Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway is one of the world’s greatest drives with breathtaking mountain scenery between Banff and Jasper national parks. A highlight of the region is the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field of its kind outside the poles. Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers to trek along, and the Glacier Sky Walk further north is a unique experience on a glass-floored observation platform 280 metres over the Sunwapta Valley.

The route can be done in about three hours but it’s far better to take your time and spend a day exploring some spectacular stop-offs on the way. The first stop of note outside Banff is Vermillion Lakes set against the backdrop of Mount Rundle. Next is Johnston Canyon with hiking trails to waterfalls, while further north lie the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most famous sights.

Further north, Bow Lake has great views of Crowfoot Mountain. Even more impressive is Peyto Lake, one of the most visited in the Canadian Rockies, best viewed from the 2,000-metre peak of Bow Summit.

Over the Saskatchewan River Crossing is the Weeping Wall, a 100-metre-high cliff face with several waterfalls. The next stop is the amazing Columbia Icefield and Glacier Sky Walk, where Banff and Jasper national parks meet. The last stops before Jasper are the beautiful Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls.