If you’ve ever dreamed of driving through a living postcard, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) between Banff and Jasper is where that dream becomes real. There are endless Icefields Parkway stops worth pulling over for, from iconic viewpoints to hidden gems that most people fly right past. This 232 km stretch of winding mountain road is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world — and it lives up to every bit of the hype.

Towering peaks, emerald lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls line the route, making every turn feel like a new screensaver waiting to happen. You can do this trip in one day, but if time allows, stretching it over two days lets you really take it in. This version of the road trip runs from Banff to Jasper, but you can absolutely flip it and do it in reverse — it’s just as spectacular either way.

Banff National Park – The Perfect Starting Point

Kick off your Icefields Parkway road trip in Banff, one of the most iconic national parks in Canada. Known for its dramatic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and charming mountain towns, Banff offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore the famous Lake Louise, hike the trails, or soak in the alpine vibes of the town of Banff, you’re in for a treat.

Fuel up your car, take one last stroll through town, and get ready for one of the most scenic drives of your life. Banff’s mix of mountain beauty and small-town charm makes it the ideal launch point for your Rockies adventure.

👉 If you’re spending more time here before hitting the road, check out my full Banff National Park itinerary for a complete guide.

Bow Lake – A Peaceful Start

Your first scenic Icefields Parkway stop heading north is Bow Lake, a serene gem often overlooked by those rushing ahead. The still water reflects the surrounding peaks like glass, and if you arrive early, you might have it all to yourself.

The lake is just a short walk from the parking lot, making it an easy and rewarding stop for anyone. Its calm, turquoise surface and mountain backdrop make it one of the most photogenic spots on the drive — an underrated gem that’s perfect for capturing that classic Rockies moment.

Peyto Lake – Nature’s Blue Masterpiece

A little further up, pull over for Peyto Lake, one of the most photographed Icefields Parkway stops. From the viewpoint, the lake’s distinctive wolf-head shape and electric turquoise color look almost unreal.

The hike up to the overlook is short but has a few steeper sections, so take your time — the reward at the top is absolutely worth it. The higher you climb, the more the landscape opens up, revealing that iconic blue lake framed by rugged peaks. It’s one of those “yep, this is Canada” moments you’ll carry with you long after the trip.

Columbia Icefield – The Glacier Adventure of a Lifetime

Halfway between Banff and Jasper sits the jaw-dropping Columbia Icefield, one of the parkway’s true crown jewels. The Athabasca Glacier, spilling down from this massive icefield, offers a rare chance to walk on ice that’s thousands of years old — a surreal experience that feels like stepping into another world.

Join the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, a guided tour that takes you right onto the glacier aboard the massive Ice Explorer vehicles — specially designed, all-terrain giants built to handle the slick, icy surface with tires nearly as tall as you. These custom-engineered vehicles can tackle extreme slopes and glide smoothly over the glacier’s uneven terrain, making the journey itself as thrilling as the destination.

Standing in the middle of that frozen expanse, surrounded by towering peaks and deep crevasses, you can’t help but feel humbled by nature’s sheer scale and beauty. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway stops, and an absolute must on any Canadian Rockies bucket list.

Note: The Columbia Icefield’s Glacier Adventure tours typically close just before Canadian Thanksgiving (mid-October), so if you’re planning a trip in the fall, be sure to check the schedule in advance and plan accordingly.

This tour is incredibly popular and often sells out — especially in peak summer. Book your Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure tickets in advance to secure your spot and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk – Walk on Air

A few minutes up the road, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk delivers a completely different kind of thrill. This glass-floored walkway extends 35 meters over the edge of the Sunwapta Valley, offering sweeping, unobstructed views that make your stomach flip — in the best possible way. The best part? Access to the Skywalk is included with your Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure ticket. After your glacier tour, a dedicated shuttle bus takes you directly to the Skywalk and brings you back to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre — no extra driving required.

Stepping out onto the glass platform feels both exhilarating and surreal — like hovering above the Rockies themselves. The panorama of cliffs, glaciers, and valleys below gives you a whole new appreciation for just how vast and wild this landscape truly is. And here’s a fun bonus — keep an eye out for mountain goats! They’re often spotted clinging effortlessly to the steep cliffs below the walkway. Watching them navigate those vertical rock faces is both nerve-wracking and awe-inspiring — a little extra magic for those who happen to spot them.

Sunwapta Falls – Where Power Meets Beauty

Continuing north, you’ll reach Sunwapta Falls, a dramatic cascade that plunges into a narrow canyon surrounded by dense pine forest. The upper falls are just steps from the parking area, but if you take the short trail to the lower falls, you’ll find a quieter, more peaceful viewpoint. The sound of rushing water and the spray of mist make it one of the most sensory-rich Icefields Parkway stops along the drive.

