Banff to Jasper – Driving The ICEFIELDS PARKWAY (for 2024)

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on March 12, 2024

So many people ask us if Jasper is worth the drive from Banff. Short answer: YES! Alberta is a province with immeasurable beauty, as seen while cruising the highways. The stretch from Banff to Jasper (or, in reverse, from Jasper to Banff!) might be the corridor that tops it all. Otherwise known as the Icefields Parkway, it ranks as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and it makes for an ultimate Canadian Rockies road trip. It’s no wonder we include it on our list of the best things to do in Alberta!

The Icefields Parkway: Get from Banff to Jasper

About the Route

To start your adventure, you must take the highway AB-93 North, with the total distance from Banff to Jasper is 288 km. Breaking up the trip – the distance from Banff to Lake Louise (a MUST stop along the way) is 57 km and the distance from Lake Louise to Jasper is 233 km. The trip should take up to 4 hours if driving with minimal stops.

But we would never recommend driving the Icefields Parkway in a straight shot. There are so many things to see along the way, and a whole day should be set aside for this drive. Don’t want to drive? You can also get a one-way (or return) tour so that you can just kick back and enjoy the views. (Make sure to check into their scheduled stops, so that you’ll get to see exactly what you want.) Don’t miss a thing on this once-in-a-lifetime drive!

Be forewarned though, that because this road is smack dab in the mountains, and it is susceptible to inhospitable weather. There are even frequent closures during the winter months due to avalanches and dangerous conditions. If driving, it is important to be properly equipped. In the winter months, your vehicle will require mandatory winter tires, and be sure to keep your eye on road reports before you set out. If you’re taking a tour or are riding with someone else, build some flexibility into your plans just in case.

Best Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway

It’s always magical to drive from Banff to Jasper, but during the winter months, it can get dicey. We know that the best time is from mid-June through September. Outside of these months, you risk storms and avalanches, which could lead to road closures. But that’s all part of the adventure, right?

Park Pass Needed

Note that you will need a National Park Pass for the Icefields Parkway! You can buy the pass at the park gates or order it in advance online.

For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.

Driving from Banff to Jasper

Take your Banff to Jasper experience into your own hands by driving yourself on this scenic route! Before departing from either Jasper or Banff, make sure to check the Icefields Parkway road conditions before getting in the car. Curate your road trip ahead of time so that you know exactly what you want to see and do along the way.

While driving, be sure to pay close attention to the stretch between Lake Louise to Jasper as the potential wildlife sightings are plentiful. If you do see wildlife and want to take a picture, we recommend finding a safe place to pull over to do so. No need to cause unnecessary accidents due to a sudden stop on the highway!

Note that there is only one gas station along the Icefields Parkway – at the Saskatchewan Crossing (almost exactly halfway between Banff and Jasper) – so make sure you top up your tank before the drive. Plan for food because the only food stops are in Saskatchewan River Crossing, the Icefields Visitor Center, and the Sunwapta Falls Resort. Packing your own meals and snacks is recommended.

The most common direction is to leave from Banff and drive to Jasper. If you took a shuttle from Calgary to Banff and require a rental car, there are a few car rental companies in Banff to choose from:

• We recommend booking via RentalCars.com to select the cheapest rate or to book with whichever company you prefer.

Banff to Jasper by Tour

We’d hate for you to spend all that time behind the wheel without really appreciating the scenery around you! If you are in Banff without your own wheels and need to get to Jasper, consider this one-way tour that lets you enjoy the sights but will also stop for the Columbia Icefields along the way (you won’t get that with a regular transfer).

Viator Shuttle

Viator offers to you pick up from any hotel in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary or Kananaskis, and customers can expect a worry-free ride to their next stop, with drop-off at most major hotels and resorts in the region.

SunDog Tours

SunDog Tours has a one-way Banff to Jasper tour running in the summer months from May thru October. It makes stops in Lake Louise and includes a four-hour stop at the Columbia Icefield. There is also a stop at the iconic Athabasca Falls. This tour lasts for approximately 12 hours and is an incredible way to sit back and enjoy seeing the Icefields Parkway. The tour costs approximately $280 for adults and $140 for children.

In the winter months, SunDog also has a direct route between Banff and Jasper that is part of their Calgary Connector which is a daily winter service between Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary. This service operates from October to April.

Banff to Jasper by Shuttle

Sit back and relax in the comfort of a private vehicle with an experienced driver at the wheel, and enjoy one of the most scenic drives of your life.

Banff to Jasper by private transfer is the most leisurely and relaxed way to travel between the two National Parks. This option also offers a built-in guide to explain points of interest during your journey. The options mentioned below also work in reverse from Jasper to Banff.

• SunDog Tours offers a private journey option for a sedan, SUV, and shuttle rates between Banff and Jasper depending on the size of your group.

• Banff Tours offers different vehicle options based on group size with a capacity of up to 24 people. You can customize your itinerary as much as you please.

