The BEST Icefields Parkway Hotels
Stay at one of these Icefields Parkway hotels for tremendous access to Canada’s most famous stretch of scenic highway. The hotels, lodges, cabins, and hostels along the Icefields Parkway can all cater to any type of traveler.
We love staying along the parkway, as it’s a very relaxed experience no matter where you stay. Although the scenic road is incredibly popular during the day, it enjoys quiet mornings and evenings. The lodging here also provides tremendous access for those after an adventure in either Jasper or Banff.
It should be noted that many of the hotels along the Parkway close for the winter. The accommodation options along the Icefields Parkway that are open in the winter are Alpine Village Cabin Resort Jasper, The Lodge At Bow Lake, and a few hostels.
Looking for what to do on the Icefields Parkway? See our full guide!
The Best Icefields Parkway Hotels
Alpine Village Cabin Resort Jasper
This attractive bunch of cabins just outside Jasper is the first stop for a hotel along the Icefields Parkways. Set on the Athabasca River, they feel far from civilization but are only a few minute’s drive from the center of town. The cabins in Jasper provide the quintessential Canadian log cabin experience.
Whether you are a luxurious chalet or a charming heritage log cabin, you will get a wood-burning fireplace, the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. The cabins also include a small kitchenette and dining space, which is excellent for self-cater users. We always appreciate kitchens for breakfast and to make sandwiches for our adventures in the mountains.
The grounds around the property are charming and spacious, as the 56 cabins are set on 11 acres. It’s a nice layout, and every cabin is a short walk to the edge of the Athabasca River, where you can see the stunning Mount Edith Cavell and Tekarra Mountain in the distance. As it’s set along the river, the property is frequented by wildlife, including elk, black bears, and even grizzly bears.
We suggest booking well in advance if you want an extended stay as the cabins are very popular.
- Address — Athabasca Road, AB-93A
- Book Directly — Alpine Village
If are driving the Icefields Parkway, consider buying the Gypsy Guide Narrative Tour!
Becker’s Chalets
Becker’s Chalets are not much further past the Alpine Village and offer a similar experience, but have a wider range of rooms. The property dates back to the 1940s and has grown from 42 to 118 chalets over 50 years. The range of accommodation options, 23 room types, allows them to cater to more travelers.
They have everything from one-bedroom rooms to multiple-bedroom chalets and a log cabin that can hold up to 10 people. Most chalets have full kitchens and fireplaces but provide kitchen-less and wheelchair-accessible ones. There are a handful of chalets by the Athabasca River, which offers mountain views.
The rooms here are a bit more dated, and the amenities vary across their room types compared to the Alpine Village Resort above. They’re a little further down the Icefields Parkway but a 10-minute drive to Jasper and town amenities. Becker’s Chalets is another great option for staying along the Icefields Parkway.
- Address — (GPS)
- Book Directly — Becker’s Chalets
HI Athabasca Falls Wilderness Hostel
Hosteling International Canada operates several basic hostels along the Icefields Parkway, providing affordable accommodation for those looking to explore the Canadian Rockies. It’s a stretch to call most of their lodging options a hotel as they’re very rustic with basic amenities, and many hostels don’t even have hot water.
The Athabasca Falls Hostel is set in a wonderful location along the Icefields Parkway and offers basic amenities. The hostel has two dorm rooms and two private family rooms for booking. A stay in one of the wilderness hostels feels more like camping with a large shared kitchen, lounge, and communal areas.
There are no showers or flush toilets, but they provide linens and a well-stocked kitchen. However, the location and affordable prices more than makeup for the lack of amenities. The HI Wilderness Hostels along the parkway make for a great adventure base.
- Address — (GPS)
- Booking.com — HI Athabasca Falls Wilderness Hostel
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
Cozy, comfortable, and a great location is what we have to say about the Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge. It’s off the Icefields Parkway at Sunwapta Falls, just a 40-minute drive from Jasper. It’s far enough away to feel a true sense of wilderness but still visit town.
You can choose from cabin or lodge-style rooms and several bed layouts that work for families. The cabins have a very small kitchenette and wood-burning fireplace. While not quite as nice as the cabins above, they’re still comfortable.
There’s also a restaurant on-site, should you want to not venture too far for dinner. The staff is pleasant here, and the food is a nice surprise, given its location. The lodge at Sunwapta Falls is always a reliable choice along the Icefields Parkway, even if it doesn’t wow.
- Address — (GPS)
- Booking.com — Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
- Hotels.com — Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel
Another hostel from Hosteling International Canada, Beauty Creek, is ideally set on the Sunwapta River. It’s far from their most popular location, as the area has limited hiking, mountaineering, and climbing options. It still provides a great wilderness setting with a campfire in an area frequented by wildlife.
The hostel lacks amenities, electricity, hot water, or flush toilets. It has a small communal area, kitchen, and two dorm rooms with bunk beds. It’s an affordable spot to stay along the Icefields Parkway.
- Address — (GPS)
- Book Directly — HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel
Glacier View Lodge
One of the most alluring aspects of Glacier View Lodge is its location at the Glacier Discovery Center. Sitting right on the Jasper/Banff border, you’re unlikely to find a better view from a hotel unless you’re sitting atop Mount Athabasca. Glacier View Lodge is the most luxurious and upscale of the few Icefield Parkway hotels.
Perched on the edge of the stunning Athabasca Glacier, guests are treated to panoramic views of ice-capped peaks, sprawling glaciers, and the serene wilderness that defines the region. The lodge provides a front-row seat to the ever-changing landscapes, offering an unparalleled connection to nature. The rooms are comfortable and modern and have some phenomenal views.
All guests can access those beautiful glacier views from the Moraine Lounge, which has the most enchanting floor-to-ceiling windows. Wake up for sunrise here, and you may be some of the first of the day to see the beautiful morning colors over Athabasca Glacier.
- Address — (GPS)
- Booking.com — Glacier View Lodge
- Hotels.com — Glacier View Lodge
Glacier View Lodge Review: The Best Icefields Parkway Hotel? (Jasper)
HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel
The Rampart Creek Hostel is just north of the Saskatchewan River Crossing. It is an ideal location for climbers or those who want to hike along the Icefields Parkway, with a trail network that starts from the hostel. The hostel also has bolted sport-climbing routes that are a five-minute walk away.
The hostel consists of several cabins with a communal kitchen and lounge in one. Other cabins on the property have six-bed dorm rooms. Like other hostels along the Icefields Parkway, there are no showers, and toilets are an outhouse.
- Address — (GPS)
- Booking.com — HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel
The Crossing Resort
The only place on the Icefields Parkway we can’t totally endorse, but it does have a nice location along the parkway. It’s also the only service station along the Icefields Parkway, although the gas and any food or drink in the station are exorbitantly overpriced.
It’s motel-style accommodation with very nice summer grounds that are enjoyable from every room’s patios. Rooms are comfortable but a little dated and tired for the room rates they receive in the summer. It’s a reliable stay, and we wouldn’t dissuade anyone from booking a night here, but it wouldn’t be our first choice.
- Address — (GPS)
- Booking.com — The Crossing Resort
The Lodge At Bow Lake
The Lodge At Bow Lake is an incredible lodge at Bow Lake in a historic building started by one of the pioneers of tourism in the Canadian Rockies. Under the new ownership, the Num-Ti-Jah-Lodge underwent some much-needed renovation and reopened as the Lodge at Bow Lake. It now offers an elevated lodge experience along the Icefields Parkway.
The lodge aims to pay homage to its founder, Jimmy Simpson, and provide luxurious accommodation for intrepid mountain explorers. The Elkhorn Dining Room serves fine dining and superb food to help nourish weary travelers after a day out exploring the mountains.
Bow Lake is one of our favorite lakes along the parkway, and it has some stunning opportunities for climbing, hiking, mountaineering, and skiing in the winter. Photographers will love Bow Lake as it’s easy to catch morning and evening light at one of Banff’s best photography spots.
- Address — (GPS)
- Book Direct— The Lodge At Bow Lake
Mosquito Creek Hostel
The last accommodation option on the Icefield Parkway is another hostel from Hosteling International Canada. It’s a classic one from the group of hostels as it provides easy access to Mosquito Creek a popular route for mountaineers and climbers. The small hostel has two private family rooms and one dorm room with 12 beds.
Similar to their other hostels along the parkway they have a communal kitchen, no showers, and long drop toilets. It’s 20 minutes away from Lake Louise, so if you’re looking for a deal with quick access to Banff’s most popular sites, it’s a good option. However, Hosteling International also has a hostel in Lake Louise village with a suite of amenities which includes power, showers, and even laundry facilities.
- Address — (GPS)
- Booking.com — Mosquito Creek Hostel
Stay in Lake Louise
Once you get to Lake Louise, there are quite a few accommodation options ranging in price point. Though there is only one place to stay actually on the lake. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the only lakeside property, and it just so happens to be one of the most sought-after places to stay in Banff and conventionally the most expensive. You pay for the location here! Read our full review of the Chateau here.
Our recommendations for the best place to stay in Lake Louise in the summer
There are a few other Lake Louise hotels in the area, but most visitors might choose to stay in Banff as there are more options. You can read more by clicking the buttons below.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is the Banff Gondola – a must do experience!
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- We can help you plan your 2025 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll personally go over your itinerary, hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, or create a bespoke itinerary just for you! See our services here.
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