Icefield Parkway (Canadian Rockies 3/5)

Complete series:

The Icefield Parkway (officially Canadian Highway 93 North) is one of the world’s most scenic drive, connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks over 232 kilometers. Driving it is akin to traversing through the Alps, but with the charms of chalets and villages replaced by pure wilderness, thanks to limited human activity. The road is kept in excellent driving condition, and there are scenic stops / hikes / waterfalls at almost every turn as listed in the official guide below.

I drove both directions, and with even with just a handful of stops I enjoyed some amazing views while taking the time to acclimate to the alpine environment.

Bow Lake

Mirror-like lake perfect for a picnic and photography stop, just after the nearby Crowfoot Glacier.

Peyto Lake

Distinct paint-like blue-colored lake within an easy hike.

Waterfowl Lake

Easy-to-miss gem along the roadside, beautiful teal-colored lake towered by a distinct peak.

Mistaya Canyon

Moderate hike into a canyon carved from a stream originated from Peyto Lake.

Nigel Pass

Situated on top of the winding climb towards Columbia Icefild, the roadside stop at Nigel Pass offers dramatic, sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, waterfall and the Parkway below.

Stopping there again during my return drive, I was also lucky enough to witness the largest double rainbow I’ve ever seen, thanks to the dramatic weather.

Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier

Columbia Icefield contains the largest collection of glaciers in the Canadian Rockies and also home to some of the highest peaks. Its ice melt became the source of many significant rivers in Western Canada and US, including Athabasca River, North Saskatchewan River and Columbia River. The most tourists-accessible glacier is the Athabasca Glacier, which while impressive, has tragically experienced significant glacier recession in recent years.