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When you thought Canada was all moose and maple syrup – suppose once more. Canada can also be well-known for its splendid surroundings and luxurious mountain landscapes, and top-of-the-line methods to see all of that is on the Icefields Parkway Drive – a scenic street in Canada that can depart you breathless.
The 232 km Icefields Parkway is identified to be essentially the most scenic drive in Canada. It’s identified for its breathtaking magnificence, with beautiful mountain vistas, glaciers, waterfalls, and turquoise lakes.
However should you’re undecided what to see and do alongside the Icefields Parkway Drive, here’s a full information to the drive assist you out!
What’s The Icefields Parkway Drive?
The Icefields Parkway is a scenic street within the Canadian Rockies that connects the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff Nationwide Park with the city of Jasper in Jasper Nationwide Park.
The parkway, often known as Freeway 93, has quite a few stops and points of interest that depart guests in awe, together with the Columbia Icefield, which is the most important icefield within the Canadian Rockies.
Alongside the way in which you possibly can cease off to take pleasure in mountain climbing, sightseeing, or go to viewpoints alongside this iconic street.
The Canadian Icefields Parkway drive attracts practically 100,000 autos per thirty days with its towering mountains, icy blue lakes and shimmery crystal historic glaciers.
The entire drive may be performed inside 3 hours. However you gained’t wish to.
A street like this calls for your time to discover, to cease, to {photograph}, to be in awe. We suggest you’re taking 2 days to drive the Icefields Parkway so you possibly can spend extra time on the stops and benefit from the mountain climbing trails.
Is Icefields Parkway price it?
The Icefields Parkway, which will get its title from the Columbia Icefields, is journey by way of Banff Nationwide Park and Jasper Nationwide Park that’s fairly probably essentially the most scenic drive on earth and ought to be in your street journey bucket checklist.
Rated as one of many high drives on the planet by Conde Nast Traveller, the Icefields Parkway (Freeway 93 North) hyperlinks Lake Louise to Jasper in Alberta, Canada.
Not solely does the street supply beautiful surroundings of glaciers, waterfalls, and breathtaking mountains, nevertheless it additionally passes a few of the high points of interest in Canada.
Locations like Sunwapta Falls, the Columbia Icefield, and the Parker Ridge path are a few of the most well-known landmarks within the nation.
The street can also be well-maintained and simply accessible in the course of the hotter months, and we extremely advisable it for individuals who need a distinctive option to expertise the Canadian Rockies.
Stops To Add To Your Icefields Parkway Itinerary
Whereas there are quite a few locations for which you can be pulling the automotive over to take a look at the vistas, make sure you add the beneath locations to cease on the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper.
1. Columbia Icefield / Athabasca Glacier
Columbia Icefields is essentially the most well-known attraction on the Icefields Parkway and is what provides this scenic drive its title.
It’s a straightforward drive from Jasper to Columbia Icefields, and the most important icefield within the Rocky Mountains, Athabasca Glacier.
Be sure to park your automotive on the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and guide a tour on the tank-like bus to the Athabasca Glacier.
It’s a steep experience all the way down to the glacier, however as soon as parked you have got free time to stroll round and grow to be an ice explorer.
However time is operating out. The Athabasca Glacier is fed by the Athabasca River and has misplaced 60% of its quantity within the final 170 years, and specialists imagine it will likely be fully gone between between 2040 and 2100.
So be sure you see it when you nonetheless can.
The Icefield Centre close to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk additionally has a pure historical past museum to study extra about glaciers and the native atmosphere.
The Saskatchewan River Crossing and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is a place to begin for excursions on the Columbia Icefield.
2. Columbia Glacier Skywalk
This breathtaking cliff-edge walkway provides a novel option to see the glacier, as you witness the immense powers of glaciology from a glass-floored commentary platform perched 918 toes above the Sunwapta Valley.
As you traverse the 1,312-foot lengthy walkway, unobstructed vistas of snow-capped peaks and large glaciers will depart you in awe.
The accessibility of the Columbia Glacier Skywalk makes it a super vacation spot for all journey seekers seeking to join with nature’s grandeur.
3. Icefields Parkway Waterfalls
There are a number of waterfalls alongside the Icefields Parkway, however be sure you don’t miss the next…
Athabasca Falls
A brief drive from Jasper is the category 5 waterfall, Athabasca Falls, with a drop of 80 toes. Its turquoise sapphire water is spellbinding.
The falls are spectacular for the amount and pressure of water, which may be safely considered and photographed from numerous viewing platforms and strolling trails.
Sunwapta Falls
With a drop of 61 toes, The Sunwapta Falls consists of an higher and decrease fall with a hike that can get you shut sufficient to really feel the mist.
The falls are significantly spectacular within the late spring and early summer season when snow pack runoff is excessive.
3. Lake Louise
Lake Louise is without doubt one of the most romantic lakes within the Canadian Rockies space to go to, particularly throughout snow season when the white-peaked mountains create a surprising and tranquil panorama.
Lefroy Glacier melts into an impossibly scenic and mirror-smooth lake, with its pristine turquoise waters framed by majestic snow-capped mountain peaks – however Lake Louise is greater than only a stunning nature spot.
Across the lake chances are you’ll spot some native wildlife, together with Grizzly Bears (it’s one of many most secure locations in Canada to see them), black bears, bighorn sheep, lynx, mountain goats, moose and elks.
4. Bow Lake
Bow Lake is without doubt one of the most underestimated spots on the Icefields Parkway. You will discover Bow Lake nearer to the southern finish at about an altitude of 6,299 toes.
Its indescribable magnificence is finest captured below the setting solar.
