The Icefields Parkway: A Winter Guide for the Most Beautiful Drive in Banff National Park

Driving the scenic Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park is a true bucket list travel goal that you shouldn’t skip! When you’re reading about the sights and wonders you’ll pass along the way, you might see affiliate links for products and travel ideas I wholeheartedly back. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission from the sale at zero cost to you.

Why Travel Along The Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is an unforgettable destination, one that offers a unique glimpse into the Canadian Rockies. Along this drive, you’ll travel through two of Canada’s most famous national parks, Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, during which time you’ll be greeted with stunning scenery and an abundance of active wildlife. In addition to this, the area offers countless opportunities for winter outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, and hiking. Needless to say, this drive is the ultimate experience for outdoor lovers and winter enthusiasts alike!

It’s important to note that driving conditions during this time of the year can be treacherous. So, if you plan on exploring The Icefields Parkway on your own, be aware and come prepared for winter conditions. Snow tires and chains are highly recommended, as is prior experience navigating winter roads. If you’re nervous or unable to complete the drive on your own, there are several guided tours that provide transportation to the highway’s most popular attractions.

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8 Incredible Stops Along The Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is home to a wide variety of breathtakingly beautiful sights, and while they’re all worth visiting, these are some of my favorites!

Peyto Lake Overlook

Peyto Lake is undoubtedly one of the most popular alpine lakes in Banff National Park. And the best way to view it is from the Peyton Lake Overlook. Situated approximately 99 meters above the lake, the Overlook offers incredible views of Peyto Lake and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. You can access this lookout point via an easy 2.4-kilometer loop hike that begins and ends at the Peyto Lake Lower Parking Lot. This trail will also take you past a lower viewpoint that offers additional views of the lake but is typically more crowded.

Peyto Lake

While you’re taking in the views above Peyto Lake, make sure to also set aside some time to explore the lake up close and personal. During the winter, when the lake freezes over, it’s possible to walk or snowshoe out onto the ice, where you’ll be greeted with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. There’s also a pull-off spot near the lake, where you can admire the views if you’d rather not venture out onto the ice.

Bow Lake

Located only five minutes from Peyto Lake lies Bow Lake, another popular destination along The Icefields Parkway. Here you’ll find a frozen lake set against the backdrop of Bow Glacier and Wapta Icefield. While you can simply stop by to take in the views, snowshoeing across the lake is also common – as is skiing for those experienced with winter sports. 

Abraham Lake

For a truly unique Icefields Parkway winter experience, plan a stop at Abraham Lake. Situated along the Saskatchewan River, this lake is known for its high concentration of frozen bubbles, which appear every winter courtesy of the methane gas that’s released by organic matter within the lake. If you’d like to view these bubbles up close, you’re welcome to walk out on the ice, but crampons or microspikes are recommended, as you may need to wander far and wide to find all the bubbles. Here is my favorite brand of Microspikes to make winter adventures an ease. 

Athabasca Falls

Spanning 18 meters across, Athabasca Falls is one of the largest and most popular waterfalls in Jasper National Park. It also happens to be quite easy to access, as it’s located right off The Icefields Parkway. Depending upon when you visit, you may find the falls surrounded by snow or completely frozen over in jagged ice formations. Either way, it’s a beautiful sight to behold, as it’s set against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks and pine tree forests. 

Sunwapta Falls

Cascading 18.5 meters down the side of a cliff, the Sunwapta Falls are glacier-fed falls that consist of not one but two waterfalls, each of which offers its own viewpoint. The upper falls, which can be viewed quite easily, offer a lookout located only a few meters from the parking lot. Meanwhile, the lower falls can be reached via a short 1.5-kilometer hike.

Valley of Five Lakes 

Situated just outside Jasper, the Valley of Five Lakes is a stunning destination that offers travelers the opportunity to visit five picturesque alpine lakes. The easiest way to explore these lakes is along the 4.8-kilometer loop hike that winds its way among them all. Considered to be moderately challenging, this route may require boot spikes during the winter months due to icy trail conditions. 

Bonus Tip: Two Unforgettable Things To Do in Jasper 

While you’re in the area, be sure to also check out these two incredible natural wonders in Jasper National Park!

Maligne Canyon and the Ice Walk 

Measuring 1.2 kilometers long and 55 meters deep, Maligne Canyon is the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park. While it’s possible to hike within the area on your own, the best way to experience the canyon, especially in winter, is through a guided ice walk tour. On these tours, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ice caves and view the frozen waterfalls and rock formations that lie within the canyon.

Pyramid Lake 

Situated at the base of Pyramid Mountain, Pyramid Lake is a scenic glacier lake that is home to a single island, Pyramid Island. Inhabited mainly by trees, this little island, which is accessible via a wooden bridge, offers walking trails for those who venture to its shores. In addition to this, the lake is a popular destination for winter activities such as ice skating and snowshoeing.

Visiting The Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway offers a truly incredible way to experience the Canadian Rockies in winter. From snow-capped mountains to frozen waterfalls, ice bubbles, and stunning glaciers, there’s certainly plenty to do and see along Canada’s most scenic drive!