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.
224 km (139 miles) from Lake Louise
10 km (6 miles) from Jasper
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
203 km (126 miles) from Lake Louise
33 km (21 miles) from Jasper
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.
179 km (111 miles) from Lake Louise
56 km (35 miles) from Jasper
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.
163 km (101 miles) from Lake Louise
69 km (43 miles) from Jasper
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."
137 km (85 miles) from Lake Louise
95 km (59 miles) from Jasper
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.
130 km (81 miles) from Lake Louise
102 km (63 miles) from Jasper
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.
117 km (73 miles) from Lake Louise
115 km (71 miles) from Jasper
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.
79 km (49 miles) from Lake Louise
153 km (95 miles) from Jasper
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.
43 km (27 miles) from Lake Louise
189 km (117 miles) from Jasper
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.
36 km (22 miles) from Lake Louise
196 km (122 miles) from Jasper
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.
40 km (25 miles) from Lake Louise
192 km (119 miles) from Jasper
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.
40 km (25 miles) from Lake Louise
192 km (119 miles) from Jasper
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.
Our Guide Map includes comprehensive travel information to reference along the way.
With new and exciting adventures come many questions.