Tell someone your route, when you are leaving and when you plan on arriving. Weather forecast The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N.) is a 230 kilometer mountain road running through the heart of Banff and Jasper National Parks. 32 unserviced sites. pc.gc.ca/banfftrails, More information The wild beauty of the Canadian Rockies will blow you away! Banff Visitor Centre: 403-762-1550. It’s only open from May to … But with so much natural beauty and adventure to take in, the journey from Lake Louise and Banff to Jasper National Park can be a little overwhelming. The road can close throughout the winter for a number of reasons. From the TransCanada (Hwy #1) /Highway 93 interchange just outside of Lake Louise, the highway travels through Banff National Park for 122 kilometres. First stop on our Icefields Parkway road trip list was Athabasca Falls driving down from Jasper (30km) taking the 93 highway route; a beautiful wide, open road on which we felt truly insignificant compared to the huge scenery and mountains around us. Winter camping at Wapiti and Whirlpool is closed for the 2020/2021 winter. Quick View. Canadian Icefields Parkway – Most scenic drive in Canada. The Icefields Parkway is open all year round, although during winter it may close occasionally due to weather conditions. Private Tour of Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 13 guests. Around every turn on the Icefields Parkway reveals another one of nature’s splendour; from the ancient glaciers at the Columbia Icefields to the mind-blowing colour of Peyto Lake, thundering waterfalls and viewpoints that extend for miles. Learn more. to take pictures and there will be astounding beauty at any time of year. Unlike any other, the stretch of road from Jasper to Lake Louise known as the Icefields Parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and larch forests. Check conditions before you go. There is a service area at Saskatchewan Crossing but that is the only spot for fuel along the highway of which I’m aware. The Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking 144-mile drive situated between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Canada. 14 km return. Before you venture out on the Parkway this winter, please be prepared and check the road conditions reports. Glacial lakes, snow capped peaks, raging rivers, waterfalls and even wildlife will captivate you. Yes, a picture can speak a thousand words, but witnessing the landscapes along the Icefields Parkway up close and personal will leave you speechless. There are so many places where you can pull over to take spectacular photos or find a trailhead to walk. More info. Amazing scenery all the way esp Bow Lake, Bow Summit, Peyto Lak, Wow! It would be very unlikely to find a more ruggedly beautiful drive anywhere else. ” Post Hotel & Spa. Check for any closures ahead of time here and bear in mind that gas stations and food stops may also be closed, so load up on essentials before you take off. Rolling along the upper Athabasca Valley, this trail follows a wide fire road. Please “drive for wildlife” and for yourself and passengers by keeping within the speed limit. The Columbia Icefield Adventure departs from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, located on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N)—1 hour south of Jasper and 2.5 hours north of Banff. Quick View. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Columbia Icefields to Jasper – Mountain goats, bighorn sheep and elk are common along the final 103 kilometres of the Parkway. 8 helpful votes. Hosting is supported by UCL, Bytemark Hosting, and other partners. No water, garbage collection or maintenance services are offered. Any visit to Banff and Lake Louise should include this famous and historic journey that can easily fit into your vacation schedule. Nestled at the base of towering Mt. If there’s been a big recent snowfall I would check conditions and make sure you have a sturdy 4×4 vehicle at the very least. Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint. Drive with caution and enjoy the breathtaking beauty that awaits you on your journey through ice and time. In fact, it’s the highest elevation road in all of Canada that’s open year round. Campers should be prepared with shovels. For information on opening dates: Look for moose, bear, and elk that call this stunning landscape home, and make a stop at Lake Louise to snap photos of its turquoise waters, just steps away from Banff's charming downtown.

Find out how railway engineers overcame the Continental Divide's steep terrain with a visit to the serpentine Sprial Tunnels, see where the Kicking Horse River punched through rock to create a natural bridge, and fill your camera with postcard-worthy shots of Moraine Lake's brilliant color before you return to your ride and catch a lift back to Calgary. Along the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) jaw-dropping scenery is punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls cascading from dramatic rock spires and turquoise lakes set in sweeping valleys. It runs from Lake Louise to Jasper, which are both fantastic places in themselves. www.weatheroffice.gc.ca or www.theweathernetwork.com more, Browse our largest collection of experiences, No stress transit for your arrival and departure, Explore on your feet—and never miss anything. Quick View. Athabasca Falls. It serves as a connection between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. Ensure you are comfortable with winter driving conditions. What a stunning drive would happily do