Winter can be a magical time on the Icefields Parkway—a wonderland of snow-covered slopes, frozen waterfalls and wildlife. With few people, no services, varying road conditions and no cell coverage however, it is essential to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while enjoying winter in Jasper National Park.
Winter driving
Remember: by law, between Nov. 1 and March 31, vehicles travelling the Icefields Parkway must be equipped with winter tires or tire chains.
Plan ahead: weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and change quickly.
Always keep a safety kit in your vehicle. This should include water, food, candles, extra clothing and blankets.
Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you hit the road.
Let someone know your travel plans.
For the Icefields Parkway, don’t forget that during the winter months, no road maintenance occurs between 3:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Be prepared:
Speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions—adjust your speed accordingly.
Road conditions can change quickly. Be sure to consider your winter driving experience, the type and condition of the vehicle you are driving and your familiarity with it as you travel.
If you encounter a snow plough: follow at a safe distance, pass only on the left and if you pass, be aware that road conditions ahead of the plough may be poor.
Caribou
Wildlife also use Jasper’s roads in winter. Along the Icefields Parkway, caribou from the Brazeau herd, one of four herds in Jasper, are sometimes found on or near the road between Jonas Creek and the Beauty Flats area.
A reduced speed zone has been implemented in that area from Nov. 1 through June 20 as one of many actions to address threats to caribou in the park. There are only approximately eight caribou left in this herd and the loss of any to a vehicle collision would be devastating.
Please respect the 70 km/h speed zone to help protect these caribou.
Caribou in the park belong to the Southern Mountain population of woodland caribou listed as threatened under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. Parks Canada is taking action on caribou recovery. The priority is to reduce or eliminate all five threats to caribou survival identified in the Conservation Strategy for Southern Mountain Caribou in Canada’s National Parks (2011).
Winter driving conditions in the mountains can be tricky at the best of times but if prepared, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy this spectacular part of the park.
Please drive with care and watch for wildlife.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
