Icefields Parkway: Ultimate Driving Guide

Driving the Icefields Parkway: The Ultimate Adventure Guide (With a Side of Fun)

There are road trips, and then there’s the Icefields Parkway. Picture this: you’re cruising through the Canadian Rockies, jaw on the floor, wondering if the scenery is even real. Spoiler alert—it is. The Icefields Parkway is 232 km (144 miles) of pure, unfiltered magic, connecting Jasper and Banff National Parks. If you’re not stopping every five minutes to snap a photo, you’re doing it wrong.

But with great beauty comes great responsibility—aka, making sure you don’t run out of gas in the middle of nowhere while gawking at glaciers. So buckle up! Here’s the ultimate guide to driving the Icefields Parkway, filled with the must-see stops, gas station wisdom, and a few pro tips for keeping your sanity while being surrounded by all that wilderness.

When planning your drive along the Icefields Parkway, allow at least a full day to truly savor the experience. While the route from Lake Louise to Jasper is only 232 kilometers (144 miles), its stunning scenery and countless points of interest make it more than just a drive—it’s an adventure. You’ll want to take your time to stop at breathtaking viewpoints, visit iconic spots like Peyto Lake, and explore the Athabasca Glacier. If you’re a fan of photography or hiking, adding an extra day or two allows for detours and longer stops, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. If you happen to b e traveling with a toddler, check out these road trip ideas to make your long day a little easier!

Can’t-Miss Stops: Pull Over, or Regret It Forever

Choosing the best spots along the Icefields Parkway comes down to your interests and how much time you have. If you’re drawn to lakes, make sure to visit Peyto Lake and Bow Lake for their surreal blue waters. For those fascinated by glaciers, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier offer up-close views, and you can even take a guided tour on the glacier itself. Waterfall enthusiasts will love Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls, while wildlife watchers should keep an eye out for bears, elk, and mountain goats throughout the route. Planning your stops around these highlights, and keeping flexibility for spontaneous pull-offs at lesser-known viewpoints, ensures you’ll make the most of your journey.

Hector Lake Just north of Lake Louise, this serene lake offers a quieter, short walk for those who want to take in some peaceful mountain views without the crowd. The calm waters reflect the surrounding peaks perfectly, so get ready for some prime reflection shots.
Bow Lake Bow Lake, with its electric blue waters, is your next must-see stop. It’s a great place for a quick stroll, and it’s easy to access from the road. Stop here for photos or just to bask in its beauty.
Peyto Lake One of the most iconic lakes on the Parkway, Peyto Lake is famous for its wolf-shaped shoreline and striking turquoise color. A short, paved trail leads to a viewpoint, and trust me, the view will knock your hiking socks off.
Waterfowl Lakes Next up are Waterfowl Lakes—Lower and Upper. These tranquil lakes are often overlooked but provide a perfect rest stop. Snap a photo of the calm waters reflecting the surrounding mountains, and enjoy the quieter vibe.
Mistaya Canyon Take a short walk to see the swirling waters of Mistaya River as it carves through the rock. Mistaya Canyon is less crowded but just as stunning as its more popular counterparts. It’s one of those peaceful stops where you can take a breather from the tourist bustle.
Saskatchewan River Crossing (Gas Stop) This isn’t just a scenic stop—it’s a crucial one for fueling up (both your car and yourself). Make sure to stop here for gas, snacks, and a bathroom break. It’s your last chance to fill up before continuing north.
Weeping Wall As you head further into the wilderness, keep an eye out for the Weeping Wall, a massive cliff where water cascades down like tears. In the spring and early summer, the waterfalls are especially impressive.
Big Bend The Big Bend is a famous hairpin curve with sweeping views of the surrounding valley and mountains. This is a must-stop for soaking in some elevation and panoramic views of the Parkway and mountains.
Parker Ridge Trailhead For those looking to stretch their legs with a hike, Parker Ridge offers one of the best trails on the Parkway. It’s steep, but the views of the Saskatchewan Glacier make it more than worth it. If you’re planning to hike, make you check out this packing list!
Athabasca Glacier & Columbia Icefield The Columbia Icefield is one of the most impressive stops on the Parkway. Pull over for a chance to walk on the Athabasca Glacier or simply marvel at its size and history. You can also take the Glacier Skywalk if you’re into heights and glass floors (but maybe skip it if you’re not).
Wilcox Pass Next to the Columbia Icefield, this hike offers panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding peaks. It’s a great alternative to the busier Columbia Icefield stop, and you may even spot bighorn sheep along the way.
Tangle Creek Falls Right by the roadside, Tangle Creek Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that’s impossible to miss (unless you blink, but don’t). It’s an easy pull-off for a quick photo op or to stretch your legs.
Sunwapta Falls As you continue north, Sunwapta Falls offers a dramatic two-tiered waterfall that’s just a short walk from the parking area. The powerful waters crashing down will remind you just how small you are in the grand scheme of nature.
Goat Lick Keep an eye out for signs of mountain goats licking the mineral-rich rocks at this quirky roadside stop. It’s a fun place to pull over, especially if you haven’t spotted any wildlife yet!
Athabasca Falls Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls on the Parkway. The short, accessible trails lead you to several viewing platforms where you can admire the roaring waters as they carve through the canyon.
Glacier Lake Trailhead For those who want to venture off the road for a bit, the Glacier Lake Trailhead provides access to one of Banff’s largest lakes. It’s a longer hike, but the lake views are pristine and worth the trek if you’ve got time.
Jasper (End of the Parkway)Once you’ve hit Jasper, you’ve completed one of the most scenic drives in the world. Celebrate with a meal, refuel your car, and reflect on all the epic beauty you just witnessed.

