Icefields Parkway Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Icefields Parkway Tours & Trips

• When is the best time to visit the Icefields Parkway?

  The Icefields Parkway shines brightest from June through September when clear skies and open facilities make exploration seamless. The lakes display their signature turquoise hue during July and August with temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Tour operators run their most frequent departures during these peak months. A TourRadar traveler shared "The summer weather was perfect for viewing the breathtaking scenery and glacier-fed lakes." May and October visits can be rewarding with fewer crowds though some services operate on reduced schedules. Winter travel from November through April demands experienced winter driving skills to navigate snowy conditions.

• What type of accommodation can I expect along the Icefields Parkway?

  The accommodations along the Icefields Parkway range from grand mountain resorts to cozy lodges. The Fairmont collection stands out with the Jasper Park Lodge offering cabin-style rooms and Chateau Lake Louise providing water views. A TourRadar traveler noted "The hotels were excellent - we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the accommodations." Jasper's Whistlers Inn and Lobstick Lodge serve as reliable bases while the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel nicknamed the "Castle of the Rockies" delivers luxury at the parkway's southern end.

• What activities are available at the Columbia Icefield?

  The Columbia Icefield centers around glacier exploration with the Ice Explorer tour as its main draw. Visitors board special vehicles designed for glacier travel to access the Athabasca Glacier surface. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk adds another perspective with its glass floor extending over Sunwapta Valley. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Columbia Icefield experience was incredible - walking on the glacier was a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Tours typically allocate 3.5 hours here allowing time for both attractions plus the discovery center.

• What are the must-see highlights along the Icefields Parkway?

  The 232km Icefields Parkway connects visitors to natural wonders including the Athabasca Glacier Peyto Lake and Athabasca Falls. A TourRadar reviewer noted "The Icefields Parkway had stunning vistas with incredible views of glaciers lakes and mountains." Key stops include Bow Lake the Columbia Icefield's Ice Explorer tour and the Crossing the route's sole service station. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge positions travelers well for northern parkway exploration.

• What wildlife might I see along the Icefields Parkway?

  Wildlife viewing opportunities abound on the Icefields Parkway where elk deer bighorn sheep mountain goats and both black and grizzly bears roam freely. A TourRadar traveler reported "We were constantly on the lookout for wildlife and weren't disappointed - we saw bears elk and mountain goats during our drive." Early morning and dusk offer prime viewing especially between Jasper and the Columbia Icefield with frequent sightings near Athabasca Falls and valley floors.

• How long should I plan to spend exploring the Icefields Parkway?

  While driving the Icefields Parkway takes just 3 hours most visitors need 2-3 days to appreciate its attractions. Tour patterns suggest 4-5 days allows for full exploration of the parkway Banff and Jasper areas. One TourRadar traveler noted "We spent three days exploring different sections of the parkway and still felt we could have used more time." The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Jasper Park Lodge provide strategic bases for extended stays.