The Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) is one of the most breathtaking drives in the Canadian Rockies, stretching approximately 230 km between Jasper and Lake Louise. Dotted along this scenic highway are numerous glaciers – some visible from roadside pullouts and others reachable via rewarding hikes. This guide outlines the order of major Icefields Parkway glaciers along the highway, analyzes their visibility, and offers hiking tips to help you experience all of them without missing a beat.
Our July Glacier Adventure
In mid-July, my husband and I left Whistlers Campground in Jasper National Park around 10 a.m., heading south for another incredible self-drive glacier trip along this iconic highway. Having driven the Icefields Parkway multiple times, we skipped familiar stops like Stutfield Glacier and instead focused on two of the best glacier hikes:
- Toe of the Glacier Trail (for Athabasca Glacier)
- Parker Ridge Trail (for a panoramic view of Saskatchewan Glacier)
Although we also passed Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Glacier, we didn’t stop this time. However, they remain iconic glacier viewpoints along the Parkway.
Icefields Parkway Glaciers Viewpoints (From Jasper Southbound)
| Glacier | National Park | Distance from Jasper | Hike Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stutfield Glacier | Jasper NP | 80 km (1h10m) | ❌ Roadside only |
| Athabasca Glacier | Jasper NP | 105 km (1h30m) | ✅ Toe of the Glacier Trail |
| Dome Glacier | Jasper NP | 106 km (1h30m) | ❌ Roadside only |
| Saskatchewan Glacier | Banff NP | 115 km (1h40m) | ✅ Parker Ridge Trail |
| Crowfoot Glacier | Banff NP | 190 km (2h40m) | ✅ Helen Lake Trail (optional) |
| Bow Glacier | Banff NP | 195 km (2h45m) | ✅ Bow Glacier Falls Trail (closed in 2025) |
What is the Columbia Icefield and Why Does It Matter?
Most glaciers along the Parkway originate from the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, spanning over 325 sq km with an average thickness of 365 meters. It feeds several glaciers, including Athabasca Glacier and Saskatchewan Glacier.
Adjacent to the Icefield, Dome Glacier and Athabasca Glacier appear connected when viewed from the Discovery Centre. Interestingly, Snow Dome, the peak above Dome Glacier, is known as North America’s hydrological apex – its meltwater flows into three oceans: the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic (via Hudson Bay).
How to Explore Icefields Parkway Glaciers Without Missing Any
Top Activities:
- Hike to the glaciers:
- Toe of the Glacier Trail (Athabasca): Close-up glacier experience
- Parker Ridge Trail (Saskatchewan): Stunning overhead view
- Roadside Viewing:
- Dome, Crowfoot, and Bow Glaciers are all visible from highway pullouts.
- Not Accessible:
- Castleguard Glacier is remote and not visible from the road.
- Interpretive Signs:
- Especially on the Toe of the Glacier Trail, you’ll find numerous signs explaining glacier retreat.
How to Plan Your One-Day Glacier Drive
- Best Route: Start in Jasper, end in Lake Louise, with stops along the way.
- Hiking Time: Leave a full day to include 1–2 hikes.
- Parking: Well-marked pullouts for all glaciers.
- Recommended Hikes (short & stunning):
- Toe of the Glacier Trail (1.5 km round trip, 30–45 mins)
- Parker Ridge Trail (5 km round trip, ~1.5–2 hours)
Recommended Glacier Hikes
1. Toe of the Glacier Trail – Athabasca Glacier
A short, easy 1.5 km round-trip hike with an up-close look at the glacier’s toe and its rapid retreat. Trailhead has its own parking, or use the Discovery Centre lot across Hwy 93. Allow 30–45 minutes.
2. Parker Ridge Trail – Saskatchewan Glacier
A moderately steep hike (~250 m elevation gain) with a round-trip of about 5 km. At the top, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of Saskatchewan Glacier and a turquoise glacier-fed lake. Allocate 1.5–2 hours.
3. Helen Lake Trail – Crowfoot Glacier (Optional)
A longer route starting across from Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint. 5.9 km one way (4–5 hours round trip), 530 m elevation gain. Scenic wildflowers and distant views of Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake. Best for experienced hikers; not ideal for one-day road trippers.
4. Bow Glacier Falls Trail – (Temporarily Closed)
As of June 20, 2025, this 9.6 km round-trip trail is closed due to a fatal rockfall. Check Parks Canada alerts before attempting. Normally, this is a beautiful 3-hour walk along Bow Lake to the glacier-fed waterfall.
Bonus Tips for Driving & Hiking the Icefields Parkway
- Dress in layers: temps drop near glaciers, and winds are strong.
- Wear proper hiking shoes. See my full gear checklist.
- Visit Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for washrooms, food, and glacier info.
- Charge your phone or bring a power bank—glacier views deserve lots of photos!
- Download AllTrails maps in advance – no cell signal on Hwy 93.
Related Reading
- [4-Day Road Trip Through BC Parks & the Icefields Parkway (Coming Soon)]
- [Parker Ridge Trail Guide – Hike to Saskatchewan Glacier]
- Toe of the Glacier Trail – Walk to Athabasca Glacier’s Edge
