Driving the Icefields Parkway

Hailed as one of Canada's greatest drives, the Icefields Parkway is a scenic highway officially running from Lake Louise to the town of Jasper and straight through the majestic Canadian Rockies. Stretching 230 km (142 mi), the Parkway travels alongside age-old icefields, vast alpine forests, turquoise glacial lakes and permanently snow-capped mountains. Constructed with sightseeing in mind, the road provides easy access to some of the Canadian Rockies' greatest natural attractions including Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon and the great Columbia Icefield.

	Driving the Icefields Parkway 1

CLIMATE

Climate in the Canadian Rockies is very unpredictable and varies greatly depending on location and elevation. Visitors travelling in any season should always be prepared for the unexpected, including plummeting temperatures, summer blizzards and bursts of rainfall. July, with its longer days and low humidity, is generally the warmest month while January is the coldest. Because of the higher altitude, it is also advisable to bring sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection.

The village of Lake Louise generally brings minimum winter averages of -19ºC (-2ºF) while summer maximums average at about 20ºC (68ºF). The Jasper Townsite normally sees mild winters and cool summers with winter minimums averaging at -12ºC (10ºF) and summer maximums averaging at 22ºC (72ºF). This pleasant climate is due to the town's valley location and protection by the mountains. Mild chinook winds also provide relief from chilly winter weather throughout the Canadian Rockies.

TRANSPORTATION

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is accessible from Edmonton and Calgary. Coming from Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway, the road splits off into Highway 93 near Lake Louise. Access from Edmonton is provided from the Yellowhead Highway, which turns into Highway 93 after the Jasper Townsite. Depending on traffic and the number of stopovers, visitors can expect to take anywhere between three to five hours to drive the Icefields Parkway. While the road is open year-round, visitors should anticipate temporary closures (which could last as much as three days) in the wintertime after heavy snowfalls so that crew may clear the highway of snow and any avalanche debris. It is therefore advised that travellers check conditions with Parks Canada before departing.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

	Canoeing on Lake Louise 2

Lake Louise
Famous for the Chateau Lake Louise, the village of Lake Louise is the official starting point for the drive along the Icefields Parkway. The community is also home to the well-known Lake Louise that is so often used to represent Banff National Park. While here, visitors should not hesitate to participate in one of the many available activities such as canoeing or rafting, hiking, biking and trail riding. A few restaurants and shops are also available in the area.While there is one gas station halfway through the drive and a few dining spots throughout, Lake Louise is the best place to fill up the tank and stock up on supplies before embarking on the journey.

Natural Attractions
Those travelling the Icefields Parkway will find the highway is well marked with signs directing visitors to the various off-road attractions. Just after Lake Louise, at kilometre 40, is Peyto Lake and the Bow Summit viewpoint. Not to be missed, this area offers sweeping views of a deep valley enclosed by mountains and highlighted by the vibrant waters of Peyto Lake. Fed by snowmelt from Peyto Glacier, the lake shines a deep green during the summer months because of fine, mineral-rich rock particles from the glacier. Other times of the year see an equally impressive shade of blue.

Farther up, at kilometre 71, is Mistaya Canyon, a long and slender slit that has been carved into the earth. Sculpted over thousands of years by the rushing waters of the Mistaya River, this area is filled with intriguing rock formations including circular potholes, deep gorges, canyon walls and a natural bridge. Because the river still pours strongly through these limestone walls, the canyon is still being chiseled and shaped. Mistaya Falls, a slim yet twisting waterfall that spills over rock formations within the canyon, can also be viewed here.

The Weeping Wall, found at kilometre 105, is a wide, segmented waterfall that trickles down one side of Cirrus Mountain, giving the appearance of a crying mountain. This waterfall stretches about 305 m (1,000 ft) across the wall and falls from about 100 m (330 ft) up. In the wintertime, the waters freeze on the mountain's face, making the Weeping Wall a popular and world-class spot for ice climbing.

	Icefield Tours on the Columbia Icefield 3

The highlight of the Icefields Parkway is the Columbia Icefield, located at kilometre 127. Here, travellers will find the largest field of ancient snow and ice in the Canadian Rockies. Covering an area of approximately 325 sq km (125 sq mi), the icefield feeds several smaller glaciers including the Athabasca Glacier, the most visited glacier in North America. The Columbia Icefield Visitors' Centre, found right across this natural attraction, offers several services including a few dining areas, an interpretive centre, a gift shop and restroom facilities. This is also the home base for many icefield walks and tours including the popular Brewster Ice Explorer.

With camping being the accommodation of choice when travelling the Icefields Parkway, vacationers will find numerous campgrounds scattered throughout Highway 93, all of which are operated by Parks Canada. The Columbia Icefield Campground, with its remarkable views of the icefield, is a popular selection. However, the campground works on a first-come, first-serve basis and does not take reservations.

Back on the Icefields Parkway just off kilometre 175 is Sunwapta Falls. This is where the powerful waters of the Sunwapta River suddenly change course and crash down a deep gorge creating a waterfall. Several smaller waterfalls can also be found throughout this area, many of which are accessible by a trail.

	Athabasca Falls 4

Goat Lookout, a viewpoint that offers sweeping vistas of the mountain enclosed Athabasca River Valley, is found at kilometre 192. This observation point provides views of nearby Mount Edith Cavell and the Athabasca River below. Those hoping to observe wildlife will also find this area especially rewarding. The region is frequented by various animals, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep, due to exposed mineral-rich glacial deposits located in a spot just above the river.

Athabasca Falls, at kilometre 199, is another mighty cascade that is a sight to see. While the waterfall only drops 23 m (75 ft), it is among the most powerful and impressive in the Canadian Rockies. These thundering waters plummet into a canyon, slowly carving and shaping the surrounding quartzite and the softer limestone below. The area is encircled with designated viewpoints, offering countless opportunities for picture taking.

Jasper
The final stop on the Icefields Parkway is the mountain town of Jasper, found directly in the centre of Jasper National Park. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the area's natural beauty. For those wanting to spend a couple of days here, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a historic lodging option that rests on the shores of Lac Beauvert. The resort offers rustic-style cabins and chalets that complement the surrounding environment. A wide selection of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and home accommodators is also available throughout the area.

While in Jasper, visitors should take the time to visit some of the town's sites. Nearby Lac Beauvert, as well as Lake Edith and Lake Annette, are popular summer spots for outdoor recreation. These areas offer picnic tables, interpretive trails, and even sandy beaches at Lakes Edith and Annette.

The Jasper Tramway, one of Canada's longest aerial trams, takes visitors on a ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain where they may enjoy sweeping views of the Jasper Townsite and the surrounding mountains and lakes. Here, they may also dine at the Treeline Restaurant or browse the gift shops. Other attractions in the town include museums, such as the Jasper Yellowhead Museum filled with historic artifacts, and the Den Wildlife Museum showcasing realistic wildlife exhibits.