it daily. HIGHWAY 93 SOUTH is open in both directions from Radium Hot Springs to Castle Junction for non-commercial traffic. Re: Urgent question - icefields parkway open? The road can close throughout the winter for a number of reasons. However, the parkway remains open year-round except for sudden closures caused by things like heavy snow or avalanches making the road impassable. I have travelled the parkway many times and I never tire of its majestic beauty regardless of the season. Click below for some suggestions. call 1-877-737-3783 or visit reservation.pc.gc.ca. Most people plan their trips around being in either Banff or Jasper, but totally underestimate how much time they’ll want to spend on the drive between. Spend time meandering along the shores of Moraine Lake's opalescent waters and examine the natural span of a river-carved bridge created over thousands of years. Icefields Parkway is a double-lane road stretching over 200 km between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, taking around 3.5 hours to complete in total and boasting over 100 ancient glaciers along the route. You will want to stop and explore the magic of winter along the way. Directions: From Banff take the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy#1) west and exit onto the Icefields Parkway. In fact, it’s the highest elevation road in all of Canada that’s open year round. Snow tires are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to April 1. The Columbia Icefields Parkway is one of the worlds most scenic mountain drives that stretches 232km's (144miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper. 32 unserviced sites. Beautiful, leisurely drive on a beautiful, wide highway. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the world, connecting Banff and Jasper. Is the Icefields Parkway open in the Winter? Icefields Parkway (Hwy #93) Icefields Parkway: In theory the road is open year-round. What a beautiful drive! Can be done in around 3-4 hours but i think we took around 8+ We started at Lake Louise as we were, One of the worlds most spectacular drives, It’s 232 kilometres between Lake Louise and Jasper in beautiful western Alberta, and there is a breathtaking scene around every turn. It's a minimum of 3 hours driving time, not accounting for any stops along the way. Hardy campers who wish to stay in the Columbia Icefields area are permitted to tent at the Wilcox Pass Trailhead. I once saw a family of Grizzly Bears walking near the highway. Skirt the slopes of the Continental Divide as you explore Yoho National Park and beyond with an experienced local guide. During long periods of stable weather, even sanded compact snow can result in challenging driving conditions. However, that’s not to say that the road doesn’t close. Your true Canadian Rockies experience awaits you here. The Icefields Parkway is open all year round, though I wouldn’t advise driving it in the winter unless you have experience with winter driving. Such pretty views I would drive slower if I could! Here, you’ll travel on a massive Ice Explorer to a place where you can walk on, feel and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Open mid April to mid October inclusive (weather permitting). All six hostels located along the Icefields Parkway are open in the winter by reservation only. At the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Luckily, the Icefields Parkway Canada was built complete with numerous pull-off points to stop and take in the beauty around you. A treat to be able to visit our own backyard in the Summer with no crowd. Get prepared with these top tips for driving Canada’s Icefields Parkway. Ensure your car has snow tires—look for the snowflake or "M+S" symbol. The Icefields Parkway is open throughout most of the year, and it’s possible to drive even in winter, although you will need winter tires and to be prepared for poor driving conditions. The Icefields Parkway, named after the Columbia Icefields, is also known as Highway 93. Along the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) jaw-dropping scenery is punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls cascading from dramatic rock spires and turquoise lakes set in sweeping valleys. Like other hostels along the Icefields Parkway, it is a simple facility with no electricity, showers, or phone. Extreme weather is common in winter. crowded together with no masks or anything. Lots of places to stop at and lots of things to see. Trailhead: Sunwapta Falls, 54.4 km south of Jasper on Highway 93 Commonly searched for in Banff National Park, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Are the prices for this place or activity, We drove it in our rental car leaving Banff at 7:30AM and did not get beck until after 4PM - so much to see! The Peyto Lake viewpoint is closed for improvements until late 2020. The Icefields Parkway is open all year round, although during winter it may close occasionally due to weather conditions. During this post I will introduce the 232 km Canadian Icefields Parkway, known to be the most scenic drive in Canada. Witness incredible snow peaked mountains, ancient glaciers, ice covered lakes and winter wildlife. Driving the full length of Icefields Parkway will take you to Jasper. The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93 North, runs from Lake Louise to Jasper for 232 spectacular kilometres passing through Banff and Jasper National Parks. Emerald Lake : Open year-round. Num-Ti-Jah Lodge – www.sntj.ca. Yep, as Canada glacier tours go, Icefields Parkway is without a doubt one of the most spectacular of them all. Continue past the town along the Trans-Canada Highway and follow signs for Highway 93N – the Icefields Parkway. Established in 1952, HI-Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel is across the creek from the campground. Mosquito Creek Hostel: located around kilometer 27 from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Glacier View Inn – www.explorerockies.com Waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and glaciers star in a complex display of nature’s wonders. From October to May all services including the gas station are closed along the entire route. Also note that, while the road is open, all of the facilities along it are closed in winter. