13 Best Icefields Parkway Stops: 1 day itinerary (2024)

Looking to drive Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper and explore the best stops along the way?

Icefields Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, connecting the towns of Lake Louise and Jasper in Alberta, Canada.

Every turn in the road on Icefields Parkway brings amazing, breathtaking scenery. As you drive along the Icefields Parkway, you will come across picturesque lakes, roaring waterfalls, jaw-dropping views, snow-covered mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife.

I recently did this scenic Icefields Parkway drive with my family, and we made sure to visit all the stops along the way.

Driving along the Icefields Parkway is an unforgettable experience. The road is well-maintained and offers easy access to several scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and natural attractions.

We did this drive in early June as part of our 7-day Banff and Jasper itinerary. There was a lot of snow on the mountains, and the white snow contrasted splendidly with the dark, jagged mountain peaks. 

Walking on the Athabasca glacier was the highlight of our trip and is one of the best activities to do in Banff in summer.

In this post, I will cover the best stops on Icefields Parkway that you should not miss in your itinerary, also ways to travel on Icefields Parkway, where to stay and tips.

13 Best Icefields Parkway Stops for one day itinerary

There are so many amazing things to do and see on Icefields Parkway that you should plan a full day for this scenic drive. This will give you enough time to make all the best stops along Icefields Parkway.

The stops in this Icefields Parkway itinerary are listed in the order of driving from Lake Louise to Jasper. You can also do the Icefields Parkway road trip in reverse order if you drive from Jasper to Lake Louise.

We did the Icefields Parkway drive both ways with overnight in Jasper. That way, we could visit the best stops on Icefields Parkway twice, as the views were so amazing.

Upon purchasing the Parks Canada pass at the Banff National Park entrance, you will receive a booklet containing a map of the Icefields Parkway. This map proved useful for us in locating the various stops along the parkway.

Conveniently, signs are positioned alongside the road to correspond to the order on the map. This makes it easy to know which stop is next.

While some of the stops on the itinerary of the Icefields Parkway can be quickly viewed from the parking lot, others require a short walk or hike to reach waterfalls and viewpoints.

Depending on the amount of time available, you can choose to complete all stops in a single day or reserve some for the return trip as we did.

1. Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 21 miles/34 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 122 miles/196 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Pull off roadside on Icefields Parkway
• Time needed: around 10 minutes
• Google Maps Location: Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint

This viewpoint is the first stop on your Icefields Parkway drive. You can pull out on the side of the road to view the Crowfoot Glacier. The Glacier is shaped like a crow’s foot, and hence it gets its unique name.

The Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint is around 21 miles/34 km from Lake Louise. You will need 5 to 10 minutes here to take pictures and admire your first glacier view on the Icefields Parkway.

2. Bow Lake Viewpoint

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 24 miles/39 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 121 miles/195 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Pull off roadside on Icefields Parkway
• Time needed: around 10-15 minutes
• Google Maps Location: Bow Lake Viewpoint

Bow Lake is a stunning glacial lake situated along the Icefields Parkway and is easily accessible from the highway, with a parking lot right alongside the lake.

When we visited in early June, Bow Lake was still frozen, which was an amazing experience for me as this was the first time I saw a frozen lake! In California, we don’t get to see frozen lakes ever.

The snow-covered mountains in the background made for a beautiful sight, enhancing the lake’s beauty.

During the summer months, the lake thaws, and the water transforms into a stunning turquoise hue, which contrasts beautifully with the surrounding mountains. You can take a short walk along the shoreline or enjoy a picnic on the banks of the lake.

If you are looking for more adventure, several hiking trails start from Bow Lake, including the Bow Glacier Falls Trail, which leads to a spectacular waterfall.

You will need around 10 to 15 minutes here to admire the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding scenery. More if you want to explore hiking at Bow Lake.

3. Peyto Lake Overlook

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 28 miles/45 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 117 miles/189 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Short hike from parking lot to the viewpoint
• Time needed: 45 minutes
• Google Maps Location: Peyto Lake Viewpoint Parking lot

Peyto Lake Overlook is one of the most stunning viewpoints on Icefields Parkway Drive, with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Peyto Lake, a glacier-fed lake known for its striking turquoise color.

