When you think about some of the iconic drives around the world, the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies is surely near the top of most lists. It’s one thing listening to reviews of the experience or admiring gorgeous pictures of scenery along this route, but to actually enjoy the awe-inspiring drive from Jasper to Banff National Park is something words or pictures can never do enough justice.
Having the opportunity to drive this once is something you should all strive for but we felt privileged to have the chance to enjoy this twice, as we headed to Jasper from Calgary before taking this same drive back to spend a few days in Banff. Any route that has breathtaking scenery is going to be a popular attraction but when you construct a road between two of Canada’s iconic national parks, it’s taking the concept of amazing road trips to the next level.
If you are planning on exploring Banff and Jasper in the next few weeks or months, we hope that some of our recommended spots on the drive from Jasper to Banff (or vice-versa) will be added to your itinerary. For those of you that wish to experience this spectacular drive over several days, we will give you a few suggestions on hotel recommendations along this route.
For those of you that wish to experience this spectacular drive over several days, we will give you a few suggestions on hotel recommendations along this route.
Icefields Parkway
The beauty of the Icefields Parkway, which technically starts in Lake Louise, is there really isn’t an alternative route to take between the two parks so you are pretty much stuck with a plethora of natural beauty…not a bad problem to have right?
The Columbia Icefields Parkway is one of the world’s most scenic mountain drives that stretches 232km’s (144miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper.
Having spent five hours driving from Banff to Jasper en route to spending 48 hours in Jasper National Park, we caught a glimpse of the incredible beauty surrounding us. If you opt to follow our schedule, you will feel our pain because simply driving the Icefields Parkway without having the opportunity to stop is torture.
Click here to open Google Maps to see the route we followed
We highly recommend NOT following this approach and instead, enjoy all of the incredible spots on the way to Jasper and on your way back!
Drive from Jasper to Banff National Park
Ok, so you are committed to taking the epic drive from Jasper to Banff…our first advice, be prepared to have several hours to fully enjoy this experience. The route itself is approximately 287 km (178 miles) which may take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and wildlife.
That’s right, wildlife encounters along this drive can have a detrimental impact on the length of time it takes. Realistically, you may need up to DOUBLE this amount of time to fully appreciate the amazing spots that we are going to share.
For the avid road trippers out there, you will know the benefit of taking your time because there will be countless impromptu stops that you will want to enjoy in addition to any scheduled stops. On our return trip from Jasper to Banff, we had scheduled about 8 stops but by the time we reached our hotel in Dead Man’s Flats, we probably stopped about 15 times (maybe more!)
If you have been living in a shell for the past few weeks and haven’t seen any of our recent blog posts on the best things to do in Jasper National Park or our social media pictures, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. How on earth can a drive be that spectacular? Let’s find out with just a few of our favorite places to enjoy along this route.
If you are considering staying overnight in Jasper, here are a couple of our favorite hotels that we love to recommend. Please be aware that hotels throughout the Jasper and Banff areas fill up quickly, so be prepared to book well in advance of your trip.
- Pyramid Lake Resort – If you are looking for the perfect accommodation option with gorgeous scenery, Pyramid Lake Resort is definitely a great option. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
- Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites – For those of you that prefer to stay in “brand” name hotels, the Best Western Inn & Suites may be a perfect choice. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
Athabasca Falls
Distance from Jasper – 20 miles
Distance from Banff – 160 miles
Click here for directions to Athabasca Falls from Jasper
If you have taken some of the world’s most scenic drives, you frequently have to drive a while before you hit the breathtaking scenery. That is certainly NOT the case on the drive from Jasper to Banff as you immediately stumble across incredible landscapes and attractions after leaving the downtown area.
Despite admiring the gorgeous scenery, we opted to make our first stop at Athabasca Falls. This is a must-see landmark for everyone and if you have a fond love of waterfalls as I do, you will be blown away by the beauty of this one. Renowned as the most powerful waterfall in Canada, as you approach the edge from the viewing platform, you will quickly feel the power that this natural landmark generates.
One of the amazing features of Athabasca Falls is the gorgeous backdrop of the mountains. From various viewing points, you are treated to the sight of the waterfall (if you are lucky you will see a rainbow through the falls!) with the towering peaks providing the perfect background. It’s undoubtedly one of those picture perfect locations that you have to visit.
Sunwapta Falls
Distance from Jasper – 35 miles
Distance from Banff – 145 miles
Click here for directions to Sunwapta Falls from Jasper
Amazed by the sight of Athabasca Falls? You won’t be on the road for much longer before you have the opportunity to experience another gorgeous set of waterfalls.
Sunwapta Falls is a pair of waterfalls comprising of the “upper” and “lower” though, for most visitors, the obvious choice is exploring the upper falls. For the adventurous folks that enjoy a hike, head down the valley to the less crowded lower falls for yet more spectacular views.