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N.) is a 230 kilometer mountain road running through the heart of Banff and Jasper National Parks. The Crossing Resort – www.thecrossingresort.com Check-in times for camping along the Icefields Parkway. There are no services along the Icefields Parkway in winter. We left Lake Louise at 8am on the northbound journey and got to Jasper closer to 6pm. 1,278 reviews. Along the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) jaw-dropping scenery is punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, waterfalls cascading from dramatic rock spires and turquoise lakes set in sweeping valleys. $862.80 per adult. GOLDEN TO BANFF : The Trans-Canada Highway between Banff and Golden remains open in both directions to non-commercial traffic. Great drive. You’ll want to take your time, with many must-see stops along the way. 1 review. The sparkling, translucent waters of Bow Lake are among the most beautiful that can be … The Icefields Parkway is open year round. Wilcox Winter Highlights. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Reserve a full day to travel one-way. More info. 1 review. It’s open year round and it’s near the Molar Pass hiking trail. Join 93N from Jasper by driving south from the town. Note that this site is unmaintained during the winter. Rahel M. Cheltenham, United... Level Contributor . Very disappointed that Peyto Lake access was closed. The Icefields Parkway is a 232 km stretch of double-lane highway taking you along the Continental Divide. 2. Call 780-852-6177 for information. Allow for multiple stops and wear good footwear so you can walk a bit to good vantage points that aren’t visible from the roadway. It had been 20 or more years since our last drive up the parkway, so everything was fresh again. This high route is known for its glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes, waterfalls and an impressive view of the Athabasca Glacier; part of the Columbia Icefield. 20 reviews. The Icefields Parkway is one of the best road trips in Canada, as this beautiful stretch of highway takes you through the outstanding scenery of the Canadian Rockies.. Heck, it’s one of the top road trips in the entire world. My husband and I always wanted to drive this route, and we are so glad we did. Jasper Information Centre: 780-852-6176 Report inappropriate content . The Icefields Parkway parallels the Continental Divide through some of the most wild and remote parts of Banff and Jasper national parks. The Icefields Parkway is no ordinary road, and, in winter, drivers need to consider a few things before starting their trip.To experience the beauty of winter on the Icefields Parkway, winter-worthy vehicles, warm clothing, patience and a little preparation will help ensure a … of the Icefield Parkway to remain open year-round. The abundance of wildlife in Jasper National Park and Banff National Park will have you peering around every turn. It is considered a sight that is not to be missed in the Canadian Rockies. Look out for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, coyotes and deer; they are commonly sighted along the Parkway in winter. The parkway is open all year, but it is not uncommon for sections of the road to close during extreme weather conditions in the winter. [image:35076]Take your Come and discover The Crossing Resort on the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! At the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Along the Icefields Parkway there’s a 20 km stretch of road that runs through the heart of winter caribou habitat. You’ll want to take your time, with many must-see stops along the way. Unpleasant. 200 Pipestone Rd, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta T0L 1E0, Canada. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the world, connecting Banff and Jasper. The best months to drive the Parkway are May through September. The short answer is, yes the Icefields parkway is open in the winter. (Please drive carefully). Most people plan their trips around being in either Banff or Jasper, but totally underestimate how much time they’ll want to spend on the drive between. The shortish 2.4km walk with 210 m inclin… Sometimes it can take crews days to clear the road after a heavy snowfall. 