Peyto Lake, from the panorama overlook, is the most photographed spot on Icefields Parkway. The Peyto Lake overlook is around 29 miles from Lake Louise.

To reach the viewpoint, you will need to hike a short trail from the parking lot. It’s a 10 to 15-minute hike on each side, so allow a total of 45 minutes for this stop. The trail is around 1.5 miles loop and is paved all the way to the panorama overlook.

Once you reach the overlook, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen. The overlook offers a bird’s eye view of Peyto Lake, which is surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests. There is a viewing platform here to enjoy the views.

This is one of the most popular highlights on Icefields Parkway drive and should be on everyone’s must-do list. Peyto Overlook can get very crowded during the peak summer tourist season.

4. Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 39 miles/62 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 106 miles/171 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Pull off roadside on Icefields Parkway
• Time needed: around 10 minutes, more if doing hike
• Google Maps Location: Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint

Around 30 minute-drive from Bow Lake, you will reach the Waterfowl Lakes viewpoint. Waterfowl Lakes is a set of two glacial lakes right along Icefields Parkway.

The Waterfowl Lakes campground is between the two lakes and is a very popular camping site during the summer months. The lakes can be viewed right from the parking lot, though there is a path alongside the lake.

The Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint offers stunning views of the Lower Waterfowl Lake and the surrounding mountains, including Mount Chephren, which towers over the lake’s western shore. It was drizzling and foggy the day we visited, but Waterfowl Lakes were breathtakingly beautiful. 

We were amazed to see that this lake was completely thawed and a beautiful green-blue color as opposed to Bow Lake, which was still frozen, and they were only 10 miles from each other! 

If you have more time, there is a short 1-mile hike from the Lower Waterfowl Lake to the Upper Waterfowl Lake via the campground which has nice views of the Mistaya River and the lakes. The hike can take about 30 minutes.

5. Mistaya Canyon

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 47 miles/75 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 98 miles/158 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Short hike from the trailhead
• Time needed: around 30 minutes
• Google Maps Location: Mistaya Canyon Trailhead

Mistaya Canyon is a stunning gorge carved out by the powerful and fast-flowing Mistaya River. The canyon offers a breathtaking view of the swirling turquoise waters that rush through the narrow gorge, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Mistaya Canyon Viewpoint is accessible by a short hike from the parking lot, which is very doable for all ages. The hike is a total of half a mile slightly downhill to reach the canyon viewpoint.

It is incredible to see the gushing waters of the Mistaya River cutting the rocks over the years and creating beautiful curved canyon walls. The Mistaya Canyon viewpoint is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.

6. Saskatchewan River Crossing

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 50 miles/80 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 95 miles/153 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Food, Gas, Restrooms, Stay if needed
• Time needed: As required
• Google Maps Location: Saskatchewan River Crossing

The Saskatchewan River Crossing is about midway on the Icefields Parkway drive between Lake Louise and Jasper. There is a café, store, gas station, restrooms, and lodging at this stop.

The café here is welcoming for a hot meal, and the store is a great place to buy some snacks for the road.

There is a gas station here, just in case you are running low and need to fill gas before you reach Jasper. It is recommended to fill gas in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper, as it can be comparatively expensive here.

The Crossing Resort is a seasonal hotel that provides basic accommodations for those who want to break their journey or explore some longer hikes on Icefields Parkway. It is closed during the winter months.

7. Weeping Wall Viewpoint

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 68 miles/109 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 78 miles/125 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Pull off roadside on Icefields Parkway
• Time needed: around 10 minutes
• Google Maps Location: Weeping Wall Viewpoint

We didn’t see any sign for the Weeping Wall Viewpoint on Icefields Parkway, but it’s hard to miss. A huge roadside mountain with many small waterfalls, which probably gives it the unique name of the Weeping Wall.

The Weeping Wall is a series of waterfalls that are fed by melting snow and glacier runoff. During the spring and early summer months, the waterfalls are at their most impressive.

You can see the Weeping Wall by just pulling off on the side of the road. The mountain is huge and panoramic, with numerous waterfalls, and is easily identifiable.

