Icefields Parkway
Canada
One of the most spectacular mountain drives on Earth. Highway 93 runs through the Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and peaks over 3,000 m at every turn.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Banff
The gateway town. Hot springs, elk on the main street, and the Fairmont Banff Springs castle looming over the valley.
- Lake Louise
Impossibly turquoise glacial water backed by the Victoria Glacier, the most-photographed lake in Canada.
- Moraine Lake
Ten peaks reflected in an electric-blue lake. It was on the Canadian $20 bill and deserved every dollar.
- Bow Lake
The headwaters of the Bow River, fed by the Bow Glacier above. One of the most serene spots in the Rockies.
- Peyto Lake Viewpoint
A wolf-shaped lake of blinding turquoise carved by the Mistaya Glacier. Best viewpoint on the entire parkway.
- Saskatchewan River Crossing
The only services between Lake Louise and Jasper, set where three glacial rivers meet in a sweeping valley.
- Columbia Icefield
The largest icefield in the Rockies. Walk onto the Athabasca Glacier, one of the world's most accessible glaciers.
- Sunwapta Falls
The Sunwapta River plunges into a narrow limestone canyon. Upper and lower falls, both extraordinary.
- Athabasca Falls
The most powerful waterfall in the Canadian Rockies. Not the tallest, but the raw force is humbling.
- Jasper
A laid-back mountain town with the darkest skies of any national park in Canada. Best stargazing on the continent.
Where to Eat
- The Bison RestaurantCanadian
Offers farm-to-table Canadian cuisine with panoramic mountain views in a rustic-chic setting.
- Lakeview LoungeInternational
Serves a diverse menu with stunning views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains.
- Fiddle River RestaurantSeafood
Specializes in fresh seafood dishes with a cozy atmosphere overlooking the Athabasca River.
Things to Do
- Banff GondolaScenic Viewpoint
Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Banff and the Rockies.
- Athabasca Glacier TourGuided Tour
Explore the Athabasca Glacier on a guided tour, walking on ancient ice and learning about glaciology.
- Johnston Canyon IcewalkHike
A winter hike through Johnston Canyon to see frozen waterfalls and ice formations along the trail.