Calgary to Banff to Jasper (Icefields Parkway)
The Icefields Parkway — the most scenic drive in the world.
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) is the marquee drive in Canada — 230 km of glacier-fed lakes, hanging valleys and roadside wildlife between Lake Louise and Jasper. There is no gas between the two ends, so fill up in Lake Louise and budget a full day for the stops alone.
Flying in? This route starts in Calgary — pick up wheels at the airport.
Rent a Car in CalgaryBest Time to Drive
June to September; the parkway closes intermittently in winter.
How Many Days
2-3 days with an overnight in Jasper.
Where to Stay
Banff town, Lake Louise, then Jasper town.
Drive this route
A rental car, stops to sleep and roadside cover.
Pick up a rental at Calgary and drive the full route at your own pace.
The route, stop by stop
- 1
Banff town & Sulphur Mountain
130 kmStart in Banff — soak in the Upper Hot Springs and ride the gondola to the Sulphur Mountain summit boardwalk before you leave town.
- 2
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
200 kmTwo of the most photographed glacial lakes on earth. Arrive before 8am or book the Parks Canada shuttle — Moraine Lake parking is reservation-only.
Moraine Lake parking fills months ahead — book the shuttle early.
- 3
Bow & Peyto Lakes
230 kmBow Lake sits at the base of the Wapta Icefield; Peyto is the wolf-head overlook best in morning light.
- 4
Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier
300 kmThe largest icefield in the Rockies. Ride the Ice Explorer onto the glacier or walk the Glacier Skywalk.
- 5
Sunwapta & Athabasca Falls
380 kmTwo roadside waterfalls mark the final stretch into Jasper.
- 6
Jasper townsite
410 kmFinish in the relaxed railway town of Jasper — quieter than Banff, with the SkyTram and Maligne Canyon.
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