Icefields ParkwayAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Icefields Parkway
The best time is summer (June-August) when roads and viewpoints are most accessible and conditions are milder.
Weather & Climate near Icefields Parkway
Icefields Parkway's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -20°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (886 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -20° - -7° | -20° | 78 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | -17° - -4° | -16° | 57 mm | overcast | 94% | 2.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | -14° - -1° | -13° | 61 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -8° - 2° | -7° | 50 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Poor | -4° - 8° | -1° | 68 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Poor | 0° - 12° | 4° | 95 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 3° - 15° | 7° | 99 mm | overcast | 75% | 2.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 2° - 16° | 8° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.5h |
| September | Acceptable | -2° - 11° | 2° | 68 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | -6° - 5° | -4° | 72 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | -14° - -3° | -14° | 81 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | -19° - -7° | -19° | 64 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
How to Get to Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is Highway 93, the scenic road that runs between the Lake Louise/Banff area and Jasper. It is accessed from the Trans‑Canada Highway (Highway 1) at the Lake Louise end and meets the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) at Jasper; the parkway itself is roughly 232 km (144 miles) long. There is limited public transit along the route, so most visitors drive the road or join guided coach tours from Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper.
Tips for Visiting Icefields Parkway
- Start very early (sunrise) to secure parking at popular pullouts (Peyto, Bow, the Columbia Icefield area) and to enjoy softer light on the mountains before mid-day tour-bus traffic builds.
- Plan fuel and supplies carefully-services are sparse between Lake Louise and Jasper, so top up in Lake Louise, Banff or Jasper rather than relying on interim stops.
- Include lesser-known stops such as Bow Lake and the Waterfowl Lakes to avoid the biggest crowds while still getting dramatic scenery.
- Check Parks Canada road reports and weather before setting out; conditions on the Parkway can change quickly and seasonal closures affect access to some viewpoints.