ONE Day Icefields Parkway Itinerary: 15 Epic Quick Stops

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Important Update: Due to extensive wildfire damage, the Icefields Parkway from the Columbia Icefield Visitor Centre/Athabasca Glacier to the town of Jasper is only open for traffic. Drivers must pass through this section of road without stopping at any rest stops or viewpoints. Check 511 Alberta for updates.

Are you looking for an epic one-day Icefields Parkway itinerary? I’ve got you covered!

As you can imagine there are a ton of great things to see on this drive. But, which should you try and fit into your limited itinerary? Especially if you only have one day!

As Canmore locals (a wonderful town nearby), we have done this trip many times. So we picked out the best quick stops for the most memorable experience you could possibly have. There are 15 listed here, and they are all quick enough that you can hit them all, or pick and choose!

So keep reading and let’s get planning!

About the Icefields Parkway

Lake Louise Drive Construction Notice: This summer (2024), construction will be on Lake Louise Drive, causing significant traffic delays. This means you could spend well over an hour sitting in traffic just to be turned away for lack of parking (over a thousand people are turned away each day during the peak summer months!). To avoid this, consider booking this hop-on hop-off shuttle from Banff instead! Check availability for the shuttle here – it fully books out in the summer months!

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the entire world. This 230-kilometer-long stretch of highway (143 miles) winds its way through both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park connecting Lake Louise with Jasper – two of the best places to visit in Alberta. 

It is a two-lane highway (Highway 93) that is paved the entire way. The highway is maintained by Parks Canada and you’ll need a Parks Canada Pass to drive it (even if you don’t plan on stopping). The road is most commonly driven by people traveling between Banff and Jasper – not only is it a scenic route but it is also the fastest route that connects these two towns.

But the Icefields Parkway isn’t just about the scenic drive, there are literally dozens of amazing attractions along the Icefields Parkway such as stunning blue lakes, waterfalls, and hikes. The truth is, if you want to visit all of the attractions on the Icefields Parkway (and do all of the hikes) you’ll need at least a couple of days.  

That poses a problem for most travelers who plan to drive the entire Icefields Parkway in just one day. Not to mention, the limited accommodation options along the Icefields Parkway make it difficult to spend more than a day exploring the route. 

We’ve driven this route numerous times and based on all of the places we’ve explored along the Icefields Parkway, we’ve selected the best quick stops to create an awesome itinerary anyone can accomplish even if they only have 1 day to spend along the Icefields Parkway. 

We’ve also included a ton of tips and essential info you’ll want to know before you go. Everything from where to stay on the Icefields Parkway to where to get gas to driving tips – you’ll find it all in this Icefields Parkway guide!

Note: This Icefields Parkway itinerary runs in the direction of Banff/Lake Louise to Jasper, however, you can complete it easily by driving in the reverse direction starting in Jasper too.  

Related Read: Before you take off on your drive, be sure to enjoy a hike at Lake Louise – my favorite activity!

Icefields Parkway Map for a 1-Day Itinerary 

Above is a map of the Icefields Parkway including the absolute best attractions along the drive! These are all the shortest stops that don’t involve a long hike. They are also the most beautiful places to check out along the Icefields Parkway that you really shouldn’t miss!

Below I’ve included more details about each attraction so you know what exactly to expect and plan accordingly. 

15 BEST Stops Along the Icefields Parkway

1. Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint 

• Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
• Time needed: 10 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 32.7 km/20.3 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 196 km/121.8 miles
• Google Maps location link: Crowfoot Glacier location – click here.

The first stop on your Icefields Parkway itinerary is located only 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Lake Louise. This is just a quick viewpoint stop where from a small pull-off bay on the side of the highway you will see beautiful mountains and of course, Crowfoot Glacier! 

Crowfoot Glacier feeds the Bow River as it melts.  It was originally named because of its shape – like a crow’s foot! However, it has been receding over the years and the shape of the glacier has changed. With that said, it’s still large and easily seen from the viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway. 

