Two-Week Itinerary – Bearfoot Concept

The Icefields Parkway is a 145-mile stretch of double-lane freeway in Banff Nationwide Park that connects Lake Louise to Jasper, Alberta in Canada. All through this scenic drive, guests can soak up views of towering Rocky Mountain peaks, frozen ice fields, and delightful valley landscapes. Plus, there are tons of alternatives to get out of the automotive and expertise mountain climbing trails, Rocky Mountain cities, nice tenting, and different adventures.

I’ve been fortunate sufficient to discover the Icefields Parkway on three completely different street journeys and I contemplate this area a must-visit for any outside fanatic. With almost a dozen campgrounds alongside the route, the best approach to journey right here is by automotive or van. Tenting (vs staying at motels that are few and much between) will put you nearer to the paths and all the different superb websites alongside the best way.

On this publish, I share my two-week Icefields Parkway itinerary that options the perfect mountain climbing trails, lakes, campgrounds, street journey stops, and extra.

Necessary Reminder: Because it goes in all the locations we share, please apply good path etiquette and keep in mind to Go away No Hint. This implies packing out your entire rubbish (together with bathroom paper), being respectful to others, and following the established guidelines.

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The place is the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway stretches 145 miles between the Rocky Mountain Alberta cities of Lake Louise within the south and Jasper within the north. Whereas that is the ‘official’ route, there are many aspect journeys you’ll be able to add to your travels together with Banff and Yoho Nationwide Park in British Columbia, which we added to our two-week Icefields Parkway itinerary beneath.

Getting there

• Driving from the US: The Icefields Parkway is definitely accessible by automotive should you’re coming from the northwestern US. You’ll be able to even make an extended street journey out of it by visiting Glacier Nationwide Park as you make your approach towards Calgary.

>> Learn subsequent: Biking Going-to-the-Solar Highway in Glacier Nationwide Park

• Fly into Calgary: In case you’re flying, the most suitable choice is to fly into Calgary, Alberta the place you’ll be able to lease a automotive. From Calgary, it’s a few two-hour drive to Lake Louise the place the Parkway begins.

Finest time of yr to go to

I’ve visited the Icefields Parkway in June, August, and February. Whereas I’ve but to go to in fall, which I hear is gorgeous, for the perfect probabilities for good climate, I like to recommend visiting in late summer time. Peak bug season is over, snow has melted at increased elevations, and all the trails will likely be accessible. The draw back of this time of yr is the extra widespread websites will most definitely be crowded.

Fall is thought for the attractive golden larches that mild up the mountainside, however the climate is unpredictable. You’ll should be ready for rain and even snow which has the potential to thwart your mountain climbing plans.

In case you go to within the spring, you’ll be able to catch the wildflowers blooming, but additionally bear in mind that some trails and areas should still be lined in snowpack. Trails this time of yr even have potential to be closed on account of grizzly exercise because the bears awake from their winter hibernation.

For individuals who can bear the chilly, winter alongside the Icefields Parkway presents solitude, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering and different winter recreation.

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Parks Canada Discovery Move

You have to pay to enter the Icefields Parkway (identical to you’d within the US Nationwide Parks). You should purchase a single-day cross or you should purchase an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

You should purchase this nationwide park cross on-line, nevertheless it’s tremendous straightforward to do in particular person. You may get your cross at information/guests facilities at park entrances or at campgrounds the place there may be an attendant.

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Route Navigation

There isn’t any cell service alongside the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper, so that you’ll must print out maps or obtain this itinerary to your cellphone.

For navigating trails, I extremely suggest upgrading to an AllTrails Pro account, which lets you obtain maps to make use of offline.

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Icefields Parkway Map

The map beneath reveals the route of our two-week Icefields Parkway itinerary. We included Yoho Nationwide Park in British Columbia, which isn’t technically a part of the Icefields Parkway, however positively value a go to when you’ve got time.

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Two-Week Icefields Parkway Itinerary

The 145-mile Icefields Parkway could be pushed in a day, however I like to recommend taking a minimum of a couple of days to discover the numerous mountain climbing trails, tenting spots, and outside recreation alternatives alongside the route. We took two weeks for our Icefields Parkway street journey and felt like that gave us simply sufficient time to see and do every part on our checklist.

In case you don’t have two weeks, you’ll be able to pare this Icefields Parkway itinerary right down to every week or perhaps a few days should you solely go to the southern half.

