Could This Be the World’s Most Beautiful Drive?

From turquoise Peyto Lake to the mighty Athabasca Glacier, discover why travelers call Alberta’s Icefields Parkway a bucket-list road trip.

Stretching 145 miles (234 km) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta’s Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper National Parks in a journey packed with jaw-dropping views.

Still reflections of evergreen forests and mountains on Herbert Lake near Lake Louise, Alberta, at sunrise. — Early morning calm at Herbert Lake, the first stop along Alberta’s Icefields Parkway.

Aerial view of turquoise Peyto Lake surrounded by forest and rugged peaks along the Icefields — Early morning calm at Herbert Lake, the first stop along Alberta’s Icefields Parkway.

Every mile reveals something new — turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and ancient glaciers that seem close enough to touch.

View of Stutfield Glacier descending between mountain ridges above pine forest along the Icefields Parkway, Alberta. — Stutfield Glacier sweeps down from the peaks above the Icefields Parkway — one of many glaciers visible right from the road.

Designated as one of the most scenic drives on Earth, the Parkway follows Highway 93 north from Lake Louise to the alpine town of Jasper. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls cascading beside the road, shimmering reflections on mountain lakes, and valleys carved by ice over thousands of years.

Don’t rush this drive. If time allows, plan two days so you can experience it in both directions — morning light on the mountains is completely different from the afternoon glow. Stop often, stretch your legs, and soak up the scenery.

Highlights not to miss:

Peyto Lake, famous for its bright glacier-fed turquoise hue and wolf-shaped outline.
Athabasca Glacier, is part of the vast Columbia Icefield. You can join a guided Ice Walk and actually step onto the ice.
Sunwapta Falls, a thundering set of cascades framed by spruce and pine. It is a perfect stop for photography or a short hike to the lower falls.

Waterfall plunging through narrow rock canyon surrounded by mossy cliffs along the Icefields Parkway. — Rushing meltwater cuts deep through canyon walls, revealing the power that shaped the Rockies.

Other rewarding stops include Herbert Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Tangle Creek Falls, and Horseshoe Lake — each worth a few quiet minutes to appreciate how vast and untouched this landscape feels.

If you have time, detour to Maligne Canyon near Jasper, where the river has carved a dizzying, narrow gorge that feels like another world.

Whether you’re chasing mountain light, watching for elk, or standing on 10,000-year-old ice, the Icefields Parkway captures the essence of the Canadian Rockies — raw, wild, and endlessly photogenic.

Bridge crossing the rushing river inside Maligne Canyon, Jasper National Park, Alberta. — A narrow footbridge spans the roaring river deep within Maligne Canyon near Jasper.

For a complete guide to the Icefields Parkway, including viewpoints, adventures, and hiking options, visit Panoramic Pathways.

All photos © Fred Wright / Panoramic Pathways