The Icefields Parkway traces a than paved line paralleling the Continental Divide, the backbone of the Canadian Rockies, between Lake Louise and Jasper. The entire 230km (140 mi) Parkway lies protected within the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parkways World Heritage Site, recognized in 1984 for it's outstanding natural beauty, geological value and significant contribution to our planet's diversity.
The Columbia Icefield is often the highlight for many on this road. One of the largest accumulation of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle it covers an area of nearly 325 square kilometres. It's meltwater feeds stream and rivers that pour into the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
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Additional Information
Prepare yourself for one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world. Be sure to give yourself a full day to experience everything that this road has to offer. At 230km and 140 miles in length you might wonder why it would take all day, but once you are on the way you will understand why. This is mountain scenery at its finest. Tall mountain peaks, surreal blue-green lakes and glaciers you can touch dominate the drive. The chances of seeing wildlife a quite good, especially if you are on the route early in the morning or late towards dusk. Perhaps the greatest two highlights of the drive are the incredibly coloured Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefields - a glacier that you can talk a tour via Ice Explorer and actually walk on. Throw in a couple of raging waterfalls, some ancient forests and a landscape above the treeline and you can see why it makes for such an amazing day of sightseeing.
ACCOMMODATION:
There are very limited accommodations along the Parkway but they offer an out of the ordinary front country experience. There are just 4 non-hostel lodging choices. 2 of these are unique lodge style properties, a modest motel property and a small hotel directly at the isolated but amazing location at the Columbia Icefields Centre. It is highly recommended that you have a reservation for any lodging.
DINING:
There are two very smart and modern dining options within the two lodge style properties and are well worth stopping for lunch or dinner. Dinner reservations are essential during the summer months. There is also a convenience store with basic groceries and an impressive postcard collection - the world's largest is the claim.
It is possible for the Icefields Parkway to experience snow at any time of the year, especially around the Columbia Glacier. If you are going to take the highly recommended Ice Explorer tour onto the glacier then bring a windproof jacket and covered shoes.
The drive is totally about wilderness and getting in touch with nature. You can achieve a sense of solitude and isolation if you are willing to take some of the short or longer hiking trails along the way. The road can be busy in summer but if you take your time and make all the recommended stops this should be one of the great days of your life. Take your camera and be prepared to stop at the many viewpoints.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pack a picnic lunch to take along with you during the day, so you can take your time and stop of the many day use areas.