The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) spans 144 miles between Lake Louise in Banff National Park and the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park. Often considered one of the most scenic drives in North America – and by some, the world – it doesn’t take long to understand why.
Along the way, you’ll pass jagged mountain peaks, massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, powerful waterfalls, and countless viewpoints that make you want to pull over every few miles.
No amount of descriptive words or photographs can fully capture the beauty of this drive. We knew the Icefields Parkway would be scenic, but we still weren’t prepared for how often we’d find ourselves stopping at “just one more viewpoint.”
The stops along the Icefields Parkway range from quick roadside viewpoints to short hikes and longer adventures deeper into the mountains. With so many incredible places to see, it’s impossible to experience everything in a single day.
In this guide, we’ll share the stops we think are most worth your time, listed in the order you’ll encounter them driving from Banff to Jasper. At the end, we’ll also break down what we’d prioritize depending on how much time you have.
Bow Lake
Recommended Time: 5-15 minutes
Bow Lake sits at the base of Crowfoot Mountain and makes a great first stop along the Icefields Parkway. The turquoise water, mountain backdrop, and easy roadside access make it an excellent place to stretch your legs and take a few photos before continuing north.
From the viewpoint, you’ll also have a chance to see Crowfoot Glacier. The glacier gets its name from its distinctive shape, which once resembled a crow’s foot. While melting has changed its appearance over the years, it’s still an impressive sight from the roadside.
Most visitors only spend a few minutes here, but if you’d like to explore a little more, you can park near The Lodge at Bow Lake and walk along the relatively flat shoreline trail. It’s a pleasant way to spend some extra time by the lake, especially on a calm morning.
That said, with so many incredible stops ahead, we’d recommend keeping this one relatively short and saving more of your time for some of the larger attractions farther up the parkway.
Peyto Lake
Recommended Time: 30-45 minutes (main overlook), 60-90 minutes (second overlook)
Peyto Lake is one of the most iconic stops along the Icefields Parkway and, as far as lake views go, we would consider it a must-see. The main viewpoint is reached by a little over a quarter-mile paved path. While there is one short but fairly steep section, the trail is generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
The main overlook provides a panoramic view of the lake’s famous wolf-head shape and the surrounding mountains. If you’re willing to continue a little farther, you can find an even better viewpoint. From the wooden viewing platform, continue along the dirt trail for roughly another half mile to a quieter overlook with fewer crowds and a slightly different perspective of the lake.
We spent some time sitting on the rocks here simply taking in the view. It quickly became clear why Peyto Lake is considered one of the iconic stops along the parkway.
If you’d like to hike to the secondary viewpoint, you can find the trail on AllTrails.
Waterfowl Lakes
Recommended Time: 5-15 minutes
Waterfowl Lakes consists of two turquoise lakes surrounded by mountain peaks and is easily accessed from a roadside pull-off along the Icefields Parkway.
We stopped here to eat a picnic lunch along the shoreline and enjoyed the peaceful setting and mountain views. It was a great place to take a break during the drive.
If you’re short on time, this is one stop we’d consider skipping in favor of some of the larger attractions farther up the parkway. However, if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the scenery for a few minutes, Waterfowl Lakes is a pleasant stop.
Mistaya Canyon
Recommended Time: 45-60 minutes
About a half-mile hike from the Icefields Parkway, Mistaya Canyon is a stunning gorge carved by the powerful Mistaya River. The Mistaya River flows from Peyto Lake and eventually forms Waterfowl Lakes, which you may have passed or visited earlier on the drive.
This stop is an absolute must. Over millions of years, the rushing water has carved smooth, swirling patterns into the limestone canyon walls, creating one of the most unique landscapes along the Icefields Parkway. Photos don’t fully capture the scale or beauty of the canyon. You really need to see it for yourself.
After crossing the bridge spanning the canyon, you’ll likely notice people standing on the rocks below. While this provides a different perspective of the canyon, use caution if you decide to venture down. The rocks can be slippery, especially when wet, and there are no handrails or barriers in the area.
This was one of our favorite stops along the entire Icefields Parkway. We ended up spending nearly 30 minutes here just watching the water rush through the canyon and admiring the unique rock formations. Honestly, we could have stayed even longer, but eventually had to remind ourselves that we still had the rest of the parkway, and Jasper, waiting for us.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
Recommended Time: 10-20 minutes (longer if eating/fueling)
Saskatchewan River Crossing offers panoramic views of the Saskatchewan River with the surrounding mountains providing a different perspective from many of the lakes and waterfalls found elsewhere along the Icefields Parkway. Interpretive signs along the overlook also share some of the area’s history, making this a worthwhile place for a quick 5–10 minute stop.
More importantly, Saskatchewan River Crossing is the only place along the Icefields Parkway with fuel, food, and public restrooms. Even if you don’t stop for the viewpoint, many visitors end up stopping here out of necessity. If you need gas, don’t pass it by assuming there will be another station farther up the road.
