Banff to Jasper Drive: Icefields Parkway Stops + Add a Jasper Rafting Day
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. Glaciers hang above the highway, wildlife sightings are common, and nearly every stretch of road feels unreal.
In summer, this route offers ideal conditions: clear roads, long daylight hours, and full access to the Parkway’s most iconic stops. This guide breaks down the best places to stop, how long the drive actually takes, and how to add a Jasper rafting day the right way — without messing up your itinerary.
Why the Icefields Parkway Is the Best Drive in Canada
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
In summer, the Parkway is relaxed and predictable. In winter, avalanche risk, closures, and poor conditions can complicate travel. That’s why this itinerary is summer-only.
The Best Icefields Parkway Stops (What’s Worth It vs Overrated)
There are dozens of pullouts along the Parkway, but these are the stops that consistently deliver.
Must-Stop Icefields Parkway Highlights
Bow Lake
An easy roadside stop with glacier-fed water and massive mountain backdrops. Quick, quiet, and always worth it.
Peyto Lake
One of the most iconic views in the Rockies. Short walk, huge payoff — especially on clear days.
Columbia Icefields
The heart of the Parkway. Massive glaciers, wide-open views, and access to glacier tours and icewalk experiences.
Sunwapta Falls
Powerful, dramatic, and especially impressive during peak summer melt.
Athabasca Falls
One of the strongest waterfalls in the Rockies. Short walk, big impact.
The Most Overrated Stop on the Route
Moraine Lake
While undeniably beautiful, extreme overcrowding and restricted access often ruin the experience. Unless you’ve planned transportation well in advance, it’s usually more stressful than rewarding.
How Long the Banff to Jasper Drive Really Takes
Without stops, the drive takes about 3 hours.
Realistically:
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 Jasper Rafting Day (Without Wrecking Your Plan)
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 If You Want Rafting During the Drive)
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
No rafting experience required
Approx. 2.5 hours total, 1.25 hours on the water
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
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.
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 Itinerary Is Best For
This itinerary is ideal for:
First-time Canadian Rockies visitors
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 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.
If you’re already driving through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Canada, experiencing the river that flows from them just makes sense.