The Icefields Parkway is perhaps the most famous drive in Canada and one of the most beautiful in the world. It is a 232 km (144 mile) stretch between two of Canada’s most popular National Parks, Banff and Jasper. In 2019 I drove the parkway from Jasper down towards Banff. Here are the five places we stopped along the way. We stopped at all these places in one jam packed day!
1. Valley of Five Lakes Trail
The Valley of Five Lakes Trail is composed of two loops. The short loop that we did is 4.5 km, takes 1.5-2 hours to complete and is rated as easy. There were plenty of kids on this trail, it’s family friendly with lots of great places to stop. The longer loop/first lake loop is 7.3 km and takes 2-3 hours. The short loop passes by all five lakes which range in colour from blue, to green. A pair of Parks Canada red chairs at the third lake make a great place to rest.
2. Athabasca Pass
We made a quick stop here for a snack and to stretch our legs.
3. Goats and Glaciers Lookout
This stop was one of my favourites. We had not planned or heard anything about this pull off but saw a sign with “goats and glaciers” on it and were intrigued. It ended up being a great spot for lunch, we made pasta salad which was up there as one of the best meals of the trip. The view at the lookout was great, there were a couple of picnic benches. Unfortunately we didn’t see any goats.
4. Sunwapta Falls
The hike to Sunwapta falls is short. There are actually multiple falls along a short stretch (1.3 km). It’s a bit smaller than Athabasca Falls but just as worth visiting.
5. Athabasca Glacier – forcefield trail/Toe of the Glacier Trails
The hike to the base of the Athabasca Glacier was one of my favourite parts of the Icefields Parkway. There are many ways to explore the glacier including bus tours which drive on the glacier. We opted to hike the Forefield trail which linked to the Toe of the Glacier Trial and brought us to the base of the glacier.
Land Acknowledgement
I would like to acknowledge that the Icefield Parkway is located in Treaty 6 and 8 as well as the traditional lands of the Anishinabe, Aseniwuche Winewak, Dene-zaa, Nêhiyawak, Secwépemc, Stoney Nakoda, Mountain Métis and Métis. I travel with respect in the National Parks knowing that these lands were stolen from those to whom they first and rightfully belonged.
