Icefields Parkway – one of the most spectacular roads worldwide
Icefields parkway connects Jasper and Lake Louise. The highway is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, wide glaciers and impressive valleys.
It is one of the most beautiful and famous roads worldwide: Icefields Parkway. Also known as Highway 93 North the route passes azure lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and the Columbia Icefield. The two national parks Banff and Jasper are crossed by the road, therefore many wild animals can be watched at the roadside. It is possible to pass the 232 km (144 miles) in three hours but it is worth taking some more time to enjoy all the highlights of the tour. It makes sense to plan one day for the trip. Offside the road there are many viewpoints, hiking trails or other points of interest which should be visited.
Author’s recommendation
There are many deers, coyotes or black bears at the roadside. Wolves and grizzlies are rarer, so keep your eyes opened.
Rest Stop
Simpson's Num-Ti-Jah LodgeLake Agnes Teahouse
Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
Safety information
- Restaurants, accommodations and the only patrol station are closed between November and April.
- Check the road conditions in advance.
Tips, hints and links
A special Nature park pass is needed to drive on the Icefields Parkway, even if you don’t disembark the car.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Leaving Jasper we follow Highway 93. It takes us in southern direction 144 miles through Alberta to Lake Louise
Note
Getting there
- Coming from the east (direction Edmonton) follow AB-16 until Jasper.
- Coming from the west follow Trans-Canada/BC-1 E and take AB-16A from Connaught to Jasper.
Parking
Parking lots in Jasper
Questions and answers
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