Canadian Rockies

A memorable drive

Take this journey on the Icefields Parkway and stop along the way

The 230-kilometre stretch of highway between Lake Louise, Alberta, and Jasper, Alberta, boasts some of the most spectacular views and scenic roadside stops found in the province.

Known as the Icefields Parkway, this drive through the heart of the Canadian Rockies will leave travellers breathless. Anyone exploring this highway should allow plenty of travel time so they can thoroughly enjoy the attractions along the way.

The trip

Beginning in Lake Louise, visitors will travel 40 kilometres before reaching the path to the Peyto Lake overlook in Banff National Park. Here travellers can stop, stretch their legs and take a short walk along a paved trail to a beautiful viewpoint that overlooks the glacier-fed lake.

Once back on the highway, it is approximately 73 kilometres to the Saskatchewan Crossing, which is where the mighty North Saskatchewan River meets the Mistaya and Howse rivers; the merging rivers surrounded by rugged mountains creates a beautiful photo opportunity.

About half an hour from the Saskatchewan Crossing is one of the most popular and thrilling attractions along the parkway—the majestic Columbia Icefields. At this amazing site travellers can sign up for Brewster’s Ice Age Adventure—an unforgettable excursion on the Athabasca Glacier. The specially designed ice explorer vehicle that takes guests on this wonderful journey runs from mid-April to mid-October. Reservations are not required.

After an exciting trip across the glacier, it is only 104 kilometres to the charming town of Jasper, which offers numerous services, accommodations, dining and entertainment options to travellers.

But before you reach Jasper and settle in for the night, be sure to check out Athabasca Falls—a 23-metre-high waterfall located south of the community. For more travel details visit www.icefieldsparkway.ca.

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