Travel & Explore

Icefields Parkway road trip: planning outline

By the Travel & Explore team · Last checked

On this page
  1. The route
  2. When to go
  3. Getting there and the car
  4. Driving there as a UK driver
  5. Before the Parkway day
  6. Before you book
  7. FAQs

This guide suits drivers who want a slow trip through the Canadian Rockies and are happy on a remote mountain road with few services. Parks Canada describes the Parkway as a remote roadway with limited services and no mobile coverage (Parks Canada). For the wider list of trips, see worldwide road trips.

The route

Parks Canada gives the Parkway as 232 km long. It connects Lake Louise in Banff National Park with the Jasper townsite in Jasper National Park (Parks Canada).

When to go

Many Parkway facilities are summer only. The Columbia Icefield Discovery and Information Centre is open May to September. The Lodge at Bow Lake operates May to October, and Sunwapta Falls Resort mid-May to mid-October. The Glacier Gallery is open mid-April to mid-October (Parks Canada).

Weather and road conditions can vary by season and even by hour (Parks Canada). Highways in Alberta are often closed because of snowstorms and avalanches (GOV.UK: Canada safety and security).

This is a non-winter outline. It is not a winter driving guide.

Getting there and the car

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP (GOV.UK: Canada safety and security). Check these before you book.

Airport transfers, vehicle collection and any return journey need their own arrangements. Ask the rental company to confirm the collection and return locations in writing. For more on hiring, see car hire for a road trip.

Driving there as a UK driver

GOV.UK says you need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. It also says you need your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate (GOV.UK: driving abroad).

GOV.UK says you might need an international driving permit (IDP) in some countries. For Canada, it says driving licence requirements may mean you need an IDP (GOV.UK: Canada safety and security). Check the current rules for your licence before you travel.

Before the Parkway day

Download the route and trip information before you lose mobile coverage, because the Parkway has no cell coverage (Parks Canada). See also the offline pack for road trips.

Check conditions on 511 Alberta before you set off. The service covers highway conditions, construction, road work and major incidents (Alberta.ca).

A park pass is required on the Parkway (Parks Canada).

Take extra care on country roads and watch for wild animals. GOV.UK advises you to take particular care where bears have been sighted (GOV.UK: Canada safety and security).

Before you book

  • Confirm the car's collection and return locations in writing.
  • Check the rental company's age, experience and licence rules.
  • Check your licence and whether you need an IDP.
  • Check which Parkway facilities are open on your dates, as many are summer only.
  • Check fuel stops and their opening times before you set off. The Parks Canada map shows fuel icons at four places.
  • Check 511 Alberta close to your departure date.
  • Use the driving abroad checklist to list your documents.

FAQs

Does the Icefields Parkway have mobile coverage?

No. Parks Canada says the Parkway has no cell coverage, so download your trip information before you travel.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Canada?

You might. GOV.UK says that, depending on driving licence requirements, you may need to get an IDP.

Where do I check road conditions before driving?

Use 511 Alberta. It covers highway conditions, construction and incidents, and Alberta advises checking it before you drive.

Do I need a park pass for the Parkway?

Yes. Parks Canada says a park pass is required on the Parkway.

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