Travelling the Icefields Parkway

Community of Lake Louise  

The small community of Lake Louise welcomes visitors from around the world with visitor information services, restaurants and shops. It is an ideal base for exploring the iconic trails, turquoise lakes and breathtaking scenery of the area.

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Junction: Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) and Icefields Parkway (93N)

From the Trans-Canada Highway (westbound), take the Icefields Parkway exit to continue your journey north towards Jasper.

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Niblock Park Gate

Stop at this drive-through gate to purchase a national park pass and obtain up-to-date park information. 

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Herbert Lake day-use area (summer only) 

A photographer’s favourite, the still waters of Herbert Lake provide a perfect panoramic reflection of the stunning Main Range peaks, including Mount Temple. The picnic area provides an ideal place to take in the view.

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Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Mosquito Creek Hostel

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Mosquito Creek Campground (summer only)

This is a good option for campers wanting a more authentic camping experience. Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or for motorhomes or trailers up to 10 m (35 ft.).

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Camping in Banff National Park
Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Molar Pass and North Molar Pass trailhead (summer only) 

Travel above treeline to the expansive alpine meadows of Molar Pass, or head higher to North Molar Pass, a rugged and stark landscape of rocky meadows.

Trails on the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park
Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint

Stop at this large pullout to see one of the first glaciers on your way to Jasper. A century ago, the Crowfoot Glacier looked like a three-toed crow’s foot. Today, one toe is gone, but this viewpoint still provides wonderful mountain views.

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Helen Lake and Dolomite Pass trailhead (summer only) 

Helen Lake is tucked well into the main ranges of the Canadian Rockies in a valley that abounds with alpine wildlife, wildflowers and grand vistas. From the lake, the trail continues to Dolomite Pass.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park
Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Bow Lake Viewpoint and Day-use Area (summer only) 

Only 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, you will encounter some of the most iconic roadside views on the entire Icefields Parkway. Stop for a quick photo or stay for a snack at this breathtaking lakeside picnic spot.

Tip: This location is 1.3 km south of the main Bow Lake access road. Make sure you don’t miss the small “picnic area” sign on the highway. From the viewpoint, keep left to find the gravel road that leads down to the day-use area.

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Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Bow Lake

The Lodge at Bow Lake (May to October)

Bow Lake     

Access the main Bow Lake parking area on the north shore of the lake by turning off Hwy 93N towards The Lodge at Bow Lake. Both the parking area by the highway and the lot close to the lodge get extremely busy in the summer months - come early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. The lakeshore is accessible year-round via a short gravel trail.

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Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Bow Glacier Falls

At the base of Bow Glacier Falls, amid the spray and roar, you can witness the birth of a river. The Bow River, part of Western Canada’s largest watershed, begins as meltwater tumbling down from the Wapta Icefield.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park

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Peyto Lake / Bow Summit

Peyto Lake Viewpoint  

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 at the upper parking lot (to accessible vehicles and buses only).

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Bow Summit Viewpoint  

From the highest point on the Icefields Parkway (2070 m), hike beyond the Peyto Lake Viewpoint, then follow an old fire road to the Bow Summit Viewpoint. Watch for pikas, marmots and ptarmigan.

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Peyto Lake Trail 

This is a steep and rough trail for experienced hikers only! Your reward will be reaching the shores of one of the most stunning lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park

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Silverhorn Creek Campground (summer only)

This is a smaller, RV-friendly campground offering a rustic camping experience and expansive views. Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or for motorhomes or trailers up to 20 m (70 ft.).

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Camping in Banff National Park

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Waterfowl Lakes

Waterfowl Lakes Campground (summer only)

This is a larger wooded campground with easy access to moderate hiking trails, a short drive from the Bow Lake and Peyto Lake viewpoints. Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or for motorhomes or trailers up to 9 m (31 ft.).

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Camping in Banff National Park
Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Cirque and Chephren Lakes trailhead (summer only)     

These trails are thickly forested but offer mountain and glacier views at the lakeshores. A trail fork leads to either Cirque or Chephren lake. Both trails are often muddy.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park

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Mistaya Canyon Trail (summer only)  

Take a short downhill walk and peer into Mistaya Canyon from the bridge. Witness the power of water sculpting the limestone gorge. Stay off the rocks for your safety.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park

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Saskatchewan River Crossing

This is a confluence along the Icefields Parkway where the North Saskatchewan, Mistaya and Howse rivers meet. The area offers visitor services in summer only, and access to nearby hiking trails and viewpoints, making it an ideal stop to stretch your legs.

Howse Pass Viewpoint

This stop offers sweeping views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley and the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic while learning about the historic route once used by Indigenous Peoples and early European explorers crossing the Rockies.

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Junction: David Thompson Highway (Hwy 11)

This junction provides access to: Banff National Park gate, Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, the city of Red Deer, provincial parks and campgrounds.

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The Crossing Resort (summer only)

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Glacier Lake Trail (summer only) 

Snow-free early in the season, this rolling, wooded trail takes you to a picturesque lake set below the very same peaks seen by early European explorers.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park
Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Rampart Creek Campground (summer only)

Here you will find a secluded and rustic camping experience. The campground backs onto the North Saskatchewan River with impressive views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Campsites are unserviced and best suited for tents, or for motorhomes or trailers up to 10 m (35 ft.).

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Camping in Banff National Park
Water activity rules and regulations in Banff National Park

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Rampart Creek Hostel (year-round)

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Sunset Pass and Sunset Lookout trailhead (summer only) 

Climb steadily through a thick forest to reach an expansive meadow atop Sunset Pass. Sunset Lookout is a side trip off the Sunset Pass Trail.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park

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Coleman Creek day-use area (summer only) 

Relax and enjoy the soothing sound of the river at this ideal place for a peaceful picnic. Look for mountain goats on the nearby cliffs.

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Weeping Wall Viewpoint

Take in a towering 300 m cliff where dozens of snowmelt streams cascade down in spring and early summer, creating a dramatic “weeping” effect. This roadside stop offers seasonal waterfalls, winter ice formations, a short walk to the river and stunning mountain views.

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The Big Bend 

This dramatic hairpin turn on the Icefields Parkway is impossible to miss. From designated roadside pullouts, take in sweeping views of towering peaks, deep valleys and the winding Parkway below. The Big Bend is a must-stop for photography and sightseeing along your journey.

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Bridal Veil Falls Viewpoint

This is a dramatic 370 m cascade on Cirrus Mountain. Stop at the large, unmarked pullout at the top of the Big Bend switchback. The viewpoint is a short walk from the parking area.

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Nigel Pass Trail (summer only) 

After a short walk along the old Icefields Parkway route, the trail crosses Nigel Creek and winds through subalpine forest and avalanche tracks before opening into meadows with views of surrounding peaks. Nigel Pass offers a stunning view into the Brazeau River backcountry.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park

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Parker Ridge Trail

This popular trail switchbacks up a moderate grade to the top of a tundra-clad ridge above the treeline. Keep going over the top and slightly down the other side for a remarkable eagle's-eye view of the Saskatchewan Glacier.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park

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Hilda Creek Hostel

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Sunwapta Pass Viewpoint

At 2035 m, this high mountain pass marks the boundary between Banff and Jasper national parks and the continental watershed divide. Stop at the cairn at this pullout to enjoy sweeping alpine views framed by rugged Rocky Mountain peaks.

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Wilcox Campground (summer only)

This is a rustic, first-come, first-served campground with basic amenities and cool subalpine nights. Its proximity to the Wilcox Pass Trail makes it a favourite base camp for hikers.

Camping in Jasper National Park

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Wilcox Pass Trail

This moderate-to-difficult trail climbs quickly through forest into open alpine meadows with mountain views, a red chair photo stop and frequent bighorn sheep sightings. It follows a historic travel route once used to bypass impassable canyons along the Sunwapta River.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park

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Icefield Tent Campground (summer only)

Here is a first-come, first-served campground offering front-row views of some of the Parkway’s most dramatic landscapes.

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Camping in Jasper National Park

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Icefields Centre RV Camping

By day a parking area, and by night a simple overnight stop for RVs, this spot offers easy access to the Icefields Parkway. Wake up to views of the Athabasca Glacier just outside your RV door.

Camping in Jasper National Park

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Columbia Icefield Discovery and Information Centre (open May-September) and Glacier Gallery (open mid-April to mid-October)  

The Icefield Centre has easy access from a large parking lot and is the main hub for learning about and experiencing the icefield region. It is an ideal starting point for exploration. The Glacier Gallery features Meltdown! A Drop in Time, a striking exhibit, created with Guardians of the Ice, that deepens understanding of the Columbia Icefield’s importance to ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

Glaciers and icefields in Jasper National Park

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Glacier View Inn

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Forefield Trail (Trail 53)

This short, moderate walk crosses the rocky terrain revealed by the Athabasca Glacier’s retreat since the 1800s. It offers a rare chance to experience a landscape still actively shaped by ice and meltwater.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park

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Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail (Trail 52)

This is a short and relatively flat trail leading to a steeper section at the lower edge of the Athabasca Glacier. It crosses recently exposed rock etched with glacial grooves. Stay on marked gravel paths, as the glacier itself is unstable and dangerous.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park

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Tangle Falls Viewpoint

Here, a striking, multi-tiered waterfall cascades down sculpted limestone cliffs, and is easily viewed from the roadside. Beautiful year round, it’s one of the Parkway’s most photographed stops.

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Aquatic invasive species prevention in Jasper

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Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint

This is a quick roadside pullout with expansive views of the Stutfield Glacier spilling down from the Columbia Icefield. Ideal for photos without leaving your vehicle.

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Beauty Creek Viewpoint

A scenic roadside stop and trailhead for Stanley Falls hike (Trail 54), this is where Beauty Creek flows through forested slopes and a narrow canyon. It’s a relaxing place to stretch your legs and enjoy rushing water and mountain scenery.

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Beauty Creek Hostel

Mushroom and Diadem Peaks Viewpoint

Two jagged, glacier-covered peaks rise dramatically above the valley and are easily recognized from the road. The pullout allows visitors to admire the peaks’ striking shapes without hiking.

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Jonas Campground (summer only)

Here is a small, quiet, first-come, first-served campground tucked in the forest near Jonas Creek. Best suited for tents, or for motorhomes or trailers under 7.6 m (25 ft.), it offers a peaceful stop with nearby mountain views. Walk-in sites and biker-only group camping available.

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Camping in Jasper National Park 
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Sunwapta Falls Resort (open mid-May to mid-October)

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Sunwapta Falls

Fed by Athabasca Glacier meltwater, the Sunwapta River roars through a narrow limestone gorge in a dramatic display. Short walks, on mostly paved trails with steep sections, lead to multiple viewpoints overlooking this powerful waterfall.

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Sunwapta Falls
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Lower Sunwapta Falls (Trail 125)

This moderate forest trail leads to a series of three lower waterfalls carved into deep rock channels. It’s a quieter alternative to the main Sunwapta Falls viewpoints.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park
Aquatic invasive species prevention in Jasper

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Honeymoon Lake Campground (summer only)

Here is a small, first-come, first-served lakeside campground with tranquil views and reflective morning waters. It is ideal for a quiet overnight stop surrounded by peaks. Cyclist-only group camping available.

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Camping in Jasper National Park 
Aquatic invasive species prevention in Jasper

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Mount Christie Viewpoint (summer only)

This is a classic Parkway viewpoint highlighting the broad, pyramidal summit of Mount Christie above the Athabasca Valley. A flat, unpaved (but fairly firm) trail with scattered rocks leads to the iconic red Parks Canada chairs, an easy and scenic photo stop.

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Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint

This roadside stop has a short (50 m) paved trail leading to a viewpoint known for featuring mountain goats on steep slopes above the river, and hanging glaciers visible in the distance. Binoculars are helpful for wildlife viewing.

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Kerkeslin Campground (summer only)

Here is a small, first-come, first-served campground with mountain views, river access and basic amenities. Its location near Athabasca Falls makes it a convenient and scenic place to stay.

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Camping in Jasper National Park

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Athabasca Falls  

This is one of Jasper’s most powerful waterfalls, where the Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge. Multiple short, paved paths with several viewpoints lead to stairs and a bridge crossing the Athabasca River beside the falls, revealing dramatic canyon views and swirling turquoise water.

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Athabasca Falls
Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park
Aquatic invasive species prevention in Jasper

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93A and Icefields Parkway (93N) (open May-October)

This road was once part of the original Icefields Parkway route. Today, the junction provides access to Athabasca Falls, Moab Lake Road, Meeting of the Waters day-use area, Geraldine Lakes Trailhead and Marmot Basin ski area. Along this seasonal route, visitors have the opportunity to witness the impact and power of the 2024 Jasper Wildfire. The road reconnects with the Parkway south of Jasper.

Note: Mount Edith Cavell (Cavell Road), Wabasso Campground, and Whirlpool Group Campground are all closed until further notice.

What’s open in Jasper National Park

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Athabasca Pass Lookout

This roadside stop features the National Historic Site bronze plaque and tells the story of early fur-traders who crossed this rugged corridor.

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Wabasso Lake 

This moderate trail climbs and descends several low ridges, with an excellent view, from the last ridge across the Athabasca Valley, to Mount Edith Cavell and the reddish quartzite peaks north of it.

From Wabasso Lake you can continue on Trail 9 to connect to the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail (6.3 km).

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park
Aquatic invasive species prevention in Jasper

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Valley of the Five Lakes 

Here is a popular loop trail passing five vividly coloured lakes, each with slightly different hues. Choose from a variety of routes ranging from gentle terrain to rolling hills with some steeper sections. Scenic views make it ideal for families and photographers.

Trails near the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park
Aquatic invasive species prevention in Jasper

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Junction: 93A (Wabasso Road) and Icefields Parkway (93N) (open May-October)

This road was once part of the original Icefields Parkway route. Today, the junction provides access to Athabasca Falls, Moab Lake Road, Meeting of the Waters day-use area, Geraldine Lakes Trailhead and Marmot Basin ski area. Along this seasonal route, visitors have the opportunity to witness the impact and power of the 2024 Jasper Wildfire. The road reconnects with the Parkway south of Jasper.

Note: Mount Edith Cavell (Cavell Road), Wabasso Campground, and Whirlpool Group Campground are all closed until further notice.

What’s open in Jasper National Park

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Jasper National Park gate

Southbound traffic may purchase a national park pass and obtain up-to-date park information.

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Wapiti Campground

This is a large, year-round campground along the Athabasca River with powered sites, showers and easy access to trails. Elk are commonly seen, especially in autumn.

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Camping in Jasper National Park

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Whistlers Campground (summer only)

This is Jasper National Park’s largest and most modern campground, offering full-service sites for tents and RVs. Its location provides easy access to the Jasper SkyTram and trail network.

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Camping in Jasper National Park

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Whistlers Road

Access to Jasper SkyTram.

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Junction: Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 16) and Icefields Parkway (93N)

This is the gateway to the Icefields Parkway, connecting west toward Prince George, British Columbia, and east toward Hinton and Edmonton in Alberta.

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Municipality of Jasper 

The townsite is the lively heart of Jasper National Park, with restaurants, shops, accommodations and trailheads in all directions. A perfect base to rest, refuel and plan new adventures.