No drive is ever the same on the Icefields and that is especially true when one of the world's most scenic drives turns into a winter wonderland.

A compelling stillness settles in on the Icefields Parkway as it transforms into a beautiful drive of solitude and wonder. 

Roadside stops reveal ancient glaciers shifting and growling, and cascading waterfalls become icefalls. Snow-covered trails entice you to pull over and don snowshoes or skis for a peaceful winter adventure. It calls to winter's outdoor enthusiasts.

  1. Valley of the Five Lakes

    Turquoise lake with small tree-covered island in the center at Valley of the Five Lakes surrounded by evergreen forest, with mountain peaks in the distance.

    Snowshoe or Ski: Two hours round trip make the Valley of Five Lakes hike a family-friendly outing year-round. This 4.5 km loop takes you to five small, picturesque lakes set in a valley surrounded by soaring peaks.  66 m elevation gain/loss

  2. Athabasca Falls

    Athabasca Falls covered in snow and ice, with tall evergreens and a rugged mountain rising behind the frozen canyon.

    Roadside Stop:  Athabasca Falls offers an easy winter hike into one of the most breathtaking falls in the Rockies. Ever-changing ice formations and the roar of water behind the ice make an amazing winter experience. You are encouraged to stay behind the railings and on the designated trails. 

  3. Sunwapta Falls

    Sunwapta Falls in winter, with ice buildup along the canyon walls and snow-covered pine trees stretching toward the mountains

    Roadside Stop: A popular stop year-round, Sunwapta Falls offers easy snowshoeing or access with skis to view a spectacular icefall that plunges into the canyon.  You can continue on another 2 km on an easy trail to the lower falls.

  4. Endless Chain Ridge

    Wooden sign reading “Endless Chain / Chaine Endless” overlooking a snow-covered valley with dark forested mountains under a cloudy winter sky.

    Roadside Stop:  In her book, "A Hunter of Peace," Mary Schaeffer wrote, "A short distance beyond the rock-slide and on the river's right, begins a low, rocky ridge, which for length and unadulterated ugliness cannot be beaten. We trailed it for a day and a half and then named it ''The Endless Chain'' well named too, for on reaching the Athabasca shores, we found that it still stretched on in an unbroken line for miles down the river."

  5. Tangle Falls

    Two people standing at the base of a fully frozen Tangle Falls, looking up at the thick ice layers beneath a line of evergreen trees.

    Roadside Stop: An ice climber's paradise, Tangle Falls is a breathtaking mastery of frozen water. This beautiful cascading icefall just steps from the road provides one of the best photo opportunities on the Icefields Parkway.

  6. The Foot of the Athabasca Glacier

    A wide view of the Athabasca Glacier stretching between two snow-covered mountain ranges under a partly cloudy sky.

    Roadside Stop: Standing at the foot of the Athabasca Glacier is amazing.  The dramatic landscape and towering peaks make you feel small standing in front of this massive glacier. Be sure to stop and listen as shifting ice groans and cracks.  Do not walk on the glacier, as hidden crevasses and other hazards can be deadly.

  7. Nigel Pass

    Wide view of Nigel Pass showing open alpine terrain blanketed in snow with forested slopes and bright blue sky.

    Snowshoe or ski: This trail offers challenging avalanche terrain, so caution is advised.  Nigel Pass offers a gentle climb through open forest leading to a wide-open alpine setting at the Jasper-Banff National Park boundary.  5-6 hrs return with a 385 m elevation gain.

  8. Saskatchewan Crossing Viewpoint

    A lady in a blue top and black down stands on a frozen river near Saskatchewan Crossing, surrounded by snow-covered trees and distant mountains.

    Short stroll: In sturdy boots or snowshoes, take a short 15-minute stroll with no elevation gain/loss to a magnificent view over the Saskatchewan and Howse river valleys. 

  9. Peyto Lake

    Winter view of Peyto Lake from the viewpoint, with two guests looking over the frozen lake and rugged peaks glowing in evening light

    Snowshoe or ski: a short uphill snowshoe or ski from the road will take you to the beautiful lookout over Peyto Lake, one of the most photographed in the Canadian Rockies. This lake is named after Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area.

  10. Crowfoot Glacier

    Expansive view of rugged mountain peaks with a large glacier stretching across the rock face under a partly cloudy sky.

    Roadside Stop: Named a century ago after a three-toed crowsfoot, this glacier now has one toe that has melted, and the middle toe is slowly disappearing.  However, you can see where the shape of this distinctive landmark took form.  

  11. Bow Glacier Falls

    Bow Glacier area in winter with snow-blanketed terrain, scattered trees, and dramatic Rocky Mountain peaks under streaked clouds.

    Snowshoe or ski: This trail offers challenging avalanche terrain, so caution is advised.  Trek along the shores of Bow Lake and then head up towards Bow Glacier Falls. This trail is a 2-3 hrs return trip (6 km) with a 70 m elevation gain.

  12. Bow Lake

    Sunset over a snow-covered Bow Lake with frost formations on the frozen surface and Crowfoot Mountain silhouetted in the background

    Roadside Stop: Bow Lake is one of the most scenic lakes along the Icefields Parkway. This lake is the source of the 587 km Bow River that flows south past Calgary.  From the roadside, take in the stunning views of Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Crowfoot Mountain and Mount Thompson.

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