The Icefields Parkway is one of the most spectacular drives in the world, featuring jagged mountain peaks, sapphire lakes, and tumbling waterfalls. To make the most of your time here, take a tour that incorporates some of the best experiences on this famous drive, like canoeing and ice-climbing. Some tours also include transport to and from the parkway, so you’ll be able to explore it independently.
To get the most out of your time, consider using a smartphone audio tour to turn this scenic drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering adventure. These apps allow you to plug in your earphones and listen as your driver guides you through each of the attractions along the parkway. For example, on the route between Banff www.albertablueskytours.com/tours/private-banff-to-jasper-day-tours/ or Lake Louise and Jasper, you might hear about the glacier that inspired the town of Banff’s name or the ice avalanche that led to the creation of the Skywalk.
You’ll need a full day to drive the 230-kilometre Icefields Parkway between Banff or Lake Louise and the town of Jasper, but there are so many amazing things to see and do that it’s well worth the effort! To make the most of your experience, use this handy itinerary to guide your stops.
Start your journey in Banff and visit the iconic glacier-formed lakes that surround the town. Spend an hour at Lake Louise, which is a breathtaking shade of turquoise and surrounded by mountain valleys. From here, you can hike on the Athabasca Glacier and step out onto a glass-floored observation platform at the Skywalk.
Next, head to Peyto Lake, which looks a little bit like the silhouette of a dog or wolf and is one of the most photographed spots on the Icefields Parkway. From here, you’ll also be able to spot the beautiful Panther Falls. While it’s tempting to get closer to this roaring waterfall, please don’t—falling into the frigid water and rocky canyon wouldn’t end well for anyone.
A short hike from the viewpoint will lead you to Tangle Falls, another impressive waterfall that’s a popular photo stop. Again, it’s tempting to go closer to the waterfall to snap a picture, but remember that a fall into the cold, fast-moving water would not end well for you or your camera.
Another great lake to visit on the parkway is Horseshoe Lake, which has a perfectly horseshoe-shaped inlet and cliffs that are perfect for pictures. Make sure to bring a warm jacket and hat as the temperature can drop dramatically at this alpine lake.
For a unique and exciting way to see the parkway, join a canoeing and ice-climbing tour that includes transportation to and from the Icefields Parkway! These tours are a great way to explore the area without having to worry about driving or parking, and they also give you plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs and take in the breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these adventures are sure to be an unforgettable experience.