Touring the Icefields Parkway
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Icefields Parkway Region, Alberta.
Stretching 230 km (140 mi), the Icefields Parkway (or Highway 93) traverses the majestic Rockies and travels through some of Canada’s most beautiful national parks—Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. The highway parallels the Continental Divide and offers visitors stunning views of the unique Canadian landscape as well as a host of both winter and summer tours and activities that range from llama treks to helicopter tours.
WHEN TO GO
Though it is possible to travel this region year round, travel is recommended during the months of May to October since Canadian weather is notorious for its rapid changes that can often lead to highway closures in this part of the country. To ensure all travellers can experience what the region has to offer, visitors should plan to travel between late spring and early fall.
WHAT TO BRING
Layers are key when it comes to visiting any Canadian destination. If visiting in cooler months, visitors should pack warm outdoor gear, waterproof boots, mittens and, of course, the quintessential Canadian headgear—the toque. Those planning on skiing may want to bring their own gear rather than renting. For visits in summer months, shorts and t-shirts are great but it is wise to also pack warmer layers just in case the temperature drops.
SNOW & ICE
Of course, most visitors head to the Icefields Parkway Region to see the monumental Columbia Icefield—one of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Tourists can explore more than 325 sq km (125 sq mi) of ice with one of the many tour companies in the area, such as the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience, which gives visitors a solid 80-minute tour of this amazing attraction.
To get a bird’s eye view of this stunning natural landmark, a host of helicopter tours are offered from a number of businesses in the region. Visitors can try Icefield Helicopter Tours or Tailwater Drifters, both of which specialize in aerial views of the Columbia Icefield.
Those who cannot get enough of the ice can take the adventure a step further with a little ice climbing. Two nearby operations, the Centre for Outdoor Education and Custom Outdoor Experience, offer courses in ice climbing and mountain skills. For something a little less intense, cross country skiing and telemarking lessons from beginner to advanced are also provided by various local businesses. Accomplished cross country skiers can forgo a lesson and get straight down to silently sliding through the snow on one of the nearby cross country trails, like the Rose Creek Cross Country Ski Area.
For an activity that is sure to please the kids, and probably the adults too, dog sled tours get tourists up close and personal with furry tour guides. Visitors can sit back and admire the view from the sled as a team of dogs pulls the sled through the snow, or more take-charge guests can learn how to mush their very own dog sleds. Either way it’s guaranteed to be a lot of fun.
SUMMER FUN
The Icefields Parkway Region is known for it’s amazing glacier tours and winter activities but it is also a tourist hub in the summer season. Those who enjoy the great outdoors will find a huge selection of summer tours and activities available in the area.
Avid golfers will be pleased to know that even this rugged part of Alberta offers two golf courses where they can enjoy the views as well as challenging rounds of golf. The Nordegg Historic Golf Course, constructed in 1916, features nine holes and is backed by a spectacular view of the mountains, while Pine Hills Golf Club offers the more committed golfers a full 18 holes of golf.
If communing with nature is a must, there are a host of warm-weather activities from eco-sensitive tours to hiking available. Those who prefer to head out on their own backcountry adventure can check out the trail information to find a hike that suits their expertise. Summer camps are a great option for the kids and the Goldeye Centre and Frontier Lodge offer mini mountaineers a range of kid-friendly outdoor experiences.
Guests can also explore the rugged Icefields Parkway countryside on horseback if they are so inclined. More than ten tour operators offer trail rides and pack trips in the area and guest ranches in the area give city-slickers the chance to experience the cowboy lifestyle. Those staying at the Ride the Wind Ranch can expect to herd cattle, ride the trails and work towards earning their Cowgirls and Cowboys Certificate.
Visitors will find that the lakes in the region offer water-based activities like canoeing and—for the very hardy—scuba diving. Alberta Dive Buddy provides serious divers with a list of buddies willing to go diving in the frigid waters of Alberta’s chilly lakes.
Of course, hunting, fishing and biking are some of the other tours and activities offered in this region during summer months.
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing tours can be a great way to pack seeing a lot of attractions into a small amount of time. The Icefields Parkway Region has a variety of tours and tour operators to choose from depending on one’s preference. The more active person may opt for a guided walking tour while those short on time might prefer to book a motorcoach or van tour. SunDog Tours helps visitors get to the most picturesque and beautiful spots for photos by way of personalized luxury vehicles, which are equipped with large viewing windows so guests won’t miss a thing.
SPECIALTY TOURS
For something a little more unique, a variety of specialty tours are available in the Icefields Parkway Region. Visitors looking for an unusual experience or a different take on the area can choose from activities like cave tours, all-terrain tours and rail tours. For a more unusual mountain adventure, the WildHorse Camp focuses on spiritual growth and real life change, and guests can experience a traditional sweatlodge and also teepee living.
Whether it’s exploring the glaciers or hiking the backcountry, the Icefields Parkway Region definitely has a tour or activity for everyone.
WHEN TO GO
Though it is possible to travel this region year round, travel is recommended during the months of May to October since Canadian weather is notorious for its rapid changes that can often lead to highway closures in this part of the country. To ensure all travellers can experience what the region has to offer, visitors should plan to travel between late spring and early fall.
WHAT TO BRING
Layers are key when it comes to visiting any Canadian destination. If visiting in cooler months, visitors should pack warm outdoor gear, waterproof boots, mittens and, of course, the quintessential Canadian headgear—the toque. Those planning on skiing may want to bring their own gear rather than renting. For visits in summer months, shorts and t-shirts are great but it is wise to also pack warmer layers just in case the temperature drops.
SNOW & ICE
Of course, most visitors head to the Icefields Parkway Region to see the monumental Columbia Icefield—one of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Tourists can explore more than 325 sq km (125 sq mi) of ice with one of the many tour companies in the area, such as the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience, which gives visitors a solid 80-minute tour of this amazing attraction.
To get a bird’s eye view of this stunning natural landmark, a host of helicopter tours are offered from a number of businesses in the region. Visitors can try Icefield Helicopter Tours or Tailwater Drifters, both of which specialize in aerial views of the Columbia Icefield.
Those who cannot get enough of the ice can take the adventure a step further with a little ice climbing. Two nearby operations, the Centre for Outdoor Education and Custom Outdoor Experience, offer courses in ice climbing and mountain skills. For something a little less intense, cross country skiing and telemarking lessons from beginner to advanced are also provided by various local businesses. Accomplished cross country skiers can forgo a lesson and get straight down to silently sliding through the snow on one of the nearby cross country trails, like the Rose Creek Cross Country Ski Area.
For an activity that is sure to please the kids, and probably the adults too, dog sled tours get tourists up close and personal with furry tour guides. Visitors can sit back and admire the view from the sled as a team of dogs pulls the sled through the snow, or more take-charge guests can learn how to mush their very own dog sleds. Either way it’s guaranteed to be a lot of fun.
SUMMER FUN
The Icefields Parkway Region is known for it’s amazing glacier tours and winter activities but it is also a tourist hub in the summer season. Those who enjoy the great outdoors will find a huge selection of summer tours and activities available in the area.
Avid golfers will be pleased to know that even this rugged part of Alberta offers two golf courses where they can enjoy the views as well as challenging rounds of golf. The Nordegg Historic Golf Course, constructed in 1916, features nine holes and is backed by a spectacular view of the mountains, while Pine Hills Golf Club offers the more committed golfers a full 18 holes of golf.
If communing with nature is a must, there are a host of warm-weather activities from eco-sensitive tours to hiking available. Those who prefer to head out on their own backcountry adventure can check out the trail information to find a hike that suits their expertise. Summer camps are a great option for the kids and the Goldeye Centre and Frontier Lodge offer mini mountaineers a range of kid-friendly outdoor experiences.
Guests can also explore the rugged Icefields Parkway countryside on horseback if they are so inclined. More than ten tour operators offer trail rides and pack trips in the area and guest ranches in the area give city-slickers the chance to experience the cowboy lifestyle. Those staying at the Ride the Wind Ranch can expect to herd cattle, ride the trails and work towards earning their Cowgirls and Cowboys Certificate.
Visitors will find that the lakes in the region offer water-based activities like canoeing and—for the very hardy—scuba diving. Alberta Dive Buddy provides serious divers with a list of buddies willing to go diving in the frigid waters of Alberta’s chilly lakes.
Of course, hunting, fishing and biking are some of the other tours and activities offered in this region during summer months.
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing tours can be a great way to pack seeing a lot of attractions into a small amount of time. The Icefields Parkway Region has a variety of tours and tour operators to choose from depending on one’s preference. The more active person may opt for a guided walking tour while those short on time might prefer to book a motorcoach or van tour. SunDog Tours helps visitors get to the most picturesque and beautiful spots for photos by way of personalized luxury vehicles, which are equipped with large viewing windows so guests won’t miss a thing.
SPECIALTY TOURS
For something a little more unique, a variety of specialty tours are available in the Icefields Parkway Region. Visitors looking for an unusual experience or a different take on the area can choose from activities like cave tours, all-terrain tours and rail tours. For a more unusual mountain adventure, the WildHorse Camp focuses on spiritual growth and real life change, and guests can experience a traditional sweatlodge and also teepee living.
Whether it’s exploring the glaciers or hiking the backcountry, the Icefields Parkway Region definitely has a tour or activity for everyone.
Mountain Tour Company
Fly Fishing Guides
Professional Photography
Family Resort
