The drive from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) is widely considered one of the most scenic road trips in the world. Over 290 km, the highway threads through the heart of the Canadian Rockies past turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and towering peaks. Here's how to plan the ultimate road trip.
Route Overview
- Distance: 290 km from Banff town to Jasper town (232 km on the Icefields Parkway itself, from Lake Louise to Jasper)
- Driving time without stops: Approximately 3.5-4 hours
- Recommended time: A full day (8-10 hours) to enjoy all the stops, or 2 days with an overnight
- Road: Two-lane highway, well-maintained, with pulloffs at all major viewpoints
Before You Go
- Fill your tank: There is only ONE gas station on the entire parkway — at Saskatchewan River Crossing (roughly the midpoint). Gas up in Banff or Lake Louise before departing
- Pack food and water: Services are extremely limited. Pack a cooler with lunch, snacks, and plenty of water
- Cell service: Essentially nonexistent for most of the drive. Download offline maps before departure
- Park pass: Required for the entire route. A Banff daily pass or Discovery Pass covers entry
Must-Stop Highlights (South to North)
1. Herbert Lake (km 3 from Highway 1)
A calm lake just minutes from the start with perfect mountain reflections. Best in early morning. Easy roadside stop — 5 minutes.
2. Bow Lake (km 36)
One of the most beautiful lakes on the parkway. Turquoise water beneath Bow Glacier and Crowfoot Mountain. Walk to the lakeshore (5 minutes) for stunning reflections. The historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge sits at the water's edge.
3. Peyto Lake (km 40)
The most famous stop on the Icefields Parkway. A short paved walk (10-15 minutes) leads to a viewpoint overlooking a wolf-head-shaped lake in an impossible shade of turquoise. The viewpoint platform is wheelchair accessible. Parking fills early in summer — arrive before 10am.
4. Mistaya Canyon (km 72)
A powerful canyon where the Mistaya River has carved swirling potholes and narrow channels through limestone. A 0.5 km walk from the parking lot leads to a bridge with dramatic views into the gorge. 20-30 minutes total.
5. Saskatchewan River Crossing (km 77)
The only services on the route. Gas, a small cafeteria, and restrooms. Fill up your tank here — you won't find fuel again until Jasper.
6. Columbia Icefield Centre (km 127)
The highlight of the drive. The Columbia Icefield is the largest body of ice in the Canadian Rockies, feeding rivers that flow to three oceans. At the Icefield Centre, you can:
- Walk to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier (free, 15-minute walk from the parking lot)
- Ice Explorer tour: Ride a massive all-terrain vehicle onto the glacier surface
- Glacier Skywalk: Walk on a glass-floored platform suspended 280m above the Sunwapta Valley
Budget 1.5-3 hours here depending on activities. Book a Columbia Icefield tour in advance for the best availability.
7. Tangle Falls (km 140)
A waterfall that cascades right next to the highway. No hiking required — pull over and photograph from the road shoulder. 5 minutes.
8. Sunwapta Falls (km 175)
A thundering waterfall where the Sunwapta River plunges through a narrow gorge. A short walk (5 minutes) from the parking area leads to a viewpoint above the falls. 20-30 minutes.
9. Athabasca Falls (km 199)
Just 30 km from Jasper, Athabasca Falls is a powerful waterfall where the full force of the Athabasca River crashes through a narrow canyon. Multiple viewpoints are connected by paved paths. One of the most impressive waterfalls in the Rockies. 30-45 minutes.
Overnight Options
For a two-day road trip, consider staying overnight at one of these locations:
- Num-Ti-Jah Lodge (Bow Lake): Historic mountain lodge right on the lakeshore
- The Crossing Resort (Saskatchewan Crossing): The midpoint of the drive with basic but convenient accommodation
- Glacier View Lodge (Columbia Icefield): Wake up to glacier views at the Icefield Centre
- Sunwapta Falls Lodge: Rustic lodge near the falls, about 55 km from Jasper
Compare rates and book on Expedia.
Seasonal Notes
- Summer (June–September): Best conditions, all stops accessible, longest days. Busiest period
- Fall (October): Golden larch colours, fewer crowds, cooler temps. Some facilities may close
- Winter (November–March): The road remains open but can close temporarily for avalanche control. Winter tires required. Many facilities closed. Dramatic snowy scenery but limited services
- Spring (April–May): Transitional. Some viewpoints may have limited access due to snow. Waterfalls are at peak flow