Icefields Parkway

About

The Icefields Parkway is a breathtakingly scenic drive in the Canadian Rockies, stretching 232 kilometers from Lake Louise to Jasper. It passes through both Banff and Jasper National Parks, offering stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. This route is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring over 100 ancient glaciers and numerous waterfalls. The parkway also provides access to hiking trails, educational stops, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Key attractions include the Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefields, and Bow Lake. The parkway's history dates back to the 1930s, with construction completed in 1961. Today, it is a major tourist destination, attracting over 1.2 million visitors annually. The best times to visit are summer for long days and wildflowers, or winter for a serene, snow-covered landscape. However, winter driving requires caution due to road conditions.