restaurants and hotels which make it the perfect place to stop for the night.
*Tip- while driving the Icefields Parkway, always be on the lookout for animals. We saw two black bears and an elk right off the side of the highway.
*Tip #2- make sure you fill up with gas before starting your adventure as there are very limited gas stations along the way.
Don’t forget to check out my previous post about how to spend one week in the Canadian Rockies here.