Roadtrip Icefield Parkway Calgary to Jasper Summer 2023

We started the route in Calgary to the town of Banff and ended in the town of Jasper. After a few days in Jasper, the same route back to Calgary. Along the way, there are many opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery, including:

 - Lake Louise: One of the most photographed lakes in the world, Lake Louise is known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop.




- Columbia Icefield: The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, and it is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, including the Athabasca Glacier and the Skywalk.
Peyto Lake: Peyto Lake is known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
Bow Lake: Bow Lake is another beautiful lake in Banff National Park, and it is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing.

Sunwapta Falls: Sunwapta Falls is a powerful waterfall that is located in Jasper National Park.

Athabasca Falls: Athabasca Falls is a waterfall that is located in Jasper National Park.



 






- The Icefields Parkway is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, and it is a great way to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Some call it  one of the Top 5 scenic roads worldwide. We could certainly agree. 
 - Be aware that is no cell phone coverage on the Parkway. The only place you can reach the Internet on the way is the wifi at the Icefield Adventure Center!


We rented a CanaDream Maxi Truck Camper Ford Super Duty F350 for a road trip along the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada. I was very impressed with the campervan, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and reliable way to explore the Canadian Rockies.
Spacious and comfortable interior: The campervan has a living area with a dinette, large bed, and kitchen. It also has a separate bathroom with a shower and toilet. The inside storage has plenty of space for your needs on a 3 week road trip.
Powerful engine: The campervan is powered by a Ford Super Duty F350, which is a powerful and reliable truck. 6.7 liters V8 Diesel engine. This makes it easy to cruise through the Rockies.
All-wheel drive: The campervan has all-wheel drive, which makes it ideal for driving in the Canadian Rockies. I felt safe and secure driving on the Icefields Parkway, even in the winter.
Well-equipped kitchen: The campervan has a well-equipped kitchen with everything you need to cook meals on the go. This includes a stove, oven, refrigerator, and freezer and even a microwave. (microwave shore power only).The camper had a small solar panel and not the usual generator. Because we are used to it from our own campervans, we never had a shortage of electrical power in the camper unit. The fridge including the freezer were working with propane very well. 
The pickup and dropoff of the camper was very smooth and friendly. We booked the “linen and kitchen packages” and although the Platinum package which included the “Drop&Go” which means you don’t have to care about the cleaning.
The CanaDream Camper Rental Station was a little bit outside of Calgary. 40 minutes Uber ride from Downtown for approx. $25.



Before the road trip we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, but it was not the nicest area. 
You can’t pick up a rental  campervan within the first 24h after entering Canada.
If you are visiting the Banff and Jasper NAtional Parks and driving the Icefield Parkway you have to buy a Discovery Pass or a Daily Pass for admission. We choose the annual Discovery Pass, valid for 12 months and up to 7 people per car. Even we were only two of us and for ten days it was cheaper than the daily passes. Parks Canada Website

Lake Louise Campground
The Lake Louise Campground is located within walking distance of Lake Louise, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Canadian Rockies. The campground has over 800 campsites, so it is important to book your reservation in advance, especially if you are traveling during the summer months.
The Lake Louise Campground is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the lake and other attractions in the area, such as the Lake Louise Ski Resort and the Moraine Lake Lodge. However, it is important to note that the campground can be noisy and crowded, especially during the peak season. It is in walking distance to the town of Lake Louise, but there is not very much to do. Only  2-3 restaurants and a small market. Best thing is the visitor center with the wifi. 
One of the annoying things at the campground and the town of Lake Louise - very bad cell coverage - At the campground the best time was between 8pm and the early morning hours. 

Banff Tunnel Mountain Campground
The Banff Tunnel Mountain Campground is located in Banff National Park, just a short drive from the town of Banff. The campground has over 200 campsites, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Banff Tunnel Mountain Campground is a good option for travelers who want to be close to the town of Banff but also want to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. The campground is less crowded than the Lake Louise Campground, and it is also located in a more scenic area. There is a free bus shuttle into Banff. Back you have to pay ($2p.p.) or walk. It’s not to far but steep uphill along the road.

Icefield RV Park is a great place to stay if you're planning a road trip along the Icefields Parkway. It's located in a beautiful setting, just a short drive from the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier.
Free Wi-Fi
A playground
A Starbucks coffee shop and 2 restaurants.
There are also a number of hiking trails located near the park, which is a great way to explore the area and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Nice scenic view
Close to the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier
A variety of amenities, including free Wi-Fi and a Starbucks coffee shop
Hiking trails located nearby
Can be crowded during the summer months
Sites can be close together and a little bit sloping.

Whistlers Campground
Whistlers Campground is located in Jasper National Park, just a short drive from the town of Jasper. The campground has over 100 campsites, and it is located in a forested area near the Athabasca River.
Whistlers Campground is a good option for travelers who want to be close to the town of Jasper but also want to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. The campground is less crowded than the Lake Louise Campground and the Banff Tunnel Mountain Campground, and it is also located in a more scenic area.
Overall, all three of these campgrounds are great options for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The best campground for you will depend on your individual preferences and budget. 





Related Links:

CanaDream Maxi Truck Camper

Parks Canada Discovery Pass

Parks Canada Campgrounds

Hilton Calgary

Sheraton Suites Calgary Downtown



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