The Icefields Parkway is a scenic highway that stretches for 232 km (144 miles) through the Canadian Rockies between the towns of Jasper and Banff in Alberta, Canada. It is widely considered as one of the most breathtaking drives in the world, with lovely mountain vistas, glaciers, waterfalls, and considerable flora and fauna.

The construction of the Icefields Parkway began in the 1930s, as a part of Canada’s post-Depression public works program. The highway was officially opened in 1940, but it was not fully paved until the 1960s.

The parkway was originally intended to serve as a transportation route for tourists, connecting the newly-established Jasper and Banff National Parks. However, it quickly became a popular tourist attraction in its own right, with visitors coming from all over the world to experience its stunning scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Today, the Icefields Parkway is a major tourist destination and an important part of Canada’s national park system. It attracts millions of visitors each year and is considered as one of the best places in the world for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities.

You can locate the Icefields Parkway by using a map or GPS system, and searching for the highway that connects Lake Louise and Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.

25 fun and best things to do in The Icefields Parkway.

1. Visit the Columbia Icefield: Explore the massive ice field that covers more than 325 square kilometers of the Rockies.
2. Hike to a Glacier: Take a scenic hike to one of the many glaciers along the parkway, such as the Athabasca Glacier or the Sunwapta Glacier.
3. Wildlife Watching: Look for wildlife such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bears along the parkway.
4. Stop at Peyto Lake: Marvel at the turquoise blue waters of this glacier-fed lake.
5. Visit Bow Lake: Enjoy the serene beauty of this glacial lake, surrounded by mountains and forests.
6. Take a scenic drive: Drive the full length of the parkway and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery along the way.
7. Visit the Jasper SkyTram: Take a ride on the Jasper SkyTram for panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
8. Go rafting on the Athabasca River: Enjoy an exciting rafting adventure on the powerful Athabasca River.
9. Hike in Banff National Park: Explore the many scenic trails in Banff National Park, such as the Johnston Canyon trail or the Lake Agnes trail.
10. Visit the Lake Louise: Admire the stunning turquoise waters of this glacier-fed lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
11. Stop at Hector Lake: Take in the scenic views of this small alpine lake, surrounded by mountains.
12. Visit the Spiral Tunnels: Explore these historic train tunnels that wind through the mountains.
13. Take a scenic flight: Take a scenic flight over the Canadian Rockies for a unique perspective on the parkway.
14. Visit the Cave and Basin National of Historic Site: Explore this ancient website, where the hot springs that would ultimately grow into Banff National Park were found.
15. Stop at the Athabasca Falls: Marvel at the powerful waterfalls, as the Athabasca River cascades down the mountains.
16. Visit the Mount Edith Cavell: Hike to the summit of this mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
17. Stop at the Parker Ridge: Hike to the top of this ridge for scenic views of the Columbia Icefield and the surrounding peaks.
18. Visit the Marmot Basin: Enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding at this popular ski resort.
19. Stop at the Tangle Falls: Admire the scenic beauty of these picturesque waterfalls.
20. Visit the Banff Gondola: Take a ride on the Banff Gondola for breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
21. Go fishing in the rivers and lakes: Try your hand at fishing for trout and other species in the rivers and lakes along the parkway.
22. Stop at the Weeping Wall: Explore this unique rock formation, where water cascades down the cliff face.
23. Visit the Mistaya Canyon: Hike to this scenic canyon and admire the powerful rapids and unique rock formations.
24. Stop at the Panther Falls: Take in the scenic beauty of this waterfall and the surrounding peaks and forests.
25. Visit the Maligne Canyon: Explore this deep canyon and its many scenic waterfalls and rock formations.

10 places similar to The Icefields Parkway and their locations.

1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, USA: A scenic drive through Glacier National Park, known for its stunning mountain views and wildlife.
2. Road to Hana, Hawaii, USA: A scenic drive along the east coast of Maui, passing by waterfalls, scenic beaches, and lush rainforests.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina, USA: A scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning views of rolling hills and forests.
4. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania: A scenic mountain drive through the Carpathian Mountains, passing by scenic lakes and forests.
5. The Great Ocean Road, Australia: A scenic drive along the south coast of Australia, passing by famous landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles.
6. The Ring Road, Iceland: A scenic drive around Iceland, passing by glaciers, hot springs, and other natural wonders.
7. Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy: A scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, passing by cliffside villages and scenic beaches.
8. The Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA: A scenic drive along the Pacific coast of California, passing by rolling hills and scenic beaches.
9. The Garden Route, South Africa: A scenic drive through South Africa’s coastal region, passing by forests, lakes, and wildlife reserves.
10. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland: A scenic drive along the west coast of Ireland, passing by cliffs, beaches, and historic sites.