Trails on the Icefields Parkway
Banff National Park
Hiking along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world, offers breathtaking trails through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Stretching between Jasper and Banff National Parks, this 230-kilometer route is lined with towering peaks, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dense forests. Whether you're looking for an easy walk to a stunning viewpoint or a challenging backcountry adventure, there’s a trail for every level of hiker. Popular hikes include Helen Lake, Parker Ridge, and Bow Glacier Falls, each offering incredible vistas and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Rockies.
Use the trail descriptions to choose a hike suitable for everyone in your party. For help with trip planning, visit a Parks Canada Visitor Centre or purchase a hiking guide book and topographical map. Cellular service is not available.
Important information:
Hikes on the Icefields Parkway:
| Trail | Distance (one-way) | Estimated time (return) | Elevation gain* | Elevation loss* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Peyto Lake Viewpoint |
0.6 km | 30 minutes | 30 m | 10 m |
| Bow Summit Viewpoint |
3 km | 2.5 hours | 310 m | 95 m |
| Mistaya Canyon |
0.5 km | 30 minutes | 10 m | 30 m |
 Bow Glacier Falls |
4.4 km | 3 hours | 190 m | 20 m |
| Helen Lake |
5.9 km | 4 to 5 hours | 530 m | 90 m |
| Cirque Lake |
4.6 km | 3 hours | 210 m | 100 m |
| Chephren Lake |
4.1 km | 3 hours | 140 m | 75 m |
| Nigel Pass |
7.3 km | 5 hours | 395 m | 60 m |
| Parker Ridge |
2.7 km | 2.5 hours | 305 m | 45 m |
 Molar Pass |
9.8 km | 7 to 8 hours | 560 m | 35 m |
| North Molar Pass |
11.5 km | 8 to 9 hours | 795 m | 30 m |
| Dolomite Pass |
8.9 km | 6 to 7 hours | 655 m | 215 m |
| Peyto Lake |
1.3 km | 2 hours | 30 m | 240 m |
| Glacier Lake |
8.8 km | 6 to 7 hours | 260 m | 275 m |
| Sunset Lookout |
4.5 km | 3 to 4 hours | 615 m | 90 m |
| Sunset Pass |
8.1 km | 6 to 7 hours | 715 m | 40 m |
*Note: On most hiking trails you will gain and lose elevation before you reach your destination. Elevation gain represents all the up and elevation loss represents all the down you will experience on a one-way hike.
Easy Trails
Peyto Lake Viewpoint
Description: Take a short stroll up to the viewing platform to admire the turquoise lake from high up. A barrier-free trail (0.3 km) is available from the upper parking lot. From the lookout, continue on the self-guided nature trail (0.6 km loop) to explore the local forest.
Distance (one way): 0.6 km
Estimated time (return): 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 30 m | Elevation loss: 10 m
Trailhead: Peyto Lake parking lot, 40 km north of the Lake Louise junction on Hwy 93N.
Bow Summit Viewpoint
Description: From the highest point on the Icefields Parkway (2070 m), hike beyond the Peyto Lake Lookout, then follow an old fire road to the viewpoint. Watch for pikas, marmots and ptarmigan.
Distance (one way): 3 km
Estimated time (return): 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 310 m | Elevation loss: 95 m
Trailhead: Peyto Lake parking lot, 40 km north of the Lake Louise junction on Hwy 93N.
Mistaya Canyon
Description: A brief descent leads to a footbridge traversing the zig-zag curves of Mistaya Canyon and a powerful river below. For your safety, do not walk out on the rocks along the edge of the canyon.
Distance (one way): 0.5 km
Estimated time (return): 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 10 m | Elevation loss: 30 m
Trailhead: Mistaya Canyon parking lot, 72 km north of the Lake Louise junction on Hwy 93N.
Moderate trails
Bow Glacier Falls
Description: Amid the spray and roar at the base of Bow Glacier Falls, you can view the source of the Bow River. Meltwater tumbling down from the Wapta Icefield is the beginning of western Canada’s largest watershed.
Distance (one way): 4.4 km
Estimated time (return): 3 hours
Elevation gain: 190 m | Elevation loss: 20 m
Trailhead: Bow Lake parking lot, 36 km north of the Lake Louise junction, 400 m down the Lodge at Bow Lake access road.
Helen Lake
Description: Tucked well into the Main Ranges of the Canadian Rockies is a breathtaking lake in a valley abounding with alpine wildlife and grand vistas.
Distance (one way): 5.9 km
Estimated time (return): 4 to 5 hours
Elevation gain: 530 m | Elevation loss: 90 m
Trailhead: Small parking area 33 km north of the Lake Louise junction, across from the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint.
