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Parks Canada Implements Traffic Changes at Two Popular Icefields Parkway Viewpoints
New entry and exit controls, parking adjustments, and bus restrictions are now in place at both locations
Bow Valley Insider
December 23, 2025
This map highlights the two Highway 93 North viewpoints impacted by Parks Canada’s temporary safety changes: Bow Lake Viewpoint and Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint.
What’s Happening? Parks Canada has rolled out temporary traffic and parking changes at two busy pullouts along Highway 93 North: Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake, citing safety and traffic flow concerns.
Why Now? Traffic along the Icefields Parkway keeps climbing, and these viewpoints have become pinch points. The updates are meant to reduce risky turning movements, clarify where vehicles enter and exit, and keep traffic moving more predictably.
Bow Glacier Viewpoint, Google Maps
Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, Google Maps
What’s Changed? Both viewpoints now have dedicated entry and exit points, concrete barriers, and reconfigured parking layouts. New stall markings are in place, with final line painting scheduled for spring 2026.
Big Vehicles, Take Note. If you are driving something large, here is the key distinction:
Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint: Limited access for vehicles over 7 metres, with only two spaces available for large buses.
The pullout has been reconfigured with dedicated entry and exit points, painted traffic islands, and concrete barriers to better separate stopped vehicles from highway traffic. Parking has been reorganized into two distinct areas, with 17 angled parking stalls on the east side and an additional 7 stalls on the west side, for a total of 24 passenger vehicle spaces.
Bow Lake Viewpoint: No bus or RV parking permitted.
The pullout has been converted to a one-way parking loop with clearly defined entry and exit points to reduce conflict with highway traffic. Concrete barriers now separate the viewpoint from the highway, and turning movements are restricted. Passenger vehicles can still park in angled stalls within the loop, with a total of 32 parking spaces.
What This Means for Visitors? Passenger vehicles can still stop at both viewpoints, but capacity is more tightly managed. The changes may reduce spontaneity during peak periods, especially at Bow Lake, where large vehicles will need to plan alternative stops.
Temporary, But Indefinite. These measures are described as temporary while longer-term redevelopment options are reviewed. There is no firm timeline for permanent upgrades, and Parks Canada says the current setup will remain until further notice, with updates shared as decisions are made.
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