Icefields Parkway
Photo: Florian Fuchs, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93 between Lake Louise and Jasper, is the primary north-south route through the Alberta Rockies in Canada, and one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world. The 232 km road runs through the heart of the Jasper and Banff National Parks from Jasper to Lake Louise and it's a marvellous way to see the mountains - and a "must-do".
UnderstandThe road is kept open year-round, but during the winter months it is extremely snowy and none of the tourist attractions along its length will be open or able to be visited.
PrepareThere are fuel stations in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. In summer, a fuel station operates at Saskatchewan River Crossing. It's advisable to fill up before entering the area as the prices are at a premium.
Fees and permitsAs you are travelling through two national parks, you will need to pay park fees and display the ticket, but once in the park there are no parking fees or entrance fees to sights (with the exception of the Brewster…
Get inThe Icefields Parkway is a fifty-minute drive west of Banff, 2½ hours west of Calgary along the Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and 3½ hours west of Edmonton along Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway).
Get aroundThe parkway runs for 230 km (143 miles) and is a three-hour drive. But you will want to spend as much time as you can to have time to take in the views.
Drive
Stay safeThis is bear county; stay in your vehicle if you come across one.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Icefields Parkway" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Florian Fuchs, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons