Home › Journeys › Icefields Parkway › 3 days
Icefields Parkway — a 3-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
The 3-day version for July: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go.
3
days
358 km
distance
5.1 h
driving
20
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Wildlife jams at dawn and dusk — drive early, watch for bears and elk on the shoulders.
Day 1 Banff → Lake Louise
🌡 -3.2–25.2°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 15.9h light
09:00
Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centrehikingmuseums & heritageswimming & baths
Feel the rush of the climbing wall and soothe in the mountain-view pool.
90 min · Banff · $10 adult day membership, $5 adult publi
open: M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa Su 7AM-10PM
10:30
Banff Park Museum National Historic Sitemuseums & heritagewildlife
Marvel at preserved wildlife and imagine the ancient forests they once roamed.
50 min · Banff · $3.90/adult, free with Parks Canada Disc
open: May 14-June 30: W-Su 10AM-5PM; July 1-Sept 1: daily 10AM-5PM; Sept 2-O
11:20
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockieshikingmuseums & heritage
Engage with art and stories that bring the Rockies' culture and nature to life.
50 min · Banff · Admission by donation
open: Jun 15-Sep 15: daily 9:30AM-6PM; Sep 16-Jun 14: 10AM-5PM
13:08
Lake Louise Summer Gondolahikingmuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Ride the gondola up for panoramic views and wildlife insights.
90 min · Lake Louise
14:38
Moraine Lakehiking
Admire the incredible blue waters against a backdrop of mountains.
50 min · Lake Louise
15:28
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louisehiking
90 min · Lake Louise
16:58
Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant
Savor hearty meals in a historic rail station ambiance.
60 min · Lake Louise
18:30
Bill Peyto's Cafe
Delight in flavorful burgers, chili, and fresh salads.
75 min · Lake Louise
Overnight: Lake Louise
e.g. Deer Lodge · Paradise Lodge
Day 2 Columbia Icefield
🌡 -2.4–23.6°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 16.1h light
11:13
Columbia Icefieldhiking
Walk on glacial ice with breathtaking views and guided tours.
50 min · Columbia Icefield
12:03
Sunwapta Fallshiking
Admire the powerful cascade just a short walk from the parking lot.
50 min · Columbia Icefield
12:53
Weeping Wallhiking
Witness water cascading down towering mountain walls.
50 min · Columbia Icefield
13:43
Tangle Falls
Capture picturesque waterfall views from the roadside.
50 min · Columbia Icefield
14:33
Big Bend
Take in panoramic views from pull-off points along the winding road.
50 min · Columbia Icefield
15:23
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodgehiking
Dine in a cozy lodge with stunning mountain views.
60 min · Columbia Icefield
Overnight: Columbia Icefield
e.g. The Crossing Resort
Day 3 Jasper
🌡 -3.0–27.6°C · 🌧 ~14 rain days · ☀ 16.2h light
10:56
Jasper Tramwayhiking
Rise above the trees for breathtaking views from the peak of Whistlers Mountain.
90 min · Jasper
12:26
Jasper Information Centremuseums & heritage
50 min · Jasper
13:16
Marmot Basin
Feel the thrill of skiing down diverse slopes in a vast, snow-filled basin.
90 min · Jasper
14:46
Brewster Express
Travel comfortably between cities and scenic stops on a daily bus service.
50 min · Jasper
15:36
VIA Rail Canada
Enjoy the smooth ride through stunning landscapes on your way to Canada's east coast.
50 min · Jasper
16:26
Jasper Pride
Celebrate inclusivity with vibrant parties and spring skiing under the April sun.
90 min · Jasper