Planning to drive the Icefields Parkway? Here are the best stops between Banff and Jasper, with waterfalls, hikes, glacier views, and scenic lookouts you won’t want to miss.
I’d seen photos of the Icefields Parkway before my trip – dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes, maybe a bear in the distance – but nothing quite prepared me for what it felt like to actually drive it. Every turn seemed to reveal a new, impossible view. This stretch of highway between Lake Louise and Jasper is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and honestly, I get it now. It’s not just the mountains, it’s the way they surround you, pull you in, and make you feel small in the best possible way.
I drove it as part of my six-day Alberta road trip, and it quickly became one of the highlights. Not because I rushed through it, but because I gave myself time to stop, to explore, to breathe.
In this post, I’m sharing the best stops along the Icefields Parkway, from quiet lakes and powerful waterfalls to the kind of viewpoints that make you question if this place is even real. If you’re planning to drive it yourself, here’s exactly what not to miss.
Don’t forget to check out all of my Alberta blog posts to make the most of your roadtrip!
Where the Icefields Parkway Starts and Ends
The Icefields Parkway is a scenic stretch of Highway 93 that runs between Lake Louise in Banff National Park and Jasper in Jasper National Park. It covers about 230 kilometers (143 miles) of pure mountain magic and it’s easily one of the most beautiful drives in all of Canada. You’ll pass countless glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and wide-open valleys, with towering peaks lining the road on both sides. And unlike many scenic drives that feel like they have “a few good stops,” this one feels like it never lets up.
Here are a few things to know before you hit the road:
- Driving Time: You could drive it in 3 hours without stopping but trust me, you won’t want to. Plan a full day to explore the best stops.
- Direction: It can be done either way, but most people drive south to north (from Lake Louise to Jasper), which is what I did.
- Park Pass: Since the route passes through both Banff and Jasper National Parks, you’ll need a valid Parks Canada pass. If you’re planning multiple park visits, the “Discovery Pass” is your best bet.
- Gas & Cell Service: There’s no gas between Lake Louise and Jasper except for a single station at Saskatchewan River Crossing. And no cell signal for most of the drive, download your maps before you go.
Best Stops on the Icefields Parkway
Bow Lake
If you’re starting your drive from Lake Louise or Banff, Bow Lake is likely to be your first stop, and what an introduction it is. The lake sits right off the highway, framed by dramatic peaks and usually known for its turquoise water and perfect reflections. It’s one of those stops that makes you pull over even if you hadn’t planned to.
For me, Bow Lake was actually the last stop on my Icefields Parkway drive. I visited in early May, and the lake was still mostly frozen and covered in snow. I didn’t get to see the iconic blue water, but honestly, that didn’t make it any less impressive. There was something about the snow-covered stillness, the soft crunch under my boots, and the silence of that late spring moment that made it just as memorable.
There’s a small parking area just off the highway and a path that leads down toward the water. If you’re visiting later in the season, it’s a great spot to walk along the shoreline or even stop for a picnic. But even early in the year, it’s a peaceful place to pause.
If this is your first stop, it sets the tone for the beauty that’s ahead. If it’s your last, like it was for me, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop one more time — just to soak in the quiet.
Peyto Lake Lookout
Peyto Lake is easily one of the most iconic views along the Icefields Parkway, you’ve probably seen photos of it without even realizing. The viewpoint is just a short, paved walk from the parking lot (less than 10 minutes but steep), and the new viewing platform makes it super accessible. Most people visit between June and September when the lake is its brightest blue, but I visited in early May, and let me tell you: it was a very different kind of beautiful.
The trail was still walkable (although icy), but the lake itself was completely frozen over, with snow covering most of the surrounding landscape. I didn’t get the classic view – no turquoise water, no contrast between land and lake – but I also didn’t have to share the platform with anyone. It was quiet, windswept, and honestly kind of surreal to see it in that state.
If you’re visiting early in the season, just know you may not catch the famous color, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth stopping. The view is still expansive, and the silence of shoulder season has its own kind of magic.
Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier
This stop was one of the most surreal parts of the entire Icefields Parkway, the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. The Athabasca Glacier sits right at the edge of the highway, part of the massive Columbia Icefield, and it’s one of the most accessible glaciers in North America.
There are a few different ways to experience it. You can pull over and take a short walk to the toe of the glacier on your own, or you can book the Columbia Icefield Adventure like I did : a guided experience that takes you out onto the ice in a giant Ice Explorer vehicle. Standing out there, with nothing but snow and stone around you, is something I won’t forget anytime soon.
If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend doing the full experience. The tour also includes the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored viewing platform suspended above the Sunwapta Valley (don’t worry, we’ll get to that in a second).
This stop is 100% worth including on your Icefields Parkway drive, even if you only have time to pull over and look up.
Read more // Don’t forget to read my full review of the Columbia Icefield Adventure !
Glacier Skywalk
Just a few minutes north of the Columbia Icefield Centre, the Glacier Skywalk offers a completely different kind of perspective. This glass-floored walkway extends out over the edge of the Sunwapta Valley, giving you sweeping views of cliffs, glaciers, and riverbeds far below.
Now, if you’re not a fan of heights, this one might push your limits, but I still think it’s worth considering. The architecture is impressive, the views are wide open, and the feeling of standing on glass with that kind of drop below you is something you don’t get every day.
Access to the Skywalk is included with the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour, and you’ll get dropped off there after your time on the glacier. If you’re short on time or skipping the full tour, you can still book the Skywalk on its own through Pursuit.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but I’m glad I didn’t skip it. Even with a bit of wind and early May chill in the air, the views were wild, and it felt like the perfect follow-up to being out on the glacier just minutes before.
Sunwapta Falls
By the time I reached Sunwapta Falls, the landscape had shifted. The snow was gone, the trees were greener, and everything felt a little more open. This spot is just off the highway, with the main viewpoint only a few steps from the parking lot — making it one of the easiest and most rewarding stops on the Icefields Parkway.
The falls themselves are dramatic: glacier-fed waters from the Athabasca River rushing into a deep canyon with incredible force. It’s loud, powerful, and the kind of place that makes you want to just stand and watch for a while.
While most people stick to the main bridge area, I’d recommend following the short trail down to the lower falls if you have time. It’s quieter, slightly more rugged, and gives you a different angle on the landscape.
I hadn’t expected to feel so drawn in by this stop, but the energy here – all that water, movement, and space – made it one of my favorites of the day.
Athabasca Falls
This was my very first stop on the Icefields Parkway, and honestly, I don’t think I could’ve asked for a more powerful way to kick off the day. Located just a short drive south of Jasper, Athabasca Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall along the Parkway, but it’s easily one of the most forceful. Fed by glacial meltwater from the Columbia Icefield, the falls crash through a narrow gorge with a sound that completely takes over the landscape. You can hear it before you even get out of the car.
There’s a well-maintained trail that loops around the canyon, with multiple viewpoints offering different perspectives of the falls and the rocky chasm they’ve carved out. When I visited in early May, everything was already thawed and the water was thundering. It was dramatic in the best way.
If you’re starting your Icefields Parkway adventure from Jasper like I did, this stop sets the tone: wild, bold, and unforgettable. And if you’re coming from Banff, this is where you’ll likely see the first visible impact of the wildfire that swept through Jasper in July 2024 : charred trees lining the hillsides, a stark reminder of how quickly landscapes can change.
I stayed longer than I planned, letting it all sink in before continuing down the road, and honestly, it was the perfect beginning.
Read more // Check out my full blog post on what to do in Jasper National Park in one day.
Extra Stops (If You Have Time)
If you’re starting early or planning to stretch this drive out over a full day (or two), there are plenty of other stunning places to pull over. These stops are easy to access and can be added depending on your timing and interests:
Herbert Lake
Just minutes after leaving Lake Louise, this small lake is a peaceful stop, especially at sunrise. On calm mornings, the reflection of the mountains in the still water is photo perfection.
