Mountains, turquoise lakes and glaciers.
Three enormous reasons to drive the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada.
Although calling it a “drive” feels wildly inadequate. This is less of a road between Jasper and Lake Louise and more of a life-changing alpine journey directly into the dramatic, glacier-covered soul of Mother Nature.
The Icefields Parkway stretches for approximately 230 kilometres along Highway 93 North, connecting Jasper with Lake Louise near Banff. It winds through some of the wildest and most remote landscapes in Banff and Jasper national parks, passing glaciers, waterfalls, sweeping valleys and lakes that look as though someone has been far too enthusiastic with the saturation tool.
Technically, you can drive the Icefields Parkway from end to end in around three hours.
But you really, really do not want to.
This is not a road to rush.
It is a road for pulling over every twenty minutes, staring silently at another ridiculous mountain and asking, “How is this even real?”
During our 14-day Alberta road trip with kids, we divided and conquered. We explored the northern Icefields Parkway while staying in Jasper, then covered the southern section during our stay near Lake Louise.
That worked brilliantly with Mia and Caius because it prevented one enormous day in the car and gave us time to stop at the waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and viewpoints without constantly checking the clock.
Here are the nine best stops along the Icefields Parkway, along with everything you need to plan one of the most spectacular Canadian Rockies road trips imaginable.
Our Icefields Parkway Road Trip at a Glance
Route: Jasper to Lake Louise via Highway 93 North
Distance: Approximately 230 kilometres
Driving time without stops: Around three hours
Recommended time: One full day or two shorter days
Travel style: Canadian Rockies road trip with Mia (6) and Caius (5)
Original journey: October 2015
Best for: Families, photographers and anyone who enjoys staring at mountains with their mouth open
Last reviewed: Attraction operations, access rules, road conditions and travel information were updated for 2026.
Is the Icefields Parkway Worth Driving?
Without hesitation, yes.
The Icefields Parkway is one of the highlights of any Banff and Jasper road trip.
Even without the attractions along the route, the landscape would make it worthwhile. Add thundering waterfalls, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes and short family-friendly walks, and the road becomes an entire Canadian Rockies itinerary in its own right.
The stops are what elevate the journey from a beautiful drive into an unforgettable experience.
And there are plenty of them.
How Long Do You Need to Drive the Icefields Parkway?
Allow at least one full day to drive between Jasper and Lake Louise.
Three hours may be the approximate direct driving time in good conditions, but that does not include:
- Waterfall stops
- Glacier viewpoints
- Walks and hikes
- Lunch
- Toilet breaks
- Wildlife sightings
- Photography
- Children requesting snacks
- Me staring at Bow Lake in complete silence
A realistic Icefields Parkway itinerary takes between eight and ten hours when you include several major stops.
I prefer splitting the route into two sections when travelling with kids.
From Jasper, explore Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Tangle Creek Falls and the Columbia Icefield. From Lake Louise, visit Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the southern viewpoints.
This gives you more time at each attraction and substantially reduces the likelihood of everyone becoming tired, hungry and unimpressed by yet another beautiful lake.
Quick Icefields Parkway Itinerary
You could technically drive directly from Jasper to Lake Louise in around three hours, but that would miss the entire point of the Icefields Parkway.
For a proper one-day Icefields Parkway itinerary, allow at least eight to ten hours. Start early, pack food, and choose your priority stops before leaving.
| Stop | Time needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Athabasca Falls | 30-60 minutes | Powerful waterfall and easy paths |
| Sunwapta Falls | 30-90 minutes | Upper falls or a longer forest walk |
| Tangle Creek Falls | 10-20 minutes | Quick roadside waterfall |
| Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier | 3-4 hours | Glacier experience and Ice Explorer |
| Columbia Icefield Skywalk | Included with tour or 1-1.5 hours | Glass platform and valley views |
| Saskatchewan River Crossing | 20-45 minutes | Seasonal fuel, food and toilet stop |
| Crowfoot Glacier | 10-20 minutes | Easy roadside glacier view |
| Bow Lake | 30-90 minutes | Picnic, photography and lake views |
| Peyto Lake | 45-90 minutes | Iconic elevated viewpoint |
| Lake Louise | 1-3 hours | Lakeshore walk and glacier scenery |
One-Day Icefields Parkway Itinerary From Jasper
When driving south from Jasper to Lake Louise, I would follow this order:
- Leave Jasper early.
