Icefields Parkway

The 288 km drive between Jasper and Banff is some of the most scenic routes in Canada. The entire length is typically driven over the course of a day, with stopovers for sights and hikes in between.

We set off from Jasper just past 9am. The first stop was the Athabasca Falls, only 30 mins south of Jasper. Walkways crisscross various parts of the falls, while water mist fill the air. It’s probably good times for the plants here, since they are always well-nourished by the river.

One thing that’s really caught my eye is the amount of texture at this place. Layers of static rock features combine with hypnotizing currents of water form a cool juxtaposition. I was mesmerised for quite some time just standing there watching.

Alas, time is a finite resource and the objective (reach Lake Louise by the evening) is firm. So off the road we go.

We hit up Sunwapta Falls next, followed by the Athabasca Glacier. There are many viewpoints on the highway for you to spontaneously stop and admire. Some of the trails do offer a solid hike, such as the 4.5km Parker Ridge Trail. (We woke up late so didn’t have time this trip 😂, but you should check it out!)

You know these places that you’ve seen many pictures of but never know the name? Well, Peyto Lake Viewpoint is such a place. The mid-afternoon light was still harsh, so I would love to see the views here at golden hour. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic view and is not to be missed!

We arrived at Lake Louise just in time for dinner at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise. Mount Temple is looking really good under the now late-afternoon light. What a gorgeous scene. The only thing missing would be a CP locomotive on the tracks.

As the night sets in, we finally reached our home for the night – Storm Mountain Lodge. The cabin was nicely prepared and even the firewood was set up for easy ignition. We made some tea and watched as the last bits of light disappear over the Storm Mountain. There’s no storm here tonight, only calmness. Life’s good.