Icefields Parkway Tour: Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls

The route follows the Icefields Parkway, and the main stop depends on the calendar. From April 1 to November 30 the day includes two waterfalls in Jasper National Park. From December 1 to March 31 it includes Abraham Lake instead. Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are on the itinerary in both seasons. In the warm months, Sunwapta Falls is a two-tiered drop fed by the Athabasca Glacier, with an upper fall and a wider lower fall reached by a short hike. Athabasca Falls is broad rather than tall: the Athabasca River goes over hard quartzite and turns to rapids with a constant roar. In winter the waterfalls are replaced by Abraham Lake, weather permitting, where bubbles lie frozen under the ice. The winter day also includes snowshoeing, with the equipment provided, and hot coffee or tea along the way. Peyto Lake is known for its heart shape, best seen from the viewpoint. Bow Lake takes its turquoise colour from glacial meltwater, and Crowfoot Glacier, named for its three spurs, sits above it. The drive also passes Cascade Mountain and Castle Mountain, and the Bow Valley Parkway is a place to watch for elk, deer and sometimes bears. Some stops may be adjusted or cancelled depending on weather and road conditions.