Drive of the Day - The Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches for 232 kilometers (144 miles) through the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. It runs between Lake Louise and Jasper, and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Here are some of the highlights of the Icefields Parkway:

1. Breathtaking scenery: The drive offers stunning views of glaciers, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests. Some of the highlights include the Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake.
2. Wildlife: The parkway is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from the animals and not to feed them.
3. Hiking: The parkway offers many opportunities for hiking, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Parker Ridge Trail, the Wilcox Pass Trail, and the Athabasca Glacier Trail.
4. Photography: The Icefields Parkway is a popular destination for photographers, with endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and nature.
5. Visitor centers: There are several visitor centers along the parkway, where visitors can learn about the history, geology, and ecology of the area, as well as get information about hiking trails, campgrounds, and other attractions.

The Icefields Parkway is open year-round, although winter driving can be challenging due to snow and ice. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the parkway is open for hiking and other outdoor activities.