Icefields Parkway Day Trip by Luxury Vehicle

Your first major stop reveals Crowfoot Glacier clinging to the mountainside above Bow Lake. The glacier once had three distinct toes resembling a crow's foot, though climate change has reduced it to two. It is a dramatic introduction to the ancient ice you will encounter throughout the drive. A quick 5-minute stop from the roadside viewpoint.

Photography tip: Best in morning light when the glacier face is fully illuminated. Use a telephoto lens to capture the glacier's texture against the dark rock.

Fed by the Bow Glacier, this stunning lake offers a quieter alternative to the more famous Lake Louise. The historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge sits on its shore, one of the most photographed lodges in the Canadian Rockies. Walk along the lakeshore for reflections of Bow Peak and Crowfoot Mountain in the still morning water.

Photography tip: Arrive before 10 AM for mirror-like reflections. The red roof of Num-Ti-Jah Lodge provides a perfect foreground element.

The only services between Lake Louise and Jasper. This is a practical stop for fuel, food, and restrooms. The Crossing Resort offers a cafeteria-style restaurant and a small gift shop. It is also where the North Saskatchewan, Howse, and Mistaya Rivers converge, creating a wide, braided river valley that is stunning in its own right.

Photography tip: Walk behind the gas station for a sweeping view of the river confluence and the Howse Peak massif.

A powerful waterfall where the Sunwapta River plunges into a narrow limestone canyon. The 600-metre walk from the parking area to the falls is flat and easy, making this an accessible stop for all fitness levels. The lower falls, a further 1.3 km walk, are less crowded and equally impressive.

Photography tip: Use a slow shutter speed (1/4 second or longer with a tripod) to create a silky water effect. The canyon walls frame the falls beautifully.

The most powerful waterfall in the Canadian Rockies. The entire Athabasca River funnels through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous display of raw power. Multiple viewing platforms and a short loop trail offer different perspectives. This is your last major stop before reaching Jasper, roughly 30 km further north.

Photography tip: The spray creates constant rainbows in afternoon sun. Bring a lens cloth. The carved potholes in the rock below the falls are fascinating geological features worth capturing.