Crowfoot Glacier is wedged between mountains and sits above Bow Lake. It’s really beautiful and if you haven’t seen Athabasca Glacier yet, then it’s a great introduction to Canada’s glacier country! 

2. Bow Lake Viewpoint 

• Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
• Time needed: 10 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 38.6 km/24 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 195 km/121 miles
• Google Maps location link: Bow Lake viewpoint location – click here.

Just 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles) further down the Icefields Parkway from the Crowfoot Glacier is the Bow Lake Viewpoint. Like Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, this viewpoint is simply a pull-over bay on the side of the highway. Its location has been created because of the amazing view from this specific spot overlooking Bow Lake.  

The last time Daniel and I stopped at this viewpoint we actually saw a grizzly bear! He was just in the grass near the road chowing down on some grass. We stayed in our van (a good distance away) and watched him eat peacefully for a little while. Let this be your reminder that bears and other wildlife are very prominent along the Icefields Parkway and to be “bear aware” while you’re there.

If you’re into photography then you can add one extra stop to this Icefields Parkway Itinerary. Just a little further down the road, there is a larger parking lot right on the edge of Bow Lake. Just continue down the highway a little further from this viewpoint and turn left towards the Bow Lake parking lot.

Here, there are some short walking trails and more viewpoints that during calm weather, offer mirror-reflection photography opportunities. It’s so beautiful that it made our list of Instagrammable places to visit in Banff.

Related Read: If you’re looking to spot more wildlife, check out the 5 Best Wildlife Tours in Jasper!

3. Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint 

• Type of attraction: Short walk to a viewpoint
• Time needed: 30 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 45.8 km/28.5 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 190 km/118 miles
• Google Maps location link: Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint location – click here.

Peyto Lake is probably one of the most popular stops along the Icefields Parkway, and as such, likely the most photographed. From our photos above, you can clearly see why – it’s goregous!

Peyto Lake is well-deserving of its popularity though because it really is a special lookout. This lookout has actually been renovated in the past few years to accommodate the crowds that visit, so all can enjoy an unobstructed view. From the upper viewpoint, you will look down onto this bright turquoise-colored lake. It is a view you’ve probably seen before on Instagram or even on postcards! 

This stop on your Icefields Parkway itinerary is one you should allow a little more time for. The walk to the viewpoint from the parking lot takes most people about 10 minutes. It’s a well-marked track and easy enough for all fitness levels, children, and is wheelchair accessible. Once you arrive at the viewpoint, you’ll want to allow some time for taking photos – it’s beautiful. 

If you have extra time, you can actually hike from Bow Lake to Peyto Lake. Although this is a nice trail, I don’t recommend it if you are planning to complete the Icefields Parkway drive in just one day.

I will say that this stop is much more impressive in the summer when the water is its brightest blue. During the winter, the lake freezes over so you can’t really get the full effect. This is also a great stop for sunrise or sunset if you can time your stops right! The views are evermore spectacular and there is typically fewer people – hooray!

4. Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint

• Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
• Time needed: 10 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 62.2 km/38.6 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 171 km/106 miles
• Google Maps location link: Waterfowl Lakes location – click here.

This is Daniel’s favorite stop along the Icefields Parkway! On a calm day, the water at Waterfowl Lakes reflects the mountains behind it perfectly. Daniel, being a photographer, could take pictures here all day long (as I’m sure most photographers could).

But on your one-day Icefields Parkway itinerary, you don’t have time to spend all day at Waterfowl Lakes. That’s okay though, a quick stop to check out the view, take a photo, and then hit the road again is all you need.

You’ll reach Waterfowl Lakes after driving 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Peyto Lake. You’ll see the lake and parking lot on your left-hand side.

5. Mistaya Canyon 

• Type of attraction: Short out and back hike.
• Time needed: 30 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 75.1 km/46.7 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 158 km/98 miles
• Google Maps location link: Mistaya Canyon trailhead location – click here.

