The Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is a remote 232 kilometer-long stretch of highway linking Lake Louise and Jasper. Other than the small outpost at kilometer 79 called the Saskatchewan Crossing there’s no civilization (and no cell service) between the two towns. But it’s no doubt the most scenic drive in the country. It seems around every corner there’s another jaw-dropping view. There’s also quite a few spots along the way to stop and explore. Keep reading for a list of our favorites as we drove north from Lake Louise to Jasper.
Herbert Lake (kilometer 6)
A small tranquil lake nestled under massive snow-capped mountains, Herbert isn’t the most beautiful stop on this journey. But if you saw it on a regular day it would have you in awe. There’s a big parking lot just off the highway where you can take pictures. There’s also a 2 km trail around the lake if you want to stretch your legs.
Bow Lake (kilometer 37)
Bow Lake is a very popular stop, known for the mountains seemingly rising right out of its glacial-fed waters. There’s a large parking lot and outhouses. And there’s a little cafe beside the lake that sells delicious baked goods and drinks.
We also stopped in here on the way back for a hike. The weather was not as nice this time. We decided to take on Bow Glacier Falls. It’s a moderately difficult 9 km out-and-back with about 300 meters of elevation gain. It starts out around the north side of the lake before following the glacial stream all the way up to the falls. There’s not much of a trail as you get close to falls, and the terrain is loose and rocky. The falls were pretty nice but the weather prevented any nice views from the top. On a sunnier day this would be a much more enjoyable trek.
Peyto Lake (kilometer 44)
Peyto Lake definitely has the wildest color of any lake on this route. Even though it was rainy and the sun wasn’t reflecting off of it, the bright blue color still popped. It’s about a half kilometer walk from the parking lot to the observation deck. If you have time there’s a 2.5 km loop call the Peyto Lake Panorama View trail. Apparently it provides an even better view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Waterfowl Lake (kilometer 58)
Another picturesque lake right off the side of the highway. If you have time, stop for a quick picture.
Mistaya Canyon (kilometer 74)
Less than half a kilometer from the parking lot is a bridge crossing over Mistaya Canyon. Over thousands of years the rushing glacial flow from Peyto Lake has carved out the limestone and created some wild rock formations.
Saskatchewan River Crossing (kilometer 79)
Where the Saskatchewan River crosses under the highway there’s a pitstop called the Crossing. This is the last place to fill up your gas tank (or grab some food) until Jasper. There’s a gift shop and a payphone you can use here as there’s no cell service anywhere along the Icefields Parkway. There are also cabins for rent if you want to break up the drive and aren’t in the camping mood.
Rampart Creek Campground (kilometer 92)
We decided to break our trip up the parkway into two days. We booked site 32 at Rampart Creek Campground, not really knowing what to expect as there wasn’t much info online about it. This is a “bare bones” campground. There are no staff there, you can just drive to your reserved spot. There are a few outhouses and a cooking shelter. The only running water is a small faucet outside the cooking shelter. We’re used to backcountry camping though so we didn’t mind the lack of amenities. Plus, Site 32 is right next to the rushing Saskatchewan River with mountains surrounding you. An unbelievable spot to camp.
As far as car-camping goes this is the most remote we’ve felt. It probably helped that there were virtually no other campers there. If you’re looking for a backcountry feel without having to hike to a site, I’d highly recommend this spot. We followed a trail from our site upriver for some amazing mountain views.
As we arrived at our site another camper warned us that a large grizzly bear had been scavenging around the campground. Luckily we didn’t run into him until we were pulling out onto the highway. He sauntered out into the middle of the road, stared right at us for a few seconds, then wandered back into the woods. We’ve seen lots of black bears in our lives but it was the first time we’d seen a grizzly and he was a much larger and more intimidating. Not an animal to mess with, that’s for sure. Though we didn’t get a picture of him we did photograph many other animals that we saw along the drive.
Disclaimer: The parkway weaves through very remote wilderness so expect to see lots of wildlife on the road and beside it. Keep your eyes open so you can keep them safe.
Columbia Icefield (kilometer 131)
The namesake of the Icefields Parkway, the Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Rockies at 325 square kilometers. The ice is thought to have been in this spot for over 200,000 years. It’s gone through quite a few cycles of melting and growth though. The part that’s visible from the parkway, the Athabasca Glacier, has been receding for 125 years now. It’s very dangerous to explore the icefields on foot but there are tours offered on all-terrain vehicles if you want to get a closer look.
Sunwapta Falls (kilometer 178)
A couple kilometers off the highway is gorgeous Sunwapta Falls. There’s a 3 km out-and-back trail leading to Lower Sunwapta Falls. If you want to move your legs a bit and escape the crowds then head down to the lower falls, but the better views are right near the parking lot at the upper falls.
Goats and Glaciers Lookout (kilometer 194)
Also known as the Mount Kerkeslin Goat Lick, this spot is frequented by mountain goats and bighorn sheep because they love the natural salt deposits on the side of the Athabasca River. We didn’t see any goats here but the view is fantastic. Just a short walk from the parking lot.
Athabasca Falls (kilometer 200)
Our last stop before Jasper was Athabasca Falls. Just a short stroll away from the parking lot is one of the better known views in Jasper National Park and it did not disappoint.
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