Waterfowl Lakes
Another quick pull-off spot with epic views. You won’t need much time here, but the colors and backdrop are classic Rockies.
Mistaya Canyon
An easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot brings you to a twisting canyon carved out by glacial water. It’s lesser-known, so it tends to be quieter than Sunwapta or Athabasca.
Tangle Creek Falls
You don’t even need to park for this one, it’s right by the roadside, and in spring, the water cascades down in multiple levels. Just be careful pulling off here, as there’s limited space.
Big Bend Viewpoint
The road here curves in a massive arc with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. It’s a beautiful pull-off for photos and a great place to just stop and breathe.
Tips for Driving the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway isn’t just a scenic highway, it’s an experience. But like any road trip through the Rockies, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your day:
Fuel Up Early
There’s only one gas station between Jasper and Lake Louise — at Saskatchewan River Crossing — and prices there are steep. Top up your tank before you leave either end of the parkway.
Download Your Maps
There’s no cell service for most of the drive. Be sure to download offline Google Maps or use a GPS app that works without service.
Expect Changing Conditions
Even in late spring or summer, weather in the Rockies can change fast. Pack layers, I went from snow-covered trails to sunny viewpoints in the span of a few hours.
Start Early
This drive can technically be done in three hours without stopping, but that’s not the point. Plan for a full day to explore the best stops without rushing.
Bring Your Park Pass
The parkway crosses through both Banff and Jasper National Parks, so a Parks Canada pass is required. If you’re visiting multiple parks, the Discovery Pass offers the best value.
Bring Snacks or a Picnic
There are very few places to grab food along the parkway. Pack lunch, snacks, and plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking or joining a glacier tour.
Be Bear Aware
This is bear country, especially in spring and early summer. Keep a safe distance if you spot wildlife, and never leave food out at viewpoints or trailheads.
FAQs About Driving the Icefields Parkway
Do I need a special vehicle to drive the Icefields Parkway?
Nope! The road is fully paved and well-maintained. A regular car is totally fine, even in May, I had no issues. Just check road conditions in advance if you’re visiting early or late in the season.
Is the Icefields Parkway open year-round?
Yes, but it can close temporarily in the winter due to snow or avalanche risk. If you’re visiting between late October and April, check for closures on the Parks Canada website before heading out.
Can I do the Icefields Parkway as a day trip?
Yes, and that’s exactly what I did. I drove it as a full-day trip from Jasper to Lake Louise. If you have more time, staying overnight near the Columbia Icefield or at one of the wilderness lodges gives you the chance to go slower.
Are there bathrooms along the way?
There are basic restroom facilities at most major stops like Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield Centre, and Athabasca Falls. Don’t expect full-service rest areas, but you won’t be totally out of luck either.
Can I see wildlife on the Parkway?
Yes, and you probably will! I saw mountain goats, elk, and I know people often see black bears. Drive slowly, especially in the early morning or evening, and never feed wildlife.
Final Thoughts: A Drive I’ll Never Forget
Driving the Icefields Parkway had been on my bucket list for years, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how it actually felt to be there. I visited in early May, when snow still lingered on the trails, the lakes were just starting to thaw, and the peaks felt even more dramatic against the shifting skies.
I started from Jasper, with no real sense of how much the day would give me. By the time I reached Bow Lake, hours later, I had stopped more times than I could count, not just for the big highlights, but for quiet moments that caught me by surprise: a frozen lake, a powerful waterfall, the eerie silence around a glacier.
This drive isn’t just about the views (although they’re incredible). It’s about the pace it encourages, the space it creates for stillness, and the kind of awe that stays with you long after the trip is over.
So if you’re planning a trip to Alberta don’t skip this drive. Give it a full day. Pack snacks, charge your camera, and leave space in your itinerary to be amazed.
Because some roads really do live up to the hype.
Don’t forget to check out my other Alberta blog posts to make the most of your road trip in the Rockies!
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Some places you visit and forget about a week later. And then there are the ones that stay with you.
