Why this road
There is no faster alternative worth mentioning, this is the road, and it is one of the most beautiful anywhere. You climb to Bow Summit, the highest point of the parkway, look down on the wolf-head shape of Peyto Lake, drive past the Athabasca Glacier and finish with the roaring Athabasca Falls. Along the way there is a good chance of seeing elk, bighorn sheep or bears from the car.
The route
- ALake Louise
Join the parkway north of the village. Bow Lake with the Crowfoot Glacier comes after about half an hour.
- 1Peyto Lake
At Bow Summit, a short paved path leads to the viewpoint over the turquoise lake.
- 2Saskatchewan River Crossing
The only services halfway, with fuel and food in the summer season. Then the road climbs to the Big Bend.
- 3Columbia Icefield
The Discovery Centre faces the Athabasca Glacier. Walk the short trail to the glacier toe, but stay behind the markers.
- 4Athabasca Falls
The Athabasca river squeezes through a narrow gorge. Short paths lead to the viewing platforms.
- BJasper
The end of the parkway. Parts of the forest around Jasper burned in 2024, you will see the traces.
Stops worth it
Half an hour for the walk and the view. The colour is strongest in direct sun from late morning.
Plan at least 45 minutes for the trail to the glacier and the views from the Discovery Centre.
Twenty minutes is enough. Stay on the paths, the rock is slippery near the water.
Light and the best time
Start early, around 8. Heading north, the morning sun is to your right and lights the peaks on the west side of the road. Bow Lake is often mirror-calm early in the day. Peyto Lake shows its colour best when the sun is high, from late morning, so it fits well as your first big stop. The Athabasca Glacier is lit by the morning and midday sun. In summer, thunderstorms often build in the afternoon.
June to September is the best time. In June there can still be snow at the top and some viewpoints open late, July and August are busy, and September brings golden larches and fewer people. The road is open all year, but in winter, roughly from November to April, it is real winter driving: winter tyres or chains are required, avalanche control can close it and services are closed. Drive it only in daylight then.
By vehicle
The classic way to do it, with several campgrounds along the road. Book ahead in summer.
Easy driving on a wide road. The challenge is not the road but the distance without services.
Long, sweeping curves and huge views. It gets cold at Bow Summit and at the icefield, even in summer.
Spectacular with the roof down, looking straight up at the glaciers. Bring warm layers and be ready for sudden showers.
Good to know
No road toll, but you need a valid Parks Canada pass to stop anywhere in the national parks, current prices on the Parks Canada website. Fuel up in Lake Louise: Saskatchewan River Crossing is the only fuel on the way, and only in season. Mobile reception is absent for most of the road. Never stop on the road for wildlife, use the pull-outs and stay in the car near bears. In winter, winter tyres or chains are mandatory.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does the Icefields Parkway take?
About 4 hours of pure driving time from Lake Louise to Jasper. With stops, it is a full day.
Do I need a pass for the Icefields Parkway?
Yes, a Parks Canada pass is required to stop in Banff and Jasper National Parks. Buy it online or at a park gate.
Is there fuel on the Icefields Parkway?
Only at Saskatchewan River Crossing, and only in the summer season. Fill up in Lake Louise or Jasper.
Is the Icefields Parkway open in winter?
Yes, but with winter conditions, closures for avalanche control and almost no services. Winter tyres or chains are required.
Where can I see the Athabasca Glacier?
From the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and the short trail to the glacier toe, right next to the road.