{"id":20763,"date":"2019-03-15T09:38:39","date_gmt":"2019-03-15T08:38:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=20763"},"modified":"2019-04-15T09:52:29","modified_gmt":"2019-04-15T08:52:29","slug":"perfect-icefields-parkway-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/perfect-icefields-parkway-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Perfect Icefields Parkway Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"

This story was created in partnership with: <\/em>Costsaver\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s something special about road trips, isn\u2019t there? Hitting the road and watching the world go by, stopping for snacks along the way, and the countless stories and memories you have once you reach your destination. The best part of a really good road trip is that the journey is just as much a part of the trip as the final destination – and few journeys are more impressive and filled with more to do than a drive along Alberta\u2019s Icefield Parkway. Here, we break down some of our favourite spots to stop, things to see, and activities to do on one of Canada\u2019s<\/a> best road trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Icefields Parkway?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of Canada\u2019s most treasured road journeys, the Icefields Parkway is a 232 kilometre (144 mile<\/g>) stretch of highway which runs through the Canadian Rocky Mountains and takes travellers past incredible mountain views, iconic lakes, and seemingly-endless photo opportunities. While every trip along the Icefields Parkway is different (that\u2019s what makes it so great, after all), there are a few spots travellers should rank especially highly. The good news is, if you’re travelling with Costsaver,<\/a> your travel director will work with you to plan your free time to make sure you experience everything on your list at your own speed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
The Icefields Parkway is an amazing journey! | \u00a9 Adrian\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Points of interest on the Icefields Parkway<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lake Louise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We probably don\u2019t have to explain what makes Lake Louise so amazing. Located within Banff National Park, you have more than likely seen photos of the lake\u2019s incredible turquoise water all over the internet, but seeing it in person is an entirely different experience. Spend time in a tea house, hike on one of the many trails, or just gawk at that incredible water. Lake Louise is often crowded, but arriving early can help with that, and anyway, can you really blame people for wanting to experience it? The best part is that Lake Louise is the eastern point of the Icefields Parkway, ensuring that almost every journey on the parkway includes a stop at this iconic lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And why not treat yourself to an extra dose of ease by joining a group tour? We recommend The Panoramic Candian Rockies<\/a> tour if Lake Lousie is on your<\/g> bucket list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lake
The iconic Lake Louise | \u00a9 Kevin Noble\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Peyto lake & Bow Summit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dubbed \u201cthe hiking capital of Canada,\u201d Banff National Park is home to some incredible natural beauty, as well as plenty of hiking trails to satisfy every traveller, from beginner hikers to experts looking for a challenge. Beginning from the highest part of the Icefields Parkway (at 2070 metres), travellers hike beyond the Peyto Lake Viewpoint for about three kilometres to reach Bow Summit, which provides an amazing view of Peyto Lake – a gorgeous, but often less-crowded lake in Banff National Park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bow
Reaching Bow Summit rewards travellers with this stunning view | \u00a9 Nadine Shaabana\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Weeping Wall<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just before Banff National Park\u2019s border with Jasper National Park – the other end of the Icefields Parkway – lives a series of cliffs which span 1000 feet into the air. The Weeping Wall, so-called for the many small waterfalls which escape from the rock, is an amazing sight year-round. In the summer, the cascading waterfalls make the cliffs glint in the sun. In winter, the water freezes, and become perfect for everything from gorgeous photos to some extreme ice climbing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
When the Weeping Wall freezes, it becomes a renowned ice climbing destination! | \u00a9 Steve Wiesner\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\r\n
\r\n

See Also: <\/em>Your Perfect Alberta Winter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n\n\n

Athabasca Falls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just west of the Icefields Parkway, hidden away in Jasper National Park, you\u2019ll find Athabasca Falls. This stunning class 5 waterfall was created when the Athabasca River fell through a narrow gorge caused by a receding glacier. Around the falls, travellers will find a walking trail sign marked with information about the falls and the Athabasca River, hiking trails of varying difficulties, and some seriously impressive photo opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Athabasca
Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park | \u00a9 Wenhao Ji\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Glacier Skywalk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Visitors to the Icefields Parkway in the spring and summer who aren\u2019t afraid of a little height shouldn\u2019t think twice about taking a stroll along the Glacier Skywalk. Sitting at 280 metres (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley, travellers are treated to an interpretive storytelling journey – you\u2019ll learn about the history of the region, the animals that call it home, and discover incredible views of the Rocky Mountains. Once you reach the cliff-edge walkway, look down! The glass floor allows visitors to gain a complete view of the region for themselves. While it may be nerve-wracking, it\u2019s completely safe, and an unforgettable experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re travelling with Costsaver on their Wonders of the Canadian Rockies tour<\/a>, you can also add a ride on the Athabasca Glacier aboard a giant Ice Explorer for a closer look at a different angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Tourists
Take things to a new level on the Glacier Skywalk | \u00a9 Daveynin\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\r\n
\r\n

See Also: <\/em>The Best Hikes Near Edmonton<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n\n\n

Activities along the Icefield Parkway<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hiking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No matter how much hiking experience you have, there are countless hiking trails along the Icefield Parkway. Whether you\u2019re looking for a day excursion to check out more of the beautiful nature the region is famous for, or you\u2019re an experienced hiker ready to take on a new challenge, your perfect hike is likely along the Icefields Parkway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Plain of Six Glaciers. <\/strong>This hike, also known as the Teahouse Trail, circles Lake Louise and brings hikers up 365 metres (1200 feet) in an 11-kilometre (7-mile) return circuit. <\/li>
  2. Helen Lake. <\/strong>North of Lake Louise is a lush green valley surrounded by towering mountains, and this 12-kilometre (7.5-mile) return hike lets visitors see it all.<\/li>
  3. Mt. Edith Cavell. <\/strong>One of the most imposing mountains in the Canadian Rockies, Mt. Edith Cavell rises 3300 metres (10,830 feet) into the air, and the 14 kilometre trail brings hikers to the mountain\u2019s north face, with views of gorgeous meadows, wild flowers, and views of Angel Glacier. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"A
    Countless animals call this region home – how many will you encounter? | \u00a9 Abben S\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Wildlife encounters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are incredible wildlife encounters<\/a> to be had on a Costsaver tour along the Icefields Parkway! Alberta is a naturally diverse region which attracts many different species of animals, from massive bears to delicate birds. Make sure to follow paths on hiking trails, keep food out of reach if you\u2019re camping, and listen to local advice when entering known animal habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n