Icefields Parkway Tour | Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

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Tour Details

Tour Type: Driving
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Distance:140+ Miles
Audio Stories: 76
No of Starting Points: 2
Purchase Qty: One Per Car
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Welcome to the Icefields Parkway Tour

Explore the Icefield Parkway, a jewel of the Canadian Rockies. From the captivating Jasper SkyTram views to the serene Wabasso Lake, embark on a journey through nature’s wonders and rich history. Dive into indigenous tales, spot diverse wildlife, and end your adventure at the picturesque Lake Louise. A tapestry of beauty and heritage awaits!

About the Tour

The tour commences at the breathtaking Jasper SkyTram. As you ascend, get a bird’s-eye view of the vast landscape unfolding on this journey. The tour guide will regale you with tales of ancient glaciers that carved this realm and the persistence of nature evident in the resilient flora and fauna.

Moving onward, feel the ancient whispers of the land in the Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead. The lakes, each with unique hue, hold stories from when glaciers ruled this territory. At Athabasca Falls, you’ll be introduced to the relentless power of water, sculpting the rocks for centuries.

History enthusiasts will revel in tales of the Parkway’s construction. How did man dare to pave a path amidst such imposing mountains and unpredictable weather? You’ll know. The narrative delves deeper into the indigenous legacies, spotlighting the Stoney-Nakoda tales and their integral connection to these mountains.

Your next stops include the serene settings of Wabasso Lake and Horseshoe Lake. Here, nature isn’t just observed, it’s felt. The audio guide will share details about the surrounding ecosystem, from the tiniest wildflower to the majestic elk.

As the drive winds through Goats & Glacier Lookout, the intertwining of wildlife and geography becomes evident. The sight of a mountain goat navigating the rugged terrain symbolizes the Rockies’ spirit – untamed and unyielding.

Your cultural immersion deepens with tales of early adventurers, their affairs, trials, and tribulations. They were magnetized to this land, much like you are now. Understand the crucial role of the Canadian Pacific Railway in bridging vast distances and making the impassable accessible.

Soon, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk awaits. This glass-floored observation deck offers views that are not for the faint-hearted but are undeniably unforgettable. With the glaciers beneath your feet, time seems to stand still.

Cruising on Peyto Lake, with its wolf-head shape and mesmerizing turquoise hue, offers a perfect spot for contemplation. But don’t linger too long, as the historical tales of Hollywood’s forays into the Rockies beckon.

The crescendo of your journey is the picturesque Lake Louise. Here, the reflections of the mountains on the pristine water act as a mirror to the soul, a reminder of the eternal beauty of nature and the stories it holds.

As your tour concludes, you’ll carry with you memories of awe-inspiring landscapes and tales of a land where every rock, river, and ridge has a story waiting to be told. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a deep dive into the soul of the Canadian Rockies.

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Icefields Parkway Map

Where To Start?

From East Entrance: Lake Louise Visitor Centre, Samson Mall, 201 Village Rd, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada

From West Entrance: Jasper Park Information Centre, 500 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB T0E 0A8, Canada