8. The Big Bend Viewpoint

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 72 miles/116 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 73 miles/118 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Pull off roadside on Icefields Parkway
• Time needed: around 10 minutes
• Google Maps Location: The Big Bend Viewpoint

The Big Bend Viewpoint has one of the most spectacular sights along the Icefields Parkway Drive and was my favorite view on this drive. We stopped here on the way back as well!

This viewpoint shows a panoramic view of the winding Icefields Parkway Drive, with towering mountains rising up on either side of the valley, their peaks covered in snow and ice.

This viewpoint parking lot is on the top of the curve of a windy road and can be easy to miss. Keep an eye out for a small parking lot when you climb the curve.

While driving in the direction from Banff to Jasper, this will be on your side of the road, and while coming back on the opposite side of the road. 

9. Icefields Glacier Discovery Center and Icefields Glacier tour

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 81 miles/130 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 65 miles/104 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Glacier tour, Food, Restrooms
• Time needed: Around 3 hours
• Google Maps Location: Icefields Glacier Discovery Center

The Columbia Icefields Glacier tour on the Athabasca Glacier is probably one of the most popular Icefields Parkway attractions and a must-do in any Icefields Parkway itinerary. Icefields Glacier Discovery Center is around 2 hours from Banff and 1 hour from Jasper. 

The adventure tour company, Columbia Icefields, offers Athabasca Glacier tours from mid-May until mid-October, with specific operating dates depending upon weather conditions.

The complete Glacier tour, which includes the Skywalk, takes approximately three hours to complete. Walking on the Athabasca Glacier, which is a 10,000-year-old ice sheet, is a highly recommended bucket list experience for anyone visiting the area.

➡ Check rates and availability for Columbia Icefield Glacier and Skywalk tour

Columbia Icefield Glacier tour experience

We took the Columbia Icefield Glacier and Skywalk combo tour, and it was one of the most memorable experiences in our Canadian Rockies trip! The feeling of walking on the Athabasca Glacier was extraordinary and unique!

The tour begins with a comfortable 10-minute bus ride through the stunning mountain scenery of the Canadian Rockies as you make your way toward the Columbia Icefield. If you have taken the combo tour, this same bus will later on, take you to the Skywalk.

After switching buses, we boarded the massive Ice Explorer vehicle, which had the largest tires I had ever seen. Our friendly driver provided us with plenty of interesting information about the Athabasca Glacier and the vehicle itself.

The ride down a very steep road was exhilarating, and we were amazed when the Ice Explorer vehicle began to drive directly on the glacier!

Once on the glacier, we had around 15-20 minutes to explore. The ice was quite slippery, but the breathtaking views made it well worth the effort. Walking on the glacier was a first-time experience for our family, and we were all thoroughly impressed.

The glacier was incredibly cold and windy, and we were glad we had brought jackets, winter caps, and gloves. This unforgettable experience was the highlight of our day and the most memorable part of our entire trip. 

➡ Check rates and availability for Columbia Icefield Glacier and Skywalk tour

10. Columbia Icefields Skywalk Experience

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 81 miles/130 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 65 miles/104 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Glacier and Skywalk tour, Food, Restrooms
• Time needed: Around 3 hours
• Google Maps Location: Icefields Glacier Discovery Center

The Columbia Icefields Skywalk is usually visited in a combo tour with the Columbia Icefields Glacier tour. There is no parking lot at the Skywalk, and you will have to go on a bus from the Icefields Glacier Discovery Center, which is part of the Skywalk tour.

After experiencing the glacier, you will have the opportunity to visit the Glacier Skywalk in the Glacier and Skywalk combo tour. This incredible feat of engineering is a glass-bottomed observation platform that juts out from the side of a cliff, offering an unparalleled view of the Sunwapta Valley below.

Walking out onto the Skywalk is a thrilling experience, and the views of the mountains and the landscape from the Skywalk are absolutely stunning.

You can take as much time as needed at the Skywalk, and once done, wait for the next bus that takes you back to the Icefield Discovery Center.