- Visit Athabasca Falls.
- Continue to Sunwapta Falls.
- Make a quick stop at Tangle Creek Falls.
- Spend several hours at the Columbia Icefield and Skywalk.
- Stop at Saskatchewan River Crossing when seasonal facilities are open.
- Photograph Crowfoot Glacier.
- Spend time beside Bow Lake.
- Walk to the Peyto Lake viewpoint.
- Finish at Lake Louise.
This is a very full day, particularly when completing the Columbia Icefield Adventure.
Families travelling with younger children may prefer to remove one or two stops rather than rushing through all of them. I would personally protect time for the Columbia Icefield, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake.
Two-Day Icefields Parkway Itinerary With Kids
Splitting the drive across two days worked especially well for us.
While staying in Jasper, we explored:
- Athabasca Falls
- Sunwapta Falls
- Tangle Creek Falls
- Columbia Icefield
- Columbia Icefield Skywalk
While staying near Lake Louise, we visited:
- Crowfoot Glacier
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
- Lake Louise
This gave Mia and Caius time to enjoy each stop without spending one enormous day getting in and out of the car.
It also meant I could sit beside Bow Lake staring silently at the water without somebody announcing that we were already late for the next viewpoint.
Do You Need a National Park Pass for the Icefields Parkway?
Yes. A valid Parks Canada pass is required to travel and stop along the Icefields Parkway because the road passes through Jasper and Banff national parks.
The standard 2026 daily admission prices are:
| Visitor | Daily admission |
|---|---|
| Adult | CA$12.25 |
| Senior | CA$10.75 |
| Youth aged 17 and under | Free |
| Family or group of up to seven people in one vehicle | CA$24.50 |
A Family/Group Discovery Pass costs CA$167.50 and can be better value when spending a week or longer in Canadian national parks.
National park admission is free from June 19 to September 7, 2026 under the Canada Strong Pass programme. That offer is specific to 2026, so check the current Parks Canada information when planning a future trip.
Important Icefields Parkway Driving Tips
Read our full set of Albert road trip tips here. And before setting off:
- Fill your fuel tank in Jasper or Lake Louise.
- Pack food and drinking water.
- Download offline maps.
- Check Alberta 511 for road conditions.
- Carry warm clothing, even during summer.
- Begin early and plan to finish before dark.
- Check attraction and trail closures.
- Do not rely on mobile-phone reception.
Mobile service is extremely limited along the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre advises visitors to plan because there may be little or no reception along the route.
Seasonal fuel may be available around Saskatchewan River Crossing, but it should not be your entire strategy. During winter, fuel stations, restaurants and hotels between Jasper and Lake Louise are closed.
Driving the Icefields Parkway in Winter
Winter tyres or chains are compulsory on the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to April 1. Acceptable tyres carry a mountain snowflake or M+S marking.
We travelled in mid-to-late October, when the landscape had already been sprinkled with clean white snow.
There was far less traffic than during summer, and the mountains looked like chocolate sauce poured over vanilla ice cream, only reversed.
Yum.
The snowy scenery was extraordinary, but autumn and winter road trips require flexibility. Weather can change quickly, some services close seasonally, and the road may close with little notice.
During winter, Parks Canada recommends travelling during daylight because maintenance generally operates between 7 am and 3:30 pm.
Now that the practical details are covered, let us get to the reason you are here.
These are the nine best stops along the Icefields Parkway.
1. Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier
Distance from Jasper: Approximately 108 kilometres
Best for: Glaciers, guided experiences and completely losing track of time
Allow: Three to four hours
The Columbia Icefield was one of the major reasons I wanted to drive the Icefields Parkway.
It is the largest mass of glacial ice in the Canadian Rockies, covering approximately 200 square kilometres and feeding several major glaciers, including the Athabasca, Columbia and Saskatchewan glaciers.
And what you can see from the road is only a fraction of the enormous frozen landscape hiding beyond the mountains.
We parked at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and joined the Columbia Icefield Adventure.
A giant, tank-like Ice Explorer carried us towards the Athabasca Glacier before we disembarked and stepped onto the ice.
Check discounted tickets for your Columbia Icefield Adventure.
