Alberta 3: Icefields Parkway

Tuesday, June 26

This day was dedicated to the drive from Jasper to Banff. We stopped several times along the way to see the attractions and the wildlife.

Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park

We had already done the hike through the Valley of the Five Lakes (this one takes at least 1 hour), and visited Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls. Driving south from Sunwapta, our next destination was the Columbia Icefields. The terrain in the icefields changes drastically, and the true meaning of the "rockies" is highlighted in this area.

Entering the Columbia Icefields

Guided excursions onto the glacier either by bus or hiking can be arranged at the welcome centre. We didn't take the tour, and instead parked at the base and hiked to the edge of the glacier. I shouldn't even call it hiking. Yes there's a little bit of uphill, but it's more of a leisurely stroll to this glacier. As you walk, you pass signs indicating where the glacier used to reach, and this helps you appreciate exactly how much glacier recedes each decade.

Columbia Glacier viewpoint

Mountain goats crossing the Icefields Parkway

The next major stop is Peyto Lake. There are two places to park to view Peyto lake - both leading to the same lookout. Tourists are supposed to park cars in the lower parking lot, for a longer walk to the viewpoint. In poor weather or if you have mobility concerns, you could still park in the bus lot, where the walk is much shorter (about 150 meters, but involves a steep hill for part of the way), but we weren't confident to stay parked there very long.

Peyto Lake

We bypassed Lake Louise and Lake Moraine today with the intention of visiting them tomorrow. We headed into Banff to check into our hotel, arriving mid-afternoon with the whole evening to spend in Banff.

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