The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) is one of the most scenic drives in the world, running 230 km from Banff to Jasper through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The road passes glaciers, turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls and alpine meadows, with wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and bears.
Quick Answer
The Icefields Parkway is 230 km from Banff to Jasper, and the drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours without stops — but you should plan a full day or an overnight to enjoy it. The road is open year-round, but winter driving (November to April) requires snow tires, a full tank of gas and careful planning. The best time for the drive is June through September, when all facilities are open and the lakes are thawed.
Verified Driving Distances
| Segment | Distance | Driving Time | |---|---|---| | Banff to Lake Louise | 60 km | 45 min | | Lake Louise to Bow Lake | 40 km | 30 min | | Bow Lake to Peyto Lake | 15 km | 15 min | | Peyto Lake to Columbia Icefield | 55 km | 45 min | | Columbia Icefield to Athabasca Falls | 40 km | 30 min | | Athabasca Falls to Jasper | 30 km | 25 min | | Total: Banff to Jasper | 230 km | 3.5–4 hr |
Key Stops Along the Parkway
1. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (Banff National Park)
Start your drive at Lake Louise, 60 km from Banff. The turquoise glacial lake and the Victoria Glacier are iconic. Moraine Lake, 14 km from Lake Louise, is equally stunning with the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Both lakes require advance shuttle or transit reservations during summer — private vehicles are not permitted at Moraine Lake.
2. Bow Lake and the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge
Bow Lake, 40 km from Lake Louise, is one of the first major stops on the parkway. The historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge sits on the shore, and the Bow Glacier feeds the lake. The lake is a short walk from the parking area.
3. Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake, 15 km past Bow Lake, has one of the most famous viewpoints in the Rockies — a turquoise lake shaped like a wolf's head, viewed from a platform a short walk from the parking area. The lake is best photographed in mid-morning when the sun hits the water.
4. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier
The Columbia Icefield, 55 km past Peyto Lake, is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. The Athabasca Glacier flows from the icefield right to the roadside, and the Columbia Icefield Adventure offers tours onto the glacier. The Icefield Centre (open May to October) has food, restrooms and exhibits.
5. Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls, 30 km before Jasper, is a powerful waterfall that thunders through a limestone gorge. The falls are a short walk from the parking area and are accessible year-round.
6. Jasper Townsite
Jasper is the northern terminus of the parkway, a small town with restaurants, shops and lodging. The Jasper SkyTram, Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon are all within a short drive.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Banff to the Columbia Icefield
Depart Banff by 8 AM. Stop at Lake Louise for a morning walk and a coffee at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Drive the parkway, stopping at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Waterfowl Lakes. Have lunch at the Icefield Centre (open May to October) or pack a picnic. Spend the afternoon at the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier. Stay overnight at the Columbia Icefield Centre or continue to Jasper (1 hour further).
Day 2: Columbia Icefield to Jasper
Drive the final 70 km to Jasper, stopping at Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. Arrive in Jasper by noon, and spend the afternoon at Maligne Lake (cruise to Spirit Island) or the Jasper SkyTram. Stay overnight in Jasper and explore the town.
Where to Stay
- Banff: Banff has everything from the Fairmont Banff Springs to budget hostels. See our Banff travel guide.
- Lake Louise: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on the lakeshore; Lake Louise village has mid-range lodges.
- Columbia Icefield: The Icefield Centre (open May to October) has basic rooms — book well ahead.
- Jasper: Jasper has the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, mid-range hotels and cabins. See our Jasper travel guide.
Winter Driving Safety (November to April)
The Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but winter driving requires careful planning:
- Snow tires are mandatory in Banff and Jasper National Parks from November 1 to March 31.
- Fill your gas tank in Banff or Lake Louise — there is no gas station on the parkway until the Saskatchewan River Crossing (130 km from Lake Louise) and Jasper.
- Check road conditions before departing — the parkway can close for avalanche control or heavy snow. Check Drive BC and 511 Alberta for current conditions.
- Carry an emergency kit with food, water, blankets and a phone charger. Cell service is limited on much of the parkway.
- Drive slowly and watch for wildlife on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Budget Alternatives
- Day trip from Banff: Drive to Peyto Lake and back (150 km round trip) if you don't have time for the full parkway.
- Camping: Banff and Jasper National Parks have front-country campgrounds along the parkway. Reserve through the Parks Canada reservation system.
- Self-catering: Pack a picnic and use the picnic areas at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield. Restaurant options are limited and expensive.
Plan Your Icefields Parkway Trip
Browse things to do in Banff and things to do in Jasper, check hotel availability in Banff and Jasper, or explore the full Calgary to Banff to Jasper road trip.