Where to Stop for Gas: Trust Me, It’s Important

Here’s the thing—there are only two places to get gas along the Icefields Parkway. Yep, two. So don’t get caught up in the scenic overload and forget that your car needs fuel too.

Jasper – Fill ‘er up before you even start. Jasper has plenty of gas stations, so top off your tank before hitting the Parkway.
Saskatchewan River Crossing – This is your only mid-way point for gas. It’s a little pricey (because, you know, you’re in the middle of a national park), but better to spend a few extra bucks than to test your luck running on fumes. It’s also a great place to grab a snack and stretch your legs. The Saskatchewan Resort offers dining, rooms, gas, and a diner!
Lake Louise – If you’ve made it this far and still need gas, give yourself a high five. There are gas stations in Lake Louise to refuel your car (and yourself).

Wildlife Sightings: Where to Find the Stars of the Icefields Parkway

Driving the Icefields Parkway isn’t just about jaw-dropping views—it’s also one of the best places for spotting wildlife. From bears to bighorn sheep, this road offers the ultimate chance to see some of Canada’s most iconic animals. If you’re lucky (and paying attention), you might just cross paths with some furry or feathered locals. We were lucky enough to see a bear, elk, and plenty of big horn sheep!

Here’s a breakdown of where you’re most likely to see wildlife along the Parkway:

