Suggested Driving Itinerary: Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway

Driving the Icefields Parkway without stopping takes about 3.5 hours, but the whole point is to enjoy the stops along the way. We recommend giving yourself a full 8–10 hours to explore at a relaxed pace.

🌄 Morning (Banff to Columbia Icefield)

7:30 AM – Leave Banff

Grab breakfast or coffee to-go and hit the road early to beat the tour buses and get soft morning light at the lakes.

8:00 AM – Bow Lake (20–30 mins)

📍 38 min from Banff

Start your day with peaceful reflections on Bow Lake. The morning light makes the water glow. A quick stroll along the lakeshore is the perfect way to wake up.

8:45 AM – Peyto Lake Overlook (30–40 mins)

📍 15 min from Bow Lake

One of the most famous stops. The overlook is a short walk uphill from the parking lot. It gets very crowded later in the day, so hitting it in the morning is key.

9:30 AM – Waterfowl Lakes (20–25 mins)

📍 15 min from Peyto Lake

Much quieter than the previous stops, Waterfowl Lakes are perfect for a short break. Stretch your legs and enjoy the calm.

10:15 AM – Mistaya Canyon (30–40 mins)

📍 15 min from Waterfowl Lakes

Take the short trail down to the canyon. It’s quick but worth every minute to see the swirling waters carving through the rock.

11:00 AM – Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier (1.5–2 hrs)

📍 1 hr from Mistaya Canyon

This is the longest stop of the day. If you’re doing a glacier tour, plan for closer to 2–3 hours. Otherwise, you can explore the viewpoint, walk near the toe of the glacier, and check out the interpretive center. A great spot for lunch (either bring a picnic or eat at the Glacier Discovery Centre).

🌿 Afternoon (Columbia Icefield to Jasper)

1:30 PM – Tangle Creek & Falls (15–20 mins)

📍 10 min from Columbia Icefield

Right on the roadside, this is a quick stop to enjoy cascading waterfalls and snap some photos.

2:00 PM – Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint (15–20 mins)

📍 15 min from Tangle Creek

Another quick viewpoint stop. Stunning panoramic glacier and mountain views.

2:30 PM – Sunwapta Falls & Chutes (45–60 mins)

📍 30 min from Stutfield

A must-see. Check out the upper falls first, then take the short trail down to the lower falls for a less crowded experience.

3:45 PM – Goats & Glaciers Lookout (15–20 mins)

📍 15 min from Sunwapta

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! Even if you don’t see goats, the view is worth the pull-off.

4:15 PM – Athabasca Falls (45–60 mins)

📍 30 min from Goats & Glaciers

Save some time here—it’s one of the highlights. Multiple platforms let you see the roaring falls and canyon from different angles. Late afternoon is a good time to visit, as many day-trippers are already heading back.

5:30 PM – Arrive in Jasper

Just 30 minutes from Athabasca Falls, you’ll roll into Jasper in time for dinner.

📝 Tips for the Drive

• Gas up in Banff or Lake Louise – there are very limited fuel stations along the parkway.

• Pack snacks & water – food options are limited after you leave Banff.

• Wildlife watch – early morning and late afternoon are best for spotting elk, mountain goats, or even bears.

• Layers are key – weather can change quickly at higher elevations, especially near the Icefield.

• Allow flexibility – you may want extra time at a stop you fall in love with (and trust us, you will!).

• There’s NO cell phone service for most of the drive, so be sure to download offline maps ahead of time or bring a paper map with you.

✨ This itinerary balances must-sees with time to soak in the scenery.