The drive along the Icefields Parkway, in Banff and Jasper National Parks, is one of the most scenic drives in the World. There are so many stops that you could take, but there isn’t always time to make a stop at every viewpoint. So here’s five stops which are good ones to make on the Icefields Parkway. I’ve ordered them in a South-North manner starting from Lake Louise to Jasper town.

One of the best pieces of advice is to leave early – you’ll get calmer water on the lakes which makes for better photographs, and the road should be a little quieter.

1. Bow Lake

Bow Lake isn’t too far north of Lake Louise, but it has some pretty awesome views. The lake forms part of the headwaters of the Bow River, which flows alongside the Trans-Canada highway through Banff National Park, going over Bow Falls near Banff Town, and out towards Calgary. If you have time, the hike to Bow Glacier Falls is a great one to do.

Driving past Bow Lake you’ll see the bright red roof of Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, which is a fnatsatic building, and also has a good cafe, if you’re looking for a snack (which are few and far between on the Icefields Parkway unless you bring your own!).

2. Peyto Lake

Just north of Bow Lake is Peyto Lake. Along with Lake Louise, it must be one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies, but it’s incredibly beautiful so definitely worth the stop! The lake is named after Bill Peyto, who was a guide and warden in the early years of Banff National Park.

There’s a short walk along a paved trail from the parking lot to get to a lookout over the lake, where you’ll be able to take some beautiful photographs. It can get busy here, as it’s a popular stopping point for coach tours, so it’s a good one to get to early!

3. The Big Bend

This is one of my favourite views on the Icefields Parkway, and the above photo really doesn’t do it justice! Coming from Banff, you ascend the ‘Big Bend’, which is best described as a massive switchback, and there’s a pull in at the top. The view looking back southwards is amazing. It is an incredibly dramatic landscape, and you can truly appreciate the actions of glaciers to shape it.

From this pull in you will also be able to see Bridal Veil Falls, which is another good reason to make a stop at the Big Bend! If you’re headed south-north (Banff to Jasper) you might not notice the landscape here, whilst you’re in your vehicle driving up the Big Bend, so it’s definitely getting out for a couple of minutes just to take it in!

4. Parker Ridge

This shortish hike is a great place if you have a couple of hours spare and want to stretch your legs. After hiking up to the ridge you’ll get an excellent view of the Saskatchewan Glacier and it’s glacial outwash plain. It’s a delicate alpine environment, so make sure to stick to the marked trails!

5. Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls

Really this counts as two stops, but both sets of falls are very beautiful and are each worth stopping for. Athabasca Falls are closer to Jasper town than Sunwapta Falls. There are short marked trails for both sets of falls, with viewpoints at convenient locations to get some good photographs from.

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