The Icefields Parkway is a 232 km (144 mi) highway that passes through Banff and Jasper National Parks, connecting the respective towns. This is the most stunning drive in the Canadian Rockies with up to 100,000 vehicles a month driving the highway in the summer months. If you’re planning on experiencing this iconic drive you’ll want to know how long it will take.
Driving the Icefields Parkway can take between 3.5 to 12 hours, or up to two days depending on weather conditions, the time of year, and how much you want to explore – there’s a lot to see and do on this drive.
I’ve been driving the Parkway all my life. As a kid, the drive was a way to get from one ski hill to the next, but as I got older the Parkway became a place to explore and experience.
Keep reading to discover the best the Icefields Parkway has to offer, how long it will take to explore, and tips for a time-efficient trip.
An Interactive Highway. The Icefields Parkway is a paved double-lane highway, that twists, and climbs, with a few hairpin turns to keep things interesting. There are passing sections but with the amount of traffic and limited visibility, don’t expect to use them a lot. The bigger climbs, like the Bow Summit, have a dedicated passing lane. The Parkway is not a major transportation corridor so there are fewer large commercial vehicles. Expect to share the road with cyclists and lots of traffic jams caused by wildlife.
Stunning Vistas. Driving the Icefields Parkway expect stunning views of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife. The peak beauty of the Parkway is when you go through the passes and valley between Bow Summit and Sunwapta where the mountains are highest. I prefer the drive from Jasper to Banff more than the drive from Banff to Jasper – the scenery just seems more spectacular.
FUN FACT: The drive from Jasper to Banff is a net downhill so less gas is used.
Speed Limits. Speed limits range from 90 to 30 km/hour but will vary depending on traffic volume, and weather. Pad your timetable generously, especially in the summer season or if inclement weather conditions are expected. Visit 511 Alberta for road conditions.
Lots of signs. The Icefields Parkway is well-signed so don’t stress about missing attractions if your map apps aren’t available.
No Cell Coverage. There is a 75 km stretch of the Parkway between Mistaya Canyon and Saskatchewan crossing with no cell coverage (about 1.5 hours into the drive from Banff). When there is cell coverage it’s sketchy so it’s best to plan for no cell coverage.
Wildlife. There can be a lot of wildlife on the Parkway, especially in the spring and fall months. Expect to see bears, Big Horn sheep, elk, deer, and perhaps mountain goats. Wildlife is easy to spot, there will be cars lined up on both sides of the road. Please pullover to look at wildlife, don’t stop in the middle of the road. Do not get out of your vehicle or approach wildlife. These are wild animals and they are the ones who pay the price for tourist encounters.
Don’t miss: Driving in Banff: 10 Things You Should Know
Here are some things to know before you hit the Icefields Parkway to make your driving experience and trip smooth and pleasant.
Park Pass. Don’t forget your park pass, it’s required to drive the Parkway. There are gates at both entrances of the Parkway where you can purchase one. There is no flow-through lane at these gates so you have to drive through them for a pass check.
Gas Up. There is only one place to get gas on the Parkway and that’s at the Saskatchewan Crossing (and it’s expensive, at least 30 cents more per liter). I make it a practice to carry a jerry can of gas.
Bring Food and Water. There are three places to purchase food and water on the Parkway. Saskatchewan Crossing, Columbia Icefields, and Sunwapta Falls Lodge. All are very expensive. It’s highly recommended to travel with plenty of food, snacks, and water otherwise be prepared to pay around $100 for a lunch for four.
Washrooms. There are plenty of washrooms located along the Parkway. All of the major stops and most viewpoints have one.
Weather. The Parkway has serious elevation so plan for the temperature to be 10 degrees cooler (maybe more). The weather is unpredictable and can change fast so be prepared for hot, cold, dry, wet, and everything in between. When it rains in the mountain it’s cold – there are no warm rains.
Clothing. Proper clothing can ensure you have a great time, despite the weather. Check out our recommended gear page for more, but here’s all you need to protect against the elements:
LOCAL TIP: I always travel with a blanket and puffy jacket in my vehicle, even in the summer – this is the mountains.
And of course never go anywhere, even for a short jaunt to a viewpoint, without bear spray.
Dogs. For the most part, dogs are welcome to all sites on a leash, the exception is the Columbia Icefields. At some of the more popular attractions where there’s people congestion, and tight spaces, like Athabasca Falls, it might be safer to leave your pet in the car. Remember, having a dog on a leash protects your dog and wildlife against attacks.
Check out: How to Get to Banff (Airports, Roads, Shuttles)
There are several ways to drive the Icefield Parkway. It can be done as a one-way point-to-point, an out-and-back, or an overnight round trip. But, the BEST way is a round-trip with an overnight stay.
