Canadian Rockies Driving Tour: Banff to Saskatchewan River Crossing via Icefields Parkway
Places: 23 POIsDistance: 97.62 miDuration: 2h:20m
Tour #2719
About this English self-guided 2h:20m driving tour in Banff
Welcome to your journey through one of the most breathtaking drives on Earth—the Icefields Parkway, stretching from Banff all the way to the Saskatchewan River Crossing.
Over the course of this tour, you’ll travel deep into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by towering peaks, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, and vast, untouched wilderness. This isn’t just a drive—it’s a constantly changing landscape, where every turn reveals something new.
Along the way, your phone becomes your personal guide. As you approach each point of interest, stories and insights will automatically play—bringing the scenery around you to life. You’re free to go at your own pace, stop when you like, and explore the places that draw your attention.
We’ll visit some of the most iconic sights in Canada, including Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield region, along with hidden viewpoints and quieter stops that many travelers miss.
This land also carries deep history. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples traveled through these mountains, using natural routes like Howse Pass. Later, explorers, fur traders, and railway builders pushed through these rugged landscapes, helping shape the Canada we know today.
As you drive, keep your eyes open for wildlife—elk, deer, mountain goats, and even bears are often seen in this region.
Most importantly, take your time. This is not a road to rush—it’s a journey to experience.
So settle in, enjoy the ride, and let’s explore one of the most remarkable drives in the world—through the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Turn left here into the parking area—this is where we begin our journey at the Bow Falls viewpoint, a perfect starting point for your drive through the Canadian Rockies.
Right here, the Bow River rushes over a wide, powerful set of falls, fed by glacial waters that give it that signature blue-green color. It’s not the tallest waterfall, but the strength and breadth of the flow make it especially impressive.
Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Rockies, this spot gives you a first taste of what’s ahead—dramatic landscapes, pristine water, and that unmistakable sense of scale.
It’s a long road ahead, so take a moment, enjoy the view, snap a few photos—and when you’re ready, let’s hit the road and explore some of the most incredible scenery on the planet.
Turn right to get on the Bow River Bridge. This rive is one of the most important rivers in this region and a lifeline of Banff National Park.
Flowing from glaciers in the Rockies, the Bow winds its way through valleys and towns before eventually joining larger river systems across Alberta.
We’ll be following this river for parts of the journey, so you’ll be seeing more of it along the way.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Bow Falls Viewpoint
Place 2Bow River Bridge
Place 3Banff Park Museum
Place 4Vermilion Lakes
Place 5Backswamp Viewpoint
Place 6Johnston Canyon
Place 7Bow River Viewpoint
Place 8Heart of the Canadian Rockies
Place 9Morant’s Curve Viewpoint
Place 10Lake Louise Parking
Place 11Herbert Lake
Place 12Princess Louise Caroline Alberta
Place 13Hector Lake Viewpoint
Place 14Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
Place 15Bow Lake Viewpoint
Place 16Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint
Place 17Stories Behind the Mountain Names
Place 18Alberta & British Columbia – What’s the Difference?
Place 19Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint
Place 20A Road Through Canadian History
Place 21North Saskatchewan River
Place 22Howse Pass Viewpoint
Place 23Saskatchewan River Crossing – Tour End
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How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).