Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

What your day looks like

This tour can begin in Jasper or Banff, whichever’s most convenient! The Jasper route begins in the town of Jasper. One of the first stops will be the breathtaking Jasper SkyTram, where you’ll have the chance to ride up the face of a mountain for a bird’s-eye view of the vast landscape unfolding on this journey. Then, you’ll pass a trail that winds into the lush Valley of the Five Lakes. Continuing, you’ll come to Athabasca Falls, a roadside waterfall plunging into an ancient canyon. As you gaze up at the towering peaks of Mount Kerkeslin and Mount Christie, you’ll discover the history of this majestic place, from the First Nations to the daring construction of the Icefields Parkway itself. Your next stops include the serene settings of Wabasso Lake and Horseshoe Lake. Here, nature isn’t just observed; it’s felt. Discover secrets of the surrounding ecosystem, from the tiniest wildflower to the majestic elk. Stop at Goats & Glacier Lookout for exactly what you’d expect: Mountain goats and a glacier! Then, continue and learn about the crucial role of the Canadian Pacific Railway in bridging vast distances across Canada’s wilderness. Soon, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk awaits. This glass-floored observation deck offers unparalleled views and an unforgettable experience of these mountains. With the glaciers beneath your feet, time seems to stand still. Peyto Lake, up next, offers a perfect spot for contemplation. But don’t linger too long, as the historical tales of Hollywood's forays into the Rockies beckon. Then, hear tales of strange World War II experiments amid the icefields and stop at another overlook for a fabulous view of Crowfoot Glacier. Finally, you’ll approach the picturesque Lake Louise, one of Banff’s most iconic attractions. Here, the reflections of the mountains on the pristine water are a reminder of the eternal beauty of nature and the stories it holds. Your tour concludes here. If you begin at Lake Louise, you’ll experience all the same sights, just in the opposite order!