➡ Check rates and availability for Columbia Icefield Glacier and Skywalk tour

11. Sunwapta Falls

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 111 miles/179 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 35 miles/56 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Short walk from parking lot to viewpoint
• Time needed: around 10-15 minutes
• Google Maps Location: Sunwapta Falls parking lot

Sunwapta Falls is one of the most popular Icefield Parkway stops and is known for its beautiful scenery and magnificent waterfalls. The falls are created by the Sunwapta River, which flows through a narrow gorge and drops over a series of cascading waterfalls.

There are two main viewing areas for the falls: the upper and lower falls. The upper falls can be reached via a short walk from the parking lot. There is a viewing platform here to admire the upper Sunwapta Falls.

The lower falls can be accessed by taking a 1.3-mile hike down to the base of the falls, where you can feel the mist and hear the roar of the water up close.

Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge is a great place to break up your Icefields Parkway drive, spend some time amidst nature, and explore some hikes in the area. There is a restaurant onsite.

12. Athabasca Falls

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 126 miles/202 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 20 miles/32 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Short walk to see the falls
• Time needed: around 15-20 minutes
• Google Maps Location: Athabasca Falls parking lot

Athabasca Falls are known for their powerful flow and massive drop and are one of the most popular Icefield Parkway stops with a waterfall hike. The falls drop approximately 24 meters / 79 feet into the gorge below, and it is a sight to see!

Athabasca Falls are part of the Athabasca River and are situated within Jasper National Park. This stop is only 30 minutes south of Jasper.

One of the best things about Athabasca Falls is that it is easily accessible. A short walk from the parking lot brings you to a viewpoint where you can see the falls in all their glory.

There is a short and scenic hiking trail here that allows you to explore the surrounding landscape and get up different views of the falls from the viewpoints. Part of the trail goes between two canyon walls with stone steps. It’s really beautiful!

13. Valley of the Five Lakes

• Distance from Lake Louise: around 139 miles/223 km
• Distance from Jasper: around 7 miles/11 km
• Icefields Parkway Stop type: Hiking
• Time needed: Around 2 hours
• Google Maps Location: Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead

The Valley of the Five Lakes is a beautiful hike that passes five different lakes with waters in varying shades of turquoise and emerald.

The Valley of the Five Lakes Trail is a very popular hike in Jasper and is a great way to end your Icefields Parkway drive with a scenic hike and a refreshing swim. The fourth and fifth lakes are the most beautiful, and you will find people swimming in the lakes.

The hike is around 3 miles long with some elevation and is considered moderately challenging. The entire hike takes around 2 hours to complete.

The Valley of the Five Lakes is just a 10-minute drive from the town of Jasper. If you are staying overnight in Jasper, you can do this hike the next day morning as well.

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Spotting wildlife along Icefields Parkway

it’s not just the mountains and glaciers that make the Icefields Parkway Drive memorable; it’s also the chance to spot some incredible wildlife along the way.

As soon as we departed from Lake Louise and began driving on the Icefields Parkway, a black bear caught our attention on the side of the road! It was our first day, and we were thrilled to spot a bear safely from our car!

In one of the Icefield Parkway stop parking lots, we saw a family of bighorn sheep nearby! There were 4 of them! Later on, we also saw an elk and some mountain goats. I have heard about moose but did not see one.

It’s important to stay alert and watchful while driving along the Icefields Parkway to spot any wildlife. If you notice a vehicle parked on the roadside, it could be a good indication of some wildlife nearby.

It’s important to remember that these are wild animals, and it’s essential to observe them from a safe distance. Do not approach or feed them, and always respect their space.

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Ways to travel on Icefields Parkway

There are several ways you can explore the scenic Icefields Parkway drive between Lake Louise and Jasper – by rental car, by shared or private shuttle, and by a guided tour.

Drive yourself on Icefields Parkway

Driving on Icefields Parkway gives you the most flexibility as you can stop whenever your want and take your own time to explore the Icefields Parkway hikes and attractions. You will need a rental car or your own car to drive on Icefields Parkway.

➡I recommend checking rates and availability on Discover Cars as they check leading car rental brands and provide you with the best rates.

➡ Also, check out this Self-guided audio app for the Canadian Rockies that plays on your phone and provides information about upcoming stops as you drive.

