Icefield Parkway The Most Beautiful Road In Canada

When you visit the Canadian Rockies the 227 km highway section between Lake Louise and Jasper known as the Icefield Parkway is an absolute must. Many of our favourite spots in the Rockies are along this highway.

Even though it is super popular and famous it can still be incredibly remote with limited reception in areas. Because of this I am going to list some precautions you should take as well as some of our favourite spots to stop at in a list. As long as the weather is decent and you do a little planning you should have a great time!

Driving Considerations

Gas

Make sure you leave Lake Louise or Jasper with a full tank. The only gas station on the route is at Saskatchewan crossing and it is not cheap.

Depending on the season a 4x4 or AWD can be necessary and is totally worth the extra money. In all seasons except summer AWD is highly recommended. Hopefully you will not have to use your 4x4 but we saw countless people stuck in parking lots last winter even just around the Banff area.

Reception

Many areas do not have reception so you can't always count on being able to call for help!

Road Status

The icefields parkway road to Jasper can have unpaved sections and substantial snow and ice. Definitely check the road conditions on https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts before you drive.

Coverage

If you have the option, picking a rental car that includes windshield ding coverage is a great idea. Gravel chips can be common on this route.

Personal Safety Items

Because of remote areas and limited or no reception in your car you should always have.

A blanket,

Spare tire and gear to change it,

Good warm clothes in case you have to wait for repairs,

Some extra food and water.

I always like to make sure I have jumper cables, batteries don't always do well in the cold.

Our favourite Stops ( all can be found on google for pictures and location)

Lake Louise -> Jasper

Hector Lake Viewpoint

The Lodge at Bow Lake with its boardwalk and view

Peyto Lake Viewpoint

Waterfowl Lakes (great picnic spot in summer)

Saskatchewan River Crossing store (funky old store, gas station and lodge)

Weeping Wall viewpoint

Columbia Icefield Center

There is a beautiful hotel here called Glacier View Lodge looking over the glacier, as well as a skywalk, glacier tours in giant 4x4’s and a free trail to the Athabasca Glacier.

(hotel Booking link - https://booking.stay22.com/sea2peak/a-jgxbGYXz )

Stanley Falls

Sunwapta Falls

Athabasca Falls

Valley of the Five Lakes