10 Best Stops to Make on the Drive From Banff To Jasper

The drive from Banff to Jasper is one of the most magnificent journeys by road I have ever experienced.

The road trip takes place along the famous Icefields Parkway and will typically take 3 ½ hours for the Banff to Jasper drive. However, all the fun in this route is stopping along the way at all the wonderful places.

Having learned from mistakes I made on my journey, I have discovered how to make a Banff to Jasper road trip more enjoyable and successful. I will share insights into which stops are worth taking and what should be skipped.

I have extensive experience travelling throughout Canada and used my expertise from my road trip between Calgary and Vancouver to create this Banff to Jasper driving guide.

Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time traveller, this guide is an essential resource for anyone looking to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

This article will help you with a Banff Jasper route or a Jasper Banff route. Read on to find out the 10 best things to do between Banff and Jasper.

How Long Does it take to Drive Icefields Parkway?

The drive from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway covers 230 km (143 miles) and takes approximately 3.5 hours without stops.

However, the real experience of this drive lies in the many scenic stops along the way, so I suggest you take more to complete the journey.

You need to book a car rental a long time in advance for your Banff to Jasper road trip because availability can become limited. Most car rental companies offer free cancellation, so I suggest sorting this as soon as you can.

Driving the Icefields Parkway in One Day

If you plan to drive the entire route in a single day, you should start early in the morning to allow enough time to visit some of the best attractions along the way.

Popular stops include Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and Sunwapta Falls. By factoring in these detours, expect the drive to take at least 6–8 hours.

For accommodations, you can book a stay in Banff or Lake Louise before starting your drive. Options include Fairmont Banff Springs, the Rimrock Hotel, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or Moraine Lake Lodge.

Once you reach Jasper, there are several hotels for an overnight stay, such as Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Alpine Village Cabin Resort.

Staying Along the Icefields Parkway

An alternative is to break up the drive by staying overnight along the Icefields Parkway. While accommodation options are limited, two notable choices include:

• Glacier View Lodge – A mid-way point between Lake Louise and Jasper, this lodge offers elegant rooms with great views of the Athabasca Glacier and a quality restaurant.
• Sunwapta Falls Lodge – Located closer to Jasper, this is a basic but convenient option within walking distance of Sunwapta Falls. However, the remote location means higher prices for basic rooms and dining.

If you prefer not to pack and unpack multiple times, staying in Banff/Lake Louise for a few nights before driving to Jasper in one day may be a more comfortable choice.

Camping or Campervanning on the Icefields Parkway

If you have a campervan or are camping, you may be more inclined to stay along the Icefields Parkway itself.

You can find out more information about the campsites on Icefields Parkway on Parks Canada website, including information on how to reserve a spot.

If you are into backcountry camping, make sure you check out my guides to camping in Algonquin Park, Ontario. Plus, I have a canoe camping packing list that could be a useful reminder.

10 Must-See Stops Between Banff and Jasper

There are so many things to see and activities to do along the Icefields Parkway drive. Here is a list of my suggestions for the best Icefields Parkway stops.

1. Banff town
2. Morant’s Curve
3. Lake Louise
4. Moraine Lake
5. Emerald Lake
6. Peyto Lake
7. Athabasca Glacier
8. Columbia Icefield Skywalk
9. Sunwapta Falls
10. Athabasca Falls

If you want to continue your road trip further, check out my road trip itinerary from Calgary to Vancouver.

Map of Banff to Jasper (with recommended stops)

I have marked each stop along the drive from Banff to Jasper so you can understand what the route is like visiting Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Whistler is a common route to take after your time in Banff and Jasper. No doubt Whistler is incredible in winter for skiing, but a visit in summer is still worth it.

1. Banff

The first stop along the way to Jasper is Banff, a very rustic and quaint ski town. It’s a great town to walk around and its also home to stunning scenery, such as Vermillion Lakes, Bow River, and Two Jack Lake.

The reflection of the mountain on the water at both Two Jack Lake and Vermillion Lakes are beautiful on a sunny day. But, if like me, you only visit them on a cloudy day, the backdrop of the mountains is still impressive.