Mistaya Canyon is located a little further down the Icefields Parkway about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Lake Louise. It is a limestone slot canyon, with the powerful Mistaya River rushing through it. As you can tell, the water has been forming this canyon for thousands of years, which is certainly impressive! The backdrop view of Mount Sarbach is just the cherry on top.

This is one of my personal favorite stops along the Icefields Parkway because it is a little bit of a walk and makes for the perfect place to stretch your legs.  

From the Mistaya parking lot, it is a 0.5-kilometer-long walk (0.3 miles) to the canyon. The walk is all downhill on the way there and it ends at a viewpoint overlooking the canyon. The canyon is beautiful and it really showcases the power of water as it rushes down the Mistaya River.  

Once you’re there, you can enjoy views of the canyon from the bridge, or head to the left to stand on the rocks above the canyon. Use caution if you do this, as there are no fences and the rocks can be slick.

The walk back is uphill but only gains about 40 meters (131 feet) in elevation making it suitable for all fitness levels. Again, be careful if you’re hiking in winter or late spring as there can be lots of snow and ice making the trail slippery. Also, be sure to stay on the marked paths.  

6. Saskatchewan River Crossing Café, Hotel, and Gas Station 

• Type of attraction: Cafe, gas station, hotel
• Time needed: Varies
• Distance from Lake Louise: 80.4 km/50 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 153 km/95.1 miles
• Google Maps location link: Saskatchewan River Crossing location – click here.

There are very limited facilities and services along the Icefields Parkway, so if you’re finding yourself getting low on gas or getting hungry, Saskatchewan River Crossing is the place to stop. In fact, this is the only gas station on the Icefields Parkway.

The gas here is purchased at a slight premium to say Banff or Canmore, but with such a remote location that shouldn’t be surprising! However, if you’re getting low, then fill up – this is only the halfway point along the Icefields Parkway drive.  

There is also a café and souvenir shop here. It’s a good place to grab a coffee or sandwich if you need it. The only other place to buy food along the Icefields Parkway is at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center across the street from the Athabasca Glacier. And trust me, it’s expensive there!

They also have a nice bathroom anybody can use (even if you’re not buying anything). This is the place to stop for a bathroom break if you want to avoid using the pit toilets/outhouses you’ll find everywhere else along the Icefields Parkway.  

There is also a hotel at Saskatchewan River Crossing called The Crossing Resort that you can book online in advance if you decide you’d rather spend two days driving the Icefields Parkway. The price per night averages around $225 CAD.

We have done this before and I must say the hotel puts you in the best location possible to spend the night and break up your Icefields Parkway road trip. Oh, and did I mention the views from the hotel? If the photos above don’t tempt you to stay, I don’t know what will!

Note: Saskatchewan River Crossing closes in the winter months, so plan ahead with a full fuel tank and food!

7. Weeping Wall 

• Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
• Time needed: 10 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 109 km/67.7 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 125 km/77.7 miles
• Google Maps location link: Weeping Wall location – click here.

27 kilometers (17 miles) after Saskatchewan River Crossing you’ll reach the Weeping Wall. The Weeping Wall is simply a viewpoint where lots of tiny waterfalls stream down the cliff face of a mountain making it look like it’s crying or weeping.  

To me, this is one Icefields Parkway attraction that is even better in the winter! Sure, in the summer you’ll see the little waterfalls, but in the winter they freeze making it look like a winter wonderland! 

This is another quick viewpoint stop where you actually don’t even need to leave your vehicle to have a good look. In fact, you can even see the Weeping Wall from the road and you may choose not to stop at all.  

8. Big Hill and Big Bend Viewpoint

• Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
• Time needed: 5 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 116 km/72.1 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 118 km/73.3 miles
• Google Maps location link: Big Bend Viewpoint location – click here.

Big Bend is the name of a massive curve in the road along the Icefields Parkway. Any Icefields Parkway itinerary will include Big Bend, as you have no choice but to drive on it! 

