Lifestyle

6 must-see highlights along the Banff Icefields Parkway

Photo via @mydetoxtravel InstagramPhoto via @glennparryphoto InstagramPhoto via @ali.hicks InstagramPhoto via @cjtoby InstagramPhoto via @danschyk InstagramPhoto via @lauraszanto InstagramPhoto via @benwaugh Instagram

If you hadn’t noticed, our backyard is insanely pretty. We take it for granted that we live right next door to the mountains, so it’s time to spend some quality time out in the Rockies. Keep reading for 6 highlights you’ve just gotta see along the iconic Banff Ice Fields Parkway.

Bow Lake

bow lake banff
Bow Lake is one of the most scenic lakes along the Icefields Parkway, and all it takes to see it is you stopping along the side of the road. You’ll be able to gaze at the stunning Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Crowfoot Mountain, and Mount Thompson, too!

Bow Glacier Falls


You can snowshoe or ski this trail, but be warned that it’s avalanche terrain. It’ll take you 2-3 hours to conquer it, but it is definitely worth the struggle.

Tangle Falls

tangle falls banff icefields parkway
Tangle Falls is an ice climber’s paradise! Bring your gear and get climbing just steps from the road, and don’t forget to tag us in your pics (we already know they’re gonna be gorgeous).

Athabasca Falls

athabasca falls banff
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Athabasca Falls is an easy winter hike that even we can do, which is saying something. Enjoy mesmerizing ice formations and listen for the roar of water behind the ice– it’s a pretty cool sound, second only to the ice cream truck.

Saskatchewan Crossing Point

saskatchewan crossing point
Grab your boots or snowshoes and take a short ‘n’ easy 15-minute trek to see the best of the best of the Saskatchewan and Howse river valleys. There’s no elevation, which means those of us hiking-challenged folks can enjoy it, too!

Foot of the Athabasca Glacier

athabasca glacier banff
This roadside stop is all reward with almost zero effort involved. All you gotta do is stop the car and standing at the foot of the Athabasca Glacier to soak in the view. You can actually hear the shifting ice groans and crack, but don’t walk on the actual glacier (it’s high key dangerous).

If these 6 spots don’t take your breath away, we don’t know what to tell ya. You might be an alien. But if you like ’em as much as we do, don’t forget to take pics for us to live vicariously through you!