Last updated on February 26th, 2023 at 03:40 am
The Icefields Parkway isn’t just a beautiful drive, there are a whole load of incredible things to do along the Icefields Parkway as well! I’ve compiled a list of all my favorite hikes, lookouts and accommodation spots I believe you have to stop and do along the way!
Hikes From The Icefields Parkway
There are so many hikes along the Icefields Parkway it can be difficult to choose one. Consider how much time you have and the ability of your group. Here are some of my favorites!
Bow Glacier Falls is an incredible hike, 4.6 kilometres one way with 155 metres of elevation gain, this trail takes you along the shore line of stunning Bow Lake before heading upwards towards the biggest waterfall on the Icefields Parkway.
Another really popular trail is the Helen Lake trail, this one is a little harder following a well worn trail which slowly but steadily gains elevation all the way to a beautiful lake. From the lake you have the option of scrambling Cirque Peak. This is a steep scramble with plenty of loose rock, so this one is for experienced hikers and scramblers only. For those with the skills, the birdseye views from the top looking over Bow Lake are incredible!
Parker Ridge is another fantastic hike along the Icefields Parkway, more steep than the previous two but offering amazing views of the Saskatchewan Glacier, this is an incredibly popular hike. Rated as easy by Parks Canada, it is 2.7 kilometres one way with 250 metres elevation gain.
One of my personal favorite hikes on the Icefields Parkway is Wilcox Pass, this 8 kilometer hike takes you up along a ridge which looks right out over the Columbia Icefield. The views are amazing. This is a moderate hike but you can make it easy by stopping at the viewpoint about halfway to the pass. There are two Parks Canada red chairs marking the viewpoint.
Lookouts On The Icefields Parkway
There are plenty of places to pull off the Icefields Parkway to take in the incredible views.
The Crowfoot Glacier is easily spotted from a signed pull off from the highway, take in a majestic mountains which rise up and the glaciers which cling to the top of them.
A short way further along the Icefields Parkway is Bow Lake, there are two parking areas, one in the middle and one at the far end. A great spot for a picnic, or if you have time an incredible spot to go for a paddle!
Peyto Lake has recently undergone a complete makeover, with new parking lots, boardwalks and expanded view points. The view overlooking Peyto Lake is one to not be missed when driving the Icefields Parkway.
There is an easy pull off from the Highway to overlook Waterfowl Lake and the striking Mount Chephren which overlooks the lake. I can’t recommend the campground on the lake edge enough for those with enough time to stop and enjoy a night here.
The Weeping Wall is a must-see sight, it is right beside the highway and is popular particularly in winter with ice climbers due to the easy access to the climbing.
One of the highlights of many people’s trip along the Icefields Parkway is a stop at the Columbia Icefield. You can park and hike to a viewpoint close to the toe of the glacier. There is also the option to take a tour of the glacier on a bus, where you get to get out and walk on the glacier in a safe space.
From the Columbia Icefields Centre you can also take a bus to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass bottom walk which takes visitors out to a viewpoint over a canyon with incredible views of glaciers.
Closer to Jasper is Sunwapta Falls, the falls is a short stroll from the parking area and looks down on the massive dropping waterfall. Further up the road you’ll find Athabasca Falls, a roaring waterfall with an interpretative walk which takes in many different viewpoints of the falls and the canyon run off.
Campgrounds On The Icefields Parkway
There are plenty of camping spots along the Icefields Parkway to choose from, a few take reservations like Silverhorn and Rampart Creek but the majority are first come first serve. They all vary in size but due to the remote nature of the Icefields Parkway all the spots are unserviced, so there are no power sites and most don’t have showers. If you want to connect with nature, camping along the Icefields Parkway is a perfect spot to do so.
I have two favorite campsites along the Icefields Parkway, the first is Waterfowl Lakes. One of the larger campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway, Waterfowl Lakes is sandwiched between the Upper and Lower Waterfowl Lakes. Two beautiful, blue lakes surrounded by huge mountains with glaciers in the back. A popular spot, on a weekend you’ll be hard pressed to find a spot at this campground after noon!
My other favorite campground is the Icefields tent campground, located almost opposite the Columbia Icefield. This is a smaller site and only accommodates tents, if you have anything else, there is a larger site one kilometre down the road, called Wilcox. Most of these sites have a lot of privacy and beautiful views looking across the valley to =wards the glaciers on the opposite side.
In all honesty there are no bad campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway, all offer incredible mountain views and access to some of the most beautiful hiking in the Canadian Rockies.
Other Accommodation Options
There are three more traditional hotels to stay at along the Icefields Parkway. Saskatchewan Crossing Resort is about halfway between Lake Louise and Banff. Then there is the recently renovated Glacier Inn which is part of the Athabasca Icefield Centre and lastly there is the Sunwapta Lodge, the closest of the three to Jasper.
If you are looking for something a little more rustic, there are a selection of Wilderness Hostels dotted all along the Icefields Parkway. Reservations are required and it’s definitely a know before you go kind of accommodation choice. Some have more facilities than others and the Athabasca Falls Hostel even has family rooms so you can stay with your family with a little more privacy than staying in a standard dorm room. Each hostel has its own charm and comes with no wifi or cell reception, making them the perfect places to get back to nature.