The 144-mile (232-kilometer) Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada is bookended by two national parks, stretching from just north of Lake Louise in Banff National Park to the intersection with Yellowhead Parkway in Jasper National Park. The parkway gets its name from the Columbia Icefield and the numerous glaciers that it leads travelers through. It can be driven in about 3.5 hours, but if it’s your first time experiencing this scenic route that Condé Nast Traveler voted one of the top drives in the world, we highly recommend giving yourself longer. Spend a day exploring trails and picnic areas, or spend the night at one of the many campgrounds along the way. After decades of traveling the parkway on our RV trips, we’ve put together some helpful tips for making the most of your Icefields adventure.

When to Go

Peyto Lake

Icefields Parkway does not close seasonally and offers very different, and equally beautiful experiences in summer and winter. For RV-ers however, we recommend going July through September when the road is not snow-packed with shrunken shoulders, and there aren’t snow tires requirements. In winter, the campgrounds and all services close, but the trails remain open to snowshoers and cross country skiers. 

Where to Stop Along the Way

Athabasca Falls

The parkway leads you past numerous glaciers and waterfalls, beneath stunning peaks, and along the North Saskatchewan River. There is no end to how you can spend a summer day (or three) there. Here are our suggested stops if heading from Banff to Jasper, just flip the list if you’re heading the other way!

Bow Lake & Bow Glacier Falls Trail: Stop and take pictures at Bow Lake or hike on the Bow Glacier Falls Trail, a 9 km/5.5-mile roundtrip trail rated as moderate. You can see the waterfall but not the glacier which has receded beyond sight in the last 100 years. Walk along the northern shore of Bow Lake, the source of the Bow River. The trail begins behind Bow Valley Lodge (park at the lot by the road — do not drive down towards the lodge and bathrooms, there is very limited space there). We recommend you take lunch on the hike and eat at the falls, then get homemade ice cream sandwiches sold at the gift shop after the hike.

Peyto Lake: Make sure to stop for a quick stretch at Peyto Lake – it’s a beautiful sight and not to be missed. From the road, it’s just a short 15-minute walk up to the wooden platform overlooking the most brilliantly robin-egg blue lake you can imagine – created by the runoff from Peyto Glacier. For those with the time and energy, there’s a longer trail that leads out to Bow Summit Lookout (6.2 km/3.8-mile roundtrip; about 2 hours).

Mistaya Canyon: This is a wonderful place to have a picnic lunch. Park at the signs for Mistaya Canyon and meander 10 minutes (.5 km/.3 miles) down the trail to the river and amazing canyon. Have lunch on the slab rocks overlooking the rushing water.

The Crossing Gas Station and Store: At the Saskatchewan Crossing Resort you will find bathrooms, snacks, ice, apparel, camping supplies, and gas (with a noticeable markup).

Panther Falls & Bridal Veil Falls: For a path less traveled, we enjoy the Panther Falls hike which is less than a mile up switchbacks leading to the dramatic falls. 

Wilcox Pass Trail: This moderate hike offers fantastic views across the valley with the glaciers in the distance. The trailhead is located 3.2 km/2 miles south of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. There is a small parking area but limited RV space. The trail has several viewpoints, and about a mile up you will find the red chairs. You can continue another 1.3 km/0.8 miles further to the next viewpoint. This trail is rated moderate to difficult and there may still be snow on the trail until about mid-July.

Columbia Icefield Adventure Centre: From here you can take a snocoach tour onto the Athabasca Glacier (or just touch the toe of the glacier on your own walk) or enjoy a stroll on the skywalk. Both are very touristy and come with a hefty price. Tours run every hour and do sell out. You can book at the centre or buy tickets in advance. There are also some good short hikes above tree line in this area.

Horseshoe Lake: Take a short climb to this incredible azure lake; the color intensifies with the depth of the water. Follow the well-worn trail at the end of the parking lot and take a swim in the chilly water if you are feeling brave.

Athabasca Falls: The Athabasca Glacier and Waterfall is one of the most popular destinations, and there are multiple guided activity options from hiking to All-terrain Ice Explorer Tours. 

With so much to do for varying abilities, this Icefields Parkway Planner can be a helpful tool in determining the best destinations for your group to explore as well as this Driving Guide from Parks Canada:

Parks Canada Icefields Parkway Map

The Logistics

These are a few checklist items to consider before you hit the road. All travel on the Icefields Parkway requires a national parks pass; we recommend the Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Also, amenities are limited along this remote stretch of highway, so fuel up in either Jasper of Banff before you take off. In summer, there is a gas stop at the Saskatchewan River Crossing Resort, but you’ll pay for convenience, and in winter there are no fuel services. For all of us who are used to constant connectivity, this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a little break—you’ll have service in Jasper and Banff but not along the parkway. 

For RVs, this is generally an uncomplicated cruise—the road is wide with generous shoulders, and there are plenty of rest stops with easy turnarounds and horseshoe exits for stress-free travel.