The Icefields Parkway in Banff: Summer Road Trip Itinerary from Lake Louise to Jasper!

The Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93, is highly regarded as the most scenic highway in the Canadian Rockies. It spans 233 km from a turnoff just after Lake Louise to Jasper. This post will outline all the MUST-STOP places along the way, including our favourite camping spots!

An Icefields Parkway summer road trip is one of our favourite things to do in Banff National Park and something you can’t miss during your time in the Rocky Mountains. If possible, budget 2-5 days to explore everything this incredible area offers.

IMPORTANT: Before leaving Lake Louise, ensure you are stocked up on gas, food, and water. There are very few amenities along this drive, and most of it does not have cell coverage.

If you want to stay at campgrounds (backcountry or frontcountry), you will want to book them in advance. Sometimes, you can get lucky with a last-minute cancellation, but that becomes less and less common during the summer months.

Here are our top recommendations for hotels near the Icefields Parkway this summer. By booking through our links, you support us at no additional cost to you. We appreciate you!

Lake Louise

Drive up access

Highway 93 branches off the TransCanada Highway just after the charming town of Lake Louise. If you have the time, we highly recommend starting your trip there. Our favourite hotel in Lake Louise is The Post Hotel + Spa!

Lake Louise is an iconic hamlet in Banff National Park known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake. The surrounding mountains and Fairmont Chateau standing proudly on its shore make it an ever-popular tourist destination. There’s a canoe dock near the hotel that offers rentals. This is an excellent way to get some peace and quiet while you explore the lake. You can also bring your own SUP or canoe.

TIP: Arrive no later than 8 a.m. to beat the crowds and ensure you get a parking spot.

Big Beehive Hike

7.2km & 647m of elevation gain

My hiking recommendation in this area is Big Beehive Trail. The first section brings you from Lake Louise through an old-growth forest and past a beautiful waterfall to the Lake Agnes Teahouse. Inside the teahouse, you can stop for a cup of tea and a fresh slice of pie.

From there, you’ll continue around the far end of the lake and up several steep switchbacks to the top of the Big Beehive Lookout. Once you arrive, you will have a panoramic view of Lake Louise and the entire valley.

Camping at Lake Louise

Lake Louise has a great campground with beautiful sites, showers, and flush toilets. We recommend booking in advance if you are visiting in July and August. If the campground is full, you can stay overnight in a trailer or campervan at the Lake Louise overflow parking for the Moraine Lake shuttles.

Moraine Lake

access with a shuttle, tour, or bike/hike in 11km each way

Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, and for good reason! The turquoise water and stunning mountain backdrop make it a perfect place to spend the day.

Relax with a book, swim, or set out on one of the several hikes in the area. A canoe dock offers rentals for anyone who’d like to paddle out and explore the lake. This is an excellent way to get some peace and quiet, but I’ll warn you: they are not cheap!

IMPORTANT: As of 2023, Parks Canada has restricted all access to this road for private vehicles. The best ways to get here are to book a private tour or a shuttle, to stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge, or to bike in on the 11km access road.

Our favourite way to get to Moraine Lake is with Big Nature! Use the code MADETOEXPLORE10 for 10% off all private and public tours.

Mosquito Creek Campground

first-come, first-served

One of our favourite campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway during the summer, Mosquito Creek offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the creek. If you’re lucky, the wildflowers might even be in bloom!

Mosquito Creek Campground is first-come, first-served, and despite its name, it has no more mosquitos than anywhere else in Banff. If you show up and the campground is full, you can pay for an overflow spot and stay in the parking area.

Bow Lake

drive up access

Bow Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Canadian Rockies, is located right along the highway on the Icefields Parkway. On a calm day, Bow Summit is perfectly reflected in the clear glacier water, making it a fantastic place for a picnic or a short walk along the shore.

The parking area can get very busy, especially on weekends, so plan to arrive early in the day. If you have time to hike here, we highly recommend Bow Glacier Falls or Jimmy Simpson Junior.

Bow Glacier Falls Hike

8.9km & 240m of elevation gain

Bow Glacier Falls is a can’t miss hike along the Icefields Parkway this summer! It begins at Bow Lake, and the trail winds along the shore before branching off towards the falls.

This hike is not typically crowded, and the elevation gain is manageable. If you are an early riser, we highly recommend being at the trailhead for sunrise. This way, you can watch the sun come up over the lake before beginning your hike.

Jimmy Simpson Junior Hike

6.6km & 849m of elevation gain

Jimmy Simpson Jr. is a relatively short but steep hike beginning at Bow Lake. The trail starts with an easy kilometre along the lakeshore but quickly gains elevation and remains more or less steady all the way to the peak. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy incredible views of Bow Lake and the entire valley on a clear day.

Peyto Lake

2km & 93m of elevation gain

This unique mountain lake is known for its colour and shape, resembling a wolf’s head. The trail to the viewpoint is an easy 15-minute walk from the parking lot. Although very convenient, this also means that heavy traffic frequents the area each day.

LOCAL SECRET: Want to ditch the crowds? We’ve got you! Once you’ve seen Peyto from the viewpoint, jump in your car and drive north for 2-3 minutes. You will soon see a small unmarked parking lot on your left. Pull in there. Following the trail for about 2 km will take you right to the shore of the lake! We hiked in on a Saturday with a SUP and had the entire place to ourselves.

Waterfowl Lakes

drive up access

Waterfowl Lakes are less well known than some of their neighbours on this drive. In our opinion, they are completely underrated! That’s a bonus for you because they will be less busy to visit. A short trail will lead you along the shore of both lakes and to an excellent area for swimming not far from the parking lot. The reflection of the mountain backdrop is hard to beat!