Bears: Berry Buffets & Forest Hangouts
- Best Spots: Between Lake Louise and Bow Lake or around the Columbia Icefield.
- When: Summer and early fall.
- Both black bears and grizzlies roam freely along the Icefields Parkway, often foraging for berries in the lower valleys. You’re most likely to spot them near forested areas or grassy meadows, especially in the stretches between Lake Louise and Bow Lake. Another hotspot is the area around the Columbia Icefield, where bears are sometimes spotted grazing near the road. Keep your camera handy but don’t get too close—bears are great from a safe, zoomed-in distance.
Elk: Rulers of Jasper
- Best Spots: Near Jasper, especially in the meadows around the town.
- When: Late summer to fall (rutting season) and winter.
- Elk love hanging out around Jasper National Park, particularly near the town itself. You can often find these majestic creatures grazing by the roadside or chilling in open meadows. During the fall rutting season, bull elk strut around with their enormous antlers, showing off for the ladies and, occasionally, blocking traffic like they own the place (spoiler: they do).
Mountain Goats: Cliffside Daredevils
- Best Spots: The Goat Lick near Mount Kerkeslin.
- When: Spring through fall.
- If you want to see mountain goats doing what they do best—scaling cliffs like it’s no big deal—head to the aptly named Goat Lick, just past Sunwapta Falls. This spot is a favorite of the local goats, who lick the mineral-rich rocks. You might have to be patient, but when they show up, they’re worth the wait. Their balancing skills on steep cliffs will leave you wondering if gravity even applies to them.
Bighorn Sheep: Roadside Royals
- Best Spots: Around Wilcox Pass and Sunwapta Falls.
- When: Year-round, but especially spring and summer.
- Bighorn sheep are regular visitors along the Parkway, particularly near Wilcox Pass and Sunwapta Falls. These bold sheep aren’t shy about walking right into the road or posing on rocky outcrops. Watch for them around hairpin turns or cliff edges—just make sure you slow down, as they tend to meander across the road whenever they feel like it.
Moose: The Elusive Giants
- Best Spots: Near Waterfowl Lakes or marshy areas around the Columbia Icefield.
- When: Early morning or late evening.
- Moose are harder to spot, but if you’re in the right place at the right time, you might catch one wading through a marsh or grazing in a clearing. The best areas to see them are near Waterfowl Lakes and the wetlands around the Columbia Icefield. They tend to come out around dawn or dusk, so set your alarm if you’re determined to spot one of these towering creatures.
Coyotes, Foxes, and Wolves: Stealthy Predators
- Best Spots: Open areas along the Parkway, particularly near Bow Summit or around the Columbia Icefield.
- When: Early morning or late evening.
- While wolves, foxes, and coyotes are much harder to see, they do roam the Parkway. Foxes and coyotes are more likely to be seen darting across the road in the quieter, open areas near Bow Summit or the Columbia Icefield. Wolves are a rare treat, but they sometimes make appearances in the quieter northern sections of the Parkway. Keep your eyes peeled early in the morning or at dusk.
Birdwatching Bonus: Bald Eagles and Ospreys
- Best Spots: Along rivers and lakes like Bow Lake and Sunwapta River.
- When: Year-round.
If you’re a bird enthusiast, keep an eye on the skies and rivers! Bald eagles and ospreys can often be seen soaring above lakes like Bow Lake or along rivers such as the Sunwapta River. Their nests are typically perched high in trees or on cliffs, so scanning the horizon might reward you with a majestic sighting.

Driving Tips: Because Surviving the Parkway Is an Art

Plan for Slow Travel
This isn’t a drive you speed through. Between the photo ops and wildlife crossings, you’ll be stopping—a lot. And when you’re not stopping, you’re probably driving 40 km/h behind someone who’s also too mesmerized to go any faster. Leave plenty of time to really soak it in.
Check the Weather
Icefields Parkway is stunning year-round, but it’s also notorious for quickly changing weather. It can snow in the middle of summer, and in winter, well… let’s just say the “ice” in the name isn’t there for show. Always check road conditions before heading out.
Bring Snacks
Gas stations are few, and food options even fewer. Pack plenty of snacks and water, unless you want to try surviving on overpriced granola bars from the Saskatchewan River Crossing. If you’re hiking, make sure you pack even more than you think! You can take a look at my favorite trail snacks here.
Wildlife Encounters
Don’t be surprised if you run into a bear. Not literally, I hope, but these roads are prime for spotting wildlife like bears, elk, and mountain goats. Just remember—admire from afar. Bears don’t care if you want that selfie.
Get an Early Start
The earlier you get on the road, the better. Fewer crowds, softer lighting, and you might just have some of these iconic stops all to yourself. Plus, sunrise over the mountains is worth dragging yourself out of bed for.
Download Maps
The signal is spotty at best. Unless you’re into living on the edge and relying on your instincts, download an offline map. It’ll save you the panic of wondering if you’ve missed a turn. We chose to download Google maps for the entire area (Golden, Jasper, Banff and Icefields Parkway)
Be Ready for No Restrooms
Yep, between the main stops, restrooms are a rare sight. Be prepared to wait or, well, get really comfortable with nature.

Final Thoughts

Driving the Icefields Parkway is like stepping into a National Geographic documentary—mountains towering over you, lakes so blue they make your heart skip, and the feeling that you’ve somehow become part of something bigger. Whether you’re stopping every 10 minutes for photos or just soaking in the views, this drive is pure adventure.

And remember, it’s not a race. The Icefields Parkway demands to be savored—one glacier, waterfall, and bear sighting at a time.