• Day 1: Drive to Monarch Campground in Yoho Nationwide Park
• Day 2: Hike the Iceline Path in Yoho Nationwide Park
• Day 3: Drive to Lake Louise and hike the Plain of Six Glaciers
• Day 4: Enter Icefields Parkway / Hike Bow Glacier Falls
• Day 5: Helen Lake hike
• Day 6: Go to Peyto Lake and hike Boundary Lake path
• Day 7: Hike Wilcox Move Path
• Day 8: Hike Magnificence Creek to Stanley Falls
• Day 9: Lake Annette and Pyramid Lake / Discover Jasper
• Day 10: Hike Valley of 5 Lakes or Edith Cavell Meadows
• Day 11: Go to Maligne Lake 
• Day 12: Hike Parker Ridge Path
• Day 13: Drive to Banff
• Day 14: Return to Calgary

Day 1: Yoho Nationwide Park & Emerald Lake

Yoho Nationwide Park is positioned in japanese British Columbia on the border of Alberta. It’s recognized for its unbelievable Rocky Mountain panorama together with towering peaks, speeding rivers and waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes.

For this street journey itinerary, I like to recommend staying a minimum of 2 nights in Yoho to expertise a few of its finest hikes and sights.

When you’ve got additional time and might plan prematurely, I additionally HIGHLY RECOMMEND including a few additional days and making an attempt to get a allow to camp at Yoho Nationwide Park’s Lake O’Hara. I’m not together with the main points of that space on this publish, however I’ve written all about mountain climbing and tenting at Lake O’Hara right here.

Driving Distances

• Calgary to Monarch Campground in Yoho Nationwide Park (2 hours quarter-hour / 128 miles)
• Monarch Campground to Emerald Loop Hike (16 min / 10 miles)

Camp at Monarch Campground

Relying on the place you begin your journey, refill on groceries and provides in both Canmore (should you’re coming from Calgary) or Golden (should you’re coming from British Columbia).

After stocking up, drive to Monarch Campground in Yoho Nationwide Park and get a primary come first serve website. This campground has pit bogs, water, firewood, and picnic tables. It’s finest suited to tents and autos below 27 toes.

I personally choose the websites in your proper after you enter. They provide extra privateness and are furthest from the street.

Hike the Emerald Lake Loop

After you’ve secured your campsite, drive to Emerald Lake (10 miles) and hike the three.2-mile Emerald Lake loop. The water was pretty heat right here in August so it’s an important place to swim. There have been good locations all alongside the path to get within the water.

>> Learn subsequent: The Final Information to Banff, Jasper, and Yoho Tenting

Day 2: Iceline Path & Takkawaw Falls

Driving Distances

• Monarch Campground to Iceline Path (12 minutes / 8 miles)
• Iceline Path to Lake Louise (45 minutes / 24 miles)

Hike the Iceline Path

You’ll wish to pack up within the morning and get an early begin on the Iceline Path. This path begins from the Takakkaw Falls Parking space and makes its approach up by way of the forest till you come out above the treeline if you’re granted superb views throughout Yoho Valley and the Rocky Mountains.

You’ll be able to both do the Iceline Path as a 9.3-mile out-and-back (which is what I did) or make it an extended 10.3-mile loop by persevering with previous Celeste Lake and descending down Little Yoho Valley Path to Yoho Valley Path.

After you’re finished, head over to the Takkawaw Falls and take a look at the falls.

Notice: The street to the Iceline Path and Takkawaw Falls has a bit of steep switchbacks. Autos longer than 24′ will not be really helpful to journey on the street.

In case you’re on the lookout for a neater hike, take the 5.2-mile path to Laughing Falls. This can be a a lot simpler route that we opted for throughout my most up-to-date go to after I was 16 weeks pregnant. It’s principally flat alongside the river with some sections within the forest and results in an attractive waterfall on the finish the place you’ll find a pleasant place to have lunch.

Camp on the Lake Louise overflow lot

After your hike, drive to the Lake Louise overflow lot exterior of Banff the place there may be in a single day parking in an enormous gravel lot. You don’t want a reservation. The payment for tenting is $11.50 an evening and there’s a porta potty obtainable.

Day 3: Lake Louise & Plain of Six Glaciers Path

Get up early (like 5:00 am) and instantly head as much as Lake Louise (the precise lake). Parking on the lake can replenish as early as 6, at which level your solely choice is to take the free shuttle. Nevertheless, the shuttle requires a reservation and no pets are allowed.

Eat breakfast within the car parking zone and attempt to be on the lake for dawn.

Hike

Observe the shoreline path to the tip of Lake Louise the place the Plain of Six Glaciers path heads up the valley. This 9.1-mile route is reasonably difficult, however the views are properly definitely worth the effort. For perspective, I used to be 17 weeks pregnant after I did this hike. There’s additionally the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea Home close to the highest, so deliver some money for a cup or tea and a bowl of soup.

This path can get very crowded, so the sooner you begin the higher. We had the path principally to ourselves on the best way up, however the crowds have been fairly thick on the best way down.

In case you’re not an early riser, you can begin this hike later within the day as soon as parking spots begin to open up within the late afternoon. Carry a headlamp should you do it this manner.

Camp on the Lake Louise Overflow lot

Keep another evening in Lake Louise overflow.

Day 4: Bow Lake

Driving Distances

• Lake Louise to Mosquito Creek Campground (24 minutes / 18 miles)

In the present day will likely be your first day on the Icefields Parkway. Drive north from Lake Louise onto Route 93, which is the beginning of the Parkway.

Camp at Mosquito Creek Campground

You’ll wish to head straight to Mosquito Creek campground to get a primary come first served campsite. If there aren’t any spots obtainable, they do enable for overflow in a single day parking right here.

There are some spots proper on the river however they’re uncovered and never very non-public. The loop to the precise is the place we stayed, and there have been some good websites which are only a brief stroll to the river.

Hike the Bow Glacier Falls Path

A very nice reasonable hike is the 5.5-mile Bow Glacier Falls Path, which begins at Bow Lake. You’ll be able to park within the lot the place the lodge is or anyplace alongside the grime street resulting in the car parking zone.

This path has nice views the whole time and just one difficult part the place there’s a sequence of steep stairs constructed into the path.

Afterward, seize a drink on the cafe and go chill out on the shores of Bow Lake.

Day 5: Helen Lake

Spend the day exploring Helen Lake, which is only a brief drive away from Mosquito Creek campground.

Hike

The Helen Lake Path is a difficult hike should you plan on summiting Cirque Peak (if we have been extra ready, and I wasn’t pregnant we would have thought of it). At a minimal, it’s value climbing the 7.2 miles as much as Helen Lake. You get unbelievable views of Helen Lake and the encircling peaks.

We heard the height was spectacular but additionally a bit sketchy with a number of free scree. In case you select to go up there I might suggest sturdy footwear, lengthy pants, mountain climbing poles, layers, and plenty of water.

Whereas we didn’t hike to the height, we did proceed above the lake the place we had nice views throughout the valley.

>> Learn subsequent: What to Put on Mountain climbing

Camp

Spend one other evening at Mosquito Creek Campground.

Day 6: Peyto Lake, Boundary Lake, & Athabasca Glacier

Driving Distances

• Mosquito Creek Campground to Wilcox Creek Campground (1 hour quarter-hour / 62 miles)

Rise up early to pack up camp and begin driving north on the Icefields Parkway.

Cease at Peyto Lake for a scenic overlook. You’ll be able to observe the path beneath the lookout level for a non-public view and higher photograph alternatives.

Camp

Proceed driving north to Wilcox Campground and seize a first-come-first-serve campsite. The decrease websites have the perfect views. 

After you’ve obtained your website and arrange camp, drive 1.8 miles again south to the Boundary Lake Trailhead, which is correct on the border of Banff and Jasper Nationwide Park.

Hike

The path as much as Boundary Lake is a straightforward afternoon hike to a extremely fairly lake. We solely noticed two different folks, which is uncommon to seek out that a lot solitude on any of the better hikes within the area. You’ll be able to observe the lake all the best way round the precise aspect to the glacier moraine.

After your hike, drive 3.2 miles north to Athabasca Glacier (should you’re too drained, simply skip the hike and go to the Glacier as a substitute). You’ll be able to take a tour from the Columbia Icefield Centre the place you trip on a tour bus out onto the glacier. Another choice is to do the Columbia Icefield Glacier Skywalk. This glass-bottom boardwalk sits 918 toes off the valley flooring and presents uninterrupted views out over the glacier. Each the bus tour and skywalk ought to be booked prematurely.

We opted to simply see the glacier from the point of view reached by a brief stroll uphill. It’s loopy to see how far the glacier has retreated during the last 100 years and particularly the final 30.

Day 7: Wilcox Move Path

Hike

The Wilcox Move Path is a very fashionable hike and you may stroll to the trailhead out of your campsite at Wilcox Creek Campground. Begin early to beat the crowds and the solar. Carry lunch to eat on the high the place you’ll have wide-open views of Columbia Icefields.