Parker Ridge Trail
Recommended Time: 2-3 hours
If you’re up for a moderately strenuous hike, Parker Ridge Trail is one of the best hikes along the Icefields Parkway.
This 3.5-mile out-and-back trail climbs steadily through a series of switchbacks before emerging above the treeline. Once you reach the alpine ridge, the Saskatchewan Glacier comes into full view. Unlike many of the roadside viewpoints along the parkway, this is one of the few places where you can truly appreciate the scale of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
The hike isn’t easy by any means, but the views from the top make the effort worthwhile. Standing above the glacier and looking out across the vast icefield was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
If you’re able to fit just one moderate hike into your Icefields Parkway itinerary, this would be our top choice. Plan on spending roughly 2-3 hours here, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the view at the top.
Columbia Icefield
Recommended Time: 30 minutes (visitor center only), 3 hours (Icefield Adventure)
The Columbia Icefield is one of the most unique experiences along the Icefields Parkway and a stop we wouldn’t skip. The Icefield Discovery Centre overlooks the Athabasca Glacier and serves as the hub for the area’s attractions, exhibits, and tours.
If you’re short on time, this is still worth a stop. You can grab a coffee, explore the Discovery Centre, and enjoy impressive views of the Athabasca Glacier without spending more than 30 minutes here. If you’re traveling on a budget, a trail also leads toward the toe of the glacier, allowing you to get a closer look without booking a tour.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Icefield Adventure takes visitors onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard specially designed vehicles before allowing time to walk directly on the ice. We chose to do this experience and thought it was one of the highlights of our trip. Walking on a glacier was something neither of us had ever done before, and it’s an experience we’ll remember for a long time.
Tickets also include access to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform extending out over the Sunwapta Valley. While the views were impressive, this wasn’t the main draw for us. The opportunity to walk on the Athabasca Glacier was what made the experience worthwhile.
Whether you choose to book the tour or simply stop to admire the glacier from the Discovery Centre, the Columbia Icefield deserves a place on your Icefields Parkway itinerary.
Tangle Creek Falls
Recommended Time: 5-10 minutes
If you’re not paying attention, you might drive right past Tangle Creek Falls. This waterfall sits immediately beside the Icefields Parkway and can be viewed from a quick roadside pull-off.
What makes Tangle Creek Falls stand out is its tiered appearance. Instead of a single dramatic drop, the water cascades down multiple levels of rock, creating a unique look compared to many of the other waterfalls you’ll encounter along the drive.
During my research for this trip, I saw mixed opinions on whether this stop was worth it. After seeing it for ourselves, I thought it was a great quick stop. You’re already driving right past it, and the view is only a few steps from the parking area.
If you have five minutes to spare, I’d pull over and take a look.
Sunwapta Falls
Recommended Time: 20-30 minutes (upper falls only)
Sunwapta Falls consists of two waterfalls: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The Upper Falls are the main attraction and are accessible via an easy five-minute walk from the parking area.
Here, the crystal-clear waters of the Sunwapta River split around a small island before dropping 62 feet through a narrow gorge. Several viewing areas provide excellent perspectives of the falls, including a bridge overlook and pathways that lead closer to the river. Unlike some waterfalls where you’re viewing them from a distance, Sunwapta Falls allows you to get surprisingly close to the action while still remaining behind protective fencing.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy stop, the Upper Falls are absolutely worth your time. For those wanting to explore farther, a trail continues to the less-visited Lower Falls. We didn’t have time to make the hike ourselves, as we were running short on both daylight and energy by this point in the day, but it’s an option worth considering if you have extra time.
Athabasca Falls
Recommended Time: 30-60 minutes
Athabasca Falls is on nearly every list of must-visit stops along the Icefields Parkway, and for good reason. While the waterfall isn’t particularly tall, the sheer volume and force of the water is incredible to witness in person. Surrounded by mountain peaks and a canyon carved by the Athabasca River, it’s one of the most impressive and photogenic stops along the entire drive.
A network of short trails and viewing platforms allows you to experience the falls from multiple angles while exploring the canyon below. We’d highly recommend taking the time to walk beyond the main viewpoint, as some of the best perspectives are found farther along the trail system. The combination of powerful rushing water, dramatic canyon walls, and mountain scenery makes this much more than just a quick roadside waterfall stop.
Like much of the Jasper area, Athabasca Falls was heavily impacted by the 2024 Jasper wildfire. It’s impossible not to notice as you approach the falls, with burned trees surrounding much of the area and portions of the trail system still recovering during our visit. It feels a little heavy and sad to see the extent of the damage. That being said, the forest is already showing signs of recovery, with fresh green growth and even wildflowers emerging among the burned trees. While the landscape looks very different than it did before the fire, there is a certain beauty in watching new life emerge through the ashes.