Sunwapta Falls can be defined as “turbulent water” and although this waterfall is only around 75 feet in height, along with yet another gorgeous mountainous backdrop, this is another incredible place that you should add to your itinerary when making the drive from Jasper to Banff.
Hotel Recommendation
If the Sunwapta Falls area of the Jasper National Park is the ideal place to stay, check out the Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
Tangle Ridge
Distance from Jasper – 58 miles
Distance from Banff – 121 miles
Click here for directions to Tangle Ridge from Jasper
One of the best viewpoints to admire the gorgeous panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies is at Tangle Ridge. As you approach the parking area, you will quickly realize why this is a spot you will want to experience. Interpretative signs are available to give you an idea of the peaks you see in front of you.
Both Tangle Ridge and Mushroom Peak are incredible mountains and perhaps the really adventurous folks will start plotting their routes to hike to the summit…we opted to save this for a return trip to Jasper!
The towering Mount Columbia is the second highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and can be viewed from this location but regardless of where your eyes wander, you will likely be drooling over the plethora of amazing scenery.
Tangle Falls
Distance from Jasper – 60 miles
Distance from Banff – 119 miles
Click here for directions to Tangle Falls from Jasper
Are you already missing the sight of gorgeous waterfalls? Don’t worry, you won’t have to wait much longer after admiring the views across Tangle Ridge. Located on the side of the Icefields Parkway, Tangle Falls is a multi-tiered cascade which will not only impress the waterfall lovers out there but also offer the opportunity to see wildlife wandering around the edge.
We saw a number of Bighorn sheep on the Icefields Parkway before capturing a glimpse of one that had clambered up the side of Tangle Falls. I’m not sure if he knew that he was posing for a picture but it certainly provided a pretty cool shot.
Tangle Falls is a very “seasonal” style waterfall so depending on when you visit will determine whether you can enjoy a powerful flow or perhaps just a trickle. The view from the edge of the road is gorgeous but if you choose to capture a closer look, be careful when hiking up the side of the falls. It’s definitely a risk/reward journey!
Glacier Skywalk
Distance from Jasper – 60 miles
Distance from Banff – 118 miles
Click here for directions to the Glacier Skywalk from Jasper
Everything included in this itinerary involved a natural attraction, with one exception – the Glacier Skywalk. Controversially constructed at a cost of $21 million (CAD), this structure offers visitors to the area an opportunity to “live on the edge” as they walk out on a glass platform to admire the breathtaking views of the Columbia Icefield.
Given that I referenced this was a controversial topic, you may be wondering why I would include this. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and obviously, the construction of this had an impact on the wildlife and overall appearance along this stretch of the Icefields Parkway. However, I personally think this is a spot you have to check out for yourselves and determine whether this is something you are in favor of.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Glacier Skywalk and although we are not the most adventurous folks (in other words, we are not extreme skydivers or bungee jump seekers!), this was an experience we would love to do again.
The interpretative walk prior to walking out on the glass platform was thoroughly informative but nothing could quite prepare you for the panoramic bliss that you see once you step out on the platform. Any fears you may have will quickly disappear as your mind drifts away to admire the beauty in front of you!
Athabasca Glacier
Distance from Jasper – 65 miles
Distance from Banff – 116 miles
Click here for directions to the Athabasca Glacier from Jasper
The Columbia Icefield is one of the iconic parts of Jasper National Park that you will likely want to spend some time exploring. If you are ready to enjoy the experience of a lifetime, head to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center and sign-up for an excursion to walk on the Athabasca Glacier courtesy of Brewster Travel Canada.
It’s not every day that you get to explore a glacier and participating in this tour is a must-do while visiting Jasper National Park. The Columbia Icefield actually comprises of six glaciers with the Dome, Stutfield, and Athabasca the only ones visible from the Icefields Parkway. The incredible sight of the Ice Explorer heading out on the glacier may just be enough to convince you that this is something you cannot afford to miss.
Renowned as one of the easiest glaciers in the world to access by car, the Athabasca Glacier unsurprisingly attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. It’s possibly the highlight attraction along this scenic drive but regardless of whether you choose to book this excursion, the views from the road as you pass by the Athabasca Glacier are some of the most memorable.
Hotel Recommendation
If the heart of the Columbia Icefield appeals, why not consider staying at the Glacier View Inn? This hotel isn’t short of gorgeous scenery and is perhaps an ideal location if you want to enjoy the first half of the scenic drive on one day and the rest following a restful sleep. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
Weeping Wall
Distance from Jasper – 77 miles
Distance from Banff – 102 miles
Click here for directions to the Weeping Wall from Jasper
Are you ready to leave Jasper National Park? After all of the amazing scenery you have just experienced, you could be forgiven for wanting to turn around and stay amidst the natural beauty! Don’t worry though, there is plenty more where that came from as you cross over from Jasper to Banff National Park.
