Route Overview
About this Tour
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) between Lake Louise and Jasper is considered one of the world's most beautiful mountain roads. These 230 kilometers lead through the heart of two national parks (Banff and Jasper), past over 100 glaciers, countless turquoise lakes, and wildlife ranging from grizzly bears to mountain goats. This route epitomizes what people imagine when they think of the Canadian Rockies.
Your Journey in Detail
🧊Lake Louise to Bow Summit
Lake Louise is one of Canada's most famous places – a turquoise glacial lake framed by majestic peaks and the Victoria Glacier. The Fairmont Chateau, a historic railway hotel, sits on the shore, but the real magic is outdoor. The hiking trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers offers spectacular views (teahouse at the end!), and the Lake Agnes Trail leads to another teahouse by a hidden mountain lake. A few kilometers from the main lake lies Moraine Lake – for many even more beautiful, with its surreal blue color and the 'Ten Peaks' as backdrop. The drive on the Icefields Parkway begins with Bow Lake, another turquoise jewel, where the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge serves breakfast and coffee. Bow Summit (2,088 m) is the highest point of the Parkway – from here, a short path leads to the viewpoint over Peyto Lake, whose shape resembles a wolf (or fox) and whose color is simply surreal.
🦌Columbia Icefield – Touchable Glaciers
The Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains – 325 square kilometers of ice, up to 350 meters thick, source of six major glaciers. The Athabasca Glacier is the most accessible: you can hike to the base (careful, glacier ice is dangerous!) or ride the massive 'Ice Explorer' buses directly onto the glacier. For adventurers: guided glacier walks with crampons are bookable and unforgettable. The Icefield Centre offers exhibitions on glaciers and climate change – sobering but important. The Glacier Skywalk, a glass observation platform, hangs 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley – not for the faint of heart, but the view is breathtaking.
💎Jasper – Wilderness & Stars
Jasper National Park is less crowded than Banff and has a rougher, wilder character. Athabasca Falls, not far from the Parkway, are spectacular: the river plunges through narrow gorges it has carved into the rock over millennia. The town of Jasper itself is smaller and more relaxed than Banff – a real mountain village with wooden houses, few traffic lights, and a bear-savvy population (bears are regularly spotted in town!). Maligne Lake, reachable via a scenic side road, is one of Canada's most photographed motifs: Spirit Island, a tiny tree-covered island, is iconic. Jasper is the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve – stargazing here is incredible.
💡Practical Tips
- ✓The Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but best conditions are June-September.
- ✓Fuel up in Lake Louise or Jasper – there are NO gas stations on the 230 km in between!
- ✓Bears and moose on the road are common – drive slowly and keep distance for photos!
At a Glance
Duration
5-7 Tage
Distance
230 km
Difficulty
Easy
Highlights
- ⭐Columbia Icefield
- ⭐Peyto Lake
- ⭐Athabasca Falls
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