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If travelling between October and May, check road conditions because it can get very snowy and windy along the highway. Amenities include a communal kitchen, sauna, fire pit, outhouses, Canada’s Icefields Parkway is open year round, unless there are temporary road closures in winter due to avalanches. Road conditions Driving the full length of Icefields Parkway will take you to Jasper. Icefields Parkway’s surroundings are full of life. You need to do the drive in a leisurely fashion. Below are some photos of the Canadian Rockies landscapes that await you in … Even if you don’t do the stopovers the views. The Icefields Parkway (French: Promenade des Glaciers), is a 230 km (140 mi) long scenic … Read more . More info. Around every turn on the Icefields Parkway reveals the bounty of nature's splendour; from the ancient glaciers at the Columbia Icefields to the mind-blowing colour of Peyto Lake, thundering waterfalls and viewpoints that extend for miles. Established in 1952, HI-Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel is across the creek from the campground. During this season, chains on winter tires are mandatory. Icefields Parkway Photos & Videos. Also note that, while the road is open, all of the facilities along it are closed in winter. As in any mountain environment, weather can change very quickly, often changing the road conditions. After Athabasca falls we decided to take a wee hike up to Geradine Lookout with the aid of our trusty MAPS.MEit was a close 1km drive to the Geraldine Fire Road then another 5.5km drive up the service road to the trailhead. The best months to drive the Parkway are May through September. National marine conservation areas system, Directory of federal heritage designations, Ski touring, alpine ski touring, and ski mountaineering, Experience the Icefields Parkway in winter, The Icefields Parkway Winter Driving Guide, Plan to start early and complete your drive (with time for exploration and stops along the way) during daylight hours. Like other hostels along the Icefields Parkway, it is a simple facility with no electricity, showers, or phone. Along the way there are worlds for you to discover, so plan your day and head out on this exciting adventure ready to discover! Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Skywalk at the cliff’s edge. Day use areas in the park, including those in the Banff Townsite, Lake Minnewanka and along the Icefields Parkway are open with some restrictions. In the winter time, expect temporary closures (as much as 3 days) after heavy snowfalls as crews clear the highway of snow and avalanche debris. Every turn either my wife or i would say this. Driving the Icefields Parkway If you’re visiting Banff, you really won’t have done your visit justice unless you’ve driven the Icefields Parkway. Call 866-762-4122 or visit www.hihostels.ca for information and reservations. This is an absolutely beautiful drive with many places to stop to take in the marvelous vi, We did it over 2 separate days, going north from Lake Loiuse to Colombia Discover Centre and then from Jasper to Tangle Falls viewpoint. You’ll connect with the Canadian Rockies in a deep, meaningful and unforgettable way. Heck, it’s one of the top road trips in the entire world. It is strongly advised that you either visit the Banff or Jasper Visitor Centers to get the Guide to the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway is one of the best road trips in Canada, as this beautiful stretch of highway takes you through the outstanding scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Sad. Jasper 780-852-3185 and Banff 403-762-2088  Unlike any other, the stretch of road from Jasper to Lake Louise known as the Icefields Parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and larch forests. of the Icefield Parkway to remain open year-round. $862.80 per adult. Do not feed or approach wildlife, and stay at least 30 meters from all animals. While the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is open year round, frequent road closures are common in the Winter due to snow and Winter conditions. Well worth the drive! There are no significant settlements on this highway so fill the gas tank before starting. The Wilcox Trailhead site requires a bivy permit. Travel 88 km north from the start of the Icefields Parkway. Hotels near Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park on Tripadvisor: Find 27,029 traveler reviews, 10,137 candid photos, and prices for 30 hotels near Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Alberta. Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the … Snow clearing and maintenance begins at. Bird lovers can spot different kinds of birds. Rental venues are reopening on July 10, 2020 for groups with existing reservations only.Some modifications to existing reservations may be allowed (contact us for more details) Groups with existing reservations must follow Alberta’s provincial restrictions on gatherings in addition to the venue guidelines; No new reservations for 2020 are accepted at this time Also disappointed at the lack of control at Athabasca Falls: too many people. Winter Driving On the Icefields Parkway. 12 posts . The Icefields Parkway is no ordinary road, and, in winter, drivers need to consider a few things before starting their trip.To experience the beauty of winter on the Icefields Parkway, winter-worthy vehicles, warm clothing, patience and a little preparation will help ensure a safe and exhilarating journey. It is one of the most scenic drives in the world; in fact, National Geographic Traveler magazine identified the whole Banff-Jasper route as one of their 20 "drives of a lifetime".". Be sure and check the latest avalanche conditions at pc.gc.ca/avalanche if you plan to venture into the backcountry. Lake Louise Visitor Centre: 403-522-3833 Trail reports  Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk at the cliff’s edge. The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is an epic stretch of road connecting Jasper National Park to Banff National Park and beyond. Num-Ti-Jah Lodge: located around Kilometer 40 from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. The tough part will be choosing where to stop to take it all in. OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license. 