Banff to Jasper by Bus

This is by far the best way to experience the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. Taking a bus from Banff to Jasper (or vice versa!) is highly recommended to really soak in the sights.

Here are some options:

Brewster Express

Brewster Express offers a more direct route with a shuttle service right from Banff to Jasper. Bus departure and drop-off locations can be conveniently customized to your hotel stays, and keep in mind that you can save more if you book a return trip instead of just one way.

Banff Tours

Banff Tours also provides a coach shuttle service between Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. Pick-up points are at select hotels within each destination.

Banff to Jasper by Train

Unfortunately, no direct train goes just between Banff and Jasper. However, many train options include the Icefields Parkway in their itinerary but are part of a bigger multi-day route. Some examples are:

• Canada By Design Icefield Discovery – Tour leaves from either Vancouver or Calgary and explores the landscapes of western Canada, including time in Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.
• Rocky Mountaineer has multiple route options including both Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.

Banff to Jasper by Rideshare

With the number of rideshare options nowadays, finding a ride from Banff to Jasper can be as simple as searching for a ride on Kijiji. However, with the complexity of the roads, it may be useful to use a rideshare option that allows you to read reviews on the drivers to ensure that their skill level is adequate to comfortably travel between Banff and Jasper. With Uber not currently available in the parks at this time, there is one option that allows you to see driver reviews before booking:

• Poparide.com – You can select your driver based on your luggage and equipment requirements if you are travelling with skis, bikes, etc. Poparide charges per seat so you can meet other visitors if you travel solo between the parks. Prices vary depending on the day but the average is between $25-44 CAD.

Fun Things to Do Along the Way

Taking the Icefields Parkway is all about the beautiful stops and sights. Here are some of the many fun things to do along the way, told in order from Banff to Jasper (just reverse the list if starting the other way!)

Vermillion Lakes (2 km from Banff, 286 km from Jasper)

Just five minutes west of the Banff townsite are the stunning Vermilion Lakes. Enjoy lake views and Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain in the background. The area also has a short 2 km boardwalk loop – a great way to stretch your legs before a long drive. Hit it at sunrise for some spectacular shots of the sun breaking over the ridgeline.

(**Be sure to read our guide to the best photo spots in Banff National Park. You will get equipment tips and more to ensure you take the best photos on this drive!)

Johnston Canyon (25 km from Banff, 263 km from Jasper)

Every time we drive the Icefields Parkway we make a stop here. Johnston Canyon is one of our favourite places to go for a hike is a popular day hike from Banff for good reason. Well-maintained trails and catwalks take you into the canyon and lead you to two impressive waterfalls. The return trip is up to 2.5 hours, so note that this will eat up a good chunk of your driving day (but is well worth it).

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake ((57 km from Banff, 231 km from Jasper)

Stopping at Lake Louise might be your most memorable stop along the way. Admire the beautiful, impossibly blue lake and the mountains towering above. Go up the Lake Louise Gondola or go on a guided Lake Louise hike for prime mountain views. There are opportunities for dining, hiking, easy walks, and good ol’ sightseeing! It is one of the best places to spot wild grizzly bears, too. At the top of the gondola, the Wildlife Interpretive Centre offers interactive presentations, guided hikes and more for guests.

If you’re in Lake Louise, you are very near Moraine Lake, which is a CANNOT miss spot (just look at the image on any Canadian $20 bill and you’ll see why)! However, note that starting in 2023, Moraine Lake will be closed to personal vehicles. You can take a Parks Canada shuttle, but we highly recommend booking a shuttle from Banff or the Lake Louise Summer Gondola with the Moraine Lake Bus Company – not only are they the only company to offer sunrise shuttles (gotta get those epic shots for the ‘Gram!) but they are also the only company that lets you pre-book your return journey (so that you don’t have to wait). It may seem a bit of a hassle to make this stop, but we promise you, it’s worth it (and easier than you think if you plan it right).

Bow Glacier Falls / The Lodge at Bow Lake (95 km from Banff, 193 km from Jasper)

This picturesque lodge on the shores of Bow Lake is a center for storytelling in the Rockies. It is a hub for hiking and sightseeing with Bow Lake, Bow Glacier Falls and Peyto Lake nearby. The lodge has a restaurant with hearty food to enjoy too.

Bow Summit and Peyto Lake (100 km from Banff, 188 km from Jasper)

This is a perfect day hike to take while touring the Icefields Parkway! The return time on the Summit Lookout is only 2.5 hours. This easy hike is 40km North of Lake Louise and offers a gorgeous view of Peyto Lake.

Mistaya Canyon (130 km from Banff, 158 km from Jasper)

Mistaya Canyon is a scenic gem that is definitely worth stopping for. Often overlooked, this canyon is a short hike to see the sculpted canyon and rushing water.

