Hotels & Motels in the Icefields Parkway
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Icefields Parkway Region, Alberta.
Often described as one of the world’s most magnificent sights, the Icefields Parkway winds through Alberta’s Rocky Mountains along valleys carved by the Colombia Icefields, an aggregation of ancient glaciers. Visitors most often choose to travel south to north, starting their journey in Calgary, Alberta. From this major city, transportation by road is via the TransCanada Highway (Highway 1) into the Rocky Mountains, with a stop in the picturesque towns of Canmore and Banff along the way. The Icefields Parkway itself begins in the small village of Lake Louise. The Colombia Icefields can be viewed from the Icefields Visitors Centre midway between Lake Louise and Jasper.
Visitors to the Icefields Visitors Centre have the opportunity see the glaciers from the unique vantage point of a Snocoach, capable of climbing the rocky and icy terrain. Though this is the only manned tourism facility in the parkway, there are many natural wonders along the way. Isolated lakes reflect the towering peaks, dramatic waterfalls are easily accessible and hiking trails are well marked. Due to fluctuating weather, visitors are wise to check road conditions before travelling and to book a hotel or motel in advance. Especially since many accommodations only operate seasonally.
SOUTH: LAKE LOUISE IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Lake Louise Village hosts activities throughout the seasons, skiing, snowboarding and sledding in winter and canoeing, horseback riding and hiking in summer, so most hotels operate all year around. There is a surprisingly large range of quality accommodations in this small village, suited to all budgets, from a well-reputed hostel to a world-famous luxury resort.
The iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise rises out of the valley on the shores of a luminescent turquoise lake. Surrounded by towering peaks, the Chateau boasts one of the most beautiful sights in the world from its elegant guestrooms, gourmet restaurants and luxurious spa: a view of the pristine Lake Louise in summer and the amazing sight of Victoria Glacier flowing into the lake in winter. This historic hotel is well worth exploring, even if visitors are staying elsewhere.
MIDWAY IN THE RUGGED BEAUTY FO COLOMBIA ICEFIELDS
Hotels and motels and are sprinkled along the parkway, with many accommodations concentrated in Nordegg and Rocky Mountain House. Visitors will find that even though most hotels offer a large range of amenities and services, most of their time will be spent outdoors. Each hotel has rooms with stunning mountain views, some of which can be explored from large panoramic windows and expansive balconies. And all hotels are connected to the surrounding beauty via a web of multi-use pathways and trails. Hotel staff at the front desk can give guests information about activities and attractions in the area and are willing to share their knowledge about favourite spots off the beaten track.
NORTH: JASPER IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK
At the north end of the Icefields Parkways lies the peaceful town of Jasper. There are a range of accommodations here that are well suited to all types of visitors: couples, families and even corporate teams. Many of these hotels offer full amenities and conference facilities typically well suited for small to medium-sized groups.
In particular, the Jasper Park Lodge is a beautiful resort that has grown from a humble huddle of cabins built in 1921 to a five-star alpine resort today. It has played host to the rich and famous, including Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby, Rita Hayworth and Queen Elizabeth II. Sports and nature enthusiasts will appreciate that this world-class resort has many outdoor opportunities for adventure including an 18-hole golf course as well as hiking and cross-country ski trails.
Icefields Parkway Motel
Icefields Parkway Lodge
Jasper Cabins
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
Cabin-style accommodations in the wilderness of Jasper National Park!
Family Resort
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