We always use self-guided audio tours and discover so much more on our road trips that we would have otherwise missed.

Take a guided tour of Icefields Parkway

You can leave the driving to someone else and relax and enjoy the sights. This way, you do not need to worry about being able to find parking at the best stops on Icefields Parkway.

Also the tour guides are experts at ensuring you see all the must-see stops and are great at spotting wildlife as well.

Below are some of the best Icefields Parkway tours:

Use a shared or private Shuttle

Another alternative means of travel is to take a shared or private shuttle from Lake Louise to Jasper to vice versa. This gives you the least flexibility but is great if you are short on time and want to just travel between two stops.

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FAQs and Tips about Icefields Parkway

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Icefields Parkway Drive before your visit:

Where does the Icefields Parkway start and end?

The Icefields Parkway drive starts at the town of Lake Louise and ends at the town of Jasper.

How long is the Icefields Parkway drive?

The Icefields Parkway drive is around 150 miles long. The scenic Icefields Parkway drive is around 3 hours without any stops, but there are so many views and vistas along the way that cannot be missed.

It is recommended to plan a full day for your Icefields Parkway itinerary. If you start early in the day, you can make all the stops along Icefields Parkway on the same day, including the Columbia Icefields Glacier and Skywalk tour.

Do you need a pass to drive the Icefields Parkway?

Yes, the Icefields Parkway drive is within the Banff and Jasper National Parks area, and a valid Canada National Parks pass is required to drive on the Icefields Parkway.

You can purchase a day pass or an annual pass at the entry checkpoint into Banff or at Jasper.  You can also purchase it from the Parks Canada website, but they add shipping costs as they ship the actual physical pass to you. It’s easier to just buy it at the gate when you enter Banff National Park.

The Discovery annual pass is good for a year for up to seven people in a vehicle. We bought the Discovery annual pass as we were going to be there for seven days, and it turned out to be cheaper than the daily passes. 

Just remember to bring it back with you and not forget it in your rental car as we did! You can reuse it if you plan to visit any other national parks in Canada in the one-year timeframe.

Can you stop on Icefields Parkway?

You can pull up to the side of the road almost anywhere on the Icefields Parkway as long as it is safe to do so. Most scenic Icefields parkway stops have parking lots or pull-out areas on the side of the road, making it totally safe to stop.

There is such amazing scenery and occasional wildlife spotting that you will find yourself pulling over very often.

Is the Icefields Parkway open in Winter?

The Icefields Parkway road is open year-round, but in winter, there might be closures in some parts due to snowy or icy weather conditions. It is best to check on the Parks Canada website before driving on it in the winter months.

When is the best time to visit Icefields Parkway?

June to September is the best time to drive on Icefields Parkway, with the road conditions and weather being the most favorable.

Icefields Parkway, Candian Rockies, and Banff region are the most accessible in summer, and the lakes are a beautiful turquoise color.

May and October are still possible, but there are chances of rain, snowfall, and fog, which can reduce the visibility of the mountain peaks.

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Where to stay on Icefields Parkway

There are several accommodation options on Icefields Parkway if you would like to spend the night on Icefields Parkway to explore further or to take in the natural surroundings around you.

The options range from affordable camping and budget hostels to more expensive lodges and resorts. You are sure to find something for every budget.

Hotels along Icefields Parkway

The Lodge at the Bow Lake (formerly known as Num-Ti-Jah Lodge) is near the Bow Lake on Icefields Parkway. This lodge is at a great location right on Bow Lake, with amazing views. There is a cafe and gift shop as well.

The Crossing Resort is at the Saskatchewan River crossing, mid-way point on the Icefields Parkway. The Crossing Resort area has a restaurant, store, and gas station as well.

The Glacier View Lodge is at the Columbia Icefields discovery center and the best place to stay on Icefields Parkway. The views of the Athabasca Glacier are amazing. This lodge has two dining restaurants, and the Columbia Icefields building has a Starbucks as well.

Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge is at the Sunwapta Falls. The lodge has a restaurant and is only a 5-10 minute walk to the Sunwapta Falls. This lodge is close to Jasper National Park.