8 days Private tour Western Canada "best of" in easy english (for foreigners) $1,525.48 per adult. Have a safety kit in your vehicle that includes: a cell phone (service available on each end of the Parkway but not en route), water, energy bars, candles, extra clothing and blankets. Campsite reservations cannot be made for any campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park except for Rampart Creek Campground. 4) Columbia Icefields and Ice Explorer 5) Peyto Lake 6) Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier This tour starts at the Highway 1 exit onto 93N (Icefields Parkway) outside of Lake Louise. The central part of this trip is to open your eyes wide. Bow Lake. The mountain views along the highway are breathtaking. Fill your gas tank and bring extra windshield washer fluid. Sunwapta Falls Resort – www.sunwapta.com The road climbs Tangle Ridge, then drops down into montane forest and follows the Sunwapta and Athabasca Rivers into the town of Jasper. It is strongly advised that you either visit the Banff or Jasper Visitor Centers to get the Guide to the Icefields Parkway. The parkway is not salted so it can often be covered in compact snow. Spot a variety of animals like grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, deer, caribou, mountain lions, big horned sheep, and moose. First stop on our Icefields Parkway road trip list was Athabasca Falls driving down from Jasper (30km) taking the 93 highway route; a beautiful wide, open road on which we felt truly insignificant compared to the huge scenery and mountains around us. We stopped at Herbert Lake, Bow Lake, Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Falls, Mistaya Canyon, Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. One memory haunted me. This blog outlines the best stops along the Icefields Parkway that you can easily do in just a day – it’s your complete 1-day Icefields Parkway itinerary! “ In early April 2017 my friend and I traveled around Banff, Lake Louise, Icefields parkway and Jasper and stayed at 5 or 6 different hotels and hostels. Columbia Icefields to Jasper – Mountain goats, bighorn sheep and elk are common along the final 103 kilometres of the Parkway. Following the trail down to the river and small beach behind Athabasca Falls . Any visit to Banff and Lake Louise should include this famous and historic journey that can easily fit into your vacation schedule. Highway 93 – otherwise known as the Icefields Parkway – is the ultimate way to discover the Canadian Rockies under your own steam. The first, of course, being a winter storm or incredibly icy roads. Rampart Creek Campground is located 90 km from the Village of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway, 40 km south of the Columbia Icefields. The journey along Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway, is listed in National Geographic’s Drives of a Lifetime and with good reason.. Avalanche report  The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a bird’s eye view of the Sunwapta Valley, born in the Columbia Icefields. IF YOU NEED TO … Thank you for supporting us in the 2020 season, we open May 6th, 2021. Fires are not permitted. Lodging.

From a central meeting location in Calgary, ride out of town with your guide as you head toward the evergreen forest and granite peaks of Yoho National Park. IN GERMAN: 8 days "Highlights West Canada", private tour from Vancouver, with hotel. Brochure: Experience the Icefields Parkway in winter Closed Now. The major Icefields Parkway scenic attractions (like Bow Summit/Peyto Lake and the Icefields Visitor Centre) will have parking that can accommodate your big rig, but a lot of the smaller pull-outs (like Mistaya Canyon or Tangle Falls) will not. Although it is possible to drive this route in 3 hours (not including any stops for food, fuel, etc. 8 days Private tour Western Canada "best of" in easy english (for foreigners) $1,525.48 per adult. For more information or to obtain a permit, Named by National Geographic as the "Drive of a Lifetime" and frequently deemed one of the world’s most awe-inspiring trips, the Icefields Parkway is a popular year-round passage connecting Southern Alberta to Jasper National Park. This trail takes you to a campsite with incredible views of Dragon Peak and the Athabasca River. The Icefields Parkway is open all year round, though I wouldn’t advise driving it in the winter unless you have experience with winter driving. Along the way there are worlds for you to discover, so plan your day and head out on this exciting adventure ready to discover! $1,525.48 per adult. There are so many places where you can pull over to take spectacular photos or find a trailhead to hike. The Columbia Icefield Adventure departs from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, located on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N)—1 hour south of Jasper and 2.5 hours north of Banff. Quick View. The first stop on your Icefields Parkway itinerary is located only 32 … Devote a day to the parkway so that you can stop and fully enjoy all the attractions it has to offer. It's a minimum of 3 hours driving time, not accounting for any stops along the way. Open day use areas Banff Townsite: Open with restrictions. The road connecting Jasper, Alberta and Lake Louise, Alberta is the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Private Tour of Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 13 guests. Big Bend Driving the Icefields