No, you don't need a pass to drive on the Icefields Parkway. I would suggest you take your time and enjoy the evolving and grand scenery. Also,make sure you are properly gassed up (if using traditional car). Gas stations get to be few and far between unless you are in the major towns.

It is nice to see that you want to take the Icefields parkway. But you should make sure you check the daily forecast. In winter the parkway can be shut down at any time. I think the best thing to do is consult with the accommodations at Lake Louise because they are more up to date on what is open. Some of the sites are not open in the winter. Make sure you have lots of fuel as there is very limited services. Once you get past Saskatchewan Crossing there is nothing until you get to Jasper. I hope this helps

If you like to hike a lot and are an avid photographer then plan on two days and you can stay at the lodge located about mid way on the ice fields at the glacier welcome center. That said we did it without any problem in a day and stopped several times including taking the trip to the glacier. The days are very long when you are going ( 15 hrs of daylight+).

We did the journey on a coach and did see lots of places where you could park a large RV. Unsure of the cost however, the whole setup within the National Parks are incredible so I’m sure you guys will have no issues.

Such an incredible place to visit...allow as much time as you have.

HI dipban, well the Icefields parkway is a long road. we stayed at bow lake in num ti lodge which was great. it is about 30km. north of lake louise. I went in late July and it was amazing. there is also a cut little hotel in the parking lot at Saskatchewan crossing about 30 km north of bow lake. I hope that helps, Regards David.

The Parkway is best solo. Enjoy it. Time arrival at visitor center for Columbia Icefields in early morning as crowds usually are present from 11:00 onward. You are outside prime season so may not be too bad. There are numerous hiking trails off parkway so you can spend as much time there as you want hiking and exploring. Remember bear spray. We saw 2 on our drive along roadway. I’d book my tickets online with time slot for sky-deck and Icefield visit. The solo drive up is nothing now as Icefield has receded where parking lot is. It was nice to take the snow vehicle right up on Icefield and get out with time to walk and obtain water from run off. They then shuttle you to sky deck as there is no public parking. You are allowed self guided tour here or we had free tour guide at our visit (August). Hope this helps. Just plan accordingly before going. Only one gas station along parkway from Banff. Ensure you are full before as the price is + 25 cents/litre. Any other Q’s do not hesitate.

HI I hope you can get this answer while your in Canada. Me and my friend landed in Calgary, slept over then drove to Canmore which is a gorgeous small town 25 minutes from Banff. We stocked up on any munchies we might need and also any medication, there isn't a lot on the Icefields Parkway other than Banff and Lake Louise town. We then drove up to Bow Lake and Stayed at the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, this was a great location with a lake glacier and waterfall as a backdrop for breakfast. From here we drove to Saskatchewan Crossing about 40 minutes north. There is a gas station and restaurant here plus you can buy bear spray $70, expensive. Very close to here is route 11, maybe 3 minutes away. If you want a very nice walk with a little hiking go to Kootenay Ecological Reserve which has Siflfeur Falls. It is not touristy and you will have a real feel of wilderness without walking to far. Driving all the way to Jasper is fine but I would stay up there for a couple of days because it is separate from Banff and Lake Louise. It is such an amazing place, find a quiet place near a lake and relax. You can't see everything in one trip. I'm definitely going back.

I would seriously consider doing some scenic flights over the region. Wife and I did the road trip towards the end of Aug 2019. Didn't know they were planning to close the parkway Get up in the air and see it all unobstructed :)

I would recommend you get a icefields parkway map from your hotel before you take the drive. We did the drive twice as well. And stopped at some stops on the way up (Herbert Lake, Bow lake, Peyton Lake and then did the Wilcox hike for an hour, then the ice field explorer); then other stops on the way down (athabaska Falls, Sunwapta Falls, did the Parkers’ Ridge hike 2 hours and saw Saskatchewan Glacier). The ice explorer thing is a bit overrated so definitely not worth the money and there is a long wait. The skywalk did nothing to me but my kids enjoyed the thrill of walking on the glass bridge. So up to you. Hope this helps, have fun!