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19 Best Stops on the Jasper to Lake Louise Drive
Planning to drive from Jasper to Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada? The drive between Jasper and Lake Louise, called the Icefields Parkway, is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
The snow-capped mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies provide incredible scenery all along the Icefields Parkway drive.
You will come across many rushing waterfalls, rivers, and wildlife on this route. The thousands of years old Athabasca Glacier is a wonder to experience.
I recently did this trip from Jasper to Lake Louise, and we devoted a whole day to the journey. That gave us enough time to experience all the amazing things on this route.
✅ I recommend this guided tour between Jasper and Lake Louise
Distance from Jasper to Lake Louise
The total driving distance between the towns of Jasper and Lake Louise is around 233 kilometers (143 miles).
AB-93 is the only highway that connects them.
Travel Time from Jasper to Lake Louise
It takes around 3 hours to travel from Jasper to Lake Louise without any stops.
But it is worth making several stops along the way. On this route there are amazing waterfalls to explore, and lookout points.
You will also pass the Athabasca glacier, and it’s incredible to take a tour to walk on the glacier.
If you are traveling via this route for the first time, I recommend planning a whole day for this route.
Leave early in the day from Jasper so that you can explore all the incredible stops on this route.
Ways to Travel From Jasper to Lake Louise
There are several ways to travel from Jasper to Lake Louise such as rental cars, campervans or RVs, bus/shuttle, private transfers, and guided tours.
Depending on your budget and needs, you can have a great journey in any of them.
An important factor in which mode of transport you should use, is if you just want to go from Point A to Point B, or if you want to do some sightseeing along the way.
If you just want to travel from Jasper to Lake Louise then a rental car, shuttle or private transfer are good options.
But if you want to explore the route and make stops, go hiking and experience the Athabasca Glacier, then a rental car or guided tour are better options.
Driving from Jasper to Lake Louise (Via Rental Car or RV)
Driving from Jasper to Lake Louise is the most popular way to travel and allows the most flexibility.
Driving on the Icefields Parkway and making all the amazing stops is a must do in any itinerary for Banff and Jasper National Parks.
With a car, you can stop whenever you want and admire the amazing scenery and explore the various waterfalls, hikes, and lookout points.
Plus you can stop if you spot any wildlife, too!
You can rent a car in Jasper for this journey.
Make sure you fill up on gas in Jasper, as there is only one gas station on Icefields parkway drive at Saskatchewan Crossing, and the gas there is more expensive than at Jasper or Lake Louise.
Start early in the day in Jasper (like around 7-8 AM). This will allow you enough time to explore the various lookout points.
Jasper to Lake Louise via RV
Renting an RV or campervan is also a good option to drive from Jasper to Lake Louise.
Most parking lots on Icefields parkway have designated spots for RV parking.
The road is also quite wide with enough shoulder on the side to stop if you need to along the way for lookouts.
Only some hilly bends might not have enough shoulder to pull an RV to the side, but otherwise this drive is very RV-friendly.
Looking to rent an RV? I recommend this company!
Jasper to Lake Louise via Shuttle or Private Transfer
If you just want to go from Jasper to Lake Louise without renting a car, and are not interested in sightseeing along the way, then booking a shuttle or private transfer is a great option for you.
These shared or private transfers are a comfortable way to reach Lake Louise and they pick up from several hotels in Jasper.
This drive usually takes around 4 hours. There will be one or two stops along the way for using the restrooms and grabbing quick snacks or drinks.
Using a shuttle is also a good option in the winter months instead of driving yourself if you do not have experience driving in winter conditions as the roads can be icy.
✅ I recommend this shuttle between Jasper and Lake Louise
Jasper to Lake Louise by Guided Tour
If you want to do sightseeing along Icefields Parkway, but would like someone else to handle the driving, then booking a guided tour is the way to go.
Guided tours will stop at the best popular stops on Icefields parkway.
Most guided tours include a 3-4 hour stop to visit the Columbia Icefields Glacier. This is the most popular activity on Icefields parkway and the guided tour price will include the ticket for the Columbia Icefields excursion and the Columbia Skywalk.
✅ I recommend this guided tour between Jasper and Lake Louise
19 Things to Do Between Jasper and Lake Louise
The drive between Jasper and Lake Louise is incredibly beautiful and there are many amazing stops on Icefields Parkway to explore.
Even though the car ride is around 3 hours, you should plan for a full day for this drive if this is your first time on this route.
Jasper National Park and Lake Louise also have great natural scenery to experience.
Things to Do in Jasper National Park
Before starting your journey from Jasper to Lake Louise, make sure to spend a couple of nights in Jasper to experience all that Jasper National Park to offer.
Jasper is home to many picturesque lakes and mountain ranges.
Lake Maligne is very popular. There is a cruise boat that takes you to Spirit Island.
Maligne Canyon is an interesting limestone canyon with waterfalls and several hiking trails. During winter you can even walk inside the frozen canyon!
Take the Jasper Skytram to the top of the Whistler mountain for some amazing views of Jasper town and beyond.
North of Jasper is Miette hot springs where you can rejuvenate by soaking in the mineral rich waters.
Things to Do on Icefields Parkway Drive
The Icefields Parkway drive from Jasper to Lake Louise is the true Canadian Rockies experience with its snow-capped mountains and jaw-dropping scenery.
There are many viewpoints on this route and there are free parking lots at all of them to stop and explore.
Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls are incredible waterfalls just a few miles south of Jasper. The waterfalls can be viewed just a few steps from the parking lot.
There are short hikes here that you can explore to see the falls from various viewpoints.
The most popular stop between Jasper and Lake Louise is the Columbia Icefields Glacier Tour. This tour takes around 3 hours and you can do it with or without the Columbia Skywalk experience.
The tour takes you to the Athabasca Glacier in a special Ice Explorer vehicle which is an adventure in itself.
You get around 20 minutes to walk on the glacier which is a bucket list experience!
✅ I recommend this tour of the Athabasca Glacier
Saskatchewan river crossing is an important stop between Jasper and Lake Louise, as there is a gas station here. It also has a café and restrooms.
This is the only gas station on Icefields parkway and gas is expensive here.
Some other vista points on this route are Weeping wall, Waterfowl Lake, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier.
All of these except Peyto Lake can be viewed from the parking lot itself, and not much walking is required.
Peyto Lake vista point can be reached by a short hike. The view is spectacular!
Wildlife Spotting on Icefields Parkway
There is abundant wildlife in the wilderness between Jasper and Lake Louise, and there is a very high chance you might spot some.
In fact, if you see a car pulled to the side of the road there is a very high chance that they must have spotted some wildlife.
You might see bears, caribou, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose and many more.
Keep your distance from wildlife and observe from your vehicle for safety.
Things to Do in Lake Louise
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the most popular lakes in the Canadian Rockies. The alpine blue Lake Louise surrounded by the mountain ranges is a sight to see! It’s a popular place to kayak in the summer.
The Fairmont Chateau at the edge of Lake Louise looks like a page straight from a fairy tale.
There are several hikes here to explore.
The Lakeshore trail is easy and the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike is a more challenging one.
Canoeing is another popular activity at Lake Louise.
If you are visiting Lake Louise in the summer months, make sure to visit the nearby Lake Moraine, which is a 20 minutes drive from Lake Louise.
The road to Lake Moraine is closed during the winter season and opens sometime in late May or early June, depending on the snow that year.
Lake Moraine is very beautiful with the surrounding 10 mountain peaks. Hiking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are some of the best recreational activities at Lake Moraine.
Jasper to Lake Louise Travel Tips
Below are some important tips and travel information you should know before your drive from Jasper to Lake Louise.
Park Entrance Permit
To travel from Jasper to Lake Louise, you will travel on the Icefields Parkway which is part of Banff National Park. You will need an entrance permit to drive on this route.
You can buy the pass at the entrance gate to Banff National park.
You can buy a day pass or an annual pass.
If you are going to be in Banff and Jasper National Park for more than a couple of days, purchasing the Discovery Annual pass is a better deal than day passes, as it is good for a year for up to 7 people in a vehicle.
Facilities on Icefields Parkway Drive
There are very few facilities on the route from Jasper to Lake Louise. The main stops with food options and restrooms are Columbia Icefields Visitor Center and Saskatchewan river crossing.
They both have restaurants onsite. Columbia Icefields even has a Starbucks!
There is a gas station at Saskatchewan river crossing.
Cell phone coverage is very minimal or non-existent, and not reliable. It is best to download offline maps before you start on this route.
There is just one main road so it’s hard to get lost though while driving!
Lodging Between Jasper and Lake Louise
There are several accommodation options on the route from Jasper to Lake Louise ranging from hotels to budget hostels.
There are several campgrounds as well.
The Lodge at Bow Lake is at Bow Lake on Icefields Parkway, with views of Bow Lake. The Glacier View Lodge is near the Columbia Icefields Discovery center and has views of the Athabasca glacier.
Best Time to Travel from Jasper to Lake Louise
Although the road between Jasper and Lake Louise is open year-round, summer months between May and October are the best and safest times to travel on this route.
At this time the roads are clear of snow, the lakes are not frozen and are a beautiful turquoise blue color, and most hikes can be safely done.
Road Conditions During Winter on the Jasper to Lake Louise Drive
Just like with any wintertime driving in Canada, you have to be extra careful about driving on Icefields Parkway during the winter.
Make sure you have a higher clearance vehicle and have all the necessary survival equipment in case you get stuck in a snowstorm.
The road is open year-round but it can be closed if there are avalanches or winter storms.
Lake Louise to Banff Town
If you are traveling from Jasper to Lake Louise, make sure to extend your trip to Banff.
Banff is only 40 minutes drive from Lake Louise and is a natural next stop on this route.
Lake Louise is closer to Banff than Jasper. Lake Louise is 3 hours drive from Jasper and only 40 minutes drive from Banff.
Banff is an incredible and very popular tourist destination and there are many amazing things to do in Banff.
The Banff Gondola, Banff hot springs, and Lake Minnewanka cruise are the most popular things to do here.
Where to Stay in Lake Louise
In Lake Louise, the most ideal and luxurious place to stay is at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It can be very expensive though in peak summer months.
An advantage of staying at the Fairmont is that you do not have to worry about parking at Lake Louise as the hotel is right at the lake and has a dedicated parking lot for hotel guests.
Lake Louise Inn in the village is more budget-friendly and a convenient place to stay.
It has several restaurants on-site including a pizzeria.
In Conclusion: Jasper to Lake Louise Drive
Jasper to Lake Louise drive via Icefields Parkway is a memorable bucket list drive.
If you are traveling on this route for the first time, I would recommend you plan a full day for this journey so you can experience the sights along the way.
Start early in Jasper, and stop at the amazing waterfalls and lookout points. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sighting. Don’t miss out on experiencing the Columbia Icefields Glacier tour.
I hope this post helps you plan your route and make great memories.
FAQs
Where should I stop between Jasper and Lake Louise?
- Lake Maligne
- Maligne Canyon
- Jasper Skytram
- Whistler Mountain
- Miette Hot Springs
- Athabasca Falls
- Sunwapta Falls
- Columbia Icefields Flacier Tour
- Columbia Skywalk
- Saskatchewan River Crossing
- Weeping Wall
- Waterfowl Lake
- Peyto Lake
- Bow Lake
- Crowfoot Glacier
- Wildlife Spotting
- Hike the Lakeshore Trail
- Lake Agnes Teahouse
- Lake Moraine
Do you have to pay to drive the Icefields Parkway?
No, you don’t have to pay to drive the Icefields Parkway. It is completely free to drive this route. However, you will need to buy a permit in order to stop along the parkway to do things in Banff National Park.
Is Lake Louise close to Banff or Jasper?
Lake Louise is closer to Banff than it is to Jasper. Lake Louse is 231km from Jasper, about a 3 hour drive. Lake Louise is 57km from Banff, which is about a 30 minute drive. There are many things to do along both routes that make the drive well worth it.
Anu Agarwal, creator and author of travel blog Destination Checkoff
Anu, a California resident, loves to vacation with her family to destinations all over the world. She is obsessed with doing endless research for her trips. She has been to several destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, and India.
With her blog, Anu is excited to share her destination itineraries and travel guides, and help you check those dream destinations off your list!
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
