Sadhya This Might Be the Most Beautiful Drive in the World…
Towering mountains, glaciers so close, and turquoise lakes that look Photoshopped. That’s the Icefields Parkway—a 144-mile stretch of road between Banff and Jasper in Alberta, Canada. It’s like Mother Nature went full Picasso on this route.
8 MUST-SEE Stops on the Icefields Parkway 🚗🏔️ | Banff to Jasper Road Trip Guide
Explore the most breathtaking stops along Canada’s Icefields Parkway! Watch the video below to plan your ultimate road trip through Banff and Jasper.
Video Highlights
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake
- Maligne Canyon
- Athabasca Glacier
- Sunwapta Falls
- Athabasca Falls
- Maligne Lake
- Spirit Island
If you’re planning a road trip here, these are the 8 stops you absolutely can’t miss—in driving order if you’re headed from Banff to Jasper. And trust me, you’re gonna want to stop—a lot.
📍1. Bow Lake – A Mirror to the Mountains
Location & Quick Info
- Right off Highway 93, on the left when driving north from Banff
- Parking: Plenty of roadside pull-offs and a main lot
- Entry Fee: Included in your national park pass
Bow Lake is like that friend who never takes a bad photo. The water is crystal-clear, with mountains reflecting like someone hit the symmetry tool. This is one of the largest lakes along the Parkway and is fed by the Bow Glacier.
Insider Tips
- Go early for the best reflections before the wind picks up
- Don’t just take the classic roadside shot—walk closer to the shoreline for better angles
- There’s a hidden hiking trail nearby to Bow Glacier Falls if you’re up for a 3-hour round trip
📍2. Peyto Lake – The Wolf-Shaped Wonder
Why You Should Stop
You’ve seen this lake on Instagram—bright turquoise and shaped like a howling wolf. It’s not a drone shot, it’s real life.
Getting There
- 1.5-mile hike (round trip) from the parking lot to the upper viewpoint
- It’s a steady uphill, so wear good shoes and bring water
Pro Tip
- The parking lot fills up fast, especially by 10am. Either go early or late afternoon.
- Want fewer crowds? Take the old access road trail—less scenic but quicker.
Did You Know?
Peyto’s electric blue color comes from glacial rock flour—tiny particles suspended in the water that reflect sunlight like crazy.
“Don’t miss the famous wolf-shaped view at Peyto Lake.”
📍3. Maligne Canyon – A Short Hike with Big Rewards
Location & Parking
- Technically just outside Jasper, but still part of the adventure
- Huge parking lot with restrooms and a café
What Makes It Special?
Imagine water carving through limestone like a knife through butter. Maligne Canyon is one of the deepest river canyons in the Rockies, and the hike is short and stunning.
What to Expect
- A loop trail takes you past six bridges, each with its own unique view
- The trail is easy on the way down but expect an incline coming back
Fun Fact
“Maligne” means “wicked” or “malicious” in French—named by early explorers who had a hard time crossing it.
📍4. Athabasca Glacier – Touch an Ancient Ice Giant
How to Visit
- Drive to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
- Hike 0.6 miles to the toe of the glacier for free
- OR book the Ice Explorer tour to walk on the glacier itself
Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Walking on a glacier that’s thousands of years old is something you’ll remember forever. It’s like stepping into a frozen time machine.
Safety Tip
Do not try to walk on the glacier without a guide—there are hidden crevasses that can swallow you whole. Not exaggerating.
📍5. Sunwapta Falls – The Drive-By Showstopper
Blink and You’ll Miss It (But Please Don’t)
- Just off Highway 93, literally a 2-minute walk from the parking lot
- There’s also a lower falls hike if you want to stretch your legs
Sunwapta means “turbulent waters,” and that’s exactly what you get. The river narrows dramatically, then drops into a powerful chute. It’s not the tallest, but the force is wild.
Fun Detail
The falls are fed by the Athabasca Glacier, so what you’re watching is meltwater in motion—ice turning into thunder.
📍6. Athabasca Falls – Big Sound, Bigger Power
Easy Access
- Pull off the highway, walk a few steps, and BAM—there it is
- There’s a viewing platform on each side of the road
What to Expect
This one’s a monster. Athabasca Falls isn’t super tall, but it’s one of the most powerful falls in Canada. The volume is insane. You’ll feel the mist on your face before you even see the drop.
Best Photo Spot
- Cross the footbridge to the limestone canyon side—the erosion patterns are wild
- Visit early morning for rainbows in the mist
📍7. Maligne Lake – A Calm Beauty
Why It’s Famous
This is Jasper’s most iconic lake, surrounded by mountains and often mirror-still in the mornings. Perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or just staring in disbelief.
Getting There
- About 45 minutes from Jasper townsite
- Good road, lots of wildlife sightings along the way (yes, bears included—stay in your car)
Activities
- Boat tours run from May to early October
- Rentals available for kayaks and canoes
- There’s a tea house and gift shop near the parking area
📍8. Spirit Island – The Crown Jewel
Okay, Listen Up
You can’t drive here, you can’t hike here, and you sure can’t Uber here. The only ways to get to Spirit Island:
- Take the Maligne Lake Boat Tour (about 90 minutes)
- Kayak 14 km one way… which takes all day, but what an adventure
Why It’s Special
Spirit Island is the most photographed spot in Jasper, and for good reason. Set in the middle of Maligne Lake, surrounded by mountains that seem to glow at sunset—it’s postcard perfect.
Fun Fact
Despite the name, Spirit Island isn’t an island year-round. It’s technically a peninsula most of the time, but when water levels rise? Island mode: activated.
Best Time to Do This Drive
- June to September is prime time—most viewpoints are snow-free, and the lakes are their brightest
- Go early in the day to beat the tour buses and catch the reflections
- Avoid long weekends if you can—parking gets competitive
What to Bring
- Layers – the weather flips fast up here
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks – there aren’t many food stops on the Parkway
- Bug spray & sunscreen
- Binoculars – for spotting wildlife (we saw elk, a bear, and mountain goats)
Extra Tips You’ll Thank Me For
- Download offline maps – there’s zero signal on most of the drive
- Gas up in Banff or Jasper—there’s only one gas station halfway, and it’s $$$
- Buy your park pass ahead of time or stop at a Parks Canada booth on your way in
Suggested Itinerary: One-Day Highlights
If you only have one day, do this:
- Start at Bow Lake at sunrise
- Peyto Lake hike by 9am
- Cruise to Athabasca Glacier for the Ice Explorer tour
- Hit Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls on your way to Jasper
- End your day with a picnic at Maligne Lake
Got more time? Add a second day just for Maligne Canyon and Spirit Island. You won’t regret it.
Which Stop Is Your Favorite?
Let me know in the comments or hit that like button if this helped you plan your trip.