If you have time you may wish to visit the Banff Hot Springs or go up the gondola to see a lovely view.

Another scenic spot located in Banff is Surprise Corner. Here you will see a lovely view of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and the mountainous setting around it.

On the drive from Banff to Lake Louise you can opt to drive Bow Valley Parkway (1A). It is a road running alongside the Trans-Canada Highway, but it offers a more rural option. You may also have more chance of seeing some wildlife, particularly early in the morning.

Some options for excursions in Banff include the following:

2. Morant’s Curve

By driving Bow Parkway, instead of Trans Canada Highway, you will also pass Morant’s Curve. It is a beautiful spot located along Icefields Parkway, especially popular amongst photographers.

While this location is beautiful, the real magic happens when you capture a train passing by at the same time.

What makes seeing a train here even more special is that it is difficult to predict when a train will come past. However, if you persevere, and have the time to wait a little, you could see one pass and get the money shot.

3. Moraine Lake

In my opinion the most beautiful lake on your journey from Banff to Jasper is Moraine Lake. You will understand why as soon as you see it for yourself.

Moraine Lake is located about 45 minutes from Banff, so if you want an extra 45 minutes in bed, you should stay in Lake Louise town which is closer.

Moraine Lake is an extremely busy spot in Banff National Park. Therefore, it is no longer possible to drive to the lake’s car park.

There are three options for visiting Moraine Lake.

1. Book Parks Canada shuttle (includes visits to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise)
2. Book a tour that includes Moraine Lake
3. Roam Public Transit is available for visitors staying in Banff town in September and October

The main viewpoint is a 5-minute walk from the car park and it is called the rockpile.

4. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is another glistening lake, but with more of a tinge of green.

Lake Louise is more easily accessed than Moraine Lake because it is possible to drive your car into the car park. However, it is still a busy spot, so arrive early (7:00 AM would be good in peak times).

If you do not plan to get there very early, make sure you have booked the free shuttle.

When you visit Lake Louise, I suggest you also hike the Beehive Circuit Trail to Agnes Lake and the teahouse. Make sure that you start the trail relatively early because it can get extremely busy, particularly with tourists who may not be wearing appropriate footwear.

Trainers/running shoes are fine, but backless sandals/flip flops are not recommended. Hiking boots would be ideal. It started snowing while I was walking up to Agnes Lake in September.

There are only a handful of tables at the teahouse, so if you arrive later in the day you may have to wait a while for a table. I had a delicious apple crumble and a hot chocolate that fuelled me up for the journey back down. There are some bathroom facilities at the teahouse, but they are very basic.

The only way to get to the top of the trail where the teahouse is situated is by walking the relatively strenuous uphill trail.

This means that the people who work at the teahouse spend a few days camping in the lodge near to the teahouse. They hike up and down around 2 times a week to bring provisions or take down waste.

During one of my nights in Lake Louise, I went for dinner at the Station Restaurant in Lake Louise, a recommendation from the front desk at my hotel. It is nestled into the small town, next to the railway and sports an old-fashioned train carriage just next to the main restaurant building.

Make sure you book a table because it is a popular spot and try to arrive early to your reservation so that you have time to look around the quaint surroundings.

5. Emerald Lake

While not technically located on Icefields Parkway, Emerald Lake is only a short detour away from the route. The lake is less well-known than other lakes nearby, but still worthy of a visit.

You can walk around the lake and then enjoy lunch or a drink at the Emerald Lake Lodge. You have to park a short walk away from the lake.

6. Peyto Lake

One of the more impressive viewpoints on Icefields Parkway is of Peyto Lake.

Set the GPS to Upper Peyto Lake Viewpoint and once you have parked your car, you can easily find the main lookout view.

It is less than a 10-minute walk from the car park to the top of the hill, but it gets a little steep at some points so make sure you are wearing suitable footwear.

Peyto Lake is a brilliant blue lake that appears to be in the shape of a dog/wolf’s head and has a thick wrap of trees surrounding the water. To add to the wonderful backdrop, there is a vast mountain range that frames the lake beautifully.

Just before you get to Peyto Lake, you will come across Bow Glacier Falls where you can hike 4.6 km round-trip as a way to stretch your legs.

