The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) from Banff to Jasper is 230 kilometers of the Canadian Rockies at their most spectacular. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, and mountain peaks line both sides of the road. National Geographic has called it one of the most scenic drives in the world. Here is how to drive it properly.
IDP Requirements in Canada
Canada accepts foreign driver's licenses for visitors staying less than 90 days. However, an IDP is strongly recommended and sometimes required by rental companies, especially for licenses not in English or French. If your license uses non-Latin script, an IDP is effectively mandatory.
More importantly, if you are involved in an accident without an IDP, your insurance claim process becomes significantly more complicated. The small cost of an IDP is negligible compared to the hassle it prevents.
An IDP is strongly recommended for all foreign visitors and required for non-English/French licenses. Rental companies frequently require it. Both convention types accepted.
The Icefields Parkway Route
Banff to Lake Louise (58 km). The drive from Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway to Lake Louise takes about 45 minutes. Lake Louise itself is worth a full morning stop. The turquoise water against Victoria Glacier is unmistakable.
Lake Louise to Columbia Icefield (130 km). This is the heart of the Parkway. Stops include Peyto Lake (the bear-shaped turquoise lake), Mistaya Canyon, and the Saskatchewan River Crossing. The Columbia Icefield Centre offers glacier walks.
Columbia Icefield to Jasper (100 km). The northern section passes Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls before arriving in the town of Jasper, which is smaller and quieter than Banff.
Wildlife on the Road
This is bear country. Both black bears and grizzly bears regularly appear on or beside the highway. When you see a bear, do not stop in the road. Pull completely off the highway if there is a safe pullout. Stay in your vehicle. Do not approach bears for photos.
Elk and bighorn sheep. These animals frequently stand on the road and will not move for your car. Slow down, wait patiently, and do not honk. Parks Canada takes wildlife interactions seriously and will fine drivers who disturb animals.
Never approach, feed, or honk at wildlife. Maintain 100 meters distance from bears and 30 meters from elk and sheep. If a "wildlife jam" occurs, follow Parks Canada staff directions. Fines for disturbing wildlife are up to $25,000 CAD.
Practical Driving Tips
National park pass required. You need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to stop anywhere along the Icefields Parkway. Purchase it at the Banff or Lake Louise entry gates. Without it, you can drive through but cannot stop at viewpoints, trailheads, or facilities.
Fuel up in Lake Louise. There is no fuel available on the 230 km stretch between Lake Louise and Jasper (except a seasonal station at Saskatchewan Crossing). Fill your tank before departing Lake Louise.
Weather can change fast. Snow is possible from September through June. Even in summer, the Icefields Parkway can experience sudden fog and cold rain. Pack warm layers and check conditions at parks.canada.ca before driving.
1. IDP and domestic license. 2. Parks Canada pass. 3. Full fuel tank from Lake Louise. 4. Warm layers packed. 5. Wildlife distance rules understood. 6. Weather checked at parks.canada.ca. 7. Camera charged.
The Icefields Parkway is one of those drives where you stop every few kilometers because the views keep getting better. An IDP and a full tank of fuel are all the preparation you need for one of North America's greatest road trips.