I had never heard of the Phantom Piper before I went to Kincardine. Someone mentioned it in passing – « there’s this thing with a piper and a lighthouse at sunset » – and I filed it away as something to maybe check out if I had time.
I had time. And I am so glad I did.
I’m not going to tell you too much because I think this is one of those experiences that deserves to be felt rather than described. What I will say is that I stood there on the shore of Lake Huron as the sun went down and the pipes started playing and something about the whole thing – the water, the light, the sound carrying across the harbour – just got me.
This summer marks a milestone anniversary of a tradition that has been happening in this small Ontario town since the 1990s. And if you ask me, that’s reason enough to finally make the trip.
This year the Phantom Piper will run every day of the week (except for Saturdays) from 1 July to 31 August.
Have you ever witnessed the Phantom Piper?
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#kincardine #phantompiper #exploreontario #ontariotravel #ontariobucketlist
If someone asked you to name an Ontario weekend getaway right now, Lanark County probably wouldn’t be the first thing that came to mind. Maybe not even the fifth. And honestly, that’s exactly why I want to talk about it.
It sits right between Ottawa and Kingston. About hour from either city. And somehow, most people drive right past it without ever stopping. I did too, for years.
Then I actually went. And I’ve been recommending it to everyone since.
Because what’s here is the kind of thing you don’t expect to find so close to home. A thermal spa tucked into the forest. A restaurant with one of the best patios in Ontario. A town that looks like it was designed for a Hallmark movie. Rivers and lakes that beg to be paddled. A treehouse on a peninsula with water on every side. And enough charm per square kilometre to make you feel like you’ve properly gotten away, even if you were home by Sunday night.
Lanark County is the weekend getaway that’s been right there the whole time. Swipe through for everything you need to plan it.
Have you been to Lanark County before? Is it going on your list this summer 👇
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When I walk into a space for the first time, I’m not really looking at the room. I’m looking at the light.
Where it comes in. How it moves through the curtains. What it does at 7am versus 4pm. That’s what tells me what kind of story I’m going to be able to tell.
Closs Crossing gave me a lot to work with.
The morning light through the treehouse windows. The deck faced east so the sunrise came in early and golden, through the trees, catching the string lights just right. By late afternoon the whole property turned amber. The hot tub at sunset, the hammock in the trees, the still water reflecting everything back, I was basically chasing light from one corner of this property to the other and I didn’t want to stop.
The interiors were just as beautiful. Every room had its own personality: the wallpaper, the vintage furniture, the carefully chosen details that tell you the people behind this place genuinely care about how it feels to be here. That kind of intentionality shows up in photos. You can’t fake it.
This is the kind of property that makes my job feel less like work.
If you own a cottage, a rental property or a stay and you’re looking for someone to capture it, this is what I do. Feel free to reach out. 🌿
Which shot is your favourite? 👇
A huge thank you to my friend @melina.e.l.i.a.s for helping me capture this one, some shots just need a second set of hands and she was the best person to have behind the lens. 🤍
Thank you to @closscrossing for hosting me.
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Ontario is big. Like, really big. And most of us end up visiting the same handful of cities on repeat, which honestly makes sense because they’re great.
But this province has so many towns and cities that fly completely under the radar and I have been on a mission to find them.
Some of these I stumbled across by accident. Some were recommended by people who clearly had very good taste. And a few of them genuinely surprised me in ways I didn’t expect.
Swipe through and tell me how many you’ve actually been to. I have a feeling most of you will surprise yourselves.
Drop a number below : how many have you visited? 👇
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Muskoka. Algonquin. Haliburton.
Three of Ontario’s most beautiful regions, and most people visit them separately, on different trips, in different summers. But do them together as one loop and something clicks. It just makes sense. And it is so good.
363 kilometres of waterfalls, lakes, hikes with, wildlife encounters you’ll be talking about for years. And some of the most beautiful stays in Ontario tucked right along the route.
Save this, summer fills up fast and this loop deserves a spot on your calendar.
Have you done this loop before? What was you favourite stop?
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