🌄 Once in a Lifetime: The Road Trip You Have to Do Before You Die – Icefields Parkway, Canada
✨ Why This Road Trip Belongs on Your Bucket List
I’ve watched endless videos, saved countless photos, read every story I could find – but nothing compares to the real feeling of driving the Icefields Parkway in your campervan: snow-covered mountains ahead, turquoise lakes, massive glaciers all around you. Obviously I had to go.
🛣️ My Highlight: Wildlife Encounters & Secret Spots
One of my favourite moment was off the Pathway a road leading of the Pathway on to Maligne Lake Road: out of nowhere, there was a bear (we only saw him cause 10 other cars stopped here :D) and later there was not one but two elk right by the roadside, we saw a baby elk and and a baby eagle. We had so much fun we road the same road twice in a day, absolut worth it.
We stopped at heaps of random spot where no one else was around, and there's not a single spot which is not worth stopping for along the Icefiled Pathway. Like each place is incredibly beautiful.
My personal tip? Beauty Creek Hike – a short trail that really surprised me. Hardly any people, just beautiful wild nature. Exactly what I love.
📝 My Tips for Planning Your Icefields Parkway Adventure
Before you hit the road:
- Discovery Pass: Check if you need it (right now: you don’t, as there's a special summer pass going on for 3 months).
- Campsites: Many campgrounds are first come, first served – others you’ll want to book in advance, especially if you want showers. In summer everything books out quickly. If you can't find a place at all, your highest changes would be Whistler Campground, they have over 700 Campsites.
- No Phone Signal: Download your maps offline & write down your must-see spots. There's no Phone Caverage at all, the online places you could use your phone is a Saskatchewan River Crossing, they have Wifi or at Whistler Campground and in Jasper.
- Best Time to Visit: I went in late May – it was perfect: fewer crowds but still accessible. In peak summer it can get really busy. With heaps of traffic and well people.
🌲 My Favourite Spots on the Icefields Parkway
- Beauty Creek: A beautiful, underrated trail. With an epic Waterfall.
- Northern Saskatchewan River: The big bend in the river is breathtaking – don’t miss it.
- Where to Camp: My favourite campgrounds were Kerkeslin and Honeymoon Lake – so peaceful and wild. Both First come, First serve.
⚠️ What I’d Do Differently Next Time
We wanted to do an overnight hike with the tent for over 2 days – but in May there’s still too much snow and we ended up doing Jaques Lake as most others weren't open yet. It was still really good. Another thing: in summer, many campgrounds are fully booked months in advance.
Extra tip: Lake Moraine is not part of the Icefield Pathways but as it's so close it's perfect to combine that trip. The Lake Moraine Shuttle also sells out fast – we were lucky to grab last-minute spots at 4 am to catch sunrise. Totally worth it! If you want a full on guide for Lake Moraine: READ THIS!
🌟 My Biggest Tip: Don’t Rush It
A lot of people rush the Parkway in just a day. Please don’t! Take your time. Stop often, do the little hikes, really soak in the views. Every stop is a new little adventure waiting for you. Make Picnics and enjoy as much as you can.
📌 Freebie: Your Icefields Parkway Cheatsheet
I made you a practical PDF:
- Campgrounds (first come, first served & with showers
- Backcountry campsites (early & late season
- Must-do hikes
- Practical Tips
- Must- See Spots
→ Download your free cheatsheet here!
✉️ Ready for Your Own Adventure?
Got questions or want to save my route? Check out my Pinterest for my Canada pin and more vanlife inspiration!
If you’re dreaming of this road trip: Do it! You’ll never regret it.
Happy travels,
Xenia ✨