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Icefields Parkway: Route Guide

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Turquoise Peyto Lake below glaciated peaks on the Icefields Parkway
Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A four-day drive from Banff through Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield to Jasper, with turquoise lakes, mountain views and the Athabasca and Upper Sunwapta waterfalls. Glacier excursions and Skywalk visits need separate bookings; roadside wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Icefields Parkway is a 290 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 4-day trip; the plan below is the 4-day version for July, built from 164 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

4
days
290km
distance
4
Stops
164
curated stops

View ready-made plans 4-day plan · best time to go

The route

Banff→ 60 kmLake Louise→ 90 kmColumbia Icefield & Parkway→ 140 kmJasper
Athabasca Falls flowing over a rocky ledge below Mount Kerkeslin

Jasper · Day 4

Athabasca Falls

You will hear the powerful rush of water cascading over rugged cliffs into a sparkling pool below.

4-day plan →

Photo: ltdan · CC BY 2.0

What you'll see

Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Discover the natural warmth of sulphur springs in a serene, historic setting.
Banff
Lake Louise
Marvel at the stunning glacial blue waters of this iconic lake.
Lake Louise
Parks Canada Glacier Gallery at the Icefield Centre
Explore glacier movement and natural history in an engaging gallery.
Columbia Icefield & Parkway
Jasper SkyTram
Rise above the trees for breathtaking views from the peak of Whistlers Mountain.
Jasper
Vermilion Lakes
Witness the tranquil waters reflecting the dramatic silhouette of Mount Rundle.
Banff
Peyto Lake
You will see brilliant turquoise waters framed by towering mountains and rugged cliffs.
Lake Louise

Choose your length

4-day plan12 stops · 9.6 h transit3 stops/day · 2.4 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September

The core Lake Louise-to-Jasper drive remains available, but Mistaya Canyon and the Glacier Gallery are omitted in October through April, and Jasper SkyTram is omitted from November through March. Winter tires are mandatory in winter; check Highway 93N conditions and closures before setting out.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

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View ready-made plans