Big Bend Viewpoint (171 km from Banff, 118 km from Jasper)

This is a stop that is a DO NOT MISS (click here to find the exact spot). Pullover atop the pass, and from the viewing platform, you will have your eyes set on some of the most beautiful scenery along the Icefields Parkway. We don’t even want to show you a photograph from here, so you will be surprised at the stunning scenery once you arrive. You’re welcome.

Columbia Icefields (185 km from Banff, 103 km from Jasper)

This is one of Canada’s most impressive sights, as it is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. If you’re looking to get up close and personal – take a tour to walk right on the Athabasca glacier, and/or visit the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

The glass-floored lookout and interpretive walk take you through the story of the Icefields and give you a unique perspective on the Sunwapta Valley. (Note that you will save money if you book in advance and book both experiences together!) There are two dining options at this stop – one casual and one fancier, local-dining experience.

Sunwapta Falls (234 km from Banff, 54 km from Jasper)

Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, the Sunwapta Falls is a stunning place to stop. This site is good for a quick stop – the upper falls can be viewed from the viewpoint parking lot – or a long one! There are opportunities for white-water rafting, hiking and staying overnight.

Athabasca Falls (257 km from Banff, 32 km from Jasper)

This waterfall stemming from the Athabasca River drops 23 metres to where it is known as Athabasca Falls. There are a number of lookout points where you can see the power of the falls. The falls themselves are not very high compared to others in the Canadian Rockies, but the size of the river makes these falls one of the most powerful in the Canadian mountain national parks.

This is another one of our favourite places to stop and witness the sheer power of the water as it rushes through the rocks. We do have to give warning to stay behind the barriers. The rocks can be very slippery and there have been a number of cases of people falling into the falls and not coming out.

Arriving in Jasper

You made it!

If you would like more information useful on local attractions, check out our Jasper destination guide (we also have an itinerary for three days in Jasper, and a list of great Jasper tours to take, which should help you plan your stay). Be sure to pay a visit to the visitor centres in each town:

• Jasper Visitor Center at 500 Connaught Drive.
• Banff Visitor Centre at 224 Banff Ave.
• Banff Visitor Information Kiosk at the Banff Railway Station

Top Things to Do in Jasper

There is so much to do in Jasper for all activity levels. But if we had to choose a couple of things to do in Jasper, we would recommend taking a hike through Maligne Canyon, booking a cruise on Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island, or spending a day in a canoe (or night) at Pyramid Lake Resort.

Where to Stay in Jasper

Luxury – Although not quite as jaw-dropping and impressive as its Banff neighbour, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is notable in its own right. With impressive lakefront views of Beauvert Lake, eight on-site restaurants, a spa, and an award-winning golf course, this resort is worth the splurge.

Mid-Range – For a unique accommodation experience in Jasper National Park, we recommend renting a cabin at Jasper East Cabins. They are more budget-friendly than Jasper Park and you get to stay in your very own wood cabin that has all the amenities like a fireplace and kitchenette.

Budget – Jasper is a year-round camping destination with campground options for every level of camper from rugged backcountry to family-friendly with easy access to amenities. Parks Canada allows you to book a site online to reserve your spot ahead of time for camping in Banff and Jasper. And if camping is not your cup of tea, Maligne Lodge is a Jasper hotel that won’t break the bank.

We’ve published an entire guide for accommodations in Jasper if you want a few more options. And we also have a guide for Cabins in Jasper and Camping in Jasper to help you find the perfect place to stay.

Jasper Airbnb and Rentals

Whether it’s just two of you or a whole family, there are plenty of B&Bs in town and many Jasper Airbnbs to choose from. We love finding an Airbnb in the mountains so we can have our own kitchen after a long day of hiking or skiing.

Arriving in Banff

If you drove the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff, welcome to Banff! Here are a few of our recommendations for staying in the small mountain town.

Where to Stay in Banff

Luxury – We cannot mention hotels in Banff National Park without presenting the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. This is a once-in-a-lifetime type of stay that is totally worth the experience. This stunning and historic hotel is full of shops, a world-class spa, and amazing restaurants that offer breathtaking views of notable peaks. The Bow Falls are also right on site.

Mid-Range – As the Fairmont can run many hundreds of dollars a night, a more budget-friendly option is the Canalta Lodge. Recently renovated, we really enjoyed our stay amid its eclectic design. With a hot tub, free breakfast, and underground parking, this property has been recognized as the best value in Banff.

Budget – If your budget is better spent exploring all that Banff has to offer and you don’t want to splurge on accommodations, then look no further than the Banff International Hostel. The hostel is located on the beautiful property of the Banff Centre. It’s easily walkable to downtown Banff, has a fully equipped kitchen for all to use, free breakfast, and is highly rated.

To see all the recommended places to stay in Banff, see our Where to stay in Banff guide, plus this smaller guide to Banff cabins.

Banff Airbnb and Rentals

There are options to find a Banff Airbnb. Be aware that the town does not allow Airbnbs to operate in the townsite, but there are options just outside to accommodate.