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome!
We start our tour in Jasper.
Jasper SkyTram
Learn about the construction of Canada's highest aerial tramway and the breathtaking views it offers from the top.
Dark Sky Preserve
Discover how Jasper National Park preserves its dark skies for astronomy and the importance of darkness in nature.
Hiking Safety
Get tips on hiking safely in the park, including wildlife awareness and weather precautions.
Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead
Explore a trail that passes by stunning turquoise lakes formed by glacial flour.
Building the Parkway
Discover the history of the Icefields Parkway's construction during the Great Depression.
Wabasso Lake Trailhead Parking
Learn about the formation of Wabasso Lake and the important role of beavers in shaping the landscape.
Flora
Understand the different vegetation zones along the parkway and the significance of fireweed.
Athabasca Pass Lookout
Discover the historical importance of Athabasca Pass and David Thompson's role in mapping the region.
Horseshoe Lake
Learn about the extreme sport of cliff jumping at Horseshoe Lake and its unique turquoise waters.
Athabasca Falls
Experience the beauty of Athabasca Falls and the history of the Cree people in the area.
Mount Kerkeslin
Learn how this mountain got its name from an encounter with a wolverine during the Palliser Expedition.
Goats & Glacier Lookout
Observe mountain goats and their attraction to salt licks while enjoying the scenic vista.
Jasper Hawes
Discover the origin of Jasper's name, which comes from fur trader Jasper Hawes.
Mount Christie
Learn about Mount Christie and its namesake, William Joseph Christie.
Honeymoon Lake
Explore the history of canoe use in the region and its ties to trade and exploration.Sunwapta Falls: This easy 2-mile trail offers a view of the 60-foot Sunwapta Falls, with its name derived from the Stoney-Nakoda word for "turbulent water."
Jasper vs. Banff
Jasper, Canada's largest national park, competes with Banff, the country's first national park, offering different experiences with Jasper being quieter and Banff known for its history.
Endless Chain Ridge
This ancient ridge formed over 200 million years ago and was first explored by naturalist Mary Schäffer Warren, known for her botanical paintings.
Athabasca Rainbow Trout
These unique fish are protected under the Species at Risk Act due to threats from introduced species, logging, and climate change.
Poboktan Creek Trail
This 24-mile trail is part of the larger Brazeau Loop and has historical ties to the Palliser Expedition.
Quartzite Boulder Field
This pile of rocks reveals the geological history of the area, originating as sandstone and transformed by volcanic activity.
The Hardy Ptarmigan
The Ptarmigan is known for its winter camouflage, and its presence is significant to Inuit tribes.
Canadian Pacific Railway
The railway played a vital role in opening up Western Canada for development in the late 19th century.
Beauty Creek
Home to Stanley Falls, these cascades freeze into sheets of ice in colder months due to supercooled water.
Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint
Named after climbers J. Norman Collie and Hugh Stutfield, this viewpoint offers a glimpse of the impressive Stutfield Glacier and its crevasses.
Tangle Creek Falls
A stunning 90-foot waterfall, named by Mary Schäffer Warren and guided by Samson Beaver, adds a touch of natural wonder to the journey.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Experience walking on air with this glass-floored trail offering incredible views over Sunwapta Valley and blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
Mount Kitchener
Named after British Earl Horatio Kitchener, this towering peak stands at 11,499 feet and bears witness to both tectonic and glacial shaping.
Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail
A mile-long hike offers close-up views of the Athabasca Glacier, a 240,000-year-old ice behemoth with a dynamic terminus.
Wilcox Pass Trailhead
This challenging 7-mile hike leads to a unique viewpoint overlooking Mount Snow Dome, a hydrological apex where waters flow in three directions.
Banff Park Boundary
We've entered Canada's first national park, Banff, born from the discovery of hot springs and a rich history of conservation battles.
Parker Ridge Trail
Named after Elizabeth Parker, co-founder of the Alpine Club of Canada, this trail offers alpine meadows and views of the Columbia Icefield.
The Stoney-Nakoda
The establishment of Banff National Park disrupted the Stoney-Nakoda's connection to the land, and sport hunting added to their challenges.
Bridal Veil and Panther Falls
A short hike leads to Panther Falls, followed by Bridal Veil Falls, offering a waterfall double feature from Nigel Creek's waters.
Indigenous History of Canada
The Indian Act of 1876 aimed to assimilate Indigenous cultures into Euro-Canadian norms, leading to significant cultural disruption.
Saskatchewan Glacier
The largest outflow glacier from the Columbia Icefield, the Saskatchewan Glacier, and the river it feeds, have sustained Indigenous peoples and settlers for generations.
Weeping Wall Viewpoint
Witness the ever-changing Weeping Wall, where seasonal conditions make these 900-foot cliffs either weep or freeze into a playground for ice climbers.
The Polar Circus
Scaling the "Polar Circus" for ice climbing, where a misunderstood name led to a thrilling sport in this stunning location.
The North West Rebellion
Learn about the tumultuous history of the North-West Rebellion, triggered by land disputes and the depletion of bison herds.
Mount Coleman
Explore the story behind Mount Coleman, once thought to be one of the tallest peaks, and its impact on early explorers
Banff’s Hot Springs
Discover the unexpected discovery of Banff's famous hot springs by railroad workers in the late 19th century.
Banff During WWI
Explore the history of Castle Mountain Internment Camp, where foreign settlers and immigrants were labeled "enemy aliens" during WWI.
HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel
Delve into the origins of wilderness hostels, which revolutionized budget travel and adventure exploration.
Skiing at Icefields Parkway
Uncover the introduction of skiing to Banff and the winter sports festival initiated by the adventurous Conrad Kain.
The Queen Visits the Rockies
Learn about the impact of mountains like Mount Erasmus on Banff's popularity as a tourist destination.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
Reflect on the historical methods of crossing the Saskatchewan River before the Icefields Parkway.
Howse Pass Viewpoint
Discover the significance of Howse Pass as a historical route through the Rockies.
Mistaya Canyon Trailhead
Hike to Mistaya Canyon, once a playground for geologists, now a popular hiking destination.
Roderick Murchison
Explore the eccentricities of Roderick Murchison, the geologist who made significant contributions to geology and the geological time scale.
Peyto Lake
Enjoy the turquoise beauty of Peyto Lake and its connection to the colorful character "Wild Bill" Peyto.
Bow Lake
Admire the stunning Bow Lake with its reflections of Mount Jimmy Simpson and the story of its namesake, an English immigrant.
Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
Witness the receding Crowfoot Glacier, which has lost one of its "crow's feet" due to climate change
Wapta Ice Field
Learn about Charles Doolittle Walcott's significant paleontological discoveries in the Wapta Ice Field.
Olympic Outrage
Discover Lake Louise's transformation into a major ski resort and its role in the 1976 Winter Olympics
Hector Lake Viewpoint
Experience the beauty of Hector Lake, named after explorer James Hector, and its reflection of towering peaks.
Conclusion
Wrap up the tour and look forward to exploring more of Western Canada, with tours available in Lake Louise, Banff, and beyond.

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

The Icefields Parkway is a scenic highway in the Canadian Rockies. The tour begins at the Jasper SkyTram, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape.

Visitors will encounter five lakes, each with a unique hue, and learn about the ancient glaciers that once shaped this area.

Athabasca Falls showcases the relentless power of water and how it has sculpted rocks over centuries.

The tour delves into indigenous legacies, particularly the Stoney-Nakoda tales, and their deep connection to the mountains of the Canadian Rockies.

Wabasso Lake and Horseshoe Lake are visited on the tour. The audio guide provides details about the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife.

The Goats & Glacier Lookout symbolizes the untamed and unyielding spirit of the Rockies, as seen in mountain goats navigating rugged terrain.

The tour discusses the construction of the Icefields Parkway, early adventurers, and the role of the Canadian Pacific Railway in making this remote area accessible.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-floored observation deck with breathtaking views of glaciers. It offers an unforgettable but thrilling experience.

Peyto Lake is known for its wolf-head shape and mesmerizing turquoise hue, providing a picturesque spot for contemplation.

Lake Louise is the tour’s crescendo, a place where the reflections of the mountains on its pristine water act as a mirror to the soul, symbolizing the eternal beauty of nature and the stories it holds.