Parkway If you’re visiting Banff, you really won’t have done your visit justice unless you’ve driven the Icefields Parkway. Icefields Parkway Points of Interest. Now it is kilometres away. Amenities include a communal kitchen, sauna, fire pit, outhouses, and dorm beds for 32 guests. You will want. Explore a spectacular landscape along the Icefields Parkway Map: The Icefields Parkway Winter Driving Guide. Drivers should travel based on comfort level and experience. Please pack-out what you pack in and be aware that snowfall may impact access to privies. The Icefields Parkway (French: Promenade des Glaciers), is a 230 km (140 mi) long scenic road that parallels the Continental Divide, traversing the rugged landscape of the Canadian Rockies, travelling through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.It is named for features such as the Columbia Icefield, visible from the parkway.It links Lake Louise with Jasper to the north. You’ll travel on a massive Ice Explorer to a place where you can walk on, feel and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Check www.511.alberta.ca or dial 511 (in Alberta only) The short answer is, yes the Icefields parkway is open in the winter. After a snowfall, parking areas are ploughed only after all roads are cleared. Learn More The following outline for this drive and scenic spots along the way is primarily for a Summer trip. There are a ton of amazing places to visit along the Icefields Parkway, which makes it difficult to choose which ones to check out and which ones to miss if you’re driving the entire road in one day. Don’t miss Athabaska Falls on the Jasper end of the road. On the way back, the views of the glaciers are breathtaking and we got lucky because the leaves seemed to have turned colours overnight! In practice it occasionally closes for up to three days at a time because of ice storms, avalanches, etc. The following outline for this drive and scenic spots along the way is primarily for a Summer trip. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna. At the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. View History. Known as one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Icefields Parkway boasts exquisite and otherworldly scenery as you travel along the 230-km stretch between Jasper and Lake Louise. It serves as a connection between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. We’ve travelled this road many time and it never disappoint, in any season. What is the driving time and distance? While the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is open year round, frequent road closures are common in the Winter due to snow and Winter conditions. The campground is accessible by skies, snowshoes or fat bike. Glad we did it. Lovely scenery and better road than we remembered. IN GERMAN: 8 days "Highlights West Canada", private tour from Vancouver, with hotel. I could never understand the people who wants to speed on this highway. Hotels, restaurants and gift shops are CLOSED for the majority of the winter. Kitchen shelters (where applicable) will be closed. When I first came by this way in 1976, the glacier came right to the road. Use the following as a guide as you make your way from one Canadian Rockies treasure to another, Banff to Jasper! A backcountry permit is required to camp in Jasper’s backcountry. The highway remains open in the winter, but pay attention to the road conditions and weather, ensure your vehicle has winter tires, and allow for more time to drive the highway’s length. Show Prices . However, that’s not to say that the road doesn’t close. The Columbia Icefield Adventure departs from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, located on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N)—1 hour south of Jasper and 2.5 hours north of Banff. Gushing waterfalls, tick. There are four tent pads, picnic tables, a fire pit and food storage cables. More info. The ICEFIELDS PARKWAY (93 NORTH) is open in both directions from Lake Louise to Jasper for non-commercial traffic. It has to be one of the most beautiful drives in the world, Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway. Road reports are based on the worst condition that a driver may encounter over the road’s entire 230 kilometre length. alone are worth it. You can help. It looks like the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93 North) is open though there may be some waiting due to paving construction (they shut the road down to one lane and take turns waving traffic through from opposite directions). If there’s been a big recent snowfall I would check conditions and make sure you have a sturdy 4×4 vehicle at the very least. During this season, chains on winter tires are mandatory. Quick View. Here, you’ll travel on a massive Ice Explorer to a place where you can walk on, feel and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Although it sounds like a relatively short drive, better allow all day or better yet arrange to camp at one of the campsites along the highway. More info. As one of Canada’s species-at-risk, the Jasper herd of Woodland caribou represents a last stand for this wonderful animal in the mountain parks. Cascade of Time Gardens: Open; Kitchen shelters are closed. Don’t forget your winter-worthy play gear (warm waterproof clothing, boots, snowshoes, skis, etc.). The road climbs Tangle Ridge, then drops down into montane forest and follows the Sunwapta and Athabasca Rivers into the town of Jasper. With 11 campgrounds along the parkway, it’s easy to slow down and explore the region. Welcome to OpenStreetMap!