Banff and Jasper are two of Canada’s most beautiful national parks and are popular tourist destinations. You might be wondering: Is it worth making the three-hour drive from Banff to Jasper? The answer is YES! The route has been named as Canada’s most spectacular road, and visitors driving on the Icefields Parkway are treated to incredible scenery, varied wildlife, and a stop at the Athabasca glacier.
Overview of Banff and Jasper National Parks
Banff and Jasper are part of the Canadian Rockies national parks system and are located in Alberta, Canada. Banff, the more popular of the two, is famous for its sparkling lakes, towering mountains, and forested hills. Jasper is known for its natural beauty and is a sanctuary for wildlife. Both parks offer visitors a range of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and skiing.
The Drive from Banff to Jasper
The drive from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is one of the most picturesque drives in North America. You will see snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and forests throughout the 450 km drive. Along the way, you can stop at iconic landmarks, including the Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake, and the Athabasca glacier.
The Columbia Icefields
The Columbia Icefields are one of the highlights of the drive from Banff to Jasper. The icefields, located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, are the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can experience the icefields in several ways, including hiking on the ice, taking a guided tour on an all-terrain vehicle, or walking on the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored viewing platform that overlooks the Sunwapta Valley.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is another must-see attraction along the Banff to Jasper drive. The glacier-fed lake has a striking turquoise color due to the minerals in the water. The viewpoint overlooking the lake offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Athabasca Glacier
The Athabasca glacier is the most-visited glacier in North America and a popular stop along the Icefields Parkway. You can take a guided tour to walk on the glacier and experience its beauty up close.
Wildlife along the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is also a haven for wildlife. Visitors can often spot bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats along the road. It is important to keep a safe distance from the wildlife and never feed them.
Camping and Lodging
Camping is one of the best ways to experience Banff and Jasper national parks. There are several campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway that offer scenic views and easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities. If camping is not your thing, there are several hotels, lodges, and resorts in Banff and Jasper that cater to different budgets and tastes.
The Verdict
In conclusion, the drive from Banff to Jasper is definitely worth it. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world, with stunning natural beauty at every turn. It’s a great way to experience the Canadian Rockies, and you will get to see glaciers, lakes, forests, and wildlife all in one trip. Whether you are an avid hiker or just want to enjoy the scenery from the car, the drive from Banff to Jasper is a must-do experience. Plan your trip today and experience the natural beauty of Banff and Jasper national parks.
FAQ
Is the Icefields Parkway scary to drive?
The Icefields Parkway is known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks through the Canadian Rockies. However, some people may wonder if the route is safe and if it’s scary to drive.
Overall, the Icefields Parkway is considered a safe and well-maintained highway. The road is paved and there are plenty of signs and markers to help guide drivers. Additionally, there are many pullouts and viewpoints along the way, allowing drivers to safely stop and take in the breathtaking views.
That being said, it’s important to note that the conditions on the Icefields Parkway can vary depending on the time of year. In the summer months, the road is fairly mild and warm, and driving is generally easy. However, in the winter, the road can become very icy and treacherous, making for hazardous conditions. It’s recommended that visitors use caution when driving on the parkway during the winter season.
In terms of the actual driving experience, the Icefields Parkway can be a bit intimidating for some drivers due to its winding roads, steep inclines, and occasional sharp turns. However, these features are what make the drive so stunning and memorable. It’s important to obey the speed limits and pay attention to your surroundings while driving.
While the Icefields Parkway can be a challenge in some ways, it’s largely considered a safe and rewarding experience for drivers. With stunning vistas around every bend, the drive is a must-do for any road trip through the Canadian Rockies.
What is the scary road in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is one of the most majestic and beautiful places in the United States. Located in Montana, it is famous for its stunning mountains, vast wilderness, and crystal-clear lakes. One of the most iconic attractions in the area is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a must-do for anyone visiting Glacier National Park.
However, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is also infamous for being a scary road. It’s a narrow and winding road that hugs the mountainside and crosses dizzying heights. The road is so narrow that in some places, it’s impossible for two cars to pass each other without slowing down or even stopping. The road has few guardrails and, during the winter, the slopes are too steep, making it impossible to clear snow, which leads to avalanches.
But despite its challenges, driving on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The road offers breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and alpine meadows. It also goes past some of the most popular attractions in the park, such as St. Mary Lake, Logan Pass, and the Weeping Wall.
Moreover, to ensure the safety of visitors, there are strict speed limits and restricted vehicle lengths on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet are prohibited, and the speed limit is set at 40 mph or below, depending on the road’s condition and location.
While the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park may be a bit intimidating for some, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. The road offers incredible scenery and adventure, and the reward for those who dare to drive its winding path is a memory that will last a lifetime.
Is drive to Glacier Point scary?
The drive to Glacier Point can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for some, but for others, it can be a scary and nerve-wracking journey, especially for those who are not used to driving on mountainous roads. Glacier Point Road is a winding, narrow road with steep drop-offs and switchbacks that lead you up to an elevation of over 7,000 feet.
The drive does offer spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the road can also be intimidating to some due to its treacherous curves and sharp turns. The road is well maintained and paved, but this does little to alleviate the sense of danger that some people feel.
The drive to Glacier Point can be especially scary for those who are not experienced in driving on steep mountain roads. The high elevation and thin air can make it challenging to breathe for some, while the winding curves of the road can cause motion sickness or vertigo in others.
It is important to note, however, that the drive is generally considered safe as long as you follow the posted speed limits and safety protocols designed to keep vehicles on the road. Moreover, there are abundant lookout points along the way that allow you to stop and take a break if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
While the drive to Glacier Point can certainly be scary for some, it is important to remember that it is a well-traveled road with safe infrastructure and guidelines. If you are considering the drive and are nervous, it may be helpful to take it slow, stop often, and take advantage of the many viewpoints along the route to make the most out of your experience.
