If you are doing a tour of the Canadian Rockies, it is highly likely that you are planning to visit both Jasper and Lake Louise which means that you will have the pleasure of travelling along one of the world’s most scenic highways, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N). The distance from Jasper to Lake Louise is 233 km, which means that you could theoretically make the journey in around 3 to 3.5 hours, however there are so many places to stop your car and take in the magnificent scenery that it is best to allow most of the day to soak in the natural beauty of the dazzling glaciers, mountain peaks, and pristine lakes and rivers.
A quick glance at the Lake Louise hotel map will show you that there are several places to stay in Lake Louise once you have finished your scenic drive, however some people may wish to stay overnight at one of the Icefields Parkway hotels, perhaps to break up the journey or simply to spend more time enjoying this remarkable corner of both Jasper and Banff National Parks.
While there is some cabin accommodation located on Highway 93 within a few km of downtown Jasper, the first Icefields Parkway hotel found a significant distance from any town is Sunwapta Falls Resort, which offers cabin style accommodation from May to October in a stunning wilderness setting, 53 km south of Jasper.
Further south, located at the Icefield Centre 103 km from Jasper, the Glacier View Inn, open mid April to October, offers 32 guest rooms and is convenient for the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure one of the main attractions along the Icefields Parkway.
At Saskatchewan River Crossing, you can find motel style lodging from early April to October at the Crossing Resort, 153 km south of Jasper, where you will also find services such as a gas station, dining room, gift shop and pub.
If you are looking for a historic hotel on the Icefields Parkway with a stunning lakeside location and glacier views, Num Ti Jah Lodge should fit the bill nicely, around 40 km north of Lake Louise (approx 190 km south of Jasper), open May to October.
The Icefields Parkway is open year round, however during the winter months the road is usually covered with snow and ice and winter driving experience is recommended. After periods of heavy snow, the road may be closed, sometimes for several days, so it is always best to check the road conditions before leaving Jasper. Services are limited on Highway 93 and it is recommended to have a full tank of gas before starting your trip!
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