Hotels in Lake Louise
The magnificence of the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) can scarcely be overstated - a 230 km (144 mi) road from Lake Louise to Jasper through th heart of the Rockies, it ranks as one of the world's ultimate drives. Its seemingly unending sucession of enormous peaks, vast glaciers, iridescent lakes, wild-flower meadows, wildlife and forests - capped by the sheer majesty of the Columbia Icefield - is utterly overwhelming.
The magnificence of the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) can scarcely be overstated - a 230 km (144 mi) road from Lake Louise to Jasper through th heart of the Rockies, it ranks as one of the world's ultimate drives. Its seemingly unending sucession of enormous peaks, vast glaciers, iridescent lakes, wild-flower meadows, wildlife and forests - capped by the sheer majesty of the Columbia Icefield - is utterly overwhelming.
Fur traders and First Nations peoples dubbed it the Wonder Trail, though the current road owes much to the depression era works programme and it was only opened in 1940 in its present incarnation.
Leaving the iconic image of Lake Louise behing you, the first 40 kn (25mi) of the road climbs steadly north through forest, until you reach the alpine meadow at Bow Summit, the journey's highest point. The next section, which drops down to the Saskatchewan River, offers the best chance to see black bears and moose. The Crossing marks the transition from the jaw-droppingly good to the truly awesome. This 50 km (31 mi) section is famous the world over for its breathtaking scenary as Mount Athabasca and the Columbia Glacier heave into view.
Mountain goats, bighorn sheep and elk are common along the final 100 km (62 mi) of the Parkway. The road ascends Tangle Ridge, then drops down through forest and follows the Sunwapta and Athabasca Rivers into the charming little town of Jasper. The outstanding features of this final leg of the journey are the Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls and the opportunity to spot grizzly bears and mountain caribou.
Although over a million people make the trip each year to experience this "window on the wilderness", the sheer vastness of the landscape still means it can rarely seem crowded.
HOW
By car
DEPART
Lake Louise, AB
WHEN TO GO
May to September offers the best weather.
TIME IT TAKES
Around four hours without stopping, but allow a full day of picnic breaks.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Columbia Icefield - a chance to witness a pristine wilderness.
Lake Louise - with its turquoise lake and overhanging glacier.
The Crossings - a chance to reflect and antipate.
Arriving in Jasper, a rather special town set on a small plateau surrounded by a spectacular panoramic mountain backrop.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Even in good weather the sheer elevation of this highway can mean that road conditions can change rapidly, so come prepared for all eventualities.