Walking on the Athabasca Glacier
Once on the glacier, we were given time to walk around and take photographs.
That time disappeared absurdly quickly.
There is something about standing on ancient ice surrounded by enormous mountains that makes every normal concept of time vanish.
We became so captivated that our Ice Explorer nearly left without us.
It turns out the final call to return to the vehicle is slightly easier to overlook when you are staring at a glacier and wondering how your actual life has brought you here.
The modern Columbia Icefield Adventure takes approximately 2.5 to three hours and combines the Ice Explorer journey with admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. For 2026, it operates from May 1 until October 12, subject to weather conditions. Children aged five and under are admitted free, and discounted departures may be available later in the afternoon.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Can You Visit the Athabasca Glacier Without a Tour?
You can view the Athabasca Glacier independently and walk the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier trail when access and conditions permit.
The official trail is approximately 1.8 kilometres return and normally takes around one hour. It is considered moderate and includes an elevation change of about 60 metres.
Never walk directly onto a glacier without an authorised guide.
Glaciers contain crevasses, unstable ice and hidden hazards that may not be visible from the surface.
The Athabasca Glacier Is Changing
The glacier statistics are sobering.
Between 1985 and 2024, Jasper National Park lost approximately 21.8% of its total glacier mass. The Columbia Icefield alone lost almost 13.3% of its ice during that period. Parks Canada warns that if the current trend continues, Jasper’s glaciers could disappear within the next century.
Standing on the glacier was one of the most memorable moments of our Alberta family road trip.
It was also a reminder that this landscape is not permanent.
2. Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Location: Near the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre
Best for: Mountain views and testing your relationship with heights
Allow: One to 1.5 hours
After our glacier adventure, we continued to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
The experience follows a one-kilometre interpretive walkway before reaching a suspended glass platform approximately 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley.
Interpretive displays along the route explore the local geology, plants and wildlife.
But let us be honest.
The glass floor is the main event.
Walking Over the Glass-Floored Skywalk
I stepped onto the platform and looked down past my feet to the enormous valley below.
This is apparently an excellent way to overcome a fear of heights.
Or reinforce it.
The view was spectacular, with forest stretching through the valley and mountains rising in every direction.
The glass beneath my feet made the experience feel far more dramatic than an ordinary lookout.
It was beautiful.
It was exhilarating.
It also encouraged me to walk with the delicate caution of someone who logically understood the glass was safe but still wanted to avoid upsetting it.
Tickets and transport depart from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. The Skywalk operates from May 1 to October 12 during the 2026 season, subject to weather conditions.
It can be booked separately or included in the full Columbia Icefield Adventure. Check discounted ticket prices here.
3. Athabasca Falls
Distance from Jasper: Approximately 30 kilometres
Best for: A powerful waterfall with minimal walking
Allow: 30-60 minutes
Athabasca Falls is one of the easiest major waterfalls to include in an Icefields Parkway itinerary from Jasper.
The waterfall is close to the highway, with a network of paved paths and viewpoints around the rushing water and sculpted canyon.
It may not be Alberta’s tallest waterfall, but it is incredibly powerful.
The Athabasca River is forced through a narrow gorge, creating roaring water, spray, and dramatic rock formations.
Get on the River! Check discounted ticket prices.
Visiting Athabasca Falls With Kids
The main trail is only about 200 metres and generally takes around 30 minutes, with minimal elevation change.
That makes it an excellent Icefields Parkway stop with kids, particularly when younger travellers are not enthusiastic about completing another substantial hike.
Mia and Caius could enjoy the waterfall without an expedition requiring twelve snacks and a detailed motivational speech.
Stay behind the barriers.
The rocks around the falls can be wet and extremely slippery, and the current is dangerously strong.
Athabasca Falls was listed as open with a paved trail in the current July 2026 Jasper trail report, but road and trail conditions can change.
Check the latest report before travelling, especially while Jasper continues recovering from the 2024 wildfire.
4. Sunwapta Falls
Distance from Jasper: Approximately 55 kilometres
Best for: An easy upper viewpoint or longer waterfall walk
Allow: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Sunwapta Falls consists of upper and lower sections created by the Sunwapta River.
The upper falls are only a short walk from the parking area, making them another straightforward Icefields Parkway stop for families.
