Icefields parkway canada

The Icefields Parkway is a 232 km highway in the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper and Lake Louise with stunning glacier and lake scenery.

About this subject

The Icefields Parkway, officially Highway 93 North, stretches 232 kilometers between Lake Louise, Alberta, and the town of Jasper. Opened in 1940, the highway traverses the heart of Banff and Jasper National Parks, providing access to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. The route is famous for panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and waterfalls.

The centerpiece of the Parkway is the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in North America at 325 km². It feeds eight major glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier, the most visited glacier in Canada. Visitors can walk on the glacier using special vehicles, a unique experience. Additionally, the highway passes turquoise lakes such as Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, formed by glacial melt.

The local wildlife is rich and diverse. It is common to spot grizzly and black bears, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Best viewing times are at dawn and dusk. The Parkway is also a destination for cyclists, hikers, and photographers, especially during fall when leaf colors contrast with the ice.

Historically, the construction of the Icefields Parkway was an engineering challenge, completed in 1940 as a job-creation project during the Great Depression. Since 2010, it has been considered one of the most scenic drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. The entire route, without stops, takes about 3 hours, but most travelers dedicate a full day to enjoy the attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway is 232 kilometers long, connecting Lake Louise to Jasper in Alberta, Canada.

What wildlife can be seen along the Icefields Parkway?

You can see grizzly and black bears, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even wolves.

When was the Icefields Parkway built?

Construction was completed in 1940 during the Great Depression as a job-creation project.