13 Must see spots along the Icefields Parkway
Journey along the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper, pausing at turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls, ancient glaciers and breathtaking mountain viewpoints. Discover 13 of the unmissable places that make this one of Canada’s most memorable drives.
The Icefields Parkway isn’t just a road - it’s a journey.
The Icefields Parkway is far more than a road. Stretching 145 miles between Lake Louise and Jasper, it’s one of the world’s most spectacular drives, winding past turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls, mountain peaks and ancient glaciers.
You could drive it in under three hours, though it’s far better enjoyed at a slower pace. Set off early, take your time and make a day of it, stopping at the best viewpoints before arriving in Jasper in time for dinner.
With little phone signal and few facilities along the way, it feels wonderfully remote. Fill up the car, pack a picnic and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Louise
Distance travelled from last stop: 0mi
Time travelled since last stop: 0 minutes
Side of the road: N/A
Distance from the road: N/A
Time to spend here: N/A
Total distance travelled: 0mi
Total time travelled: 0 minutes
Distance remaining: 145mi to Jasper
We begin our journey in Lake Louise. Assuming you’ve already spent a couple days here and explored the area (kayaking Moraine Lake is almost obligatory), we leave at 6am. This may sound early, but it’s the best time to beat the traffic, hit the sights, and hopefully catch a glimpse of the active wildlife in the morning.
Bow Lake
Distance travelled from last stop: 24mi
Time travelled since last stop: 29 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: 0mi
Time to spend here: 15 minutes
Total distance travelled: 24mi
Total time travelled: 44 minutes
Distance remaining: 121mi to Jasper
Your first stop after leaving Lake Louise is Bow Lake, which appears almost immediately beside the Icefields Parkway. Pull into the roadside lay-by and take a moment to enjoy the view.
Fed by meltwater from Bow Glacier, the lake has the striking turquoise colour the Canadian Rockies are famous for. It’s also the source of the Bow River, which flows south through Calgary before eventually reaching Hudson Bay.
You won’t need long here. Stretch your legs, take a few photos and soak up the scenery before continuing along the parkway.
Peyto Lake
Distance travelled from last stop: 4mi
Time travelled since last stop: 4 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: >0.5mi
Time to spend here: 40 minutes
Total distance travelled: 29mi
Total time travelled: 1.5 hours
Distance remaining: 116mi to Jasper
Peyto Lake is one of the most popular stops along the Icefields Parkway, and it’s easy to see why. Named after Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in Banff, the lake is reached by a well-marked path from the car park, with the return walk taking around 10 minutes.
As the viewpoint comes into sight, the scene feels almost unreal. Fed by glacial meltwater, Peyto Lake takes on its vivid turquoise colour in summer, when fine particles of rock flour are carried into the water. It’s a view worth taking a moment to enjoy before you reach for your camera.
Waterfowl Lake
Distance travelled from last stop: 12mi
Time travelled since last stop: 16 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: 0mi
Time to spend here: 15 minutes
Total distance travelled: 40mi
Total time travelled: 2 hours
Distance remaining: 104mi to Jasper
A little further along, you’ll come to Waterfowl Lake, tucked just beside the road. It’s an easy place to stop for a few minutes and admire the glassy water, which often reflects the surrounding mountains beautifully.
Pause here, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the stillness before carrying on along the Icefields Parkway.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
Distance travelled from last stop: 11mi
Time travelled since last stop: 14 minutes
Side of the road: Right
Distance from the road: 0mi
Time to spend here: 30 minutes
Total distance travelled: 52mi
Total time travelled: 2.7 hours
Distance remaining: 93mi to Jasper
Around halfway along the Icefields Parkway, Saskatchewan River Crossing is the place to stop for fuel, food and a few essentials. It’s the only service point on the route, so it’s worth topping up while you can.
The setting is impressive too, marking the meeting point of the North Saskatchewan, Howse and Mistaya rivers.
Weeping Wall
Distance travelled from last stop: 17mi
Time travelled since last stop: 19 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: 0mi
Time to spend here: 15 minutes
Total distance travelled: 68mi
Total time travelled: 3.3 hours
Distance remaining: 76mi to Jasper
The Weeping Wall is an easy roadside stop, and you can admire it without even leaving the car. Thin streams of water trickle down the cliff face, giving the impression that the mountain is crying. The largest cascade is fittingly named Teardrop.