A rougher trail continues through the forest towards the lower falls.
Try your hand at White Water Rafting here!
Upper Sunwapta Falls
The main viewpoint provides a dramatic look at the river narrowing and plunging into the canyon.
We walked close enough to feel the cold mist rising from the water.
It was exactly the kind of energising mountain moment that makes you forget you have already spent several hours getting children in and out of the car.
Lower Sunwapta Falls Trail
The trail to the lower falls is approximately 2.6 kilometres return and usually takes around one hour. It includes roughly 87 metres of elevation change and is classed as moderate.
You do not need to complete the longer walk to appreciate Sunwapta Falls.
Families short on time can visit the upper waterfall and continue towards the Columbia Icefield.
Both the upper Sunwapta Falls trail and the lower route were reported as open in July 2026, although current conditions should always be checked.
5. Tangle Creek Falls
Location: North of the Columbia Icefield
Best for: A quick roadside waterfall stop
Allow: 10-20 minutes
Tangle Creek Falls is a beautiful multi-tiered cascade beside the Icefields Parkway.
This is one of the quickest stops on the drive because the waterfall is visible almost immediately from the road.
There is a small pullout opposite the falls, so take extra care crossing or moving around the roadside.
Do not stop in the traffic lane or block the highway for a photograph.
The water tumbles across several rock ledges, creating a delicate layered waterfall that looks especially beautiful against snowy surroundings.
We visited during October, when the surrounding landscape was already becoming an alpine winter scene.
Tangle Creek Falls is an ideal addition when your itinerary is busy and you want another beautiful stop without committing to a long trail.
6. Lake Louise
Location: Southern gateway to the Icefields Parkway
Best for: Iconic turquoise water and glacier views
Allow: One to three hours
Lake Louise is technically just beyond the southern end of the Icefields Parkway, but no Jasper-to-Lake Louise road trip would be complete without it.
The lake is almost impossibly beautiful.
Glacier-fed water stretches beneath steep mountains, with Victoria Glacier rising behind it.
The entire scene feels carefully designed to make every person holding a camera immediately forget how to operate it.
When we visited in late October, ice had started forming around the shoreline.
White forests lined the lake, and the combination of snow, still water and enormous mountains created one of the most peaceful alpine experiences I can remember.
Visiting Lake Louise
You can take a short walk along the lakeshore or continue onto longer trails such as Lake Agnes when seasonal conditions allow.
Lake Louise has become considerably busier since our original visit.
Parking at the lakeshore is limited and can fill extremely early. Try the shuttle services or public transport during peak periods.
Plan transport before travelling rather than arriving at lunchtime and hoping the mountain gods have saved you a parking space.
Lake Louise or Moraine Lake?
Moraine Lake is not located directly on the Icefields Parkway, but it is close enough to be commonly included in Banff and Lake Louise itineraries.
Personal vehicles are now prohibited on Moraine Lake Road throughout the year.
Visitors must use Parks Canada shuttles, Roam public transport, licensed commercial services or another authorised option. For 2026, the main shuttle reservations opened on April 15, with additional seats released two days before departure.
During our October visit, Moraine Lake Road had already closed for the season.
I desperately wanted to see it.
But when I realised the alternative involved a lengthy walk through snow with Mia and Caius, I accepted that Moraine Lake would have to wait.
I was disappointed.
Just not “march the family through twelve kilometres of snow” disappointed.
Check your discounted Lake Louise & Moraine Lake small grouptour prices here.
7. Crowfoot Glacier
Distance from Lake Louise: Approximately 32 kilometres
Best for: A quick glacier viewpoint
Allow: 10-20 minutes
Crowfoot Glacier is visible from the Icefields Parkway and requires very little effort to appreciate.
That is my kind of glacier.
The glacier was named because its original shape resembled a crow’s three-toed foot.
One of those “toes” has substantially receded, so the resemblance is less obvious today.
The glacier’s meltwater feeds Bow Lake and the Bow River system.
Appropriately, crows were scouting the car park during our visit, clearly hoping somebody would drop lunch.
They appeared highly organised.
The viewpoint is a worthwhile quick stop between Lake Louise and Bow Lake, particularly when the sky is clear enough to see the glacier against the surrounding mountain.
Check discounted tour prices here.
