The Ice Fields Parkway is perhaps the most famous stretch of road in the world for its jaw dropping views for along the entirety of its stretch, and there are so many attractions along it that the Ice Fields Parkway has to be on anyone who visits the Canadian Rockies’ list. This 232 kilometer or 144 mile stretch of road connects the mountain towns of Banff and Jasper, but I would argue the best part is the in between. This stretch is entirely within either Banff National Park or Jasper National Park, and the views show it. Left and right lie incredible glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains, each of which is just an easy pull off from the highway away from being explored.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOT-5cI_3JA
Take a look at this time lapse of the entire ride to see what I mean.
Some people even brave a bike ride of the Ice Fields Parkway in the summer, which I think is absolutely incredible (it’s been on my bucket list ever since I zipped by masses of cyclists en route last summer). The 150 mile journey is done in two or more days, usually with a stop to either camp or at one of the few youth hostels along the route. It is obviously a really challenging ride though, through mountain passes and grueling hills. Bikers also have to constantly remember that “cyclists to bears are just meals on wheels”, which is a really scary thought with no way to defend oneself on a bike. However, in the end, this journey is all worth it because the incredible sights of the Ice Fields Parkway are even more amplified from the ground and when traveled under one’s own effort.
Cyclists making their way up the Parkway: Hikingphoto.com
All along this route are a number of the most iconic points of interest that the Canadian Rockies have to offer. Close outside of Banff along the Parkway is Peyto Lake, recognizable for its turquoise color as well as its very distinct shape. From the Bow Overlook of Peyto Lake, it is possible to see all the white peaks down the valley on a clear day for miles. There are also a number of mountains accessible to hikers along the road such as Parker Ridge that offer views of the region like no other.
Peyto Lake Picture from Gunnar Heilmann
The Ice Fields Parkway also offers access to a point of interest that is not very common in Banff: waterfalls. Supplied by glacial runoff, both Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls are absolutely roaring in the summer, as the mighty Athabasca River flows south over these huge drops. Athabasca Falls is the far more well-known site, even though both are very similar. Last summer I had not even heard of Sunwapta so as I hitchhiked up the Ice Fields Parkway (oh I forgot to mention that the best part about this parkway is how easy it is to find a ride if you do not have access to a car: all it takes is a sharpie, a piece of cardboard and a big thumbs up), I got dropped off at only Athabasca and although incredible, the falls were extremely crowded, perhaps making it not the ideal location to see.
The Ice Fields Parkway ends in Jasper, which will be the next entry of this blog series, as I take a look at all that national park and mountain town has to offer. For now, though, I will finish with saying that the Ice Fields Parkway is truly like no other drive, and I would highly recommend it for all. From offering access to the largest glacier south of the Arctic (Columbia Glacier) to turquoise lakes that look fake in pictures, this road truly is so much more than just a parkway.
Jesus christ, this is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Absolutely pristine nature, it looks like something from a painting or a fairytale, not a real place. Just one more reason why the United States MUST annex Canada and take here wonders for itself.
Now getting Canada to agree to that would be another story 😉
Wow your question of the day response was very accurate – the pictures were gorgeous. My first question for you is how many bikers have been eaten by bears? Secondly I would like to question the safety of hitchhiking. neither of those activities strike me as exactly safe things to do. But the view and experience you would have/ you had makes the risk seem worth it. Great post !
Ah you missed it, last semester I made a post on the merits of hitchiking haha, let me tell you, you meet some really cool people hitchiking. Also I tried looking up the stat for cyclists eaten by bears when writing this post, but unfortunately came up empty handed.
This really makes me want to drop out of school and live out of a van.. but unfortunately that’s just not realistic. I saw Banff in the winter and yes, it was beautiful, but I’d love to see it in summer when everything is green and I could actually do some hiking! The Canadian Rockies remind me of my home Bavarian Alps that I miss so much, but I guess the Appalachians will do for now. Great pictures by the way!
So I am a big fan of long car rides. To me, looking out the car window and putting on a playlist to suit the view is a necessary start to any trip. I would love to someday take a trip along the Parkway, and it sounds like there is no shortage of destinations to choose from! Only problem is, I’m not sure what kind of music would do the scenery justice.