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🌎  Canada 🇨🇦

📍  Icefields Pkwy, Alberta, Canada

✈️  Calgary International Airport (YYC)

🚗  309.8 KM

⏱️  3 hours, 40 minutes

The Icefields Parkway, a spectacular 232 km scenic highway primarily in Alberta, Canada, is highly accessible by private vehicle, RV, or guided bus tours, making it ideal for both solo travelers seeking flexibility and those preferring expert commentary. While generally open year-round, significant seasonal restrictions apply: many attractions, side roads, and most services (gas, food, accommodation) close from late autumn to late spring due to heavy snowfall, and winter tires are mandatory during these months. Costs include a mandatory Parks Canada pass, substantial fuel expenses due to limited and pricey gas stations, and optional fees for popular attractions like the Glacier Skywalk. A typical visit to fully appreciate its beauty and numerous viewpoints spans a full day (8-10+ hours), though a direct drive takes 3-4 hours; many visitors opt to split the journey over two days with an overnight stay. Useful insights include extremely limited cell service, the need to carry ample fuel, food, and water due to sparse facilities, rapidly changing mountain weather requiring layered clothing, and frequent wildlife sightings (drive cautiously).