Best Stops on the Banff to Jasper Drive (or Jasper to Banff)
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93)
The Banff to Jasper drive or Jasper to Banff 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.
Columbia Icefields
Columbia Ice Fields, Jasper National Park
Icefields Parkway (Banff to Jasper Highway 93)
Why the Icefields Parkway Is the Best Drive in Canada
Continuous mountain scenery for hours
Easily accessible glaciers and waterfalls
Frequent wildlife sightings
No single “main attraction” — the entire drive is the highlight
The Best Stops on the Banff to Jasper Drive
Bow Lake
Bow Lake, Banff National Park
An easy roadside stop with glacier-fed water and massive mountain backdrops. It’s quick, quiet, and always worth pulling over.
Weeping Wall
Weeping Wall, Banff National Park
The Weeping Wall is a dramatic cliffside waterfall along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, famous for cascading sheets of water in summer and world-class ice climbing in winter.
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls, Jasper National Park
Powerful, dramatic, and especially impressive during peak summer melt. Untouched by recent wildfires.
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.
Sunwapta Rafting
Sunwapta Self Drive River Rafting
Learn more: Sunwapta Self-Drive Rafting
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park
One of the strongest waterfalls in the Rockies. A short walk delivers an unforgettable view.
Bonus Tip:
Similarly, the Athabasca River offers Class II rafting, making it another excellent way to experience Jasper’s rivers beyond the viewpoints.
Marmot Basin
Jasper’s only ski resort, known for its high elevation, dry Rocky Mountain snow, and wide-open alpine terrain. With over 1,700 acres of skiable area and varied runs ranging from long groomers to gladed tree skiing, Marmot Basin offers a relaxed, uncrowded mountain experience set against the dramatic peaks of Jasper National Park.
Stanley Falls
Stanley Falls, Beauty Creek, Jasper National Park
Stanley Falls is a moderate 3.5km hike typically taking about 1-1.5 hours at the beauty creek turn off.
Tangle Creek
Tangle Creek, Jasper National Park
Tangle Creek is an incredibly easy stop right off the Icefields Parkway. You can pull over at the highway, walk less than a minute, and stand at the base of this powerful waterfall as it cuts through a narrow mountain gorge.
The Most Overrated Stop on the Banff to Jasper Road Trip
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake, Banff National Park
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 3.5 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.
Jasper to Banff / Banff to Jasper Map
Park Passes + 2026 Free Entry Dates (Parks Canada)
A valid Parks Canada pass is normally required for the Banff to Jasper and Jasper to Banff drive because the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) travels through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
However, Parks Canada is offering free admission from June 19 to September 7, 2026 (inclusive). During this window, you don’t need to pay the daily park entry fee. Parks Canada
Outside of June 19 – Sept 7, 2026: you’ll need a valid pass (daily or Discovery Pass) for everyone in the vehicle.
Pro tip (skip park gate lineups): If you’re visiting outside the free-admission dates, you can buy your Parks Canada pass online in advance and arrive with it ready to display—this can save time at the entry gates during busy periods.
Use this link to purchase:
https://parkpass.jasper.travel
Important: You typically need to print the pass and display it on your dashboard (a phone screenshot usually isn’t accepted)
Frequently Asked Questions: Jasper to Banff Drive
Is the Banff to Jasper drive worth it?
Yes — the Banff to Jasper drive along the Icefields Parkway is widely considered the most scenic road trip in Canada. Glaciers, waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain views are visible directly from Highway 93, making the drive itself the main attraction.
Is it better to drive from Banff to Jasper or Jasper to Banff?
Both directions offer the same scenery, but many travelers prefer driving Banff to Jasper because the landscape gradually becomes more dramatic. That said, timing, weather, and stopping strategy matter more than direction. Either way, the experience is exceptional if planned properly.
How long does the Banff to Jasper drive take?
Without stops, the Banff to Jasper drive takes about 3.5 hours. In reality, most visitors spend 6–8 hours with sightseeing, and a full day if hiking or stopping often. Rushing the Parkway is the most common mistake.
What highway is the Banff to Jasper drive on?
The Banff to Jasper drive follows the Icefields Parkway, also known as Highway 93 North. This road runs directly through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and is considered one of the most scenic highways in the world.
What are the best Icefields Parkway stops with easy access?
Bow Lake, Peyto Lake viewpoints, Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls, and Tangle Creek are among the best Icefields Parkway stops with easy roadside access. These stops require minimal walking and deliver maximum scenery, making them ideal for first-time visitors.
What are the best viewpoints and pullouts on the Icefields Parkway?
Some of the best viewpoints and pullouts include Bow Lake, Athabasca Glacier viewpoints, Jasper Lake, and Athabasca River pullouts. These locations offer dramatic scenery directly from the highway without committing to long hikes. Pull over when a view feels right rather than chasing every pin.
What is the best time of day to drive from Banff to Jasper?
Early morning is the best time to drive from Banff to Jasper. You’ll avoid peak crowds, enjoy better lighting for photos, and increase your chances of seeing wildlife. Starting early also gives flexibility if stops take longer than expected.
Do you need a park pass to drive the Icefields Parkway?
Yes, a valid Parks Canada pass is required to drive the Icefields Parkway because it passes through Banff and Jasper National Parks. A daily pass or Discovery Pass works, and buying online in advance helps avoid entry gate delays during busy seasons.
Is one day enough for the Banff to Jasper drive?
One full day is enough if you start early and keep stops efficient. However, spending 2–3 days allows for a far more relaxed experience with time for glacier areas, short hikes, and activities like rafting in Jasper. More time reduces crowd pressure and stress.
Can you add rafting to the Banff to Jasper drive?
Yes. Sunwapta River self-drive rafting fits directly into the Banff to Jasper drive because the meeting point is located right on Highway 93. It adds adventure without backtracking or extra travel time.
Is the Banff to Jasper road open year-round?
The Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but summer offers the most reliable conditions. Winter travel can involve temporary closures, avalanche control, and rapidly changing weather. Always check road conditions before departure.
Which is nicer, Banff or Jasper?
Both Banff and Jasper are beautiful, but they offer different experiences. Banff is more developed and busier, with iconic viewpoints close to town. Jasper feels quieter and more spread out, with easier access to wilderness, wildlife, and activities like rafting.
Can you do a day trip to Jasper from Banff?
Yes, you can do a day trip to Jasper from Banff, but it will be a long day. The round-trip drive alone takes about 7 hours without stops, and the Icefields Parkway deserves time to enjoy properly. Most travelers prefer to overnight in Jasper for a more relaxed experience.
How do you get from Banff to Jasper?
The most popular way to get from Banff to Jasper is by driving Highway 93 North, also known as the Icefields Parkway. This route offers direct access to glaciers, waterfalls, and viewpoints. Guided tours and scheduled shuttles are also available for travelers without a vehicle.
Final Thoughts: The Best Things to Do on the Banff to Jasper Drive
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.