In 1946, in that moment after World War II when people were looking to get back on the road, LIFE photographer Andreas Feininger documented one of the most beautiful highways in North America. He headed to Canada and travelled the Icefields Parkway, which hugs the Continental Divide as it goes through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. That 145-mile stretch of road, which is part of Alberta Highway 93, takes its name from the Columbia Icefield, which is the largest such field in North America’s Rocky Mountains. Traveling the road today requires a park permit.
LIFE magazine never actually published Feininger’s story, so we don’t have any observations on the trip from back in the day. But contemporary travel blogger Alec Sills-Trausch says of the Icefields Parkway, “It’s 145 miles of pure brilliance with never-ending lakes and stunning peaks that will make your jaw drop and cause a constant “oh my god” to come out of your mouth.” Feininger’s pictures quietly affirm that assessment.
The Columbia Icefield is featured in a few of the photos, but Feininger also captures the many of the other outdoor activities that draw people to Banff and Jasper, which include horseback riding, fishing, wildlife viewing, and simply taking in the awesomeness of the landscape. Feininger also photographed the civilization that exists amid the wildness, including stopping in Chateau Lake Louise, which has as spectacular a location as any hotel on the planet, and which still welcomes guests today.
Canada’s Icefields Parkway runs through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Canada’s Icefields Parkway runs through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Canada’s Icefields Parkway runs through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The massive Columbia Icefield is a main attraction on Canada’s Icefields Highway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The massive Columbia Icefield is a main attraction on Canada’s Icefields Highway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Horseback riding along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A site along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, which runs through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A man climbed along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fishing along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fishing along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Recreation along Canada’s scenic Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Horseback riding along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Canoeing along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Sightseeing along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Sightseeing along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Sightseeing along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The wildlife along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Canada’s Icefields Parkway runs through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
A town on Canada’s Icefields Parkway, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Canada’s Icefields Parkway runs through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life PIcture Collection/Shutterstock
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise resort, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Chateau Lake Louise, 1946.
Andreas Feininger/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
