Banff
Icefields Parkway
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Highway 93 between Lake Louise and Jasper — Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake, and 230km of glacier views.
The Icefields Parkway runs 230km from Lake Louise to Jasper and is regularly listed among the world's top drives. Headline stops include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake viewpoint, Mistaya Canyon, Saskatchewan River Crossing (only fuel and food), Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Athabasca Glacier ice walks, Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. Only a handful of accommodation options exist on the route (Num-Ti-Jah, Crossing Resort, Glacier View Lodge) — most travellers do the drive in one day.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑Glacier views every 10km — Crowfoot, Bow, Peyto, Athabasca, Columbia
- ↑Columbia Icefield Snocoach onto Athabasca Glacier in summer
- ↑Wildlife — black bears, grizzlies, mountain goats and bighorn sheep
What you sacrifice
- ↓No fuel between Lake Louise and Saskatchewan River Crossing — 80km
- ↓Closed or limited service in winter; avalanche control closures common Nov-Apr
Best for
Avoid if
Other Banff neighbourhoods
The base camp — restaurants, bars, hot springs and Banff Avenue's shop strip beneath Cascade Mountain.
The slower scenic route between Banff and Lake Louise — Johnston Canyon waterfalls, Castle Mountain, peak wildlife corridor.
The two ski areas closest to Banff Town — Sunshine's high alpine bowls and Norquay's family-friendly 10-minute commute.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Banff →