Driving the Icefields Parkway in Winter: What To Know

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the entire world. While it’s a popular drive in the summer, we think it’s even more beautiful in the winter, as the colossal peaks are covered in a fresh blanket of snow. The Icefields Parkway is open in the winter, but there are still some things to know and precautions to take before you hop on Highway 93 North.

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Driving the Icefields Parkway in Winter

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Winter Driving Experience is Recommended

The Parkway is open year-round, but I wouldn’t recommend driving it in winter unless you have winter driving experience. Throughout the whole winter, the road stays consistently icy and snowy. If there has been significant snowfall recently, I would make sure to check the conditions and ensure you have a reliable 4×4 vehicle at the very least.

Highway 93 North isn’t plowed to the extent that other roads in Alberta are plowed, and it is generally not salted. There’s no cell phone reception to call for help, and it gets very, very, very cold in Alberta in the winter.

Being stranded can be life-or-death if you’re unprepared. Winter traffic is low compared to summer, so you could be waiting a bit until a passerby comes along. Have extra food, a safety kit, and extra jackets in your vehicle in case of an emergency, and it’s best to stay off the road at night. Remember that in the dead of winter, it’s only light out between 9am and 4:30pm, so plan accordingly. These are also similar to the time periods when the road gets plowed.

Keep up to date on 5.11 Alberta.

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You Need the Right Tires

Snow/winter tires are mandatory on the Icefields Parkway from November 1 to April 1. Snow tires have a snowflake or “M+S” symbol. If you’re driving in Alberta in the winter, your vehicle should have winter tires and an emergency kit in case you are stranded. It’s best to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Winter conditions last from late October/early November to April, but even September will see some snow in the Rockies.

Remember that just because you are renting a car in the winter does not mean the car is automatically equipped with the right tires. You’ll need to confirm with your car rental agency that your vehicle has winter or all-season tires. Winter tires are ideal because they grip ice better, but all-season tires are the bare minimum; they are marked M+S (Mud + Snow) on the tire.

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The Road Can Get Treacherous

During major snowstorms, the plows prioritize the Trans-Canada Highway. Eventually, they will make their way to clear the Icefields Parkway. This can sometimes be days after a big snowfall. When this happens, they will often shut the road completely. However, even if the road has been recently plowed, there will still be plenty of snow and ice that can make timid winter drivers even more nervous. If the weather is even remotely adverse, it’s best to stay clear of the Icefields Parkway.

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There’s No Cell Service

Don’t expect any cell service when driving the Icefields Parkway in the winter. You’ll lose cell service immediately after you enter the parkway in Lake Louise, and you won’t regain it until you are close to Jasper. If you plan to snowshoe, hike extensively, or ski tour, you should carry a Garmin InReach for emergencies.

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There are No Services

It’s not just cell service you’ll be lacking in the winter; you won’t get much for any service in general. There are no gas stations along the Parkway in the winter, so be sure to fill up in Lake Louise or Jasper. There are also no restaurants, no cafes, no tours, no hotels, no coffee shops – trust me – there’s nothing. Some of the parking areas aren’t even plowed. Pack your food and a thermos, and start this road trip with a full tank of gas and food!

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It’s Much Quieter Than Summer

Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the best things to do in Banff and Jasper in the summer. However come winter, and you won’t even find many cars on the road. Besides Peyto Lake, you will probably even find yourself alone at many of the recommended stops. It’s a wonderful feeling to be in the stillness of nature, so make sure to take it all in.

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The Best Places to Stop in the Winter

Driving the Icefields Parkway in the summer means endless stops, but driving it in the winter means more limitations. Not every sight is accessible, and some parking areas, such as at Herbert Lake, aren’t fully plowed. When driving in the witner we recommend stopping at:

• Bow Lake: 20 minute stop
• Peyto Lake: 45 minute stop
• Waterfowl Lakes: 10 minute stop
• Mistaya Canyon: 40 minute stop
• *Abraham Lake* Big detour if you’d like to ice skate
• Tangle Creek Falls: 10 minute stop
• Athabasca Falls: 20 minute stop
• Sunwapta Falls: 20 minute stop

Plan to start your drive early. Remember that the days are short and you’ll want time for all the stunning sights.

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Stay Along the Icefields Parkway in the Winter

Okay there is ONE really special place to stay along the parkway in the winter. On certain weekends in the winter, the beautiful Lodge at Bow Lake accepts reservations. This is a unique, fully catered lodge that is ideal for those who want to backcountry ski or cross-country ski along the Icefields Parkway.