However, at the top of the curvy road, there is a viewing area where you can look back on the Icefields Parkway called Big Hill! You’ll see the road you just drove wrap its way around mountains through the valley floor. On a clear day, this is the perfect place to stop for a photo! 

The viewpoint is on the right side of the road and somewhat on a blind corner so be very careful pulling in and out here. There is parking available, but it can fill up quickly – luckily it’s a quick stop! Drive all of Big Bend with caution and take your time to be able to see the pullover bay where you can safely get out of your vehicle.   

9. Athabasca Glacier/Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre 

• Type of attraction: Short walk to the viewpoint or join one of the Icefields Parkway tours of the glacier
• Time needed: 1-3 hours
• Distance from Lake Louise: 130 km/80.8 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 104 km/64.6 miles
• Google Maps location link: Icefield Discovery Centre location – click here.

This is one place you absolutely do not want to miss on the Icefields Parkway. The Athabasca Glacier is huge at 6 kilometers squared and is part of the larger Columbia Icefields.  In fact, we learned on our recent tour here that it won’t be long before this glacier ceases to exist due to global warming. Would you believe the Athabasca Glacier has lost 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) in the past 125 years?!

There are a couple of different ways to experience Athabasca Glacier but the only way to see it up close is on a guided tour. The Ice Explorer bus tours depart from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center (a large building located just across the road from the glacier) and actually drive up and onto the glacier itself in a specially adapted ice-explorer vehicle (see the photo above or check out our review of the tour here!).

This is how you can hop out and walk around on the Athabasca Glacier and get some of those iconic photos. It was as stunning as it sounds, but you’ll have to see it for yourself. It also includes the admission for Skywalk attraction just down the road (more about this below). Plus, you will even be able to fill up our water bottle with refreshing glacier water, which simply adds to this remarkable experience -all this for just around $118 CAD!

Be sure to book this tour in advance, because it is super-popular! Dan and I did this tour last year and made the mistake of not booking in advance, so we had to wait around the Columbia Discovery Centre for a couple of hours before they could get us on a tour. It was such a waste of time!

Secure your spot on the Ice Explorer bus here, before it fills up!

If you’re itching for adventure, you can actually walk on Athabasca Glacier is on a guided tour. This is the only way you can trek on top of the glacier itself. The tour we did with the ice-explorer vehicle is shorter, and you can only walk on a specific section of the glacier. If you actually want to do a half-day hike, you’ll have to book this guided hiking tour.

It is the most in-depth experience you can get! It includes all of your gear and your guide will even look for opportunities for you to rappel down into the glacier. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is totally worth the $184 CAD price tag.

Unfortunately, if you don’t book a tour, you’ll only be able to walk up to a viewpoint next to the glacier for safety reasons. Jump on Athabasca Glacier Trail and hike right up almost to the edge of the glacier. It’s only a short 1-kilometer hike (0.6 miles), but from here you’ll have a better view of the glacier than from the road, and it’s an overall cool experience.

In the Columbia Discovery Centre, you will also find a restaurant and food court-style place to eat. There is a huge parking lot here too. I must say the food is quite expensive here, so we usually opt to pack snacks and skip eating here!

Note: Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May to October.

Don’t miss out on this bucket-list experience – secure your spot on a guided hike in advance here!

10. Skywalk 

• Type of attraction: Tour to walk out onto a platform
• Time needed: About an hour (as long as you have a booking in advance)
• Distance from Lake Louise: 130 km/80.8 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 104 km/64.6 miles
• Google Maps location link: You must park at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and ride their bus 10 minutes to the Skywalk.

Just down the road from the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center is the Skywalk. The Skywalk is a structure with a glass floor that hangs off the edge of a mountain almost like a weightless bridge.  

It’s a pretty impressive structure that is said to be an engineering feat so strong that it would hold a 747 airplane.  

I must admit, it is a little nerve-racking walking out onto the glass floor, but it is also pretty neat! The views from out on the Skywalk are really amazing.  

