Jasper National Park Travel Forum

We are arriving in Calgary on Feb 9th around 12.00 midday and have four days with a small front wheel drive hire car. I would like to drive to Lake Louise for the first night then drive onto Jasper via the mountain route. Spend two nights in Jasper and then back for another night in Lake Louise. Are we being very naive thinking we can do this in a two wheel drive car? Is the road basically kept cleared of snow most of the time? Would we need to put chains on? We are Aussies and quite inexperienced in winter conditions.

If I had little experience in winter conditions I would definitely want a larger vehicle with four-wheel drive. My first choice would be an SUV. Nobody can predict the weather that far in advance- it could be a blizzard or we could experience a Chinook and have unusually warm weather. However, I would definitely rather be on the safe side!

I have to disagree with the previous post. If the weather is bad then you shouldn't be on those roads in any vehicle and if the weather is good the roads will be clear. Take the car and avoid bad weather and drive at a speed consistent with the conditions. People think that a 4 wheel drive makes them invincible to snow. It doessn't help with the most important parts of winter driving (steering and braking).

If you're thinking of driving the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) I would get a 4-wheel drive and possibly chains as well. The reason being is that it can be quite treacherous and icy in the winter. I would have very flexible plans as well as they will close the highway down if the conditions are bad.

If you are inexperienced in winter conditions, just take the bus. It will take the pressure off and you can enjoy the amazing scenery. Why stress out on your vacation?

If you insist you drive, we've been on that highway in Feb., and it's been ok. Just check with Park Services about the road conditions and be prepared to change plans if the road is closed. Have fun and be careful out there!!

If you are Australian and have no experience driving in snowy conditions, the above recommendation to take the bus sounds wise. Two wheel, four wheel, or even with chains, driving on icy snowy roads can be a major challenge, if not downright dangerous. On the other hand, if the roads are known to be cleared, a two wheel vehicle with chains can be OK. Putting on chains is not fun though, so the bus sounds best.

as stated, if the road isn't safe enough for a "normal" car and you have little snow experience, then you shouldn't be one it. they will close this highway if conditions are not good so as stated, keep your schedule somewhat flexible.
with only 4 days, i would consider just staying in banff/lake louise. you can always do a day trip along the icefield parkway if the conditions are good. i love jasper but considering all your conditions, i would be inclined to focus on the one area instead.