Icefields Parkway Things to Do

The Columbia Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada, connecting Jasper and Banff through the mountains, has consistently been named one of the most scenic drives in the world. From Jasper to Banff without stopping, the drive takes about three hours.

But if you try to rush it, you will miss what makes this route truly special. Ideally, set aside a full day or even two to explore the parkway properly.

I highly recommend both Jasper and Banff as bases, especially if you can rent a car or camper and make the drive between the two. During my time in Alberta, we spent one full day driving the parkway, plus some additional stops before and after to cover areas closer to each town.

Before you go, it is important to consider a few key details. Summer is the busiest season, so expect more visitors and limited parking at popular stops like Peyto Lake. Early morning or late afternoon drives help you avoid the largest crowds.

Spring may still have snow in parts of the parkway, and fall offers incredible colors, which can make the scenery even more dramatic. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it is essential to dress in layers.

Bring warm jackets, hats, and gloves for higher elevations, and lighter layers for sunny stretches. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended, especially if you are spending time outdoors at lakes or hiking trails.

Additionally, consider carrying bear spray and mosquito repellent. Bears can be active in the region, and mosquitos can be persistent in the summer months. These items, along with snacks, water, and a full tank of gas, will help ensure a safe and comfortable drive.

Planning Your Drive

Starting off with time of departure, I highly recommend leaving as early as possible. The earlier you get on the road, the more places you can stop before it gets late, and the fewer people at each stop.

Parking in certain places can be quite limited, so the earlier you leave the better parking you will get.

You may have to circle parking lots a few times as the day progresses, but the more time you leave yourself, the more relaxed you will feel about parking and utilizing your day as much as possible.

Important to note

Make sure you check up on the park passes for the time you are going. Most of the time you must purchase a pass for each park, but occasionally the Canadian parks will waive the park passes depending on the time of year.

Gas

Fuel up in Jasper before heading onto the parkway. There are limited rest stops, especially for the first couple of hours, so it is important that you go prepared with a full tank of gas so you have no problems.

Service

I highly recommend downloading an offline map before heading out, as the majority of the drive has no cell service. There are some areas with limited service where there are more establishments and food, but for the most part you will not have service during the drive.

Be sure to download a map and jot down which stops you want to make so you know exactly where to pull off.

With that being said, the road is just one straight shot through the mountains, and there are plenty of signs around with the names of different stops and activities, making it somewhat easy to follow even without a downloaded map.