Icefields Parkway Entrance
The Icefields Parkway starts near the Jasper SkyTram in Jasper National Park. This scenic drive stretches all the way to Lake Louise in Banff National Park, covering 232 kilometres of breathtaking landscapes. Open year-round, the Icefields Parkway provides access to some of the most stunning sights in the Canadian Rockies, including glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
There is no toll for driving the parkway, but a valid Parks Canada pass is required for entry into the national parks. There are two entrances to the Icefields Parkway: one from the north near Jasper and one from the south near Lake Louise. We recommend starting your journey at the Jasper SkyTram in the north, as it offers the advantage of a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountains and the incredible vistas.
Nevertheless, regardless of where you begin, the Icefields Parkway promises an unforgettable experience with its breathtaking scenery and various locations to stop by on the way.
Some Spots along the Icefields Parkway Drive:
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is one of the most famous sights along the parkway. You get a thrilling experience walking on a skywalk, seeing the glaciers beneath your feet. It is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and the mountains and valleys around it highlight its raw beauty.
Peyto Lake
Known for its unique wolf-head shape and mesmerizing turquoise hue, Peyto Lake is a perfect spot to admire nature’s beauty. The glacier rock flour that flows into the lake is what gives it its breathtaking color! Nestled among the surrounding peaks, it stands as one of the most picturesque locations in the Rockies!
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth from the reflection of its mountains to its serene and awe-inspiring scenery. Visitors can enjoy skiing and fishing for small fish in this beautiful lake!
The backdrop of the majestic Victoria Glacier adds to the lake’s allure. The glacier feeds the lake and adds to its distinctive colour, making it an iconic point of the stunning landscape!
Icefields Parkway Exit
The south entrance to the Icefields Parkway is just beyond the Lake Louise Visitor Center. You can visit all the same stops if you start from Lake Louise, just in reverse order, but we prefer to end there because the exit leads directly to major attractions in Banff National Park and offers many dining options for travelers.
If you’d like to see the drive for yourself and you want to make sure you’re reaching all the best stops, we recommend taking our own scenic Icefields Parkway self-guided driving tour.
If you like the tour, I recommend subscribing to Action+, which includes all of our tours in a single, year-long package. Travel all year and take our self-guided tours with you wherever you go!