8. Bow Lake
Distance from Lake Louise: Approximately 34 kilometres
Best for: A picnic, lakeside views and becoming unexpectedly emotional
Allow: 30-90 minutes
Bow Lake was easily one of the most spectacular places we saw along the entire Icefields Parkway.
It sits at an elevation of approximately 1,920 metres near the headwaters of the Bow River.
But the statistics are not what I remember.
I remember the colour.
In the late afternoon, as the sun lowered behind the mountains to the west, the water turned an almost unreal shade of blue.
I sat on the shoreline completely dumbfounded.
No clever observation.
No energetic commentary.
Just silence.
That does not happen often.
Check discounted tour prices here.
Things to Do at Bow Lake
Bow Lake is a beautiful place to:
- Stop for a picnic
- Walk beside the shoreline
- Photograph Crowfoot Mountain
- Watch changing light across the water
- Stretch your legs before continuing north or south
Bow Lake is one of the most breathtaking lakes in the Rockies and I highly recommend it as a lunch stop along the parkway.
The Bow Glacier Falls trail has experienced closures and restrictions, so check current trail conditions before planning a longer hike. In July 2026, the trail was partially closed beyond Bow Lake, with no access to Bow Glacier Falls.
The lakeshore itself remains the main attraction for most visitors.
Honestly, it is enough.
9. Peyto Lake and Bow Summit
Distance from Lake Louise: Approximately 40 kilometres
Best for: One of the most recognisable views in the Canadian Rockies
Allow: 45-90 minutes
Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake viewed from high above at Bow Summit.
Its extraordinary turquoise colour comes from fine glacial sediment suspended in the water.
The lake is often described as being shaped like a wolf’s head, although Mia and Caius may have had their own interpretations.
Check discounted tour prices here.
Reaching the viewpoint required a short walk through a forest that had transformed into a Narnia-like winter wonderland.
The trees were covered in snow.
The path crunched beneath our feet.
And at the end, the lake appeared beneath us in the valley.
We were well rewarded for our effort.
Peyto Lake Viewpoint Trail
The main Peyto Lake Lookout trail is approximately 0.6 kilometres one way and generally takes around 30 minutes return.
A shorter barrier-free route is available from the upper parking area for eligible visitors.
The route is relatively short, but the elevation and snow can make it more challenging than the distance suggests.
Our return journey was considerably trickier.
The snowy trail had become slippery, transforming the walk back to the car into one very enthusiastic slip-and-slide.
It was less “peaceful alpine stroll” and more “maintain dignity while gravity develops a personal interest in you.”
Wear footwear with proper grip, especially during spring and autumn.
The longer Bow Summit Viewpoint route continues beyond the Peyto Lake platform and provides wider mountain views. Bow Summit is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway at approximately 2,070 metres.
More Stops Along the Icefields Parkway
Nine stops are only the beginning.
Depending on the season, trail conditions and time available, you could also include:
Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon is reached via a short trail from the Icefields Parkway.
The walk is approximately 0.5 kilometres one way and generally takes around 30 minutes return.
The river has carved smooth, twisting shapes into the rock, creating a very different landscape from the broad lakes and open valleys elsewhere on the route.
Waterfowl Lakes
The Waterfowl Lakes provide another beautiful roadside stop surrounded by forest and mountains.
Lower Waterfowl Lake has a viewpoint approximately 60 kilometres north of Lake Louise.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
Saskatchewan River Crossing is the main seasonal service area between Lake Louise and Jasper.
It can be useful for fuel, food and a toilet stop during the main visitor season, but services close during winter.
Check opening information before relying on it.
Parker Ridge
Parker Ridge is one of the best shorter hikes along the Icefields Parkway, providing views towards the Saskatchewan Glacier.
It is more demanding than the main roadside stops and can retain snow well into summer.
Check conditions and carry suitable clothing.
Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint
This roadside viewpoint north of the Columbia Icefield provides mountain and river views.
Mountain goats are sometimes seen around mineral-rich areas, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Keep a safe distance and never feed or approach animals.
Can You Drive the Icefields Parkway With Kids?
Yes. The Icefields Parkway is an excellent family road trip because many of the major attractions require only short walks.
Good stops for families include:
- Athabasca Falls
- Upper Sunwapta Falls
- Tangle Creek Falls
- Columbia Icefield
- Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake viewpoint
The key is not attempting to do everything in one frantic day.
