Anne-Charlotte PasseraIt will be hard to visit the Icefields Parkway in just one day. There are so many points of interests and hikes that you won’t be able to see it all.
Below you’ll find tips on places to visit on the Icefields Parkway and a summary of our little road-trip.
Since we had a long drive ahead of us (380km) and multiple stops along the way to break up the ride, we set off early. On our way from Banff, we decided to try our luck at Moraine Lake (again), it was before 9 a.m. and no luck. Third attempt, another fail.
Things to remember before you visit the Icefields Parkway
Before setting out on the long stretch of the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper, DON’T FORGET to gas up. There are no gas stations between those two towns.
Also, download a map just in case as there is no cell reception and bring food to be able to picnic.
While doing my research on The Rockies, a place whose name came up a few times was Laggans. Apparently, they can provide packed lunches and great slices of pizza. This is perfect if you are looking for food on the go, and don’t want to have to pack your own lunch.
Laggans is located in Lake Louise. There is also a supermarket next door from it and a gas station.
By bringing your own lunch, you’ll be able to eat it where ever your heart desires. Otherwise, the only real place we saw where you can grab a bite to eat is that the Columbia Icefields Visitor Center.
When you visit and picnic on the Icefields Parkway, don’t forget to pick up your trash!
Herbert Lake
We decided to make our first stop at Herbert Lake, located at the beginning of the Icefields Parkway.
This lake is supposed to be the warmest lake in Banff that you can possibly swim in. That might be true, but if you saw it you’d be disappointed. Don’t stop there unless you have to.
Crowfoot Mountain/Glacier across Bow Lake
Approximately 30 minutes North of Lake Louise, we stopped to admire the view of Crowfoot Mountain/Glacier across Bow Lake.
Although it was a bit cloudy we could get an idea of the beauty of it. It’s a great place to unwind and have a picnic and it’s also one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park.
Located on the shores of Bow Lake is the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge that we caught a glimpse of when we stopped. This could make for a great overnight stop on your way to or from Jasper. However, one night there costs $400, and dogs aren’t allowed as it’s considered a historical building. The view from it though is priceless.
Peyto Lake
Not far from Bow Lake lies Peyto Lake. I know, we saw a lot of lakes during our trip but this one was stunning. Admired from the Peyto Lake viewpoint, this lake is glacier-fed and is of turquoise color. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
If you get to the Peyto Lake viewpoint while everyone and their mother are there, no worries, just continue on to the Upper Lake Viewpoint.
Off the beaten path
The Upper Lake Viewpoint isn’t exactly indicated because they probably want to keep it off the beaten path but there is another trail.
Just continue uphill from the first viewpoint which will take you to a circuit. Look at the map and you’ll notice a tiny trail leaving the circuit on the right. THAT is what you want to take.
So go counter-clockwise on the circuit and keep an eye out on the right for a man-made dirt path. Follow that dirt path all the way up.
This is not stroller friendly at all. You’ll be climbing up rocks. It’s not too hard, a bit steep but totally doable even if you are not super fit.
The view is so spectacular that if you get blinded by the beauty of it you just might take a tumble from the rocks. So pay close attention during the climb.
Once we arrived on top, there was nobody and it was late morning. We ventured a little past the viewpoint to check out some snow that remained. Blondie Bear inadvertently slipped down from it, but no harm was done.
After that, we came back down to the Peyto Lake Viewpoint. It was completely empty as the tourist buses had all left. Perfect timing for some more picture ops.
Columbia Icefield Visitor Center
As we had breached mid-day and had not packed lunch, it was time to find a place to eat. Our options were limited.
We had lunch at the Columbia Icefield Visitor Center. There are two dining options: a cafeteria or a restaurant (Chalet).
We picked the less expensive one. The prices are of course outrageous, and the food is just ok. Blondie Bear and I shared a soup and Big Boss had a burger. The meal, including 2 sodas and 1 energy drink cost us around 40$. Luckily we had decent snacks in the car to hold us over.
It is very crowded inside and in the parking lot as well. The only upside to stopping there is the view of the Athabasca Glacier, the bathrooms, and the water fountains to refill your water bottle.
Activities to do from the Columbia Icefield Visitor Center
From the visitor center, you can book activities such as the glacier skywalk which cost 37$/adult and 19$/child or go on glacier walks.
The Glacier Skywalk is only accessible by shuttle bus, so you can’t even take a sneak peek of it by driving up to it.
In my opinion and from what I have read, it sounds more like an expensive tourist trap than anything else, much like the Banff Gondola. I guess the only worthwhile experience is the walking on the glass skywalk part.
For a more interesting experience, check out this company.
If you want to experience the glacier walk, similar to the one we had in Iceland, then you need to book a private tour. It will take you with a special all-terrain vehicle up to the glacier and then with a guide to walk on it.
In order to participate in these activities, you need to book in advance, have steep pockets, as they don’t come cheap, and have time. However, walking on a glacier is a once in a lifetime experience.
Free activity – Athabasca Glacier
We opted for the free version of driving across from the Visitor Centre parking lot to the Athabasca glacier parking lot.
We would have walked from the visitor centre but it is quite a walk actually on a gravel road. Don’t worry, there is plenty of walking left to do to get up close the glacier from the parking lot including a nice little hill. Don’t wear sandals and bring a sweater or light jacket as it can get windy up there…just look at my hair!
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get very close to it as it is prohibited by a rope. I assume it’s to preserve it as much as possible as it has melted quite a bit. Who said Climate change isn’t real? Probably another idiot.
DO NOT cross the rope, it would be silly to put yourself in harm’s way just for a picture. There are solid crevasses in which you can fall into that you might not be able to spot until it is too late. Keep a keen eye on your kids and elderly companion so that they don’t wander off.
Tangle Falls
Moving along, we stopped by Tangle falls. According to the park’s guide, you can spot goats.
The only thing I spotted was Blondie Bear dangerously striking a pose by the waterfall and Big Boss trying to climb on top of the fall looking for goats. Yep, we like living on the edge.
The falls are actually nice. You can’t miss them as they are right by the road not very far from the Columbia Icefields Visitor Centre (about 6.5 km).
Athabasca Falls
Our final stop before heading to our lodging outside of Jasper was Athabasca Falls (roughly 30 km South of Jasper).
At the time we arrived, there were two rangers presenting various animal antlers. These were great and so freaking heavy!! We learned a lot of things that I don’t remember and could ask useful information such as where to spot certain animals etc…They are there for that purpose. Kids will love them.
The falls little ballad is a lot of fun and very accessible. They throw themselves into a river where there is a small little pebble beach that can be reached by following the trail that leads through a canyon that was created by earlier erosion. This could make for a great picnic spot just as long as you pick up after yourself.
Finally, we saw mountain sheep, bears along the way and stopped by the Sunwapta Falls which is an easy walk.
To visit the Icefields Parkway, you should allow yourself at least 2 days. There is plenty to see, hikes to take, wildlife to spot.
We visited the Icefields Parkway on our way to and back from Jasper. It’s a long drive, but with lots of stops, the ride will be a lot more enjoyable.
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