A great swath of sensational country awaits you between Jasper, Alberta and Lake Louise, Alberta along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).
Named for the Columbia Icefield and the density of glaciers visible along the route, the parkway bowls along for 232 km (144 miles), passing through long, forested river valleys cradled by walls of dazzling peaks.
Before you embark on your Icefields Parkway journey, a little bit of planning is recommended. We suggest heading out early to avoid the traffic and improve your chances of seeing wildlife. Follow our tips below and be sure to download the Icefields Parkway Planner.
There are two great recommended places to stay if you would like to bookend your Icefields Parkway experience in Lake Louise and Valemount, BC (1 hour west of Jasper).
Traveling the Icefields Parkway is best done by taking it slow.
Staying in Lake Louise or Valemount, BC, is the best way to make the most of your Icefields road trip.
The Icefields Parkway is more than a drive, it’s a journey of a lifetime that deserves discovery. You can plan your trip in advance, since mobile service is not available, or you can be completely spontaneous and let the landscapes guide you.
Download the Icefields Parkway Guide Map for comprehensive travel information to reference along the way.
There are a number of locations en route for a bathroom break. Most viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway offer a pull out area or parking lot with outhouse facilities for men and women.
The only facilities with running water are at the Icefields Centre and Saskatchewan River Crossing Resort.
There is no cell phone reception along the Icefields Parkway. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park wilderness areas do not have cell phone towers. Turn off your device and enjoy the views.
Download the Icefields Parkway Guide Map as your reference guide for the drive.
The parkway is busy in July and August with up to 100,000 vehicles a month. It is mainly two lanes with occasional passing lanes. It minimizes grades and hairpin turns but you should look out for wildlife, and vehicles stopped on the shoulder.
Snow can be expected at any time of year and extreme weather is common in winter.
Check Driving Conditions, pack extra clothing and drive within the speed limit.
There is no cell service along the parkway, so this free guide map is worth downloading before you head out. It covers key stops, distances, and everything you need to make the most of the drive.
With new and exciting adventures come many questions.
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