Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a scenic alpine highway in Alberta, Canada, that runs roughly 232 kilometres between the Lake Louise/Banff area and Jasper. It passes through high mountain terrain, glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes and river gorges within Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Major highlights along the route include the Columbia Icefield and its outlet glaciers, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Athabasca Falls and numerous roadside viewpoints and trailheads. The route is renowned for mountain vistas and easy access to short walks and lookouts.

The road was developed in the 20th century to connect the national park areas and has been progressively improved; it is heavily used in summer and shoulder seasons for sightseeing and outdoor activity access. Services and winter maintenance are more limited during colder months.

Geographically the Parkway runs along the eastern side of the Continental Divide, linking the Banff-Jasper corridor and providing one of the most continuous high-mountain drives in North America.

• Length and route: The route is about 232 kilometres long and runs between the Banff (Lake Louise) area and the town of Jasper, traversing Banff and Jasper National Parks.
• Practical note: Numerous short hikes and scenic pullouts provide access to glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes and waterfalls; road conditions and services are limited in winter months.

What to See #

• Columbia Icefield / Athabasca Glacier: Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier - a major icefield and outlet glacier accessible from the Parkway, offering guided glacier tours and viewpoints along Highway 93.
• Peyto Lake: Peyto Lake - a glacially fed lake noted for its vivid turquoise colour, viewable from a short roadside viewpoint and boardwalk.
• Major waterfalls: Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls - two powerful river waterfalls close to the highway with short trails and viewing platforms providing access to cascades and gorges.