Camp

Keep one other evening at Wilcox Creek Campground.

Day 8: Stanley Falls & Sunwapta Falls

Pack up camp and proceed driving north.

Driving Distances

• Wilcox Creek Campground to Mount Kerkeslin Campground (50 minutes / 44.5 miles)

Hike

The primary cease alongside today’s drive is Magnificence Creek Path to Stanley Falls. This can be a 2.4-mile brief path with a reasonable pitch proper off the Icefields Parkways that follows a gorge and results in a sequence of lovely waterfalls. It’s quiet and a pleasant place to stretch your legs in the course of the day’s drive.

After your hike, proceed driving north and cease at Sunwapta Falls the place you’ll be able to benefit from the views of the higher falls. I didn’t assume the decrease falls have been actually definitely worth the effort, nevertheless it’s a brief straightforward hike should you’re trying to get extra steps on this day.

Camp

Get a first-come-first-serve campsite at Mount Kerkeslin Campground (you’ll be right here for 4 nights). The websites close to the doorway are nearer to the Athabasca river, however approach much less non-public and nearer to the freeway. Observe the street to the second loop for bigger and extra non-public websites.

We discovered that this campsite had extra availability than a few of the others within the space. It’s about 20 minutes south of Jasper and far smaller than the websites like Wabasso and Wapiti, that are instantly south of city and take reservations.

Whereas it was an extra drive than different days, we loved the quiet nature of this campground. In case you want a bathe, the larger campgrounds nearer to Jasper have extra facilities.

Day 9: Lake Annette and Jasper

Driving Distances

• Mount Kerkeslin Campground to Lake Annette (40 minutes / 26.5 miles) and again

Hike/swim

Drive by way of the city of Jasper to Lake Annette, the place you are able to do a pleasant stroll across the lake. Lake Annette was one of many clearest lakes I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen quite a lot of lakes!). Take a swim or when you’ve got a paddleboard, this could be an important place to bust it out.

In case you’re on the lookout for extra lake-time, you can too go to close by Pyramid Lake.

Discover Jasper

After you’re finished swimming and paddleboarding, spend a while exploring the city of Jasper. I extremely suggest consuming at Ravens Bistro. They’ve nice vegan choices and an exquisite patio that’s shaded within the mid-afternoon.

In your approach again to the campground, cease at Athabasca Falls simply earlier than the solar goes down. It’s much less crowded at this hour and the lighting is gorgeous. Search for beautiful solar rays and a rainbow within the waterfall mist.

Camp

Night time 2 at Mount Kerkeslin Campground.

Day 10: Valley of 5 Lakes or Edith Cavell Meadows

Hike

You’ve two choices for hikes as we speak: Valley of 5 Lakes or Edith Cavell Meadows

Valley of 5 Lakes

The two.9-mile Valley of 5 Lakes loop is a pet-friendly hike that was extraordinarily busy once we visited on account of its accessibility, fairly lakes, and simple terrain. This wasn’t my favourite path on our journey, however almost all the alpine hikes close to the city of Jasper will not be dog-friendly on account of wildlife.

With that mentioned, should you get a really early begin this can be a nice path. For swimming, there have been some good entry factors at First Lake in addition to Fourth Lake. If you wish to add some mileage, there are alternatives to make it an extended loop.

Edith Cavell Meadows

If we didn’t have our canine, that is the path we might have finished. Examine the Nationwide Park web site for updates on which trails are dog-friendly around Jasper).

The Edith Cavell Meadows path is a 5.1-mile loop that provides breathtaking surroundings of wildflower meadows, glaciers, and mountains. Whereas the views are epic, the terrain is difficult with over 1,800 ft of climbing. Carry trekking poles, snacks, a number of water, and a layer or two because the temperatures get colder close to the highest.

Camp

Night time 3 at Mount Kerkeslin Campground.

Day 11: Malign Lake

Driving Distances

• Mount Kerkeslin Campground to Malign Lake (1 hour quarter-hour / 52 miles)

If it’s a sunny day, driving out to Maligne Lake is a should. The lake has a few of the prettiest water I’ve ever seen. I used to be there in 2017 and paddled the whole size of the lake, tenting on the finish at a backcountry campsite referred to as Coronet Creek Campground.

If you may get a allow and wish to do an in a single day journey, it’s properly definitely worth the effort. If that’s not doable, you’ll be able to nonetheless lease a canoe or kayak for a few hours and go exploring. If the water and wind are calm, this can be a nice approach to spend the morning.

