Along Icefields Parkway

A trip along Canada’s Icefields Parkway is a trip along one of the world’s most beautiful roads. Also known as Highway 93N, the Icefields parkway stretches 144.2mi between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. As you travel along the road there are incredible views of waterfalls, glaciers, beautifully blue mountain lakes, sweeping valleys, and immense forests.

Just the drive on the Icefields Parkway is marvelous. You will likely want to pull over (more than once) just to take it all in! Make sure to be aware of your surroundings as the road can be narrow and wildlife will often be nearby.

Although we love a trip to the Icefields in any season, it is not always accessible. Winter can see the road closed due to avalanche risk, and when it is not closed it is important to note that winter driving can still be hazardous even without the risk of avalanche. As well, there are no services open from October to May. With that being said, a holiday along the Icefields Parkway when the snow falls gives way to a winter wonderland discovered by ski touring or snow shoeing.

While the Icefields Parkway travels through virtually untouched wilderness, there are still some options for accommodation along the way, most notably the HI brand of Wilderness Hostels. There are also a hotel and several lodges along the route, but a trip along the Icefields Parkway would be best served by a few nights out camping among some of the most spectacular scenery in the world!

Most of the lodging or campsites along the Parkway give easy access to the multitude of hiking trails in the area, however if you want to take in the views without the work there are tour companies in operation to take you up to a few of the glaciers. There is also the Glacier Skywalk which puts you 280m above the Sunwapta Valley for a birds eye view!

We think a trip to the Icefields Parkway should definitely be on any trip plan to Canada!