Mia and Caius enjoyed the variety: waterfalls, snow, glaciers, lakes and the enormous Ice Explorer.
They did not need to complete a challenging hike at every stop.
Sometimes children are perfectly happy looking at a glacier for ten minutes and then returning to the car because they have remembered snacks exist.
What to Pack for the Icefields Parkway
Bring:
- Warm layers
- Waterproof jackets
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Food and snacks
- Drinking water
- A full fuel tank
- Offline maps
- Portable phone charger
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hats and gloves
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Emergency blanket during colder months
- Camera
- Binoculars
- National park pass
The Icefields Parkway reaches high elevations, and snow can occur at almost any time of year.
Pack more warmly than the forecast for Jasper or Banff suggests.
The weather beside a glacier has no interest in what the temperature was when you left your hotel.
Best Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway
Summer
July and August provide the warmest weather, longest daylight hours and greatest number of open services.
They also bring the largest crowds.
Book accommodation and Columbia Icefield experiences well ahead.
Autumn
September and early October can bring fewer visitors, beautiful colour and snow-dusted mountains.
However, seasonal services begin closing and winter conditions may arrive early.
We loved our mid-to-late October journey, but it required warm clothing and flexible plans.
Winter
Winter transforms the route into an extraordinary snow-covered landscape.
It is also the most challenging time to drive.
Services between Jasper and Lake Louise are closed, daylight is limited, winter tyres are mandatory and the highway can close because of severe weather or avalanche risk.
Only attempt a winter journey when you and your vehicle are properly equipped and you are comfortable driving in mountain conditions.
Spring
Snow and ice may remain at higher elevations through spring.
Attractions and seasonal facilities gradually reopen, but trails can be wet, snowy or inaccessible.
Check every stop before travelling.
Where to Stay Along the Icefields Parkway
There are very few places to stay directly along the Icefields Parkway.
Most travellers base themselves in Jasper or Lake Louise and complete the route in one long day. Another option is to stay near Saskatchewan River Crossing or the Columbia Icefield, breaking the drive into two easier sections.
Accommodation along this route is limited and often books out months ahead during summer.
Where to Stay in Jasper
We stayed at The Crimson Jasper, which remains a convenient base close to downtown Jasper. Check discounted pricing here.
Its central location makes it easy to walk to restaurants and shops, while the indoor pool and hot tub are particularly useful after a long day exploring Jasper National Park.
Jasper is the best base for visiting:
- Athabasca Falls
- Sunwapta Falls
- Tangle Creek Falls
- The northern Icefields Parkway
- Jasper SkyTram
- Pyramid Lake
- Patricia Lake
Staying two or three nights allows you to explore the northern section without trying to fit everything into your departure day.
Because Jasper continues rebuilding and recovering following the 2024 wildfire, accommodation can be more limited than it was previously. Book early, confirm current services and support local businesses where possible.
Where to Stay Near the Columbia Icefield
Travellers wanting to split the Icefields Parkway into two days can stay near the Columbia Icefield.
The Glacier View Lodge is located above the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and is the closest accommodation to the Athabasca Glacier.
This can be a special option for couples or families who want to experience the area after the daytime crowds have left, although it is generally a premium-priced stay.
It works well for travellers wanting to:
- Join an early glacier experience
- Avoid driving the entire parkway in one day
- Photograph the Columbia Icefield around sunrise or sunset
- Spend more time exploring the central section
Seasonal opening dates apply, so check availability for your travel dates.
Where to Stay at Saskatchewan River Crossing
The Crossing Resort is approximately midway between Jasper and Lake Louise and is one of the few accommodation options directly along the Icefields Parkway.
It offers motel-style rooms along with seasonal dining, a general store and a fuel station. Its greatest advantage is the location rather than luxury.
This is a practical choice when you want to divide the drive and remain close to:
- Saskatchewan River Crossing
- Mistaya Canyon
- Parker Ridge
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
- The Columbia Icefield
Services are seasonal, and winter facilities along the Icefields Parkway are extremely limited or closed. Confirm operating dates before depending on accommodation, fuel or food here.
Where to Stay Near Lake Louise
We stayed at what was previously called Baker Creek Chalets, now known as Baker Creek by Basecamp.
