Stutfield Glacier

Overview

About Stutfield Glacier

Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint is one of those easy wins along the Icefields Parkway: pull over, hop out, and you’re staring at a glacier spilling down in twin icefalls from the Columbia Icefield. It’s across the Sunwapta River, so you’re not walking on ice here—you’re admiring it from a grand, open valley.

Why stop

Instant roadside views of dramatic double icefalls
Free parking with restrooms and benches

Heads up

Distant view across the valley—no close access to the ice
A quick stop with little to do beyond photos

The signature feature is the glacier’s double icefalls cascading more than 900 meters from the icefield. On a clear day the textures and layers pop, and it’s an effortless place to snag big alpine views without a hike.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhat Makes It Special

Map

Where it is

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Scenic pulloutStutfield Glacier52.27386, -117.30846

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Stutfield Glacier

Watch for the turnoff—it's easy to sail past while cruising the Parkway.
Bring a zoom lens or binoculars to study the icefalls.
Aim for a clear day; low cloud can hide the glacier.
There’s no official trail from the pullout; check conditions before any off‑trail wander.
Pair this stop with nearby roadside gems to maximize views with minimal effort.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Come on a clear day—the glacier can vanish in cloud. It’s a quick stop that works any time, and it’s typically quieter than the Athabasca Glacier/Discovery Centre area. The viewpoint is open year‑round (the nearby visitor centre closes in winter).

Logistics

This is a straightforward roadside stop with a generous pullout, restrooms, benches, and even a viewing scope. There’s no official trail to the glacier from here; any off‑road wander toward the creek beds is informal. No separate fee beyond your park pass.

8 active Jasper alerts

ClosureWildfire-impacted areas and facilities closedStay out of closed wildfire-impacted areas and facilities in Jasper National Park; closures protect public safety after the 2024 wildfire and remain in effect while recovery and safety work continues.Official details
Closure93A (Wabasso Road) no through travel during roadworkFrom mid-October to early November 2026, plan for 93A (Wabasso Road) to be accessible from the south entrance only; no through travel is expected during roadwork.Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Jasper Tour Guide

Your drive to Stutfield Glacier, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Jasper National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Jasper audio tour

Recorded for this place

Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint: A Quick and Easy Glacier Stop

Listen

“You're coming up on the Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint. This is one of the best easy-win stops on the parkway, giving you a huge view for very little effort.”

Plays as you drive up to Stutfield Glacier in the Parkwolf Jasper Tour Guide.

More about Stutfield Glacier

What You’ll SeeThe blue‑white ice pouring off Stutfield Peak in two distinct drops

The blue‑white ice pouring off Stutfield Peak in two distinct drops
A wide Sunwapta River valley framed by rugged peaks
Occasional bighorn sheep sightings reported by visitors

Safety NotesIf you’re tempted to leave the pullout and head up‑valley, know there’s no maintained trail,…

If you’re tempted to leave the pullout and head up‑valley, know there’s no maintained trail, and winter travel can involve avalanche terrain. Check current guidance with Parks Canada before any off‑trail venture.

Photography TipsBring a zoom lens or binoculars to pull in the icefall details.

Bring a zoom lens or binoculars to pull in the icefall details. Clear skies make the textures pop; after storms, low cloud can be moody but may hide the glacier.

Pair It WithDriving the Parkway?

Driving the Parkway? Combine this with other short roadside stops like nearby waterfalls and viewpoints to build an easy, high‑impact day.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Jasper

All Jasper wildlife maps

174 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

43 sightingsCaribouMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

40 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

12 sightingsCanada LynxMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

315 sightingsMooseMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

1,028 sightingsElkMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Jasper. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.