Banff to Jasper Drive: Best Icefields Parkway Stops (2026 Guide)
The Banff to Jasper drive along the Icefields Parkway is widely considered the most scenic road trip in Canada — and for good reason. You’re not driving to the mountains; you’re driving through them.
Towering peaks line the highway, glaciers hang above the road, and wildlife sightings are common. Nearly every stretch of this drive feels unreal.
As a result, during summer, the Icefields Parkway offers ideal conditions. Roads are clear, daylight hours are long, and every major stop is fully accessible. In this guide, you’ll find the best Icefields Parkway stops, how long the Banff to Jasper drive really takes, and how to add a Jasper rafting day without disrupting your itinerary.
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93)
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93)
Why the Icefields Parkway Is the Best Drive in Canada
The stretch of Highway 93 between Banff and Jasper delivers something few scenic routes can:
Continuous mountain scenery for hours
Easily accessible glaciers and waterfalls
Frequent wildlife sightings
No single “main attraction” — the entire drive is the highlight
By contrast, in summer, the Parkway is relaxed and predictable. However, in winter, avalanche risk, closures, and poor conditions can complicate travel. That’s why this itinerary is summer focused.
The Best Icefields Parkway Stops
That said, there are dozens of pullouts along the Banff to Jasper drive, but these stops consistently deliver the best views with minimal effort.
Must-Stop Icefields Parkway Highlights:
Bow Lake
An easy roadside stop with glacier-fed water and massive mountain backdrops. It’s quick, quiet, and always worth pulling over.
Bow Lake, Alberta Canada
Columbia Icefields
The heart of the Icefields Parkway. Massive glaciers, wide open views, and access to glacier tours and icewalk experiences make this a must-stop.
Columbia Icefield, Jasper AB
Sunwapta Falls
Powerful, dramatic, and especially impressive during peak summer melt.
Sunwapta Falls, Jasper National Park
Bonus Tip:
Additionally, the Sunwapta River offers some of the best Class III whitewater rafting in the Canadian Rockies. With self-drive rafting options, travelers can pull off Highway 93 and meet guides directly at the river — no detour required.
Learn more: Sunwapta Self-Drive Rafting
Sunwapta Self Drive River Rafting
Athabasca Falls
One of the strongest waterfalls in the Rockies. A short walk delivers an unforgettable view.
Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park (2023)
Bonus Tip:
Similarly, the Athabasca River offers Class II rafting, making it another excellent way to experience Jasper’s rivers beyond the viewpoints.
The Most Overrated Stop Banff to Jasper:
Moraine Lake
While undeniably beautiful, extreme overcrowding and restricted access often make this stop stressful. Unless transportation is booked far in advance, it can derail an otherwise smooth Banff to Jasper road trip.
How Long does the Banff to Jasper Drive Take?
At minimum, without stops, the drive takes about 3 hours.
In reality:
6–8 hours with sightseeing
A full day if you stop often or hike
Best time to start: Early morning.
You’ll avoid crowds, get better light, and increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Common mistake: Trying to rush the Parkway instead of enjoying it.
How to Add a Rafting Day
Fortunately, adding rafting to your Parkway trip works extremely well — if you choose the right option for your itinerary. Not all rafting trips fit directly into the drive.
Option 1: Sunwapta River Self-Drive (Best During the Drive)
Notably, this is the only rafting option that truly fits directly into the Icefields Parkway drive.
Sunwapta River – Self-Drive Whitewater Rafting
Class III rapids
Suitable for ages 12 and up
Approx. 2.5 hours total
Why it works perfectly:
The meeting location is right on Highway 93
You’re already driving past it on the way to Jasper
No extra driving once you reach town
Ideal way to break up the drive with adrenaline
As a result, this is the most efficient way to add excitement without adding travel time.
Option 2: Ice to Water Package (Best Two-Day Glacier + Rafting Combo)
The Ice to Water Package Is one of the best two-day combinations you can add to this trip.
Ice to Water Package: Glacier Icewalk + Whitewater Rafting
This package works because it fits naturally into the flow of the drive:
Day One
Drive the Icefields Parkway
Complete the glacier icewalk near the Columbia Icefields
Continue to Jasper and check into your hotel
Day Two
Raft from the town of Jasper
Instead of rushing everything into one day, this option:
Spreads adventure out comfortably
Keeps the Parkway relaxed and scenic
Combines glacier exploration with whitewater logically
It’s an excellent choice for first-time Rockies visitors who want both ice and river experiences.
Note: The Ice to Water Package has blackout dates from July 16 to August 20, so advance planning is essential.
Base of Athabasca Falls (raft launch point)
Why Rafting Is a Better Add-On Than Another Short Hike
After multiple viewpoints, pullouts, and short walks, rafting offers something different:
No crowds
No trail congestion
A guided, seated experience
A completely new perspective on the landscape
For couples, road trippers, and first-time visitors, rafting is often the most memorable part of the trip — without being overly physical or extreme.
Who This Icefields Parkway Itinerary
This itinerary is ideal for:
First-time Canadian Rockies visitors driving from Banff to Jasper
Couples on a road trip
Travelers driving the Parkway who want real adventure, not just viewpoints
Families can enjoy rafting too, but note:
Sunwapta River rafting is 12+
Athabasca River trips are better for younger kids
Final Thoughts: The Best Things to Do on the Icefields Parkway
Ultimately, the Icefields Parkway alone is unforgettable. But pairing it with a Jasper rafting day turns a scenic drive into a complete Rockies experience — without adding stress, backtracking, or wasted time.
For this reason, if you’re already driving through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Canada, experiencing the river that flows from them just makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Banff to Jasper Drive
Is the Icefields Parkway worth it?
Yes — the Icefields Parkway is widely considered the most scenic drive in Canada. Glaciers, waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain views are visible directly from the highway, making it a highlight of any Rockies road trip.
What is the best time of day to drive from Banff to Jasper?
Early morning is best. You’ll avoid crowds, get better lighting for photos, and increase your chances of seeing wildlife along the Parkway.
Can you add rafting to the Banff to Jasper drive?
Yes. Sunwapta River self-drive rafting fits directly into the drive because the meeting point is located right on Highway 93. It’s the easiest way to add adventure without extra travel time.
Is rafting in Jasper safe for beginners?
Yes. Most Jasper rafting trips are guided Class II and III experiences, require no previous rafting experience, and focus on safety. Certain trips have age minimums, so always check before booking.
Do you need a park pass to drive the Icefields Parkway?
Yes. A Parks Canada pass is required to drive the Icefields Parkway. You can use a daily pass or an annual Discovery Pass.
Is one day enough for the Banff to Jasper drive?
One full day is enough if you start early and plan stops efficiently. However, travelers who want glacier walks, rafting, or short hikes may prefer spreading the drive over two days.
Is the Banff to Jasper drive open year-round?
The road is open year-round, but summer offers the best conditions. Winter travel can involve closures, avalanche control, and unpredictable weather.