While it seems like the Parkway is just driving, it’s not. There are a lot of stops, which is exhausting in itself; to try and experience everything on a tight timeline would be even more so. If you are travelling with children, they can only see so many waterfalls, mountains, and viewpoint stops before it all looks the same and disinterest creeps in (been there). Two days allow for a quality visit at most if not all, the Parkway attractions and viewpoints, and a night in the mountains, either along the Parkway or in a mountain town, before hitting the Parkway with fresh eyes.
Most of the Icefield Parkway’s attractions and viewpoints are on the west side of the highway. A round trip works well to visit all the stops on one side of the Parkway driving one way, and then all the stops on the other side on the way back. This avoids crossing traffic on a busy road – and this road gets busy!
Another advantage is the big stop – the Columbia Icefields (which requires the most time to visit) – is on the east side, so it allows for a fast trip one way with enough time to spend at your overnight destination then a slower return drive.
If you only have one day to explore the Parkway you will have to choose which attractions to see.
Discover: Should You Stay in Banff or Canmore? A Local’s Advice
The Icefields Parkway is lined with roadside viewpoints that are great for grabbing photos and taking a quick break. Most will have washrooms, garbage receptacles, information signs, and short hikes, while others are just pullouts. Expect to spend 10 mins or less at Icefield Parkway viewpoints.
Parking at the viewpoints is variable. Most will accommodate RVs and travel-trailers but it depends on how busy it is. We toured in May with a 27-foot travel trailer and had no issues parking at any of the viewpoints.
Here’s a list of the major Parkway viewpoints with the time you can expect to spend at each. The drive times given are based on no stops.
Great place to get photos of the Crowfoot Glacier that sits above Bow Lake.
Guide includes shuttle, bus, and tour options as well as reservation windows
Overlooks the Bow Lake. Great place to view the Crowfoot Glacier, Wapta Icefield, and Bow Glacier.
Great place to get some amazing photos of a mountain lake, have a picnic, and stretch your legs.
Located between Saskatchewan Crossing and the Big Bend/Hill Lookout, the Weeping wall refers to the many waterfalls on Cirrus Mountain that make it look like the mountain is weeping. The amount of water flow depends on the weather and season so its ‘wow factor’ may vary depending on when you visit.
This viewpoint sits in a big ’S’ curve switchback (almost 180 degrees) that’s easy to recognize. It’s a fantastic view of the road in the valley. Drive or walk a few hundred meters further uphill for another view of mountain waterfalls (depending on the season). This is a high-congestion area as Big Horn sheep like to hang out here.
This beautiful waterfall is literally on the side of the highway. For the ‘safest’ photos park in the lot across the Falls (where the washrooms are) or save it for the return trip if you can.
We saw no goats, at this small roadside pullout, but it has a pretty mountain view accessed by a short looped hike to the viewpoint.
Roadside pullout with views of the mountains and valley with information signs.
Learn: How to Visit Banff National Park: A Beginner’s Guide
The Icefields Parkway is full of ‘must-see’ attractions. These attractions have washroom services, more site information, and larger parking areas. Expect to spend an average of 30 minutes to one hour at most of the Icefield Parkway attractions, except for the Columbia Icefields which can take up to 4 hours.
Petyo Lake is a glacier-fed lake known for its stunning turquoise color located near the Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.
The trail to the viewpoint is an uphill paved path, which may be steep from some, through a forested area. It might be a hard push but a stroller can be used on this path. There are two routes, one is easier than the other; both end up at the same viewing platform.
The viewing platform has tiered fenced levels (not stroller-friendly) with information signs.
While Peyto Lake is technically open all year round, it gets a lot of snow (the path isn’t plowed) and the lake does freeze so the best time to view Peyto Lake is between June and October.
Mistaya Canyon is one of the hidden gems on the Icefields Parkway overshadowed by the more popular Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls. I love it because it’s also quieter and just as impressive as the other sites. There’s more opportunity to free-range explore as there’s less fencing and gates (keep a tight hold on children and pets).
The hike to the canyon is about 0.5 km (0.3 mi). It’s a rocky, rooty rugged downhill dirt trail, which means an uphill climb back to the parking lot. People with restricted mobility may require assistance. Some senior tourists used hiking poles. This is not a stroller-friendly hike.
Saskatchewan Crossing is not officially an attraction but is a place you will likely stop. Located at the halfway point on the Parkway, and the intersection of the David Thompson highway, it’s the only place to get gas. It also has full washrooms, food services, and a gift store. Due to its remote location services and products come at a premium price.
The Columbia Icefield is the most popular attraction on the Icefields Parkway and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most distinguishing feature of the Columbia Icefield is the Athabasca Glacier, the most accessible glacier in the world. As a child, I was able to walk all over the glacier but now the only way to access it is through a snow coach or guided walking tour. There are lower areas of the glacier debris that can be hiked.