If you’re only stopping at a handful of places along the Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Falls deserves a spot on your list.
Horseshoe Lake
Recommended Time: 45-60 minutes
I don’t think Horseshoe Lake gets enough attention. It rarely appears on lists of the best stops along the Icefields Parkway, but we’re including it on ours.
A relatively easy one-mile loop leads to a cliff overlooking a lake shaped exactly how you’d expect: a horseshoe. We visited early in the morning when the water was perfectly calm, creating beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains and forest.
The hike itself is surprisingly scenic, with interesting rock formations and great views along the way. Like much of the Jasper area, Horseshoe Lake was heavily impacted by the 2024 Jasper wildfire, and nearly all of the trees surrounding the trail and lake were burned. It creates a very different experience than what we expected from the photos we’d seen while planning our trip. Even so, the reflections on the lake and the views from the overlook still made this one of our favorite lesser-known stops along the parkway.
Valley of the Five Lakes
Recommended Time: 2-3 hours
While planning our trip, Valley of the Five Lakes was one of the hikes I was most excited about. Unfortunately, the trail was closed during our visit due to damage from the 2024 Jasper wildfires. Thankfully, repairs have since been completed and the trail reopened on May 23, 2026.
This 3.4-mile loop passes five colorful lakes, each with slightly different shades of blue and green. It’s often recommended as one of the best easy-to-moderate hikes near Jasper and offers a chance to experience the area’s famous lake scenery without committing to a long or strenuous trek.
Although we weren’t able to hike it ourselves, this is one we’d put high on our list for a future visit.
How Long Do You Need?
If you’re simply driving the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper without stopping, the drive takes about 3–4 hours. If you’re short on time, you can see many of the parkway’s biggest highlights in a single day.
That said, 2 days is the perfect amount of time. We spent one day driving from Banff to Jasper, stayed two nights in Jasper, and then spent another day exploring the parkway on our drive from Jasper to Golden.
There is such a diverse range of scenery and attractions along the route that it’s well worth slowing down and spending extra time here. Two days also gives you the flexibility to tackle some of the longer hikes, such as Parker Ridge and Valley of the Five Lakes.
If longer hikes aren’t your thing or you only have one day available, the Icefields Parkway is still absolutely worth experiencing. Even a single day allows you to see some of the most iconic viewpoints and landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.
If You Only Have One Day
While it’s impossible to see everything the Icefields Parkway has to offer in a single day, you can still experience many of its most iconic highlights. The itinerary below assumes you’re driving from Lake Louise to Jasper. If you’re traveling in the opposite direction or returning the same day, simply adjust the order to fit your route.
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake (main viewpoint only)
- Mistaya Canyon
- Tangle Creek Falls
- Columbia Icefield (visitor center and walk to the glacier)
- Sunwapta Falls
- Athabasca Falls
If You Have Two Days
Two days is our recommended amount of time for exploring the Icefields Parkway. It gives you enough time to see the major highlights, enjoy some of the shorter hikes, and still fit in a longer adventure like Parker Ridge Trail without feeling rushed. The itinerary assumes you’re spending at least one night in Jasper before returning south.
Day 1: Lake Louise to Jasper
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
- Mistaya Canyon
- Saskatchewan River Crossing
- Tangle Creek Falls
- Athabasca Falls
- Valley of the Five Lakes (if time allows)
Day 2: Jasper to Lake Louise/Golden
- Horseshoe Lake
- Sunwapta Falls
- Columbia Icefield
- Parker Ridge Trail
- Waterfowl Lakes
Our 5 Favorite Stops on the Icefields Parkway
While every stop on this list offers something unique, these are the five places that stood out most during our trip. If you’re looking for a quick summary of the stops we think are most worth your time, start here.
- Mistaya Canyon
- Peyto Lake
- Parker Ridge Trail
- Athabasca Falls
- Columbia Icefield
Final Thoughts
The Icefields Parkway absolutely lives up to its reputation as one of the most scenic drives in North America, and perhaps the world. If you’re short on time, it’s still worth experiencing whatever portion of the drive you can fit into your itinerary. That said, this is one destination where slowing down and allowing extra time is well worth it.
One of the things that surprised us most was how difficult it was to choose our favorite stops. Every location offered something different, whether it was a turquoise lake, a powerful waterfall, a glacier viewpoint, or a scenic hike. Even after spending multiple days exploring the area, we still left with places we’d like to revisit and trails we’d like to hike.
Some of our favorite memories weren’t tied to a specific attraction at all. They came from pulling over at an unmarked viewpoint, sitting beside a lake, or simply taking in the scenery between stops. The Icefields Parkway is more than just a road connecting Banff and Jasper, it’s a destination in its own right.
Such beautiful scenery!