Wintertime on the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway has been called one of the most beautiful roads in the world. After all, how many highways can claim 230 kilometres of continuous World Heritage Site scenery completely protected in two national parks? Along the Icefields Parkway there’s a 20 km stretch of road that runs right through the heart of winter caribou habitat. As one of Canada’s species-at-risk, the Jasper herd of Woodland caribou represents a last stand for this wonderful animal in the mountain parks. You can help. Please “drive for wildlife” by keeping within the speed limit. The Icefields Parkway is no ordinary road, and, in winter, drivers need to consider a few things before starting their trip.
NEW! Winter on the Icefields Parkway brochure
By law, during the period between November 1 to March 31 or any other period during which the highway is covered with snow or ice, vehicles driving the Icefields Parkway must be equipped with proper snow tires (with snowflake icon on sidewall) or tire chains. All season tires are not adequate.
Maintenance and driving
- There is no road maintenance on the Icefields Parkway from 3:30 pm to 7:00 am during the winter months (November to April).
- The parkway is not "salted" as most transportation corridors are, it is left as a "compact snow" road. During long periods of stable weather, even smooth sanded compact snow can result in poor driving conditions. Road reports are based on the worst condition that a driver may encounter over the road’s entire 230 kilometre length.
- As in any mountain environment, weather can change very quickly, often changing the road conditions.
- Driving conditions are subjective. Your experience, tires (winter vs. all –season radials), vehicle (1/2 ton truck vs. a compact rental car), and speed are all factors that can change “good” winter driving to “poor”. Each individual driver must plan and travel based their comfort level and within the confines of their experience and equipment.
- There is no cell phone coverage on the Icefields Parkway and, during the winter months, there is no gas available.
Plan ahead
Check the road conditions before you leave town.
- In Jasper, call 780-852-3311
- In Banff, call 403-762-1450
- Check websites: www.ama.ab.ca or www.pc.gc.ca
- Visit an information centre. Info centres in Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise are open 7 days/week in winter.
Check the weather forecast before you leave town.
Tell someone your route, when you are leaving and when you plan on arriving. Have a
safety kit in your vehicle. Include a cell phone, water, energy bars, candles, extra clothing and blankets.
What's open along the Icefields Parkway in the winter?
Camping
Wapiti Campground (4 km south of Jasper) is the only campground open along the Icefields Parkway in winter. Hardy campers who wish to stay in the Columbia Icefields area are permitted to tent at the Wilcox Pass Trailhead and park recreational vehicles in the the Icefield Centre RV parking lot. Note that these two sites are unmaintained during the winter. No water, garbage collection or maintenance services are offered. Please pack-out what you pack in and be aware that snowfall may impact access to privies. Fires are not permitted. After a snowfall, parking areas are plowed only after all roads are cleared. Campers should be prepared with shovels. All campgrounds are self-registration. The Wilcox Trailhead site requires a bivy permit. Call 780-852-6176 for information.
Hotels/Restaurants/Gift Shops
Hotels, restaurants and gift shops are CLOSED for the majority of the winter. For information on opening dates:
Sunwapta Falls Resort – www.sunwapta.com
Glacier View Inn – www.explorerockies.com
The Crossing Resort – www.thecrossingresort.com
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge – www.sntj.ca
Hostels
All six hostels located along the Icefields Parkway are open in the winter by reservation only. Call 866-762-4122 or visit www.hihostels.ca for information and reservations.
Picnic areas/toilets
| |
|
Km from Jasper |
|
Km from Lake Louise |
|
| Valley of the Five Lakes |
|
9 km |
|
221 km |
|
| Athabasca Falls |
|
32 km |
|
198 km |
|
| Goat and Glaciers Viewpoints |
|
37 km |
|
193 km |
|
| Buck and Osprey Lakes |
|
52 km |
|
178 km |
|
| Sunwapta Falls |
|
54 km |
|
176 km |
|
| Poboktan Creek Trailhead |
|
72 km |
|
158 km |
|
| Beauty Creek Hostel |
|
85 km |
|
145 km |
|
| Tangle Falls |
|
96 km |
|
134 km |
|
| Wilcox Pass |
|
106 km |
|
124 km |
|
| Parker Ridge |
|
112 km |
|
118 km |
|
| Weeping Wall |
|
124 km |
|
106 km |
|
| Howse Pass |
|
|
154 km |
|
76 km |
| Peyto Lake |
|
|
190 km |
|
40 km |
| Bow Lake |
|
|
196 km |
|
34 km |
Driving Safety
- Keep your gas tank and windshield washer fluid full.
- Allow yourself at least twice the normal braking distance on wet or slick surfaces.
- Posted speed limits are designed for ideal road conditions; slow down when driving on snow, ice, slush or wet surfaces.
- Use extreme caution when approaching highway maintenance equipment like snow plows, salt and sand trucks. Never pass on the right.
- Low beam headlights are more effective than high beams in fog or heavy snow.
- Check your tire pressure regularly. Tires lose pressure in colder conditions.
- Using four-wheel drive does not necessarily provide better traction for cornering or braking on slippery roads.
- Do not use cruise control or overdrive in snow, ice, slush or rain. Both cruise control and overdrive can result in an unexpected gear shift causing a loss of traction.
- Watch for black ice in shaded areas, on bridge decks, and at intersections.