7. Athabasca Glacier

Visiting the Athabasca Glacier was not originally on my to-do list the first time I drove Icefields Parkway. However, as soon as I drove past, I knew I wanted to stop and get a closer look.

If you are looking for accommodation in the area, you can consider Glacier View Lodge. It is possible to book this hotel with the Columbia Icefields experience package.

You have two options for experiencing Athabasca Glacier and I will explain below.

Option 1 for Seeing Athabasca Glacier

You can book a tour and venture onto the glacier on the Ice Explorer. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will escort you out of the vehicle to walk on the glacier.

You are not allowed to walk on the glacier without this tour and guide because it can be dangerous. There is hollow ice on the glacier, hidden by a thin layer of snow and it can collapse, leading to freezing water.

If the Glacier experience is something you definitely want to do, then I would advise booking tickets in advance. However, if you are willing to chance it, sometimes you can show up and join the next departure, as the Ice Explorer leaves every 15 to 30 minutes.

If you haven’t booked a ticket, I would recommend arriving there early in the morning, or later in the afternoon to avoid busier times with group tours arriving.

Option 2 for Seeing Athabasca Glacier

You can walk up from the car park to the edge of the glacier. This is free to do so. However, to manage expectations, you cannot get anywhere near as close to the glacier as those on the tour.

Definitely make sure you have good walking shoes on and a warm jacket or lots of layers for this. When I was visiting in September, it was raining, and the wind was ice-cold.

The climate is different on the Icefields. Katabatic winds create a tunnel of wind travelling down the glacier. So, it will be much colder than other places you visit that day.

What I found most intriguing, and devastating, were the signs that showed how much the glacier has reduced in size. Each year the glacier is receding more and more.

8. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

If you are looking for some excitement and adventure, you can also book tickets for the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. This is located right next to the Athabasca Glacier, so you can easily combine them.

The Skywalk is a 1km glass walkway looking over the mountainous scenery.

9. Sunwapta Falls

Another noteworthy stop along Icefields Parkway is Sunwapta Falls.

Sunwapta Falls is memorable because the water curves around a small patch of land with striking trees perched on top. In order to get the pictures that you see on the Internet, you need to step off the path, through the trees, and tread very carefully.

You can get to the falls by following signs to Sunwapta Falls, parking your car and walking a short distance to the falls.

You have to walk own a slight slope to get to Sunwapta Falls, so make sure you have suitable shoes on.

I stayed at Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge, which is the closest hotel to the falls, so I could walk 5 minutes down the road to get there.

Sunwapta Falls Lodge provided a good midpoint to stop for rest for my journey onward to Jasper, however the accommodation is very basic. So, next time I would skip staying along Icefields Parkway and continue the drive to Jasper.

Sunwapta Falls is only 40 minutes further to the town of Jasper where there are more options for accommodation.

10. Athabasca Falls

As you leave Sunwapta Falls, if you have time, you can also stop at Athabasca Falls where you will find another waterfall.

What makes this waterfall different to the others you may have seen is how powerful the water is.

Be ultra-careful when visiting Athabasca Falls and make sure you follow the rules. Sadly, a number of people have lost their lives when visiting the falls when they stepped off the paths.

Athabasca Falls will likely be your last stop on the drive from Banff to Jasper.

Find out my tips for what to see while you are in Jasper here.

4 Tips for Driving From Banff to Jasper

1. Plan Ahead

Begin your Canadian Rockies adventure by flying into Calgary, then pick up your rental car. If your flight arrives later in the day, consider spending a night in Calgary to adjust before you hit the road.

This pause not only gives you time to appreciate the urban-to-mountain transition but also ensures you start your drive in daylight.

2. Fuel and Refreshments

• Refuel Smartly: Fuel up in Banff or Jasper where gas prices are reasonable. Although, there’s a gas station at Saskatchewan River Crossing, but expect to pay more there.
• Pack or Plan Your Meals: Refreshment stops are few along the route, so pack a lunch or start early enough to break for a meal at stops like the Icefields Visitor Center or Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge.

