Icefields Parkway- Banff NP, AB

To really get an idea of the unique character of the Canadian Rockies, explore the Icefields Parkway. Traveling through Banff and Jasper National Parks, this historic parkway showcases all that is magical and special about the region. From stunning blue glacial lakes to a collection of retreating glaciers, it provides countless opportunities for once in a lifetime adventures.

Predated by the 1885 Glacial Trail, the current parkway has its roots in a 1931 Great Depression relief project, which employed 600 men to hand constructed a single track road between Lake Louise and Jasper. Completed in 1941, the Icefields Parkway was modernized in 1961 to accommodate increased tourist traffic. Today, the dramatic drive is a dreamy 142.6 mile trip through some of the most spectacular scenery found on earth.

Starting just outside of Lake Louise, the Parkway parallels the Continental Divide, steadily climbing in elevation along the way. Unfortunately, the route is very popular with bus tours, which can easily overwhelm roadside stops. Peyto Lake, while one of the parks most stunning attractions, is also among the most congested, as it provides tour groups with direct access to the overlook, bypassing the somewhat strenuous hike. Regardless, the lake is every bit as magnificent as it appears in photos, and can be viewed via a lower trail that avoids the crowds.

Traveling through the Columbia Icefields, the route allows you to view several glaciers, as well hike out to the toe of Athabasca Glacier. Unfortunately, the hike is much longer now than it was even 20 years ago, as the glacier is retreating at an alarming rate. Studded with signs tracking its terminus, it is a sobering study on climate change. That said, measuring 3.7 miles long, and between 300-980 feet thick, Athabasca is still an impressive sight. For those interested in getting even closer, guided tours that take you out onto the ice are available.

Absolutely unforgettable, there is an experience for everyone along the Icefields Parkway. Even if you never get out of your car, which would be ridiculous, it’s an excellent adventure. Closed in the winter for obvious reasons, midsummer is the best time to explore the area.