• Jasper Information Centre - Welcome to the Icefields Parkway! Prepare to explore Canada’s magnificent road connecting two renowned National Parks: Jasper and Banff. The parkway is accessible from various locations, so ensure you choose the correct starting point. This tour version begins in Jasper. To start from Lake Louise, near Banff, return to Home and switch to the Lake Louise version.

Note: This 135-mile tour highlights the Icefields Parkway essentials in 3-4 hours.

Purchase once, enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

• Jasper SkyTram - Coming up soon is the Jasper SkyTram, Canada’s highest and longest aerial tramway. The views from the top are simply breathtaking. In the 1940s, Whistler Mountain was already a major attraction for skiers. Winter sports enthusiasts gathered annually to race down the perfect slopes. However, once at the bottom, they only had a limp tow rope to pull them back up the mountain. Due to the challenging ascent, they never reached the mountain’s summit!

• Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead - Ahead is the Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead. This 3-mile moderately challenging hike takes about an hour and a half to complete and rewards hikers with stunning scenery. The trail winds past five pristine lakes. The lakes and ponds in Jasper and Banff are unique due to their incredible turquoise and blue hues, resembling a heavily photoshopped postcard. But it’s real! And we have glaciers to thank.

• Athabasca Pass Lookout - Around the bend is the Athabasca Pass Lookout, one of the best viewpoints on this part of the Parkway. From here, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the South Jasper Mountain Range. The most prominent peak, directly ahead from the lookout, is Mount Edith Cavell, standing at 11,033 feet.

• Horseshoe Lake - Shortly, we’ll pass by Horseshoe Lake. This U-shaped body of water is popular among thrill-seekers due to the sheer rock faces surrounding it. On any given day, you might find a group of people standing at the edge, bodies jittery with adrenaline. They stare down… and down and down toward the bottom — 75 feet in total! Then, they take the leap of faith. The wind rushes as they drop, then HIT the freezing water that shocks their system. Then they pop back up, ready to do it all over again!

• Athabasca Falls - Coming up ahead is Athabasca Falls, a 75-foot waterfall plunging into a canyon. During the last Ice Age over 100,000 years ago, a glacier in this region receded enough to allow the Athabasca River to flow freely through the pass. The pass eventually deepened and widened, becoming the canyon it is today.

• Mount Kerkeslin - That towering peak to our left is Mount Kerkeslin, standing at 9,790 feet. This is the highest peak in the Maligne Range and posed a real challenge for early explorers of this region.

• Goats & Glacier Lookout - This vista overlooks the Athabasca River and Fryatt Mountain Range. Glaciers can be seen high up on those mountains, but where do the goats come in? Well, the cliff on which this overlook is perched is rich in minerals, including salt. And mountain goats just can’t get enough of the stuff! Visitors often see them wandering up here, licking away at the rocks!

• Mount Christie - The peak directly to our right, just before that mountain pass, is Mount Christie. It stands just over 10,180 feet tall. The peak is named after James Hector, the explorer who also named Mount Kerkeslin. Hector named the mountain after a man who hosted him during his expedition across the Rockies: William Joseph Christie.

• Honeymoon Lake - This romantically-titled body of water offers a lovely view of reflected mountains in the Maligne Range. You might even see some folks paddling canoes on the water.

• Sunwapta Falls - The trail for Sunwapta Falls is coming up soon. This easy 2-mile trail takes just over an hour and features a great view of a wilderness waterfall. Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta Falls plummets 60 feet over the cliff edge. Sunwapta is the Stoney-Nakoda word for “turbulent water,” which makes sense when you see the falls!

• Endless Chain Ridge - That ridge up ahead and slightly to our left is the Endless Chain Ridge. Spanning more than 9,000 feet, this ridge is a collection of craggy peaks formed in the Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago. Volcanic pressure beneath the earth’s crust forced this rock upward about 75 million years ago, forming the ridge we see today.