Hostels along Icefields Parkway

There are several hostels along Icefields Parkway to spend the night.

• Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel
• Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel
• Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel
• Athabasca Falls Wilderness Hostel

Icefields Parkway camping and RV

There are plenty of campgrounds on Icefields Parkway if you would like more time to explore the trails and lakes in the area. Many of these campgrounds can be reserved in advance, and some have first come, first served.

The complete list of all campgrounds, their check-in and check-out times, and the reservation system can be found on the Parks Canada website.

Parks Canada website link for Camping in Banff National Park

Parks Canada website link for Camping in Jasper National Park

Please make sure to check the campground status before you arrive, as some campgrounds can be closed in the summer for maintenance.

A lot of campgrounds have RV sites for RV camping.

Where to stay in Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the ultimate place to stay in Lake Louise, with jaw-dropping views of the most famous lake in the Canadian Rockies.

Lake Louise Inn is a mid-range hotel with several restaurants onsite.

Where to stay in Jasper National Park

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is located on a lake with beautiful surroundings and an onsite restaurant.

The Crimson is a great hotel option in the Jasper downtown area and within walking distance of restaurants and stores.

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Things to do near Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway scenic drive is between the majestic towns of Lake Louise and Jasper and near Banff. Besides taking in the sights and exploring all the incredible Icefields Parkway lakes and hikes, there are so many amazing things to do in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park.

Things to do in Lake Louise

Lake Louise and Lake Moraine are the most popular lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Besides the incredible views, these lakes have some incredible hikes and activities to explore.

Below are some of the top things to do in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake:

• Lake Louise Lakeshore trail offers amazing lakeside views
• Lake Agnes Teahouse hike is one of the most popular Lake Louise hikes
• Experience High tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
• Canoeing at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
• Rockpile hike at Moraine Lake for some stunning views.

Note: You can no longer drive to Moraine lake in your personal vehicle. You will have to either use the shuttle service from Lake Louise Park and Ride or use a commercial transport service like the Hop-on Hop-off Banff bus.

Things to do in Jasper National Park

Wondering, what to do in Jasper National Park after the Icefields Parkway drive? There are so many unique attractions in Jasper –

• Ride up the Jasper Skytram for amazing views from Whistler Mountain.
• Hike the Maligne Canyon and see the spectacular limestone canyon created by waterfalls.
• Take the Lake Maligne cruise and see Spirit Island.
• Soak and relax in the Miette Hot Springs.
• Hike the Valley of the five lakes.

Things to do in Banff

Banff has the most activities and excursions, and below are some of the most popular things to do in Banff:

• Johnston Canyon hike to lower and upper waterfalls.
• Ride the Banff Gondola and hike the Sulfur mountain trail.
• Take the 1 hour Lake Minnewanka cruise.
• Try Horseback riding along Bow River (beginner friendly)
• Experience white water rafting on the Kananaskis River near Banff, a family-friendly activity
• Soak in Banff hot springs.
• Try the several excellent Banff restaurants.
• Explore nearby Calgary City. There are several amazing reasons to visit Calgary like Calgary Tower, Calgary downtown, Calgary Zoo, Prince’s Island Park, and much more.

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Final Takeaways: Icefields Parkway – best stops, itinerary, FAQs and tips

Icefields Parkway Drive is correctly named one of the most scenic drives in the world and is known for its stunning scenery and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.

The mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, hikes, and wildlife make this drive so memorable! This drive is a must-do if you are in Alberta, Canada, and make sure to visit all the amazing stops along Icefields Parkway.

Summary of most popular stops between Lake Louise and Jasper on Icefields Parkway Drive:

1. Crowfoot glacier viewpoint
2. Bow Lake viewpoint
3. Peyto Lake panorama overlook
4. Waterfowl Lake viewpoint
5. Mistaya Canyon
6. Saskatchewan River Crossing
7. Weeping Wall
8. Big Bend Viewpoint
9. Columbia Icefields Glacier (not to miss the Glacier tour here!)
10. Columbia Icefields Skywalk
11. Sunwapta Falls
12. Athabasca Falls
13. Valley of the Five Lakes

Related Posts

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