Parks Canada is closing parts of the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper from March 17 to March 20, 2026, to manage avalanche risks during a winter storm. These closures will affect residents in Canmore, Alberta, who are planning to travel north through the mountains this week.
The agency is using mountain safety programs to trigger small snow slides under controlled conditions. This helps stop larger, natural avalanches from falling onto the road and endangering drivers during the heavy snowfall.
The Icefields Parkway is a remote 230-kilometre stretch with no public services between the two mountain towns. Because of the incoming storm, the road will open and close at different times to allow crews to work safely and prevent uncontrolled slides.
Updates regarding the work and road conditions are being posted by Jasper National Park for those planning to drive this week. Residents are encouraged to check for alternative routes or delay their trips until the work is finished on March 20.