3. On the Road

As you leave Calgary, the scenery quickly transforms from urban landscapes to majestic mountain views. Enjoy the journey by making strategic stops at iconic sites—such as Sunwapta Falls and even catching glimpses of local wildlife like moose near Jasper.

If you’re traveling in a campervan or planning a camping trip, staying along the Icefields Parkway might enhance your experience.

If you need any camping tips, check out my canoe meal planning guide and my backcountry camping packing list.

4. Stay Connected and Safe

• Offline Navigation: Mobile phone reception is limited along this route. Download offline maps and mark key stops in advance.
• Designated Stops Only: While the views can be irresistible, always use designated parking areas. Pulling over in unsafe spots can expose you to fast-moving traffic and unexpected wildlife—no one wants a surprise encounter with a bear!

Where to Stay Between Banff and Jasper?

When I drove the Icefields Parkway, I debated whether to stay along the route or just book hotels in Banff and Jasper. After experiencing both approaches, here’s what I’d recommend based on my trip.

Base Your Journey at the Endpoints

If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient experience, I’d suggest staying in Banff (or Lake Louise) before the drive and Jasper at the end. This way, you don’t have to pack and unpack multiple times.

Banff

If you have the budget, I highly recommend Fairmont Banff Springs. When I worked as a luxury travel agent, I became very familiar with Fairmont properties, and they consistently offer top-tier service and amenities.

The Rimrock Hotel is another great choice, with beautiful mountain views and a quieter setting just outside town.

Lake Louise

I stayed at Mountaineer Lodge, which was a good budget-friendly option, but next time I’d probably stay in Banff instead for easier access to shops and restaurants.

If you prefer to be right by the lake, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Moraine Lake Lodge are incredible—but expect to pay a premium.

Jasper

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an excellent option if you’re looking for a luxury stay in a stunning lakeside setting.

If you’re after something more affordable, Alpine Village Cabin Resort offers a comfortable stay in Jasper.

I also stayed at the Mount Robson Inn, which was a good option as it was in good walking distance in Jasper town. Sadly this hotel burnt down in the Jasper fires in July 2024.

Breaking Up the Drive with a Mid-Route Stay

If you want to split up the drive and spend a night on the Icefields Parkway, there are limited options. I stayed at Sunwapta Falls Lodge and found it quite basic, and since it’s only 40 minutes from Jasper, I felt like I could have just continued the drive.

If I were to do the trip again, I would stay at Glacier View Lodge instead. It’s more centrally located on the Parkway and looks much more comfortable, with stunning views of the Athabasca Glacier and a good restaurant.

Should I Stay in Lake Louise or Banff?

Staying in Lake Louise is best for those looking for a peaceful stay close to nature and the breathtaking Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

However, keep in mind that Lake Louise is more expensive and offers fewer options for evening entertainment and dining compared to Banff.

On the other hand, Banff has a wider range of accommodation options, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a more lively and vibrant destination. If you enjoy exploring a bustling town with plenty of activities to choose from, Banff may be the better choice.

Can You Drive From Banff to Jasper in Winter?

Summer is the best time to visit Alberta and see the province by car. Of course, it is possible to visit Banff and Jasper in winter too, but advice on activities, driving and weather will vary drastically.

It is possible to drive Icefields Parkway in winter, however conditions can be difficult due to snow and ice. The road can sometimes close due to avalanche warnings or storms. Parks Canada has a very informative post about driving the Icefields Parkway in winter.

If you decide to travel to Western Canada in winter, read my article on what to wear in winter.

If you are wondering whether the road from Banff to Jasper is open, you can check Parks Canada’s seasonal road updates page.

Conclusion

You may be looking to extend your drive from Banff to Jasper to other regions. If so, for more information on road trips across Western Canada, be sure to check out my article with everything you need to know.

For the skiers and snowboarders, read about how to choose between Whistler and Blackcomb and things you need to know about skiing in Whistler.

If you like nature-inspired trips, you will enjoy my article on Yurt Camping in Bruce Peninsula or Backcountry Camping in Algonquin Park. Read this article for ideas on what to see in Ontario and when the best time of year to visit Ontario is.

FAQ – Banff to Jasper Drive