In case you don’t wish to paddle, there’s a tour boat that leaves roughly each half hour that takes you out to Spirit Island. The boat tour is dear, however if you wish to see the lake with minimal effort, this can be a good choice. I additionally assume the lake will get prettier the additional down you go. Reservations are extremely really helpful for the Maligne Lake Cruise.

Opal Hills

In case you’re on the lookout for a hike to do after paddling, head out on the Opal Hills (additionally not dog-friendly). This 5-mile loop climbs up above Maligne Lake for nice views out over the water and valley. Be forewarned, although, this can be a difficult ascent!

Maligne Canyon

For a neater afternoon, go discover Maligne Canyon. We began on the backside of the canyon from Sixth Bridge. We did the uphill first and adopted the river on the best way up after which stayed excessive on the downhill portion, making a loop out of the path. The prettiest a part of the hike, for my part, was between the fifth and 4th bridges the place you will have a transparent view of the river and the way it’s carved by way of the canyon.

Camp

Night time 4 at Mount Kerkeslin Campground.

Day 12: Parker Ridge Path

Driving Distances

• Mount Kerkeslin Campground to Waterfowl Lakes Campground (1 hour 40 minutes / 86 miles)

Pack up camp and get an early begin driving again south. In the present day you’ll drive about midway down with a pleasant hike and layover on the best way.

Hike

The 4-mile Parker Ridge Path is a must-do that’s not too exhausting and comes with large rewards. On the high, you’ll get views of the Saskatchewan Glacier which was much more spectacular than Athabasca for my part.

This can be a busy path with no shade, so the sooner you can begin the higher.

Camp

Proceed driving south and get a primary come-first served campsite at Waterfowl Lakes. If that’s full, you’ll be able to maintain driving to Mosquito Creek Campground.

Day 13: Banff

Driving Distances

• Waterfowl Lakes to Banff (1 hour quarter-hour / 71 miles)

From Waterfowl Lakes, exit the Icefield Parkway and head straight to Banff. There’s free parking together with for RVs on the best way into city simply previous the prepare tracks. It’s a lot simpler to stroll from there on account of site visitors and parking restrictions on the town.

If you wish to stretch your legs, do the fast 2.8-mile Tunnel Mountain Path to get an important overlook of the city of Banff. If you wish to paddle, Two Jack Lake is a superb place to get out your paddleboards or kayaks.

In case you’ve had sufficient mountain climbing, hop on the gondola as much as Sulphur Ridge the place you’ll be able to take within the superb Rocky Mountain views from the highest. There’s additionally a path to the summit, so you’ll be able to select to hike up and/or again down.

Camp

Camp at Banff overflow car parking zone.

Day 14: Drive to Calgary

Driving Distances

• Banff to Calgary (1 hour half-hour / 80 miles)

In case you’re ending your journey in Calgary, the drive from Banff to Calgary is about an hour and a half.

Bonus Hike

when you’ve got time, one other nice hike in Banff is the Johnston Canyon to Higher Falls path, which is 3.2 miles and takes you alongside the very scenic Johnston Creek with elements of the path on a suspended boardwalk. The path ends at an attractive waterfall with a deep blue pool at its base. Nevertheless, bear in mind that this is likely one of the hottest hikes in all the Canadian Rockies, so get a really early begin to get parking and keep away from the crowds.

If you would like a much less crowded hike, head to Coronary heart Creek Path, which begins from the small city of Lac de Arcs. This path is 3-miles and likewise follows a creek as much as a waterfall.

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What to Pack on your Icefields Parkway Highway Journey

Try our automotive tenting guidelines for an entire checklist of what to pack on your street journey. Listed here are a couple of gadgets particularly necessary for the Icefields Parkway:

• Icefields Parkway Map – there isn’t a cell service between Lake Louise and Jasper
• Bug spray – mosquitos could be ferocious in the summertime!
• Layers – relying on what hikes you do, it’s possible you’ll come near ice fields and glaciers. Pack layers to remain heat
• AllTrails Professional App downloaded to your cellphone – there isn’t a cellphone service alongside the Icefields Parkway, so remember to have the AllTrails Professional app downloaded to your cellphone so you’ll be able to navigate the paths offline
• Sunscreen
• Bathing swimsuit – for the numerous stunning lakes to swim

What questions do you will have about this Icefields Parkway itinerary? Have you ever been already? What would you add to this street journey itinerary? Go away a remark beneath!

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