Bow Lake reached by mountain climbing alongside the Bow Glacier Falls path, which is a straightforward 9 km spherical journey (although come early because the parking zone usually will get stuffed shortly).
Bow Lake is the headwaters of the Bow River and the right spot to view the Crowfoot Glacier, Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Crowfoot Mountain and Mount Thompson.
5. Peyto Lake
As if a 10-minute brief hike by way of a snowy wonderland was not enjoyable sufficient, whenever you attain an elevation of 6,102 toes you might be rewarded at Bow Summit with the right view overlooking Peyto Lake and the sweeping valleys.
Bow Summit is the very best level on the drive from Banff to Jasper and is the very best elevation crossed by a public street in Canada.
6. Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon is one other picturesque mountain climbing path positioned inside Banff Nationwide Park, the place the dashing waters of the Mistaya River have carved a panoramic gorge.
With its straightforward accessibility and brief hike, Mistaya Canyon lets you simply rise up near towering rock formations and cascading waterfalls.
7. Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Banff Nationwide Park, the Crawfoot Glacier viewing platform lets you marvel on the icy behemoth of Crowfoot Glacier because it majestically rests on the rocky flanks of Crowfoot Mountain.
The accessibility of this viewpoint lets you simply witness this pure surprise, making it a must-visit cease on the Icefields Parkway.
8. Moraine Lake
This pristine turquoise lake, surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests, is the right lake to cease off at for a picnic or out of doors actions.
From mountain climbing and biking to canoeing on its glacial-fed waters, it’s the right spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
9. Waterfowl Lake
Situated on a brief stroll from the parkway, you’ll uncover a stunning viewpoint that gives beautiful vistas of Waterfowl Lake.
Surrounded by the majestic Canadian Rockies, this picturesque spot supplies the right backdrop for out of doors fanatics and nature lovers alike.
When you take pleasure in tenting, pitch your tent on the close by Waterfowl Lakes Campground for the evening.
10. Chephren Lake
One other stunning lake in Banff Nationwide Park is Chephren Lake.
This hidden gem is reached by a average mountain climbing path, good for adventurers looking for a peaceable escape into nature.
As you traverse the 9 km spherical journey, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the lake nestled beneath the towering partitions of Howse Peak and Mount Chephren.
11. Mosquito Creek Path
Regardless of its title, Mosquito Creek will not be identified for its mosquitos!
The hike is a straightforward, 10km spherical journey hike that begins at Mosquito Creek and finishes at Mosquito Valley.
This hike provides an opportunity to discover the unspoiled fantastic thing about the Canadian Rockies, together with see scenes of the grand Noseeum Mountain, whereas immersing themselves in nature’s wonders.
Traverse by way of lush forests, cross babbling creeks, and marvel on the breathtaking vistas that unfold earlier than your eyes.
12. Saskatchewan Glacier
This colossal ice large stands as a testomony to the grandeur of nature, charming all who encounter it.
Situated in Banff Nationwide Park, Saskatchewan Glacier is the most important outflow glacier on the parkway.
Like Athabasca Glacier, this glacier can also be retreating and is predicted to vanish by the tip of the century. Consultants imagine it’s receding at 55 metres per 12 months.
Icefields Parkway Itinerary Map
That can assist you plan your Icefields Parkway itinerary, here’s a map of all of the stops we talked about on this information.
When you plan to drive from Banff to Jasper, we suggest you go to every cease on this order:
- Banff
- Moraine Lake
- Lake Louise
- Mosquito Creek Path
- Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
- Mistaya Lake
- Waterfowl Lake
- Chephren Lake
- Saskatchewan Glacier
- Athabasca Glacier
- Columbia Icefield Skywalk
- Sunwapta Falls
- Athabasca Falls
- Jasper
Finest Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway
The perfect time of 12 months to do the Icefields Parkway is in the summertime. If doable, purpose your go to for June as there might be giant crowds of vacationers in July and August.
The street circumstances are fairly icy and providers equivalent to gasoline stations, resorts, hostels, campgrounds, and eating places shut within the winter from November till April, so that you gained’t be capable to do the drive in these months.
Spring time in April is a pleasant time of 12 months when the meadows are in bloom, and you can even keep away from the crowds in early September.
The place To Keep On The Icefields Passway
We suggest you keep in Banff or Lake Louise to discover the southern stretch and comply with it up with a keep in Jasper for the northern portion.
There are a lot of visitor homes, motels and lodges round these two cities, however there are solely a handful of resorts on the precise parkway, and they’re dearer, so that you’ll doubtless want to come back off it at evening to sleep.
Make sure you verify Parks Canada for any closures alongside the Icefields Parkway earlier than making any reservations.
The Mountaineer Lodge in Lake Louise and the Mount Robson Inn in Jasper are standard locations to remain.
Ultimate Ideas
It takes way over 3 hours to witness all the sweetness alongside the Icefields Parkway, essentially the most scenic drive in Canada. My finest tip is to divide and conquer.
This scenic drive by way of the majestic Canadian Rockies will depart you awestruck at each flip. Glaciers majestically circulate into crystal-clear lakes, whereas towering mountains supply a backdrop that looks like it’s been painted by a grasp artist.
The Icefields Parkway is not only a drive; it’s a chance to reconnect with nature’s grandeur and discover solace in its magnificence.
For individuals who like a number of day excursions, with a splash of luxurious, contemplate the Canadian Rockies excursions provided by our most well-liked tour firm, Globus. See their Western Canada excursions right here.
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Excursions of the Icefields Parkway Drive
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Have you ever pushed the Icefields Parkway? What was your favourite reminiscence? Or what’s your favourite street journey in Canada? Share within the feedback beneath.
Supply: Breaking Travel News
