Everything you need to know about driving the Icefields Parkway

From Banff to Jasper, driving along the Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world!

How long is it? 232KM

How long does it take? 3 hours with no stops. 6-8 hours with stops!

Best time to go? The road is open year-round, but due to Canadian winters, its best driven May - September. Always check weather conditions before heading out, weather in the mountains is unpredictable!

• Parks Pass is required to drive along this road since it is in Banff & Jasper National Parks. You can purchase on your way into Banff or online before you visit at the Parks Canada website. The pass is called "discovery pass"

• There is only one gas station along the route and it is WAY overpriced. Get gas in Banff or Jasper before heading out!

• Watch for wildlife. Lots of wildlife in the area so make sure to always keep eyes peeled!

• Lots of the spots only have small parking lots so start your day early to avoid disappointment!

• There will be no cell service the entire drive so load up the stops below before you go!

• All the restaurants on the road are overpriced, so I would suggest packing snacks!

• There are bathrooms available at Peyto Lake & Bow Lake, as well as Saskatchewan Crossing.

  14 Stops You Can't Miss! (In order from Banff to Jasper)

• Herbert Lake - Large Parking for RVs

• Bow Lake - Pull off lookout. Suitable for RVs

• Peyto Lake - Large parking for RVs

• Waterfowl Lakes - Pull off lookout - Can be tight

• Mistaya Canyon - 1KM trail - Limited Parking when busy

• Howse Pass Viewpoint - Limited Parking

• Big Hil & Big Bend Lookout - Limited Parking

• Bridal Viel Falls - Limited Parking

• Athabasca Glacier - Large parking for RVs. You can take a tour here but we don't recommend it.

• Columbia Icefield Skywalk - Paid attraction (again, not worth it IMO)

• Tangle Creek Falls - A few RV spots

• Sunwapta Falls - 2.5KM hike - Limited RV spots

• Goats & Glaciers Lookout (we actually saw a mountain goat here!) - Large parking for Rvs

• Athabasca Falls - Large parking for Rvs