The property offers cabins and suites in a peaceful riverside setting between Banff and Lake Louise. It is an appealing choice for families who want kitchen facilities, more space and a quiet mountain atmosphere.
Baker Creek is particularly convenient for:
- Lake Louise
- Bow Valley Parkway
- Johnston Canyon
- Crowfoot Glacier
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
- The southern Icefields Parkway
Guests can also access a commercial shuttle service to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake directly from the property, subject to schedules and ticket availability.
Should You Stay in Lake Louise or Banff?
Lake Louise is the better base when the Icefields Parkway is your priority.
It places you close to Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier and allows you to begin the drive early before some of the crowds arrive.
Banff offers:
- More restaurants
- More shops
- Greater accommodation choice
- More evening atmosphere
- Easier access to Banff attractions
Lake Louise offers:
- Faster access to the Icefields Parkway
- A quieter mountain setting
- Earlier access to Lake Louise
- Less driving on your parkway day
For this particular itinerary, I would choose Lake Louise or Baker Creek for at least one night.
How Many Nights Should You Stay?
For a comfortable Icefields Parkway road trip with kids, I recommend:
| Base | Recommended stay |
|---|---|
| Jasper | 2-3 nights |
| Columbia Icefield or Saskatchewan River Crossing | 1 night, optional |
| Lake Louise or Baker Creek | 1-2 nights |
| Banff | 2-3 nights if continuing the Alberta road trip |
The optional central stay is not essential, but it makes the route considerably more relaxed.
For our family, dividing the attractions between Jasper and Lake Louise was enough. We did not need to change accommodation halfway along the parkway, and we avoided turning one beautiful drive into an endurance test.
Icefields Parkway Frequently Asked Questions
Where Does the Icefields Parkway Start and Finish?
The Icefields Parkway runs between Lake Louise in Banff National Park and Jasper in Jasper National Park.
You can drive it in either direction.
Is Jasper to Lake Louise Better Than Lake Louise to Jasper?
Both directions are spectacular.
Driving north from Lake Louise places several turquoise lakes early in the journey. Driving south from Jasper begins with waterfalls before building towards the Columbia Icefield and Bow Lake.
Choose based on your wider Alberta road trip itinerary.
Can You Drive the Icefields Parkway in One Day?
Yes. Allow at least eight to ten hours when including major stops.
Dividing it across two days is even better, particularly when travelling with children.
Is There Mobile Reception on the Icefields Parkway?
Coverage is limited or unavailable across much of the route.
Download maps and important booking details before departure. (Banff Jasper Collection)
Are There Toilets Along the Icefields Parkway?
Toilets are available at selected day-use areas, viewpoints and the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.
Some facilities are seasonal, so do not assume every stop will be open.
Is There Fuel Between Jasper and Lake Louise?
Seasonal fuel may be available at Saskatchewan River Crossing.
In winter, there are no open fuel stations between Jasper and Lake Louise.
Begin with a full tank.
Is the Icefields Parkway Free?
The road itself does not have a separate toll, but a valid Parks Canada admission pass is required.
Paid experiences such as the Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk cost extra.
What Is the Best Stop on the Icefields Parkway?
Bow Lake was my personal favourite.
The Columbia Icefield was the most extraordinary experience, while Peyto Lake provided one of the most iconic views.
Fortunately, you do not need to select only one.
Explore With Erin Wrap Up on Driving the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway deserves every dramatic description it receives.
It is not simply a road between Jasper and Lake Louise.
It is a journey past ancient ice, roaring waterfalls, turquoise lakes, snow-covered forests and mountain valleys that make you feel wonderfully, beautifully small.
We walked on the Athabasca Glacier and nearly missed our ride back.
I tested my nerves on a glass platform suspended above a valley.
We felt the mist from waterfalls, watched crows patrol a glacier viewpoint and slid through snow on the return from Peyto Lake.
And then there was Bow Lake.
That impossible blue water left me sitting silently on the shoreline, completely unable to find words big enough for what I was seeing.
Take your time.
Stop often.
Pack warm clothes, fill the fuel tank and leave enough room in your itinerary for the unexpected.
Because when you drive the Icefields Parkway, the unexpected is usually another breathtaking mountain appearing around the corner.
And somehow, every single one feels like the best one yet.
