Discover the Icefields Parkway with Your Family: Fun for All Ages!

Icefields Parkway for Families

The Icefields Parkway isn’t just for seasoned adventurers—it’s a playground for families too! From easy hikes to interactive stops and kid-friendly facilities, this guide will help you plan a trip that’s exciting, safe, and memorable for everyone, big and small.


Family-Friendly Stops

From gentle trails to interactive glacier experiences, the Icefields Parkway has something for every member of the family. Explore these stops and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Herbert Lake

Shallow water near the shore for safe splashing and a peaceful picnic spot.

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Bow Lake

Easy access and space to roam; bring a kite or just enjoy the expansive views.

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Peyto Lake (Upper Viewpoint)

A short, paved trail that leads to a stunning viewpoint. Stroller-friendly!

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Athabasca Falls

Easy paths and plenty of railings make it a safe place for kids to skip stones and explore dramatic waterfalls.

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Columbia Icefield Adventure

Kids will love the Glacier Skywalk and the chance to walk on a glacier.

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1. Kid-Friendly Hikes and Walks

  • Wilcox Pass Viewpoint: A short segment of this trail offers stunning views without too much effort.
  • Path of the Glacier (Mount Edith Cavell): A flat, stroller-friendly trail to an impressive glacier view.
  • Rockpile Trail (Moraine Lake): A fun, short climb with a huge reward—the iconic Moraine Lake view.

Up the Rockpile!

Join us on a quick climb up the Rockpile Trail for one of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

2. Facilities and Amenities

  • Picnic Areas: Discover the perfect picnic spots along the Icefields Parkway, where stunning views and peaceful settings make every meal unforgettable.
  • Food Options: Mention places like Saskatchewan River Crossing for quick meals.
  • Restroom Accessibility: Lake Louise Visitor Centre and Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre have full restroom facilities. For a stress-free adventure, check out our guide to restrooms along the Icefields Parkway.
Restrooms List
Picnic
Spots

3. Interactive or Educational Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing Tips for Kids: Fun facts about animals they might spot along the way and how to watch safely.
  • Glacier Science: Explain the glaciers and icefields in a simple, engaging way for kids.
  • Photo Challenges: Suggest a scavenger hunt for iconic sights like waterfalls, wildlife, or mountain peaks.

4 Tips for Families

  • Bring a small bag of toys or activities for the car rides between stops.
  • Pack plenty of snacks and water, as food options are limited along the Parkway.
  • Layer up—kids are especially sensitive to changing temperatures.
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Grizzly Bears and Black Bears

Where to Spot Them: Meadows, forests, and roadside clearings, especially in spring and early summer.

Fun Fact: Bears can eat up to 90 pounds of food in a single day to prepare for hibernation!

Elk

Where to Spot Them: Forested areas and meadows, particularly around Jasper and Lake Louise.

Fun Fact: Male elk bugle—a high-pitched call—to attract females and warn off rivals. It sounds like a musical whistle!

Mountain Goats

Where to Spot Them: High cliffs and rocky areas near places like Big Bend and Parker Ridge.

Fun Fact: Mountain goats can jump nearly 12 feet in a single leap!

Bighorn Sheep

Where to Spot Them: Steep hillsides or grazing near the roadside, especially around Tangle Creek.

Fun Fact: Male bighorn sheep, called rams, can butt heads at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour during battles!

Pikas

Where to Spot Them: Rocky areas and talus slopes near the Columbia Icefield or Parker Ridge.

Fun Fact: Pikas are tiny relatives of rabbits and gather “haystacks” of grass to eat during the winter!

Moose

Where to Spot Them: Marshy areas and lakeshores, especially around Herbert Lake.

Fun Fact: Moose are excellent swimmers and can even dive underwater to eat plants from the lake bottom!

Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles

Where to Spot Them: Circling above rivers or perched in tall trees near water.

Fun Fact: Bald eagles can fly up to 100 miles per hour when diving to catch fish!

Wolves

Where to Spot Them: Rare to see, but they roam the forests and valleys along the Parkway.

Fun Fact: Wolves communicate with their pack through howls, which can be heard from miles away!

Coyotes

Where to Spot Them: Open meadows or trotting along the forest edges.

Fun Fact: Coyotes can run up to 40 miles per hour—faster than most cars in a school zone!

Porcupines

Where to Spot Them: Forested areas near the roadside, especially in the evening.

Fun Fact: Porcupines have about 30,000 quills, but they can’t shoot them out—they have to poke you!

Ravens

Where to Spot Them: Everywhere, often near parking lots or picnic areas.

Fun Fact: Ravens are incredibly smart and can even mimic human words, like little feathered tricksters!