A pass is required beforehand and there can be a substantial fine if you are caught without one. They are available at the information and visitor ‘ in Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N.) is a 230 kilometer mountain road running through the heart of Banff and Jasper National Parks. It serves as a connection between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. It’s a minimum of 3 hours driving time, not accounting for any stops along the way. Around ever corner another spectacular vista, one of nature’s natural beauty of the ancient glaciers of the Columbia Icefields.

Driving, the road is fully paved with wide shoulders. For passing through such an extreme landscape and two high mountain passes it’s probably a lot better than you would expect. The majority of the road is easy to drive, with only a few areas of steep grade or switchbacks and plenty of pull-ins to take in the wonderful views.

The weather is highly unpredictable in the Rocky Mountains. It can change many times throughout the day and the temperature change from day to evening can be drastic. The higher you go in elevation the colder the temperature will be.

Food, it’s highly recommended to bring your own picnic lunch or dinner meal. Stop and eat it at one of the many scenic viewpoints. There are only a few food services on the parkway. The restaurants at Saskatchewan Crossing and at the Icefields Visitor Center 

2 Thoughts to “Columbia Icefields Parkway”

  1. Jeanne Fike

    TOURISM B.C. should

    1. Thank you Jeanne, I love your beautiful country.

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