Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint
A stunning roadside viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the Stutfield Glacier and the vast Columbia Icefield.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning roadside viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the Stutfield Glacier and the vast Columbia Icefield.
"A perfect quick stop to stretch, use the restroom, and take in incredible scenery."
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Ample parking available, making it a convenient stop right off the Icefields Parkway. :car:
🚻 Facilities Available
Restrooms and benches are provided for a comfortable break during your scenic drive. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stutfield Glacier Panorama
Icefields Parkway
Witness the immense Stutfield Glacier, a majestic tongue of the Columbia Icefield, stretching across the landscape.
Columbia Icefield Views
Icefields Parkway
Get your first glimpse of the vast Columbia Icefield glaciers as you drive north from Banff.
Roadside Convenience
Icefields Parkway
A well-equipped stop with ample parking, restrooms, benches, and even a viewing scope for closer looks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Icefields Parkway Drive
Park Pass Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Ample parking available, making it a convenient stop right off the Icefields Parkway. :car:
🚻 Facilities Available
Restrooms and benches are provided for a comfortable break during your scenic drive. :toilet:
🔭 Viewing Scope
Utilize the viewing scope for a closer look at the glacier and surrounding peaks. :telescope:
🐾 Pet-Friendly Stop
Dogs are welcome! Your furry friends can enjoy the views too. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Ample parking available, making it a convenient stop right off the Icefields Parkway. :car:
🚻 Facilities Available
Restrooms and benches are provided for a comfortable break during your scenic drive. :toilet:
🔭 Viewing Scope
Utilize the viewing scope for a closer look at the glacier and surrounding peaks. :telescope:
🐾 Pet-Friendly Stop
Dogs are welcome! Your furry friends can enjoy the views too. :dog:
📸 Perfect Photo Op
Capture stunning photos of the glacier and mountains. Great for a quick scenic stop. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint as a beautiful and convenient roadside stop along the Icefields Parkway. The stunning views of the Stutfield Glacier and Columbia Icefield are a major highlight, complemented by ample parking, restrooms, and benches for a comfortable experience. It's considered an essential quick stop for anyone driving this iconic route.
"Very nice roadside stop with amazing views of the Stutfield Glacier as part of Columbia Icefield glaciers. Plenty of parking spots,washroom and benches to sit, relax and enjoy the view."
Hassan Makhlouf
"The Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint is a stunning scenic stop along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) in Jasper National Park. It offers breathtaking views of the Stutfield Glacier, a prominent tongue of the larger Columbia Icefield. Located 1 km south of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, between the Athabasca Glacier and Sunwapta Pass. Parking is free, easy and enough spaces."
WILLIAM REN
"Beautiful look out spot first view of the glaciers coming from Jasper. My dog Approves"
corey rolston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint is located directly on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North) in Jasper National Park. It's about halfway between Jasper and Banff, approximately 1 km south of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. You can drive there directly from either Jasper or Banff. 
The Icefields Parkway is generally open year-round, but conditions can vary significantly in winter. Snow and ice are common, and road closures can occur due to weather. Always check road conditions before you travel, especially outside of the summer months.
Many travelers recommend driving the entire Icefields Parkway, stopping at various viewpoints and attractions. If time is limited, driving north to the Athabasca Glacier and back south is a popular option to see key sights.
Yes, Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint is an excellent stop for a day trip along the Icefields Parkway. It's easily accessible and provides a significant scenic payoff without requiring a long hike.
Many guided tours of the Icefields Parkway include stops at major viewpoints like Stutfield Glacier. These tours can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive yourself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint is located within Jasper National Park, which requires a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for entry. You can purchase passes online or at park gates.
No, there is no separate entrance fee for the Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint itself. Your Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers access to the national park and its viewpoints.
The viewpoint is an outdoor scenic stop and is accessible 24/7, weather permitting. However, the best viewing times are during daylight hours.
No advance booking is required for Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint. It's a roadside stop, and access is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The main restriction is the need for a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass. During winter, road conditions may limit access. Always be prepared for changing weather.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can create dramatic skies over the glaciers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive glacier and mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on glacier details. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The main viewpoint offers a panoramic vista. You can also find interesting angles by walking a short distance along the paved area. The presence of benches can also frame your shots nicely.
Drone usage in national parks is strictly regulated. You must have a permit and adhere to specific rules. Check the Parks Canada website for the latest drone regulations before flying.
Glaciers are dynamic environments. Be mindful of your surroundings, stay on designated paths, and never attempt to walk on the ice without proper gear and a guide. The ice can be slippery and unstable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The viewpoint offers ample parking, clean restrooms, benches for resting, and a viewing scope for enhanced glacier observation.
A visit to Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint is typically a quick stop, around 15-30 minutes, perfect for stretching your legs and taking photos during a longer drive.
The main viewpoint area is paved and easily accessible from the parking lot, making it suitable for most visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
There are no designated hiking trails directly from the Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint. It's primarily a scenic overlook for those driving the Icefields Parkway.
While not guaranteed, you might spot bighorn sheep or mountain goats in the vicinity. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It’s a great place to let children stretch their legs and burn off some energy in a safe environment. Pack some snacks and drinks, as it’s a perfect spot for a quick picnic with an incredible backdrop. Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near the viewing areas, and ensure they stay on designated paths.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
With ample parking and convenient facilities, it’s the perfect place to pull over, take photos, use the restroom, and marvel at the glacial landscape. It’s a classic roadside attraction that truly embodies the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grand scale of the icefield and the intricate details of the glacial formations. The presence of benches and the paved walkway offer various compositional opportunities. Don't forget to look for wildlife, as bighorn sheep are sometimes spotted in the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of the Columbia Icefield
+1Many visitors are struck by the sheer scale of the icefield and its glaciers. The viewpoint provides an accessible way to appreciate this natural wonder without needing to embark on strenuous treks. It’s a place where you can truly feel the immensity of nature and contemplate the effects of climate change on these vital ice reserves.
+1For a more immersive experience with the Columbia Icefield, consider visiting the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, located just north of the viewpoint. Here, you can learn more about the icefield's geology, history, and ecology, and even book guided tours onto the Athabasca Glacier.
Navigating the Iconic Icefields Parkway
Travelers often highlight the sheer number of stunning viewpoints and natural attractions along the parkway, including Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake. It’s recommended to allow ample time to stop and explore, as rushing through can mean missing out on incredible sights.
When planning your drive, be aware that services are limited. It’s wise to fill up your gas tank before you start, pack snacks and water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially outside of peak summer. Cell service can also be spotty, so downloading offline maps is a good idea.
Photography Tips for Glacier Views
This is when you'll get those dramatic, postcard-worthy shots. Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the glacier and the mountain range. If you want to focus on the intricate textures and details of the ice, a telephoto lens can be very effective. A tripod is highly recommended, especially for those early morning or late evening shots when light levels are lower, helping to avoid blurry images.
Remember to also capture the human element – people enjoying the view, or even yourself in front of the majestic backdrop. The benches at the viewpoint can also serve as interesting foreground elements in your compositions. Always be mindful of the weather; dramatic clouds can add significant mood to your glacier photographs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit