Icefields Parkway

The most beautiful route through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park

The Icefields Parkway is a world famous road through the famous Banff National Park and it's neighbour Jasper National Park. Read my tips for the best attractions along the wonderful Icefields Parkway also known as Highway 1.

According to many, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful highways in the world.


shows all the elements of the Rocky Mountains: mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows and the famous turquoise lakes.

It is easy to make various stops. These are the best tips for this wonderful car route. Read my tips for the best sights along Icefields Parkway.

You'll probably see wildlife along the Icefields Parkway. ©Corno van den Berg

Lake Louise

The Icefields Parkway starts at the lake, or rather the village of the same name. It is immediately one of the absolute highlights of the trip. Make sure you arrive on time. Which puts you ahead of most other tourists.

See my tips for Lake Louise

Banff National Park

The road continues through the famous Banff National Park. Don't drive too fast. You have a good chance of spotting animals on the way. Including a moose, but also, for example, black bear and brown bear. And you can see all that in a wonderfully rugged landscape.

See my tips for Banff National Park

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Most notably, part of the bright blue lake resembles a fox's head.

See my tips for Peyto Lake

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is a bright blue lake fed by glacial water. You really have to experience this lake. And for that you have to put on your walking shoes. There are several walking routes.

See my tips for Moraine Lake

Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is the crowning glory of the Sunwapta River. You can see this waterfall remarkably well, and it is very impressive in combination with the surrounding mountains. At any time of the season.

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is believed by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in the Canadian Rockies. It is neither high nor wide, but very beautiful because of its location. The gorge where the water flows in is also worth a visit.

An elk on the Icefields Parkway.

Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is the most famous and accessible glacier in the Rockies. You can hit the ice via various excursions. The glacier is located right next to the Icefields Parkway.

See my tips for the Athabasca Glacier

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is a huge ice field in the Rocky Mountains. Which also includes the Athabasca Glacier, but also 6 other glaciers. Which you can discover in various ways.

See my tips for the Columbia Icefield

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a unique glass viewing platform in Jasper National Park that includes glaciers and a waterfall.

See my tips for Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is the Canadian wilderness all over the place. With a striking number of wild animals that you can meet. This fine nature reserve has lots of hiking trails you along waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers.

See my tips for Jasper National Park

Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is a famous lake in the Canadian Rockies with an island of pine trees in the center. Spirit Island is one of the most photographed places in Canada.

See my tips for Maligne Lake

In how many days can I drive the Icefields Parkway?

It can be done in one day, but that is not recommended. It took me a week with all the stops along the way. There is so much to see, and you can enjoy hiking for days.

You can camp in countless places along the way. There are also several hotels and lodges. Take your time so that you can enjoy the surroundings to the fullest. Get out early every day so you don't run into most of the other tourists.

More information: icefieldsparkway.com

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