Goats & Glacier Lookout – Underrated but Unmissable

Don’t miss Goats & Glacier Lookout, one of the quieter Icefields Parkway stops that often surprises people. This pullout gives you sweeping views of the valley, distant glaciers, and rugged cliffs — and if you’re lucky, you might spot a few mountain goats clinging effortlessly to the rock faces (hence the name). It’s the kind of stop that feels spontaneous and rewarding — perfect for a short break and some quick photos before heading deeper into the Rockies.

Athabasca Falls – A Roaring Classic

Just before you reach Jasper, make sure to stop at Athabasca Falls, one of the most powerful and dramatic waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway. While Sunwapta Falls stuns with its narrow canyon plunge and elegant drop, Athabasca Falls is all about raw strength and sheer volume. The water here doesn’t just fall — it thunders through a deep limestone gorge, carving intricate shapes into the rock over thousands of years. What makes Athabasca Falls special is how close you can get to that power. You’ll feel the mist on your face and hear the roar echo through the canyon — it’s a sensory experience that reminds you just how alive this landscape is.

Don’t just stop at the first viewpoint — walk the entire network of short paths and bridges that loop around the falls. Each section offers a new angle, and the views get even better as you move further along. You’ll find quieter spots, hidden perspectives, and plenty of chances for incredible photos away from the crowds. Athabasca Falls is one of those Icefields Parkway stops that perfectly sums up the Rockies — wild, untamed, and unforgettable.

Valley of the Five Lakes Trail – A Missed Opportunity (But You Shouldn’t Miss It)

We didn’t get the chance to hike the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail — it was closed during our visit — but if you’re lucky enough to find it open, don’t skip it. Everyone we met along the drive swore it’s one of the best short hikes near Jasper.

The trail leads you past five stunning lakes, each with its own shade of blue or green. It’s a peaceful, easy-to-moderate loop that captures the quiet beauty of the Rockies — definitely worth adding to your list of Icefields Parkway stops if conditions allow.

Jasper National Park – The Grand Finale

Your final stop is Jasper National Park, , the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its rugged wilderness, vast landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper is the perfect place to end your Icefields Parkway road trip. Whether you’re exploring the charming town of Jasper, hiking to stunning vistas, or soaking in the natural hot springs, this park offers a serene and less crowded alternative to some of the more tourist-heavy spots in the region.

Tips for the Icefields Parkway RoadTrip

Timing is everything: If you want to beat the crowds (and the tour buses), start early. The morning light over the mountains and lakes is pure magic — soft, golden, and perfect for photos. Plus, you’ll have popular Icefields Parkway stops almost to yourself.

Pack for all weather: The Rockies have a habit of changing moods quickly — one minute it’s sunny, the next it’s misty and cool. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and sunscreen — you’ll need it even when it’s chilly.

Fuel up: Gas stations are few and far between along the parkway, so make sure to top up your tank in Lake Louise or Jasper before setting off. Pack plenty of snacks and water too — some of the best viewpoints are far from cafés or stores, and you’ll definitely want energy for all that exploring.

Take your time: This is not a drive to rush. Every turn unveils another jaw-dropping vista, turquoise lake, or hidden pullout worth stopping for. Give yourself enough time to linger at your favorite Icefields Parkway stops — the magic here reveals itself slowly.

Plan ahead and prioritize: You may not be able to do every stop, depending on how much time you spend at each spot or on hikes. Some viewpoints are quick pullouts; others, like the Columbia Icefield or Peyto Lake, can easily take over an hour. Decide in advance which places are your “must-dos,” and plan your timing accordingly.

If you’re planning to include the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure (which I highly recommend), book your tickets in advance and plan your day around it — tours operate on fixed schedules and can take couple of hours. Also, remember to factor in travel time between stops. Careful planning ensures you can actually enjoy each stop instead of feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper isn’t just a road — it’s one of those rare journeys that remind you why you travel in the first place. It’s wild, cinematic, and impossibly beautiful. Every glacier, waterfall, and mountain pass tells its own story, and together they form a drive that feels both humbling and inspiring.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking to those iconic viewpoints, or simply rolling down the windows to breathe in that crisp alpine air, this stretch of the Rockies proves that the world still has places that feel untouched — truly wild and free. If you’re planning this drive, don’t rush it. Take your time, stop often, and let the road lead you where it wants. The Icefields Parkway stops aren’t just destinations — they’re moments you’ll carry long after the journey ends.

Planning your own Rockies adventure? Pin this guide for later so you have all the best stops and tips ready when you hit the road!