The first landmark that offers a breathtaking scene is the Weeping Walls, a series of cliffs along the Icefields Parkway that frequently have cascading waterfalls flowing over the edge.
In the heart of summer, you can enjoy the sight and sound of these falls while in the winter months, avid ice climbers seek out these frozen falls to test their skills in the Canadian Rockies.
Peyto Lake
Distance from Jasper – 117 miles
Distance from Banff – 62 miles
Click here for directions to Peyto Lake from Jasper
Lake Louise may be renowned as the iconic lake in the heart of Banff National Park but we would argue that there are many others that are equally fascinating. Let’s start with Peyto Lake.
Named after Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area, this glacial lake is easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway and offers stunning scenes that you cannot help but fall in love with.
You may be wondering how this glacial lake (along with many others throughout Banff and Jasper) has this gorgeous bright, turquoise color. During the summer months following the thawing of the lake (we visited during the “thawing” phase!), rock flour flows into the lake and these suspended particles are what creates the vibrant color.
It’s no surprise that Peyto Lake is one of the most photographed attractions, particularly the iconic view from Bow Summit, the highest point along the Icefields Parkway as you peer down and appreciate the natural beauty.
Hector Lake
Distance from Jasper – 131 miles
Distance from Banff – 48 miles
Click here for directions to Hector Lake from Jasper
The beauty of exploring both Jasper and Banff National Parks in the heart of summer is that you have plenty of daylight. It’s fair to say we maximized our time in the Canadian Rockies and as we ventured back towards Banff at around 10:00 PM in the evening, we had the opportunity to capture the stunning sight of Hector Lake with the sun setting in the background.
The reflection of mountains on a lake is a highly sought after shot and frequently you miss out on this experience because the water isn’t calm enough or the light isn’t at the right angle. However, we felt privileged to capture this shot with the sunset hitting the very peak of the mountain range in the background.
Hector Lake is a relatively small glacial lake in comparison to many of its fellow counterparts throughout Banff but that should take nothing away from the inherent beauty it possesses. Surrounded by the Waputik Mountain Range to the west, Hector Lake was one of our final stops on the drive from Jasper to Banff and I hope you will agree it was a pretty awesome way to finish the experience.
Bow Valley Parkway
Distance from Jasper – 144 miles
Distance from Banff – 35 miles
Click here for directions to the Bow Valley Parkway from Jasper
As you approach Lake Louise, you have a decision to make. Do you want to spend time exploring this iconic lake along with the gorgeous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel or do you want to leave this for a day trip while staying in Banff? We have the perfect alternative should you opt to stay away from Lake Louise on this drive – the Bow Valley Parkway.
Running parallel to the main highway, the Bow Valley Parkway is a scenic route that offers wildlife encounters, spectacular overlooks and a number of gorgeous hiking trails such as Johnston Canyon.
Spanning 51km between Lake Louise and Banff, this route is one that is either a great way to start your journey between the two national parks or a great way to end. Either way, I am convinced that you will likely want a return trip to the Bow Valley Parkway to spend more time exploring…I know we did!
Summary
We have enjoyed some amazing road trips around the world such as experiencing an awesome Great Ocean Road day trip in Australia and also a scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park. However, I think it’s fair to say that we may have now stumbled across our new favorite. The drive from Jasper to Banff is beyond incredible, in fact, it left us breathless…and that’s not because of the altitude in the Canadian Rockies!
After following our proposed itinerary and stumbling across your own favorite landmarks (please share them below because we know we missed a bunch of awesome spots!), I am sure that you will be raring to head back along the Icefields Parkway because of the lasting impression it leaves.
We all of our favorite spots and given that I love waterfalls so much, I have to admit that Athabasca Falls is pretty incredible. However, regardless of your taste, be sure to give yourselves ample time to enjoy this awe-inspiring journey!
Wow, this looks increadible and is super helpful for planning purposes! I’ve wanted to go to the area for sometime now and really have no excuse since it’s not horribly far from where we live! Wanderlust inspired!!
Wow! I am definitely inspired. We’re going to British Columbia next month and I really wish that we could head over that way while we’re there. I would love to visit someday. #weekendwanderlust
Amazing pictures! ! Our initial plan for this year was to drive from Vancouver to calvary with a motorhome. The problem was that due to Canada ‘s anniversary they were already almost fully booked. We’ll try next year.
This has to be one of the most epic drives in the world. I love at the waterfalls and lakes. And, I cannot get over all the bear you saw including the one crossing the street.
