The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) runs 232 km from Lake Louise to Jasper, and in a motorhome it is best treated as a full day or, better, two days with an overnight near the Columbia Icefield. Fill the tank before you start: the only fuel on the parkway is at The Crossing Resort at Saskatchewan River Crossing, about 80 km from Lake Louise, and it operates in summer only. Larger RVs should plan overnights around the few campgrounds that take units over 10 metres.
Distances below are measured from Lake Louise, as listed on Parks Canada's Icefields Parkway page.
Before you leave Lake Louise
- Fuel and water: top up fuel and fresh water, and empty tanks at the Lake Louise campground sani-dump.
- Park pass: a valid national park pass is required to drive the parkway. Northbound travellers can buy one at the Niblock park gate, 4 km in.
- No cell service: there is no year-round coverage. From May to early October there is limited coverage only at the Columbia Icefield. Download offline maps and your campground confirmations.
- Road report: check 511 Alberta and the weather. Parks Canada notes winter conditions can last from early November to mid-June, and snow can fall any month.
- Food: pack lunch and snacks. Services are few and seasonal, and the best picnic spots are the day-use areas.
Stop-by-stop: Lake Louise to the Columbia Icefield
| km from Lake Louise | Stop | Motorhome notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Herbert Lake day-use area | Early-morning reflections; summer only |
| 36 | Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint | Parks Canada describes it as a large pullout |
| 37 to 40 | Bow Lake viewpoint, day-use area and main lot | Lots get extremely busy in summer; come early or late |
| 43 | Peyto Lake viewpoint and Bow Summit | Highest point on the parkway (2,070 m). The upper lot is for accessible vehicles and buses only, so expect to use the main lot and walk up |
| 74 | Mistaya Canyon | Short downhill walk to a bridge over the gorge |
| 80 | Saskatchewan River Crossing | Fuel (gasoline, diesel, propane), store and food; summer only |
| 109 | Weeping Wall viewpoint | Roadside stop |
| 113 to 120 | Big Bend and Bridal Veil Falls | Hairpin climb; Bridal Veil uses the large unmarked pullout at the top of the switchback |
| 121 | Parker Ridge trailhead | Moderate switchback hike to a Saskatchewan Glacier view |
| 125 | Sunwapta Pass (2,035 m) | Banff/Jasper boundary |
| 128 | Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre | Large parking lot; main hub for the icefield area |
The Big Bend is a dramatic hairpin where the road climbs toward Sunwapta Pass. Northbound you climb it; southbound you descend it, so use a lower gear or Tow/Haul mode and keep brake use light. On the climb, let faster traffic by at the next safe pullout rather than holding a queue behind you.
Stop-by-stop: Columbia Icefield to Jasper
| km from Lake Louise | Stop | Motorhome notes |
|---|---|---|
| 130 | Toe of the Athabasca Glacier and Forefield trails | Short walks from the icefield area |
| 137 | Tangle Falls viewpoint | Roadside falls |
| 139 to 149 | Stutfield Glacier, Beauty Creek, Mushroom and Diadem peaks | Quick viewpoint stops |
| 179 | Sunwapta Falls | Mostly paved paths with some steep sections |
| 203 | Athabasca Falls | One of Jasper's most powerful falls; busy midday |
| 232 | Jasper townsite | Fuel, groceries and full services |
Wildfire, weather and other events can affect side roads and campgrounds in Jasper, so check Parks Canada's Jasper conditions page before planning detours.
Campgrounds in order, with RV length limits
| km | Campground | Suits RVs up to | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Mosquito Creek | 10 m (35 ft) | First come, first served |
| 56 | Silverhorn Creek | 20 m (70 ft) | Reservable |
| 60 | Waterfowl Lakes | 9 m (31 ft) | First come, first served |
| 91 | Rampart Creek | 10 m (35 ft) | Reservable |
| 127 | Wilcox | Under 27 ft | First come, first served |
| 130 | Icefield Centre RV | RVs and trailers only; parking-lot style | First come, first served |
| 156 | Jonas | Under 25 ft | First come, first served |
| 229 | Wapiti | Most sizes; electrical sites | Reservable |
| 231 | Whistlers | Most sizes; full-service sites | Reservable |
The campgrounds between Lake Louise and the Jasper townsite area are unserviced and most are open in summer only, so arrive with full fresh water and empty holding tanks. First-come sites fill early on summer afternoons; claim one by early afternoon or have a reservable fallback. The Icefield Centre RV area is a parking area by day and a simple overnight stop by night, with no water or fires, but you wake up facing the Athabasca Glacier. Details come from Parks Canada and the Jasper camping page.
Pacing: one day or two
One long day (about 8 to 10 hours with stops)
Plan on a full day. Leave Lake Louise by 8 a.m. Stop at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake before the crowds, refuel at Saskatchewan River Crossing, lunch at the Columbia Icefield, then Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls in the afternoon. Book Whistlers or Wapiti in Jasper so you are not searching for a site at dusk.
Two days (our recommendation)
- Day 1: Lake Louise to Rampart Creek or Silverhorn Creek, with time for Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Mistaya Canyon. Larger motorhomes should aim for Silverhorn.
- Day 2: Big Bend, Parker Ridge or Wilcox Pass in the morning, the icefield at midday, the falls in the afternoon and into Jasper.
Smaller RVs that want to wake up beside the glacier can use Wilcox or the Icefield Centre RV area instead.
Driving tips specific to the parkway
- Use pullouts only. Never stop on the road for wildlife; pull fully off at a marked pullout and stay in the vehicle near large animals.
- Arrive early or late at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Parks Canada warns these lots get extremely busy in summer; arriving before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. makes parking a long vehicle far easier.
- Watch your fuel gauge. Outside summer, when The Crossing may not sell fuel, you have the full 232 km with no fuel.
- Expect cyclists. Give them a wide berth on climbs.
- Drones are prohibited in national parks without a permit.
Planning notes
Build the parkway into a wider Rockies loop: our Banff to Jasper planning guide covers passes and direction, and Rockies routes by trip length helps you decide how many nights to give each park. For sample day-by-day plans, see our Rockies itinerary ideas. Far & Away Adventures can reserve Silverhorn, Rampart or Whistlers around your pick-up dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can large motorhomes drive the Icefields Parkway?
Yes. The parkway is a paved highway used by tour buses and large RVs. The constraint is overnight parking: only Silverhorn Creek, the Icefield Centre RV area and the Jasper townsite campgrounds suit the biggest units.
Which direction is better, north or south?
Both work. Northbound from Lake Louise keeps Bow and Peyto lakes early in the day when light is good and lots are quieter. Southbound means descending the Big Bend, so use engine braking.
Is there anywhere to buy groceries on the parkway?
Only limited supplies at seasonal businesses such as the store at Saskatchewan River Crossing. Stock up in Lake Louise or Jasper before you set off.
Use this guide for trip ideas, not a current quotation or a guarantee of access, safety, inclusions or availability. Confirm the requirements and conditions for your dates, destination and provider before booking.