So, you want to experience some epic views, glaciers, lakes, etc, but you’re not quite feeling a hike? I gotchu. Clip in your camera and get ready to embark on a visual adventure like no other as we journey along the legendary Icefields Parkway, stopping at the best scenic roadside spots! This spectacular 144-mile stretch of road in the heart of the Canadian Rockies is a playground for photographers, where the landscape practically begs to be captured in all its wild and majestic glory. From turquoise lakes that look like they're from another planet to towering peaks that play peek-a-boo with the clouds, and wildlife that knows how to strike a pose, I dare you to keep your finger off the shutter–bet you can’t ;) It’s deemed one of the most scenic drives in the world for a reason! So, grab your gear, a dash of humor, and a pinch of curiosity because we're about to uncover the most epic photography spots on this scenic highway, and trust us, they're more stunning than a mountain sunset!

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How to Make the Most of Your Icefields Parkway Drive

Rent a Car!

If you’re flying in, renting a car is the best way to experience all of the Icefields Parkway has to offer. You’ll want to stop at every bend, lake, and glacier, promise.

Cell Service

There isn’t much of it. Download your maps ahead of time with an app like Maps.me so you don’t miss any of your saved spots along the way!

Gas

I’d recommend filling up in Lake Louise or Jasper before venturing out. There is a gas station at Saskatchewan River Crossing worst cases, but it’s pricey!

Food

We picked up a lunch bagel from Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. before heading out–there are a few spots to get food throughout the drive (Sunwapta Falls Resort, Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, and the Mt. Wilson Restaurant) but it’s pricey and limited.

Bring Cash

Many campgrounds operate on a trust basis, believing you’ll do the right thing and pay for your night with the cash box.

Remember to Leave no Trace!

Let’s do our part to keep this beautiful stretch of highway clean, pristine, and a safe place for wildlife!

Please remember to give animals their space (100’ of distance for larger animals), never feed wildlife, pack out what you pack in, and stay on trail/in pull outs. More on leaving no trace here.

How long does it take to drive the icefields parkway?

It depends on your travel style! It’s 144 miles, so I recommend two days. We only had one day to experience the highway and we had to make some tough decisions because there simply wasn’t enough time. That said, you can squeeze in all the photo spots below into one single day, you just won’t have much time to enjoy them. :(

Can you Camp along the Icefields Parkway?

Yes!! This is the BEST way to make the most of your adventure. Some of these spots are hours outside of Banff, and staying overnight gives you ample time to catch sunrise and sunset wherever you’d like! There are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with different amenities, so make sure you check out which ones tickle your fancy (why am I like this) before sending it in the dark and without service! I use iOverlander to scope out campsites in my area.

Bring cash!! Many campgrounds operate on a trust basis with cash boxes. Pay your dues and help keep these campgrounds nice for future campers!

Is the icefields parkway open in winter?

Icefields Parkway is open year round with the exception of occasional avalanche closures.

Is icefields parkway a toll road?

Because the Icefields Parkway stretches from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park, you’ll need to have a park pass or pay a day fee. There are two types of Parks Canada passes: A day pass and an annual pass.

Adult Parks Canada fees:

Day pass: $10.50
Annual: $72.25
Family Pass: $145.25 and includes up to 7 people in one car.

If you’re traveling with a group, go for the family pass!
Purchase your pass online here.

Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Icefields Parkway

Map of the Best Photo Spots on the Icefields Parkway

The Best Photo Spots on the Icefields Parkway

Herbert + Hector Lakes

Herbert Lake is a quiet little oasis that often gets missed by photographers trying to hit the big ‘uns. It’s visible from the road, but I recommend driving off the highway to the parking lot/washroom area and walking the short 10’ to the lakeside. We stopped here on a whim when we saw the clouds part and the sun light the tops of the trees aglow and I’m SO glad we did. It was just us and one adorable duck swimming it’s way right through my frame. Highly worth a stop if you have the time. If you’re up for it, walk the additional 3 miles (6 RT) to Hector for some more magic.

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is like a photographer's treasure chest, a place where your camera practically high-fives you with every snap, and just like the others on this list, it’s visible from a pullout. Insane. With its pristine blue waters reflecting the surrounding glaciers and peaks, it's like capturing a postcard scene at every turn. Mother Nature even throws in some bonus points by featuring curious critters who are always down for a candid moment. Whether you're chasing the perfect sunset over the mountains or getting photobombed by a cheeky chipmunk, Bow Lake is a place where your lens is guaranteed to fall head over heels in love with the stunning scenery. Whether you're capturing the sunrise's fiery embrace over the water or catching a squirrel practicing its ninja moves in the surrounding forests, Hebert Lake is the kind of spot that makes your camera go "click-happy."

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake, with its striking turquoise hue, is like a siren's call to every camera-wielding adventurer out there. It's as if someone dumped a giant bottle of blue gatorade into the Rockies and created this Instagram-worthy masterpiece. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the viewing platform offers a bird's-eye perspective that's as epic as the latest blockbuster movie.

Whether you're capturing the lake's vibrant personality or trying to get that perfect shot with a photobombing squirrel, Peyto Lake is an artist's dream come true. So, grab your camera, channel your inner Ansel Adams, and prepare for a photography adventure that will make your lens and your heart say, "Oh, snap, this place is awesome!

Waterfowl Lakes

Waterfowl Lakes in Alberta is that hidden gem in the Rockies where photography becomes a daring adventure and a whimsical wonderland. The clouds kept the mountains blanketed this day, but that’s part of the adventure! Wildlife here seems to have attended a charm school because they love to pose for the camera, whether it's a sassy squirrel or a majestic moose. So, pack your camera and get ready for photography escapades that are wilder than a rodeo and more enchanting than a fairy tale because at Waterfowl Lakes, every click is an invitation to the adventure of a lifetime!

Big Bend

Big Bend is this wild, perfectly circular curve in the road that let’s you look down at the Icefields Parkway with a bird’s eye view–almost like you had a drone on you! The landscape is a symphony of jagged peaks, deep canyons, and a river that dances through the scene. It’s a quick pull-out stop on your way! Unfortunately, there was construction when I visited, but maybe you can snap a better photo ;)

Columbia Icefield

This is the largest glacier in the Canadian Rockies, and you can walk on it!! You can totally see the Athabasca Glacier from your car, but walking the short 1/4 mile to the viewing area is worth the uphill effort. Promise.

The Columbia Icefields in Alberta are like a photographer's dream on steroids, a place where Mother Nature got extra creative with her ice sculptures. It's as if someone dropped an entire glacier buffet in the heart of the Rockies. Don’t forget to notice the massive moraine with its towering debris deposits from when it stretched all the way to the highway. It was fun and pretty sad, to be honest, to read the signs to see where the glacier was when I was born vs. today.

If you're patient enough, you might even snap a shot of a curious mountain goat photobombing your scene. If you’ve never set foot on a glacier, book a walking tour and get up close and personal to the magic! So, grab your camera and your thermals, because at the Columbia Icefields, every click is an icy adventure that's cooler than the flip side of your pillow!

But Wait, the Road is Gorgeous too!

Every spot above was epic, but some of my favorite photo spots were down the road with the massive Canadian Rocky backdrop. Trust your creative eye and make time to pull off in random spots that scratches your creative itch!