If you want to walk on the Skywalk you’ll have to park at Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre because there is no parking lot at the Skywalk. They will put you on a bus and take you to the Skywalk where you’ll be given headphones for an included audio tour. When you’re ready to leave, you just jump back on the bus where they’ll take you back to the Discovery Center.  

You should book the Skywalk experience online in advance for just $43 CAD to avoid missing out. During peak times, the tour can be fully booked up. Otherwise, purchase your Athabasca Glacier tour and Skywalk tickets together to get a discounted rate!

Note: The Skywalk is only open from May to October each year.

Reserve your Skywalk ticket in advance or reserve your Athabasca Glacier tour and Skywalk experience together here!

Related Read: Once you get to Jasper, you can have more high-flying adventures on the Jasper SkyTram.

11. Tangle Creek Falls 

• Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
• Time needed: 10 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 137 km/85.1 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 96.5 km/60 miles
• Google Maps location link: Tangle Creek Falls location – click here.

Tangle Creek Falls is an absolutely gorgeous waterfall that is right next to the road along the Icefields Parkway. In fact, if you’re not mapping for its location, you’ll likely drive right past it and maybe even miss it! 

When driving towards Jasper, the falls will be on your right with the parking lot across the road on your left. You can walk up to the falls and even climb a little way up beside them for a photo. 

Even though we’ve seen thousands of waterfalls throughout our travels, we still were impressed by Tangle Creek Falls! It’s a multi-layer waterfall, where the streams converge and get tangled together (I wonder how it got its name!). During the winter, it completely freezes over so the entanglements are frozen in time.

This is another quick stop like the Weeping Wall and you’ll likely only need to spend 5-15 minutes here at most. But, I would say it’s one of the most beautiful quick stops along this drive!

12. Sunwapta Falls 

• Type of attraction: Short walk to a viewpoint
• Time needed: 20 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 179 km/11.2 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 55.8 km/34.7 miles
• Google Maps location link: Sunwapta Falls location – click here.

Sunwapta Falls is another powerful waterfall along the Icefields Parkway. There is a large parking lot here and you park pretty much next to the falls so no walking is required. There are a couple of trails that you can walk to get different views of the falls, or the best perspective is from the bridge (as pictured above). I like to walk around to see it from all angles, a waterfall this powerful deserves a second glance!

For those who want somewhere quiet to stay in nature away from the hustle and bustle of Jasper town, you can stay at the Sunwapta Falls Lodge! I consider it one of the best hotels in Jasper, and you’re right down the road from the Sunwapta Falls themselves, so it’s a prime location. There is also a restaurant at the lodge that’s open to the public, with that said, both the restaurant and lodge close in the winter months.

Although the nearby facilities close, Sunwapta Falls remains open all year round. In winter, seeing the waterfall frozen is equally as beautiful, in my opinion.

Sunwapta Falls is only 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Jasper town. By the time you make it here you are on the home stretch and nearing the end of your one-day Icefields Parkway adventure. 

13. Goats and Glacier Lookout (Goat Lick)

• Type of attraction: Roadside viewpoint
• Time needed: 10 minutes
• Distance from Lake Louise: 195 km/121 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 38.2 km/23.7 miles
• Google Maps location link: Goats and Glacier Lookout location – click here.

Just 15 minutes after Sunwapta Falls is the Goats and Glacier Viewpoint, or what many refer to as the “Goat Lick.” The name comes from the fact that mountain goats are often found here licking the minerals from the cliffside.

When Daniel and I visited last time we weren’t lucky enough to see any goats, we did see the amazing view though which is well worth the stop on its own! But if you do see some goats licking rocks, what a funny and memorable stop, right!?

It is just a small parking lot on the side of the road where the viewpoint is located right on the edge of the parking lot. This one is just another quick stop but well worth it if you ask me!

