Starting at the edge of the Great Plains and climbing through an incomparable mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks, this magnificent drive—one of the jewels of western Canada— combines exhilarating vistas of forests, glaciers and fauna.
The route begins near Calgary, heads west to Banff, then goes to the northwest through the heart of Banff to Lake Louise. For more than 200 kilometers the route follows the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most stunning roadways, farther north to Jasper. Along the way look for elk, bears, and other wild creatures: you have to stop very often. If there's time, consider a half-day side trip into Mount Robson Provincial Park to see 3954 meter Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The best time to drive this mountainous route is June to September, but if you are a snow-lover like me, consider for a winter-time adventure!