• Poboktan Creek Trail Parking - In a moment, we’ll see parking for the Poboktan Creek Trail, though we probably won’t want to hike it ourselves. Why’s that, you ask? Because it’s 24 miles long and takes an average of four days to complete!

• Alberta 93 - In just a minute, we’re going to pass an attraction that… doesn’t look much like an attraction. In fact, it just looks like a pile of rocks! But this pile of rocks tells a fascinating story about the history of this landscape.

• Beauty Creek - We’re driving alongside Beauty Creek, a pure and clear glacial lake fed by meltwater. If one were to follow this creek a couple of miles into the wilderness, they’d arrive at Stanley Falls!, which plunges 40 feet into a blue pool below. Seven other cascades lead to Stanley Falls, and feature something very peculiar that doesn’t happen in many places. In colder months, these waterfalls don’t just dry up. Instead, they become sheer sheets of ice!

• Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint - Coming up is the Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint, where we can see a huge glacier directly from the parkway! The icy giant stretches 3,000 feet over the cliff face, where you can glimpse a set of double icefalls. These are places where the glacial bed steepens and the ice flows faster than in other areas. In turn, they create deep crevasses that pose a major hazard for climbers.

• Tangle Creek Falls, AB - Just ahead is Tangle Creek Falls, a magnificent 90-foot cascade alongside the parkway. With its spray dampening the road, the waterfall is impossible to miss! Mary Schäffer Warren, the same woman who named Endless Chain Ridge, also gave Tangle Creek its name! But the eager mountaineer-turned-surveyor rarely traveled alone. Many of her journeys were guided by Samson Beaver, a Stoney-Nakoda man.

• Columbia Icefield Skywalk - Have you ever wanted to walk on air? The Columbia Icefield Skywalk offers that sensation. It’s a walking trail with a glass floor that snakes along the cliffside. The clear structure juts out 100 feet across the Sunwapta Valley. If you don’t mind heights, you can look down past your shoes at the snowy expanse more than 900 feet below.

• Mount Kitchener - See the tallest peak off to our right? That’s Mount Kitchener, standing at 11,499 feet. It gets its name from Horatio Kitchener, a British Earl who served as an officer during the First World War. Kitchener died in 1916 when his ship struck a mine and sank en route to Russia. As soon as word of his death reached Canada, officials renamed this mountain in his honor.

• Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead - If you want an up-close-and-personal look at the glaciers I’ve been talking about, this is a must-do. At just over one mile, this moderate hike offers some of the best views of the Athabasca Glacier, one of the most noteworthy in the Columbia Icefield.

• Wilcox Pass Trailhead - Just ahead is the Wilcox Pass Trail. This challenging 7-mile hike isn’t for the faint of heart. But don’t worry if you’re not up for the whole thing! Most visitors opt to hike a little over a mile to reach a fantastic viewpoint before turning back. That viewpoint overlooks a unique geographical feature at the crossroads of Jasper and Banff: Mount Snow Dome.

• Parker Ridge Trail - The Parker Ridge Trail is coming up momentarily. It leads to a 4-mile hike for those seeking a challenging route. You’ll need to set aside a little over two hours to experience the alpine meadows and panoramic views. It also features glimpses of the Columbia Icefield and fresh perspective on the famous turquoise lakes in the area.

• Panther Falls - Coming up next is Panther Falls. An easy 1.5-mile hike through the forest leads to this 210-foot cascade. It only takes about 30 minutes and is well worth the trek! If you want to keep going, you can hike another mile to Bridal Veil, which is five times the size of Panther Falls! It’s a two-for-one waterfall extravaganza!

• Weeping Wall Viewpoint - Just ahead is the Weeping Wall Viewpoint, a set of 900-foot high cliffs. The Weeping Wall is almost like a part-time waterfall. Under just the right conditions, the cliffside begins to weep—or leak water. The will-it-or-won’t-it fall dynamic comes from the natural springs at the top, which may either swell or trickle depending on the time of year.

• Mount Coleman - The peak to our left is Mount Coleman, standing at an impressive 10,285 feet. But if you asked early explorers, this wasn’t even close to the tallest peak in the region.

• HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel - We’re about to pass the HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel. This humble lodging dates back to a big change in tourism that started unfolding almost 100 years ago.

• Saskatchewan River Crossing - Long before the Icefields Parkway existed, crossing the river looked a little different. Imagine a long plank of wood drifting across the river. A horse and carriage rest on the surface, waiting to be directed to the other side. The year is 1882 and the man behind the operation is the well-liked John Walter.

• Howse River - Turn into the parking area just ahead for Howse Pass Viewpoint, featuring incredible views of the river and the mountains beyond. This is a must-see!

• Mistaya Canyon Trailhead - Coming up ahead is the Mistaya Canyon Trailhead. This moderate, 1.5-mile hike takes about 40 minutes and leads to the bottom of the deep gorge flowing with water.

• Mount Chephren - Its 10,715-foot peak brushes the sky and provides pro-climbers with an extreme challenge. Due to its angular slopes, Chephren originally bore the name Pyramid Mountain. But another summit in the area already had the same title, so the park settled for christening it after an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh. Specifically, a ruler responsible for the second largest pyramid in Giza! Certainly a fitting name for the mountain.

• Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint - It’s impossible to miss the gorgeous Waterfowl Lake coming up ahead, as well as the viewpoint overlooking it. Hip to hip with the parkway, you won’t even need to leave your car to glimpse this emerald body of water. Lakes like this one became hotspots for a countercultural movement sweeping across the country in the 1960s. They were the hippies!

• Mt Patterson Glacier - Off to our right stands Mount Patterson, home to one of the park’s many glaciers. This is the Snowbird Glacier. It gets its name from the way it flows down Mount Patterson. Doesn’t it look a little like the glacier has outstretched wings?

• Peyto Lake - Off to our right is Peyto Lake. The glacier-fed body of water promises a bright turquoise color in the foothills of the Waputik Range. If you’d like to visit the lake, keep an eye out for the side road coming up in just a minute. It leads to an overlook above the lake and a 2-mile trail around the lake’s circumference.

• Bow Lake - We’re now approaching Bow Lake. Its stunning blue waters reflect the craggy rocks of Mount Jimmy Simpson, looming directly to our right. The mountain gets its name from an English immigrant of the same name.

• Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint - Coming up in a moment is the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint. The massive block of ice is still inspiring, despite all it’s been through… The glacier has been receding since the Ice Age and has lost one of three lobes. Those lobes, or protruding thumbs of ice, once made the ice chunk look like a crow’s foot.

• Wapta Icefield - The Wapta Ice Field gets its name from the Stoney-Nakoda word for “running water.” And it has been home to some miraculous marine discoveries.

• Hector Lake Viewpoint - If you can’t get enough of Banff’s dazzling waters, the upcoming Hector Lake Viewpoint is worth the stop. This pristine glacial lake sits directly beneath Lilliput Mountain and Mount Balfour, and is a hugely popular spot for photographers.

• Lake Louise - This brings us to the end of our tour. To reach Lake Louise, just keep driving straight for another 5-10 minutes. I hope you’ve enjoyed your journey across the Icefields Parkway, hearing about everything from Jasper’s geological wonders to Banff’s wild mountaineers!

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Experience one of the world’s most picturesque drives with this self-guided Icefield Parkway tour, linking Canada’s Jasper and Banff National Parks. Marvel at towering mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, and stunning turquoise lakes as you journey through the Canadian Rockies. Explore Indigenous history, observe diverse wildlife such as moose and elk, and learn about the formation and transformation of this awe-inspiring landscape over the ages. A rich tapestry of beauty and history awaits!

Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Gather your group and embark on this adventure together!

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. Then, follow the audio instructions and the route.

Buy once, use for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This is not an entrance ticket. Please check opening hours before your visit.

• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.