It’s lovely in summer, but winter is when the Weeping Wall becomes especially dramatic. As the water freezes, the cliff transforms into a towering sheet of ice, attracting experienced climbers from across the region.
Big Hill & Big Bend
Distance travelled from last stop: 6mi
Time travelled since last stop: 8 minutes
Side of the road: N/A
Distance from the road: 0mi
Time to spend here: 0 minutes
Total distance travelled: 74mi
Total time travelled: 3.4 hours
Distance remaining: 71mi to Jasper
You’ll know when you reach the Big Hill and Big Bend. Here, the Icefields Parkway winds dramatically down the mountainside, opening up sweeping views across the valley, river and surrounding peaks.
The Big Bend is the road’s famous hairpin turn, curving beneath towering mountains. There’s no need to stop, simply take it slowly and enjoy one of the most memorable stretches of the drive.
Parker Ridge
Distance travelled from last stop: 2mi
Time travelled since last stop: 3 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: 3mi hike
Time to spend here: 180 minutes
Total distance travelled: 76mi
Total time travelled: 6.5 hours
Distance remaining: 69mi to Jasper
Parker Ridge is the longest stop of the day, with a 3-mile return hike. It’s one to skip if you’d rather keep things gentle, but well worth the climb for sweeping mountain views and a wonderful outlook over the Saskatchewan Glacier. Pack a picnic and find a scenic spot along the trail for lunch.
Athabasca Glacier
Distance travelled from last stop: 6mi
Time travelled since last stop: 7 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: <1mi hike
Time to spend here: 60 minutes
Total distance travelled: 81mi
Total time travelled: 7.6 hours
Distance remaining: 63mi to Jasper
The Athabasca Glacier is one of the highlights of the Icefields Parkway. Part of the vast Columbia Icefield, it’s an impressive sight even from the road, but the short trail towards its edge is well worth the walk.
Never venture onto the ice without an experienced guide. Guided tours are available for those who’d like to experience the glacier up close.
Glacier SkyWalk
Distance travelled from last stop: 1mi
Time travelled since last stop: 2 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: 0km
Time to spend here: 60 minutes
Total distance travelled: 81mi
Total time travelled: 8.6 hours
Distance remaining: 63mi to Jasper
It may test your head for heights, but the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is well worth the nerves. Step onto the glass-floored walkway, suspended 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley, and take in the sweeping mountain views below.
Tickets and bus transfers are available from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Allow time to enjoy the scenery before catching the bus back, this is one Icefields Parkway experience you won’t want to miss.
Sunwapta Falls
Distance travelled from last stop: 30mi
Time travelled since last stop: 35 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: 0mi
Time to spend here: 15 minutes
Total distance travelled: 112mi
Total time travelled: 9.5 hours
Distance remaining: 33mi to Jasper
Next, stop at Sunwapta Falls, where glacier-fed water tumbles 18 meters through a narrow gorge. The falls are especially impressive in late spring and early summer, when melting snow makes the river even more powerful.
There’s a large car park close to the viewpoint, so it’s an easy stop with very little walking. From here, Jasper is just 33 miles away – you’re on the home stretch.
Athabasca Falls
Distance travelled from last stop: 15mi
Time travelled since last stop: 17 minutes
Side of the road: Left
Distance from the road: <1mi
Time to spend here: 30 minutes
Total distance travelled: 15mi
Total time travelled: 10.2 hours
Distance remaining: 18mi to Jasper
Athabasca Falls may not be the tallest, but the sheer power of the water makes it unforgettable. Over time, the river has carved striking shapes into the surrounding rock, creating a dramatic setting.
The falls are easy to reach from the car park, with a short trail and bridge leading to viewpoints on the far side. Visit in winter and the frozen cascades are every bit as mesmerising.
Jasper
Distance travelled from last stop: 18mi
Time travelled since last stop: 28 minutes
Side of the road: N/A
Distance from the road: N/A
Time to spend here: N/A
Total distance travelled: 145mi
Total time travelled: 10.7 hours
Distance remaining: 0mi to Jasper
You’ve made it to Jasper. With time for a few comfort stops along the way, you’ll likely arrive at around 6pm, just in time for dinner.
Check into your accommodation, freshen up and head into town for a well-earned drink and something to eat. After a memorable day on the Icefields Parkway, there’s no better way to enjoy your first evening in Jasper.