14. Athabasca Falls 

• Type of attraction: Short walk to the viewpoint
• Time needed: 1 hour
• Distance from Lake Louise: 202 km/125.5 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 32.4 km/20.1 miles
• Google Maps location link: Athabasca Falls location – click here.

Athabasca Falls is very famous and very impressive. Many people who are just visiting Jasper and have no intention of driving the Icefields Parkway make the 30-minute trip to Athabasca Falls just to check it out. We’ve mentioned quite a few waterfalls on this list, but I personally think Athabasca is the most remarkable! 

This waterfall is crazy powerful and as such, has created some pretty neat rock formations over the years. You’ll be able to hear the roaring waterfall long before you see it. To me, it’s easily one of the best places to stop on the Icefields Parkway. 

The falls are easily accessible from the parking lot and there is a short trail you can walk over a bridge to the far side of the falls. It’s a 1 km (0.6 mile) out-and-back trail and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Information boards line the walkway telling about the history of the falls as well as the nature around you. Because these falls are so forceful, the landscape has changed immensely over thousands of years, which I always find super fascinating.

So if you’re a nature enthusiast like me, you’ll be impressed by these falls too!

Athabasca Falls is open all year round and in the winter the falls turn into a frozen winter wonderland. Visiting Athabasca Falls is also one of the best things to do in Jasper in the winter! Do keep in mind that this is one of the most popular activities in Jasper, so we prefer to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid-day crowds.

15. Valley of the 5 Lakes 

• Type of attraction: 4.5 km/2.8-mile hike
• Time needed: 2 hours
• Distance from Lake Louise: 223 km/138.6 miles
• Distance from Jasper: 10.1 km/6.3 miles
• Google Maps location link: Valley of the 5 Lakes trailhead location – click here.

The Valley of the 5 Lakes is a 4.5-kilometer-long (2.8-mile) hiking trail that I absolutely love! It is easy, relatively flat, and takes you in a loop past 5 different turquoise lakes. On a sunny day, the water is super inviting and you’ll likely want to go for a swim. This is definitely a hike that’s best suited for the summer season.  

The only thing about hiking the Valley of the 5 Lakes on your one-day Icefields Parkway itinerary is that you may be running out of time by the time you reach the trailhead. If this is the case don’t worry too much because it is only a short 10-minute drive from Jasper and you can always come back later to hike it.

The Valley of the 5 Lakes is one of the best things to do in Jasper, so even if you don’t get time now, make sure to make time later and come back to check it out!  

Hop Tip: If you’re driving from Jasper to Banff along the Icefields Parkway then be sure to get an early start if you want to hike the Valley of the 5 Lakes. Not only will this give you enough time to see the rest of the attractions along the Icefields Parkway, but you’ll also get the trail almost all to yourself! 

Best Guided Tours of the Icefield Parkway

Even if you don’t have a rental car, you can still enjoy the stops on this iconic drive.

Icefield Parkway Tours are perfectly designed for you to enjoy the best parts of the parkway with the least effort required. Your itinerary is already set, just hop onto your tour bus and let your guide do the driving! This is a great way to learn more information about the area than you would by simply driving yourself. Here’s a look at the ones I recommend the most!

• Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway Tour – Beginning from Banff, this tour explores 6 different spots and gives you a generous hour to spend at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two of the National Park’s most glorious lakes! You’ll also visit Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake and head to a viewpoint above the Crowfoot Glacier. If you’re lucky you’ll spot some of the Banff wildlife while out here. I like that this tour is limited to just 15 people so you won’t feel packed like a saradine! It lasts 8 hours and costs $195 CAD per person. Book this tour here!

• Athabasca Glacier tour with pick up in Banff – Walking on the Athabasca Glacier is one of our top must-do experiences on the Icefield Parkway and an Alberta bucket list experience in itself. You’ll board a huge Ice Explorer vehicle and head right onto the Athabasca Glacier where they will let you walk around and drink glacier water from a spring – how magical! It costs $338 CAD, so while it isn’t cheap, we really do think it’s worth paying a bit extra to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book this tour in advance here!

