Icefields Parkway

Jasper, Canada

The Icefields Parkway is a free, world‑renowned route winding through the Canadian Rockies near Jasper. Its dramatic mountain passes and glacier‑fed valleys make it a top‑ranked trail for anyone seeking unforgettable alpine scenery.

Why choose Icefields Parkway

When you drive this highway, you’ll feel the scale of the peaks and the crisp, clean air that no city street can match. The ever‑changing light across glaciers and waterfalls offers a visual experience that other routes simply cannot provide.

Best for: Photography · Nature · Road trips · Families

Start your Icefields Parkway adventure here

Begin at the parkway’s western end, then drive eastward, stopping at viewpoints before ending at the Jasper Park Information Centre.

1. Morning — Icefields Parkway
2. 11:00 — Jasper Park Information Centre

Visit tips

• Turn off the main highway at the Columbia Icefield for the best glacier views.
• Keep an eye on wildlife near the water crossings; early hours reduce traffic.
• Start early in summer to catch clearer skies and fewer crowds.
• Allow a full day for stops; each viewpoint deserves at least 15 minutes.

Plan your visit

• Recommended duration: 4–6 hours — including stops
• Best time of day: Early morning, before 9:00 — clearer light and fewer crowds
• Entry: Free to visit
• Booking: not required — tickets at the gate
• Category: trail
• Rated 4.8 by 1978 reviewers
• Tags: scenic drive, mountain views, photo opportunities, family friendly

Nearby attractions

• Jasper Park Information Centre — park, 18 min walk

More things to do in Jasper

• Jasper SkyTram
• Patricia Lake
• Jasper Park Information Centre
• The Jasper Planetarium & dark sky telescope tours
• Old Fort Point Loop Trail
• Tekarra Restaurant

See all things to do in Jasper or plan a full Jasper itinerary with Next Getaway.