The Icefields Parkway is no ordinary road. Not many highways in the world can claim 230 kilometres of continuous World Heritage Site scenery, completely protected within two national parks.
Built to showcase the powerful natural landscape of Jasper and Banff national parks, the Parkway is a scenic drive and not a transportation corridor. This means the cost to maintain it and keep it safe is borne by Parks Canada. A valid national parks pass is required to drive the parkway and revenue from park pass sales help with that cost. Plowing, sanding and avalanche control are just some of the services your fees provide.
Along the parkway, there is a 20 kilometre stretch of road that runs right through the heart of winter caribou habitat. As one of Canada’s species at risk, the Jasper herd of Woodland caribou represents a last stand for this iconic animal in the mountain parks. You can help—“drive for wildlife” by keeping within the speed limit.
The parkway also offers plenty of views from the edge that take on a whole new look and feel in the spring:
- Athabasca Falls: Marvel at this normally-thundering waterfall as it slowly emerges from being frozen in time. Listen for the trickling sound of the water slowly waking while you enjoy this enchanting area all to yourself. Stay behind railings and on designated trails, and do not venture out on the ice.
- Athabasca Glacier: A stop to experience this magical area is well worth the time. To be safe, do not walk on the glacier as crevasses and other hazards can be deadly. Enjoy the view from the road.
- Bow Lake and Bow Glacier: Judge for yourself how far advanced the higher elevation springtime conditions are as you admire the grandeur of Bow Lake.
- Crowfoot Glacier: A century ago when this was named, three “toes” of ice clung to the mountainside. Since then the lower toe has melted and the middle toe is slowly disappearing. See if you can make out the bluish toes of the glacial ice below the winter snow.
- Herbert Lake: A photographer’s favourite, the still waters of Herbert Lake provide a perfect panoramic reflection of the stunning Main Range peaks, including Mount Temple. Though this high elevation lake may still be covered with ice, its setting is no less spectacular.
With the longer days and the warmth of the spring sun upon us, avalanche control activities can necessitate emergency road closures on short notice. For the most up-to-date information on road conditions, check the Alberta Road Report at 511.alberta.ca.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