It is jaw-droppingly beautiful Chris but that wildlife really pulls me in. Seeing bear and rams and all types of animals makes a place extra special to me. It feels much different than being in my hometown now, where a few rabbits, chipmunks, owls and hawks are the length of wildlife in the area. Although a 90 minute drive up north will yield some 600 pound bears and fierce bobcats too 😉
[…] you are enjoying the spectacular drive from Jasper to Banff National Park along the Icefields Parkway or simply relaxing and enjoying some of the best things to do in Jasper […]
Stunning sights! There really is something magical about a lake surrounded by snow capped mountains. And that sunset photo at Lake Hector is fantastic! Thanks for all of the details – they’ll come in handy when we venture north! Pinned this one for later. #WeekendWanderlust
Wow beautiful photos and great post really enjoyed it. Did you do any fishing?
So many sights to see along the way. I really have to get up to Canada and check out this drive. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful photos of a really beautiful part of this world. Hector Lake looks absolutely wonderful and would probably be the place I’d most want to see. Great post!
Its a great post . I am definitely inspired. thank you for shearing
Thanks so much!! We are inspired just reading our own words and seeing these pictures again to return!! Hopefully very soon.
This post is wonderful and super helpful. Planning a similar trip for a couple of months from now and will take many of your recommendations into account! To hit and spend time in all of the spots you’ve recommended, how many days would you recommend we reserve for this drive/trip?
I followed your itinerary almost exactly as written and it was perfect, we made a few additional picture stops but they were not the major spots you had outlined. We chose not to do the walkway because we had wheelchair and time didn’t permit making prior reservations to accommodate. I liked the fact that you included mileage in (miles) for us not use to metric and gps which talks in miles. I would say that travelling from Jasper to Banff is easier than the reverse only because the glacier and majority of the sites would be on your right which makes pulling over for pictures much easier. Thanks again for a great step by step blog.
Can you please describe the roads to me from Banff to Jasper? Are they treacherous mountain cliffy roads?
Hi Bill, the majority of the drive between Banff and Jasper is highway style with multiple lanes each way. Obviously in the depths of winter, I am sure it is a pretty treacherous drive depending on the weather but I also know that this route is kept clear as much as possible. You get pretty high up in the Rockies on this drive but this just adds to the incredible scenery along the route. Let me know if you need anything else.
Thank you for taking time and sharing with us your journey , its really inspiring
Downloading the Gypsy narrated driving tour adds a great dimension to the drive between Jasper and Banff. I was surprised that it tracked our location to advise “Coming up on your left…” when we had no cell service. This app greatly enhanced our trip. It was like having a tour guide in our vehicle with us.
Based on this wonderful site I’ve decided to do an independent vacation rather than an escorted tour. So much to see and now can do it on our schedule and pace and choose our own lodging.
Question, how many nights should we plan to do? We are planning on staying in Banff, lake Louise and Jasper. Or are open to your suggestions! We are two very active seniors 64 and 75. Love to sightsee and do easy to moderate walks and hikes. Will fly in and out of Calgary and rent car.
Yes I’d also like to know how many nights you’d recommend staying in each place please ( Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper). Is there much to do in the towns or is it more about the scenery along the way? We plan to drive from the south to Jasper then back to Calgary. Do you know anything about the alternate route to Calgary from Jasper? Turning off towards Rocky Mountain House then heading due south to Calgary. It there anything much to see going this way or are we better to stay on the main highway and enjoy all the stunning scenery from the opposite direction?
Hi Cheryl, you could easily spend a couple of days in each of the locations that you referenced. I would recommend spending a couple of days at least in Jasper and then again in Banff – Lake Louise you can easily access from Banff so need to stay specifically there unless you want to (the Fairmont there is spectacular but of course, a little expensive!). Both Banff and Jasper have things to do in the towns themselves but honestly, it’s the surrounding scenery and day trip options that make these such popular destinations. Banff is bigger than Jasper and has a large town with plenty of shops but both towns have a real “alpine” feel to them and definitely worth spending some time walking around and exploring.
We only took the route directly between Jasper and Banff and then on to Calgary via the Icefields Parkway though don’t have too much experience on the alternative routes. I would definitely recommend taking the main highway both routes because that gives you two opportunities to see things – trust me, you will want all the time because this route is breathtaking!
Hope this information helps but if you have any other questions, feel free to ask or feel free to e-mail at [email protected] and we will be glad to help out!
This is such great info! We, unfortunately have to cut our trip from 9 to 7 days. We fly to calgary and arrive around 3 and plan to drive to banff. We want to drive the jasper highway, but am wondering if that could be a day thing and make it back in time or if you suggest staying at least one night in jasper and driving back the next day and seeing other things along the way? we want to stay in lake louise to do the hike and canoe there as well as the other lake that’s nearby, but are open to doing that one at sunset. Is this too ambitious…day1: fly in and banff, day 2 & 3: banff, day 4: drive to jasper + stay, day 5: drive to lake louise + stay, day 6: lake louis, Day 7: morning at lake louise then drive to calgary