Mistaya Canyon

1.8km loop & 80m of elevation gain

Mistaya Canyon is the only canyon along the Icefields Parkway and a unique place to stop during the summer months. The main bridge overlooking the canyon is about 500 meters from the parking lot. There are also trails along both sides to enjoy the views and even peek over the sides.

Free Camping Spot

Saskatchewan River Crossing is a small pull-off housing the only gas station along the Icefields Parkway. If you turn right onto Highway 11, it will take you out of the National Park. Once you cross the boundary, wild camping is permitted in any roadside pull-off or recreational area that is not marked otherwise. One of our favourites is the first right-hand turn after leaving the park. A dirt road leads you to several little wild campsites in the trees.

IMPORTANT: Please be responsible and respectful of these areas so we can all enjoy them for years. Leave no trace, put out your fires, and pick up your trash (this includes toilet paper!).

Glacier Lake Backcountry Campground

17.1km & 835m of elevation gain

If you are into backcountry camping, this is a phenomenal place to visit for the night! The hike is moderate, and the campground is located directly on the lakeshore with views of the glacier on the other side.

The best part? You can leave your vehicle, get to this spot, and set up your hammock in less than 2.5 hours! The trailhead is located on the Icefields Parkway near Saskatchewan River Crossing. Make sure to reserve a spot as early as possible. This campground tends to be booked months in advance.

The Weeping Wall, Cirrus Mountain

drive up access

If you are driving along the Icefields Parkway in the spring or early summer, the Weeping Wall is a great place to stretch your legs! By late summer, the water flow has decreased, and it isn’t quite as impressive. This stop is unmarked, so keep an eye on the east side of the road. You will be able to see the wall clearly from your vehicle. There is a small parking lot just across the highway.

Panther Falls

1.3km & 85m of elevation gain

This is probably our favourite “bang for your buck” hike in Banff National Park. The short and easy walk to the falls takes only 10-15 minutes, and I guarantee that you will be in awe as you walk around that final corner of the trail.

We find Panther Falls to be incredibly serene because it feels like it’s facing its own untouched valley, hidden from the highway. I couldn’t help but include a photo from our winter visit because it’s an excellent time of year for this particular stop!

TIP: Take the path farthest right from the parking lot for the safest route down to the falls.

The Athabasca Glacier

drive-up access with hiking opportunities

The Athabasca Glacier is the only glacier along the Icefields Parkway that you can take a tour of. Even though the tour is expensive, the information, views, and history are well worth it! Click here for the hourly rates & fees. There are also bundles that combine other adventures, like the Banff Gondola or the Lake Minnewanka Cruise.

Wilcox Pass Hike

11.6km & 85m of elevation gain

Wilcox Pass is a unique, must-experience hike on the Icefields Parkway because of the incredible glacier views! The first few kilometres are a bit of a climb, but it’s all smooth sailing after that. You can proceed up to Wilcox Lookout from the pass, which is an excellent addition if you feel up for it.

The Best Things to do Along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park:

Columbia Icefields Skywalk

drive-up access

The Skywalk is an awesome place to stop if you’re looking for a quick thrill and some fun photos. Located on Highway 93, you will step off the cliff’s edge and onto a glass platform perched above a 918-foot drop. From there, you get a unique look at the Sunwapta Valley, which includes waterfalls, wildlife, and even fossils.

TIP: Book your tickets in advance online and go early on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Tangle Creek Falls

drive-up access

Tangle Creek Falls is extremely easy to get to and well worth the visit. You don’t need to budget much time for this adventure. It’s such a short walk that you can actually see the falls from the road!

NOTE: You do have to cross Highway 93 to get up close and personal, so be careful as you do so.

Sunwapta Falls

3.2km & 146m of elevation gain

Sunwapta Falls is another set of falls that you cant miss on The Icefields Parkway this summer. The Upper Falls is located right next to the parking area and barely requires a walk. These are the more impressive of the two if you’re short on time. The Lower Falls is a 1.5 km walk and an fantastic way to stretch your legs along the drive.

TIP: These falls get very busy in the summer months. Go early on a weekday to avoid the crowds!

Athabasca Falls

drive up access

Athabasca Falls is located on the Icefields Parkway, just before arriving in Jasper. Due to the sheer volume of water flowing through the Athabasca River, it is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. The falls are stunning, and you can walk acoss several bridges, each offering a different perspective.

TIP: If you want to ditch the crowds and find a little extra adventure, head up the fire road from the parking lot and have a picnic lunch at Leech Lake!

Valley of the Five Lakes

4.8km & 163m of elevation gain

The Valley of the 5 Lakes is an easy and scenic hike located just south of the town of Jasper on Highway 93. Beginning in the forest, you will make your way past five beautiful lakes, all connected by this 5-kilometer loop. 

Each lake varies in colour from different shades of blue to green, and the red Adirondack chairs between the third and fourth lakes are the perfect place for a picnic. This is a wonderful option for any fitness level and is suitable for children.

If you`re a sucker for a good road trip like we are, the Icefields Parkway during the summer is a must! feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or comment below with your favourite stops. We`d love to hear from you.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

10 Adventurous Things to Do in Banff National Park This Summer

10 Unique & Picturesque Hikes Near Banff You Have to Experience!

12 Unbelievable Lakes in The Canadian Rockies You Have to Visit This Summer

Johnston Canyon & The Ink Pots: Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

Hot Springs in The Canadian Rockies: A Bucket List Guide