Cirque Lake
Description: This path is thickly forested but offers mountain and glacier views at the shore of the lake. Note that the trail is often muddy.
Distance (one way): 4.6 km
Estimated time (return): 3 hours
Elevation gain: 210 m | Elevation loss: 100 m
Trailhead: Hiker parking lot by Waterfowl Campground, 57.5 km north of the Lake Louise junction.
Chephren Lake
Description: Chephren Lake lies underneath the brooding walls of Howse Peak and Mount Chephren. Note that the trail is often muddy.
Distance (one way): 4.1 km
Estimated time (return): 3 hours
Elevation gain: 140 m | Elevation loss: 75 m
Trailhead: Hiker parking lot by Waterfowl Campground, 57.5 km north of the Lake Louise junction.
Nigel Pass
Description: A consistent and gentle grade ensures that it doesn’t take long to reach treeline as you head towards the wide-open scenery of the boundary between Banff and Jasper national parks.
Distance (one way): 7.3 km
Estimated time (return): 5 hours
Elevation gain: 395 m | Elevation loss: 60 m
Trailhead: Parking lot 37 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing, or 13 km south of the Icefield Centre, on Hwy 93N.
Parker Ridge
Description: After a series of switchbacks you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier – headwaters of the Saskatchewan River.
Distance (one way): 2.7 km
Estimated time (return): 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 305 m | Elevation loss: 45 m
Trailhead: Parker Ridge parking lot, 40 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing or 9 km south of the Icefield Centre on Hwy 93N.
Difficult trails
Molar Pass
Description: Travel into Banff National Park’s wilderness as you rise well above treeline to an expansive alpine meadow.
Distance (one way): 9.8 km
Estimated time (return): 7 to 8 hours
Elevation gain: 560 m | Elevation loss: 35 m
Trailhead: Small parking area just south of the turnoff to Mosquito Creek Campground, 24 km north of the Lake Louise junction on Hwy 93N.
North Molar Pass
Description: At the Molar Pass trail junction, you have the option of travelling to the alpine meadows of Molar Pass or heading left to this higher pass, a rugged and stark landscape of rocky meadows.
Distance (one way): 11.5 km
Estimated time (return): 8 to 9 hours
Elevation gain: 795 m | Elevation loss: 30 m
Trailhead: Small parking area just south of the turnoff to Mosquito Creek Campground, 24 km north of the Lake Louise junction on Hwy 93N.
Dolomite Pass
Description: Extend your hike beyond Helen Lake and get a geology lesson at the same time: Dolomite Pass offers great views of Dolomite Peak, a picture perfect layer-cake mountain, as well as the wine-coloured folds below the summit of Cirque Peak.
Distance (one way): 8.9 km
Estimated time (return): 6 to 7 hours
Elevation gain: 655 m | Elevation loss: 215 m
Trailhead: Small parking area 33 km north of the Lake Louise junction, across from the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint.
Peyto Lake
Description: Begin your hike at the Peyto Lookout. Steep and rough trail for experienced hikers only! Reach the shores of one of the most stunning lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Distance (one way): 1.3 km
Estimated time (return): 2 hours
Elevation gain: 30 m | Elevation loss: 240 m
Trailhead: Peyto Lake parking lot, 40 km north of the Lake Louise junction on Hwy 93N.
Glacier Lake
Description: Snow-free early in the season, this rolling wooded trail takes you to a picturesque lake set below the peaks seen by early European explorers.
Distance (one way): 8.8 km
Estimated time (return): 6 to 7 hours
Elevation gain: 260 m | Elevation loss: 275 m
Trailhead: Glacier Lake parking lot, 1 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing on Hwy 93N.
Sunset Lookout
Description: There is no question that old fire tower locations offer up great views. A 1.6 km branch off the Sunset Pass Trail allows you to enjoy an almost vertical view down to the meeting of the Alexandra and North Saskatchewan rivers.
Distance (one way): 4.5 km
Estimated time (return): 3 to 4 hours
Elevation gain: 615 m | Elevation loss: 90 m
Trailhead: Sunset Pass parking lot, 16.5 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing on Hwy 93N.
Sunset Pass
Description: Climb steadily through a thick forest to reach an expansive meadow atop Sunset Pass. Look west for a panorama of the largest peaks in the parks, or east into the remote White Goat Wilderness Area.
Distance (one way): 8.1 km
Estimated time (return): 6 to 7 hours
Elevation gain: 715 m | Elevation loss: 40 m
Trailhead: Sunset Pass parking lot, 16.5 km north of Saskatchewan Crossing on Hwy 93N.