We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Icefields Parkway

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Website
Update attraction details
Type: Scenic Drives
Activities: Driving, Biking
Description: Scenic highway cutting through breathtakingly beautiful mountain passes.
Write a Review

295 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    261
    26
    7
    0
    1
Date Rating
Ontario
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Between unending photo opps of majestic mountains, some still with glaciers of snow & ice, beautiful alpine lakes, canyons & waterfalls and wildlife - I saw black bears, big-horned mountain sheep, mountain goats, deer, etc. while driving the route, this drive is unmatched. I traveled through Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon& Washington in the previous month & tho I'm a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Newcastle, Australia
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

We travelled onto the icefields in a snow bus and had time treking on the glacier. Our bus driver was Sami ( a Japanese tour guide) and he was the most entertaining guide you can imagine, It was very safe and comfortable in the snow bus.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Portland, Maine
Top Contributor
259 reviews 259 reviews
182 attraction reviews
Reviews in 73 cities Reviews in 73 cities
66 helpful votes 66 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

Almost every meter of this 230-km parkway segment of Alberta 93 is absolutely gorgeous. It links Lake Louise and Jasper. You’ll need a valid national parks permit to drive it. A one-way trip can take 6 hours with rest breaks, vista stops, and slow caravan queues. You’ll find many tempting pullovers and turnouts along the way – most are clearly... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by mainemountainbear for Banff National Park
Prattville, Alabama
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

The Canadian Rockies are not the same as the beautiful American Rockies. Although not as high, they appear so since the base elevations are lower. From Glacier National Park north, there are numerous glaciers, even though earlier visitors have remarked upon the rate of melting. We traveled in early April and even though Lake Louise (at the southern end of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2013

Just do it, we couldn't get enough and it was amazing. Try to go on a clear day so you can see everything. Plenty of hikes and views from this route.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by kjtravelslight for Banff National Park
Winnipeg, Canada
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013

Crowfoot glacier and Bow lake mirror, Peyto Lake, mountain goats, Parker Ridge, Athabasca Falls, Icefield Parkway has them all. With good planning, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenes of Canadian Rockies in one day. If you are coming from a different country without snow, then it worth to visit the Columbia Icefields but otherwise save your snow-coach... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Christchurch
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013

We travelled the parkway in Mid-March, after some snowstorms and when there was still a fair amount of ice/snow on the road near the Lake Louise end - the conditions at this time were considered "fair". Don't expect to be able to drive at or above the speed limit as the road conditions WILL affect your travel time - because... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

What a drive. The views on this stretch of highway are stunning. We were there in June so the weather was still a bit cool so wrap up warm.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Marietta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

Made the cross through here in November a few years ago - and it was bitter cold. Again now in April. Roads were clear and trees were sprinkled with snow (but not completely covered like in early Winter, but, it's a great ride for sight seeing. Weather from Banff to the icefields dropped by about 10 degrees C. So, bundle... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

The road passes through remote, high elevation teraine and scenery that literally takes your breath away. The drive is a spectacular 230 km and connects beautiful lake Louis with Jasper. The route traces the Continental Divide and showcases hundreds of glaciers on rugged peaks.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by Mike F for Banff National Park

Travellers who viewed Icefields Parkway also viewed

Lake Louise, Banff National Park
Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies
 
Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies
Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies
 

Been to Icefields Parkway? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Icefields Parkway, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing