There are many superb peaks along the Icefields Parkway north of Lake Louise. These are set back from the highway and often involve overnight or multiday excursions. The Columbia Icefields area is located along the Icefields Parkway at the northern boundary of Banff Park. This spectacular glaciated plateau which is shared with Jasper National Park, is ringed by many of the highest mountains in the Canadians Rockies and is truly an arctic environment. Ski touring is the only reasonable way to access some of the more remote peaks across the Icefields.
All travel requires crevasse rescue and whiteout navigation skills.
Athabasca and Andromeda are two beautiful snow and ice peaks that can be ascended in a day from the road. The Wapta Icefields is another glaciated plateau which stretches for 30 kilometers along the continental divide north of Lake Louise and is a very popular spring ski touring destination serviced by several Alpine Club huts. Alpine touring and mountain crosscountry gear are both popular. Knowledge of glacier travel and navigation skills are necessary. Camping, Huts and Bivuoacs Camping regulations and permits are explained in the accompanying Backcountry Visitors Guide and Wilderness Pass brochures.