Icefields parkway canada

The Icefields Parkway links Jasper to Banff, winding 232 km through mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

About this subject

The Icefields Parkway, officially Highway 93 North, is one of the world's most spectacular drives. It cuts through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for a total of 232 kilometers of pure glacial scenery. The road was completed in 1940 after years of work during the Great Depression, and it has since become a must-see destination for travelers seeking wild Canadian nature.

The route is packed with iconic stops, such as the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies, which feeds glaciers like Athabasca and Dome. Visitors can walk on ancient ice using special vehicles or simply admire the views from lookouts. Other highlights include Peyto Lake, famous for its intense turquoise color and wolf-like shape, and Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, which roar impressively along the way.

Local wildlife is abundant: black and grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep are frequently spotted, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The ideal time to visit is from June to September, when the road is fully open and weather conditions are milder. In winter, sections of the parkway close due to avalanche risk, but it still offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and aurora borealis photography.

Fun fact: the Icefields Parkway is named after crossing the Columbia Icefield, which is the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies, covering about 325 km². The road is also part of the tourist route known as the "Canadian Rockies Circle Tour," which connects Calgary, Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway is 232 kilometers long, connecting Lake Louise (near Banff) to the town of Jasper.

Do I need to pay a toll to drive the Icefields Parkway?

There is no specific toll, but you need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter Banff and Jasper National Parks, valid for one year.

What animals can I see on the Icefields Parkway?

Common sightings include black and grizzly bears, moose, deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Always keep a safe distance.