Icefields Parkway Region Bodies of Water

A major tributary of the Athabasca River, running from the Columbia Icefield through Jasper National Park and joining Athabasca River near Sunwapta Falls.

This 38 km (24 mi) long river begins at Peyto Lake and eventually merges with the North Saskatchewan River. A strong river, its waters have carved the Mistaya Canyon.

Formerly pictured on the back of the Canadian $20 bill, this emerald-green lake is set before a backdrop of sharp peaks. To the north is Mount Temple, the highest mountain in the Bow Range and third highest in Banff National Park. Visit the Parks Canada Information Bureau in the town of Banff or the Visitor Centre in Lake Louise for information about trails. Canoe rentals are also available at the lake. Moraine Lake can be accessed 12 km (7.5 mi) east from the Lake Louise access road.

Landslide Lake was so-called because it appears to have formed when a river was closed off by a landslide. However, a source has never been found. The region includes Whirlpool Ridge--a high piece of land that juts into the North Saskatchewan River Valley and causes the river to change directions.

Bow Lake is the source of the Bow River. Across the lake is part of a very large icefield covering an area of the Great Divide. The Bow Glacier extends from this field over the cliffs. The lake is located approximately 93 km (58 mi) north of Banff, just off Highway 93 North.

The Upper and Lower Waterfowl Lakes are located in the Mistaya River Valley and are popular stops along the Icefields Parkway drive. The Upper lake offers a lakeside viewpoint that also provides views of Howse Peak and Mount Chephren.

The highest point on the Icefields Parkway is Bow Summit, 2088 m above sea level. Here the road crosses alpine meadows near the source of the Bow River before dropping into the Mistaya Valley. From the lower parking area at Bow Summit, a short trail leads uphill to the Peyto Lake lookout. Bow Summit is located 190 km (118.75 mi) south of Jasper and 40 km (25 mi) north of Lake Louise.

Found off Highway 93, this lake area offers a trailhead popular for alpine ski tours in the park. The trail is about 8 km (5 mi) long and is also ideal for snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and cross country skiing.

This shimmering lake is accessed through the Chephren Lake trail near the Waterfowl Lakes campground. Bordered by a backdrop of mountains, the Mt Chephren glacier is visible from the lake’s shores. Lake Chephren is also an ideal site for wildlife viewing including moose and elk.

The beautiful green waters of Hector Lake spread below a fresh carpet of lush forest. While the southern part of the lake is forest-enclosed, the northern end is set hard against rugged mountains, which is typical of a lake formed in a glacial basin. View Mount Balfour and the Waputik Range to the southwest. The lake is located 214 km (133.75 mi) south of Jasper and 16 km (10 mi) north of Lake Louise.

Built west of the confluence of the North Saskatchewan and Bighorn rivers in 1972, the 91-m-high (300 ft) Bighorn hydroelectric dam contributed to the creation of the province's largest man-made lake, Lake Abraham. Access the area 28 km (17.5 mi) west of Nordegg.