• Jasper to Banff one-way tour (Banff to Jasper) – If you’re heading from Jasper to Banff or vice versa, then this full-day tour will not only get you there but will also take you to the top highlights along the Icefields Parkway while getting to learn about the area! See the incredible Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, the Crowfoot Glacier, the Weeping Wall, and more! This tour costs $299 CAD including transport and a picnic lunch. Book this tour before you go here!

Icefields Parkway FAQs

Before you set off on your epic Icefields Parkway road trip, you probably have a few questions. Below I’ve answered some of the most common questions people have before they drive the Icefields Parkway.

Where to Stay on the Icefields Parkway

So you’ve read this blog and have decided that you want more time. No stress, there are a couple of awesome places to stay along the Icefields Parkway.

For budget travelers, your best option is camping. Campsites generally book up months in advance, but sometimes cancellations will free up a spot for a night or two. There are a total of 11 campgrounds on the Icefields Parkway. Find out more about the ones in Banff National Park here, and the ones in Jasper National Park here.

If you’re not much of a camper then your options are a little more limited.

Glacier View Lodge – $$$

For our luxury travelers, the Glacier View Lodge is a great option located at the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre. This hotel is the most upscale along the Icefields Parkway and comes at a premium. However, with every room boasting a mountain or glacier view, how could you go wrong?! Staying here makes it easy to do a glacier tour first thing in the morning or even the Skywalk (before they get busy around mid-day).

Check availability and book your stay here!

The Crossing – $$

Your next option is in the best location. The Crossing is the hotel located at Saskatchewan River Crossing, almost exactly at the halfway point along the Icefields Parkway. This hotel is modest with average reviews, but the location is ideal so convenience is what you’re paying for here. We’ve also stayed here before and had a lovely experience, so I would recommend it!

You can book a stay at The Crossing on Booking.com.

HI Mosquito Creek Hostel – $$

HI Mosquito Creek Hostel is a place we’ve stayed before. It offers dorm and private-style cabins that are heated. There is a communal kitchen and a traditional outdoor sauna. This place is perfect for those on a budget, or looking for something a little nicer than camping while still being in nature. It is really a unique place to stay and I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

You can book this stay on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Icefields Parkway Itinerary Tips and Important Info 

Before you set off on your Icefields Parkway road trip there are a few important bits of information you should know.  

• In the winter you are required to have winter tires or use snow chains. Depending on weather and road conditions it can be dangerous to drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter. If you’re not a confident winter driver then I would suggest going on one of the organized tours mentioned earlier with an experienced driver instead of self-driving.  

• There is only one gas station along the Icefields Parkway and it is expensive. Fill your tank completely in either Lake Louise or Jasper before you leave or your wallet will take a hefty hit at the Saskatchewan River Crossing gas station.  

• You will need a Parks Canada Pass to drive the Icefields Parkway. Since the Icefields Parkway is in both Banff and Jasper National Parks, you will need a Parks Canada Pass to drive this route. There are gates at the entrance to the highway where you can purchase this, or you can buy it in advance online. Expect to pay about $11 CAD per day per person, or $151.25 CAD for an entire year for one vehicle of up to 7 people, you can check their website for all of the updated prices.  

• Download maps to work offline – the service along the Icefield Parkways can be hit and miss so make sure you have your route planned and map download so you don’t need to rely on cell service.

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.

Thanks for reading!

And there you have it, an Icefields Parkway itinerary perfect for anybody planning to tackle this amazing stretch of highway in just one day! If you follow this guide, you won’t be rushed and will see all of the best highlights along the way! 

If this blog has helped you out then you might find some of our other Canada blogs helpful too! Or, check out some related blogs below: 

Guide to Planning the Most Romantic Honeymoon in Jasper, Canada

50 EPIC Things to do in Banff, Canada

BANFF ITINERARY – How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Banff (2024 Guide!)