The Glacier Discovery Centre sits across the highway from the Athabasca Glacier. A big red snowcoach parked in front of the Centre is a popular place for photos and selfies. If you sign up for a glacier tour you will drive in one. Tours take 2-3 hours and can be booked online or at the Centre (if space is available, you may have to wait).
The Discovery Centre is like a modern train station with all the booking agents, and people waiting for tour departures. The lower level of the Centre has a free theatre, exhibition area, and great views of the Icefields. It’s worth checking out if you have time.
TIP: If the main ticket agents are busy, the lower level has an attendant who can assist with and make bookings.
The Discovery Centre is the staging area for the Skywalk, a 1 km glass-floored observation platform that offers a grand view of the Sunwapta Valley. The Skywalk is located just down the road but can only be accessed by bus (there’s no parking at the Skywalk).
There Columbia Icefields has plenty of parking for RVs and vehicles located on both sides of the highway.
Sunwapta Falls is another impressive sight along the Icefields Parkway. Located down a side road by Sunwapta Falls Resort, it’s comprised of an upper falls that flows through a canyon down to lower falls. The upper falls are easy to access with a very short walk from the parking lot. The walkways can get very slippery from the spray or if it rains (this is where the grippy shoes come in handy).
I recommend visiting the lower falls, which I think are more spectacular than the upper falls. The hike to the lower falls is a 1.5 km (.9 mi), out-and-back (climb down, climb up), on a rugged, dirt trail with exposed roots perfect for tripping over. This trail gets very muddy and slippery when it’s wet. When you get to the lower falls, they don’t look that spectacular because you’re at the top. Follow the path along the fence to the very bottom. There is a section of trail with an aggressive incline. People successfully navigated this section by using a walking stick, grabbing a tree branch, or holding onto a buddy.
The parking at Sunwapta Falls is not great, especially if you have an RV or travel trailer that requires parallel parking along the street or side of the lot. The parking lot is a roundabout loop so there may be some looping around until a spot opens up.
The Sunwapta Resort has a cafeteria, restaurant, and gift shop. Everything is very expensive ($5 for a bottle of water, and about $10 for every food item) however it is yummy, the staff is friendly, and the views are fantastic.
Athabasca Falls is spectacular which is why it’s so wildly popular. There’s more to see here than just the Falls so don’t just take a picture and leave. Take the time to explore the various pathways and spurs (even if it’s crowded, it’s that cool). The pathways are a mix of pavement and hard-packed trails – some are narrow against the rock so not all are stroller-friendly. Follow trails down to the Falls outflow where many sit and enjoy the landscape. There is a cool rock walkway to the outflow but it becomes an alternating traffic jam of people coming up and down.
We found the parking at the Athabasca Falls to be a nightmare and that was during the off-season. With a single narrow one-way entry in and out of the site parking lot, huge bottlenecks occurred which left a lineup of vehicles on the highway. While there are large spaces reserved for RVs and travel-tailers they were used by double-parked smaller vehicles. We didn’t visit this site with our travel trailer; if we had we would have parked on the highway.
This is an Icefields Parkway hidden gem and one of my favourite places. The lake is shaped like a horseshoe and is absolutely stunning with clear water surrounded by rock walls.
The hike is a 1.2 km (.74 mi) loop around the inner section of the lake that resembles a well-worn animal trail with lots of options for exploring. The trail is rugged and goes over varying rocky terrain. The hike starts out underwhelming but leads to stunning views and water that will tempt you to jump in.
Parks Canada removed most of the signs for this site because it’s a lure for cliff jumping – an activity discouraged and not recommended by Parks Canada – so it’s often bypassed by visitors.
The lake is used by locals for scuba diving (there’s an amazing natural water platform), paddling sports, cliff jumping (even though it’s a no-no), and swimming on hot days despite the glacial cold water.
The parking lot is small and will not accommodate RVs or trailers.
The Valley of the Five Lakes is an attraction, a hike, and a mountain bike trail. It’s best known for the brilliant blue colour of its connecting lakes. The trail can be done as a large loop around all five lakes which is about 9 km (5.5 mi), or a smaller loop of about 3 km (1.8 mi) which only includes a few of the lakes. For the most part, the trail is gentle however there are some gnarly steep sections depending on the route you take.
Whatever your reason for driving the Icefields Parkway, there’s always an experience to be had – here’s hoping yours is a good one.
Happy driving!
Planning a trip to Banff & Jasper and need a game plan?
Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We have a detailed itinerary that gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times.
BANFF TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about Banff National Park, check out our Banff Homepage
THINGS TO DO: Don’t miss all that Banff has to offer including Lake Louise, Banff Hot Springs, the Cave and Basin Historical Site, and shopping downtown
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Find out how to get to Banff and what reservations
you may need
WATCH: Enjoy videos of gorgeous Banff National Park while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Banff YouTube Playlist
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