Canada
Scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway
Your trip to Jasper National Park concludes with one of the most breathtaking drives in the world: the Icefields Parkway. This iconic road, also known as Highway 93, is often called Canada’s most beautiful road. It’s a scenic 230 km highway connecting Jasper and Banff National Park. Every turn is met with waterfalls, ancient glaciers and turquoise lakes. I have yet to come across a more spectacular drive!
The powerful Athabasca Falls
First stop on the route: Athabasca Falls. It's really impressive to see the Athabasca River crashing through a narrow gorge. Explore the network of viewing platforms and trails to capture every angle of this natural wonder. The mist in the air and the thunderous roar of the falls are sure to wake you up better than any cup of coffee.
Another stunning waterfall: Sunwapta Falls
A short drive down the road brings you to Sunwapta Falls. While smaller than Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta is no less captivating. Its waters tumble over rocky ledges, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Hiking to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier
The Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, is located right along the Icefields Parkway. Park your car and stretch your legs with a hike to the glacier’s toe. Or you could also reserve a tour that will drive you six kilometres up the Athabasca Glacier where you get to walk on the 300-metre-thick ice sheet.
Hello Banff National Park!
Two beautiful waterfalls
Panther Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are two powerful waterfalls on the Icefields Parkway. From the parking lot, you can already spot Bridal Veil Falls in the distance. You won’t be able to see Panther Falls yet, but you might hear it. To reach the Panther Falls, follow the short path down through the forest. The path to Bridal Veil Falls is often washed away by the river, making it impossible to get up close to these falls.
Short walk to Mistaya Canyon
A natural wonder carved by the Mistaya river. The canyon is easy to reach from Icefields Parkway after a short walk. The best part is the bridge over the canyon which gets you really close.
