Spring in Alberta is a time of transition—when frozen lakes start to crack open, mountain waterfalls begin to roar, and the prairies shed their winter coats. While the weather can still be unpredictable (yes, a rogue April snowstorm is always possible), this is one of the best times to hit the road. The highways are quieter than in summer, wildlife is on the move, and the landscapes are full of contrasts between winter’s last stand and spring’s first signs of life.
If you’re itching for a spring road trip, here are three of Alberta’s most scenic drives to take as the province defrosts.
1. Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) – A Glacier-Covered Wonderland Waking Up
Route: Lake Louise to Jasper (~230 km)
Best time to go: Late April to early June
The Icefields Parkway is Alberta’s most famous scenic drive, and for good reason. In the winter, it’s a frozen world of towering peaks and deep snowdrifts. By spring, the road starts revealing a whole new side—waterfalls burst to life, glaciers glisten under stronger sunlight, and wildlife begins making appearances along the highway.
Spring Highlights:
Athabasca Falls & Sunwapta Falls – These waterfalls are at their most powerful in spring as snowmelt feeds the rivers.
Glacier Skywalk – Opens in May! Walk along a glass-floored observation deck suspended over a canyon.
Columbia Icefield – The glacier is still icy blue in spring, and the crowds are much smaller than in summer.
Road Tip: Spring driving here is stunning, but conditions can change fast. Always check 511 Alberta for road reports before heading out.
More info: Icefields Parkway
2. David Thompson Highway (Highway 11) – Waterfalls, Wildlife & Wild Skies
Route: Rocky Mountain House to Saskatchewan River Crossing (~200 km)
Best time to go: April to early June
If you love the Icefields Parkway but want something a little more off-the-beaten-path, Highway 11—also known as the David Thompson Highway—is an underrated gem. Running from Rocky Mountain House into the heart of the Rockies, this route offers everything from turquoise lakes to epic waterfalls, minus the summer crowds.
Spring Highlights:
Crescent Falls – A spectacular double waterfall, especially powerful in spring. The short hike to the viewpoint is worth it.
Abraham Lake – Famous for its frozen methane bubbles in winter, it starts to thaw in April, creating surreal blue hues.
Bighorn Canyon – A dramatic, underrated hiking spot where you might see bighorn sheep or even early-season bears.
Road Tip: The weather here can be unpredictable in spring. Bring layers and be ready for sunshine one minute and snow the next!
More info: David Thompson Country
3. Northern Adventure on Highway 2 – Prairie Lakes & The Peace River Breakup
Route: Edmonton to Peace River (~500 km)
Best time to go: Late March to May
Spring in Alberta’s north looks different from the Rockies—it’s about watching the last chunks of river ice break apart, spotting migrating birds in wetlands, and enjoying the quiet beauty of Peace Country. Taking Highway 2 north from Edmonton leads you through open prairies, boreal forests, and alongside massive river valleys that change dramatically in spring.
Spring Highlights:
The Peace River Ice Breakup – One of Alberta’s most underrated spring events. Watching huge slabs of ice shift and crack along the river is a must-see.
Winagami Lake & Lesser Slave Lake – Spring birdwatching here is top-notch, with thousands of waterfowl stopping on their migration north.
Historic Dunvegan Provincial Park – A peaceful spot where you can walk among 1800s fur trade-era buildings and see the Peace River in full spring flow.
Road Tip: This is a fantastic drive for wildlife spotting—moose, deer, and even the occasional lynx can be seen along the way.
More info: Travel Northern Alberta
Honourable Mentions: More Scenic Drives for Spring
Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) – Rolling foothills, ranchland, and incredible mountain views. Perfect for a Kananaskis detour.
Drumheller Badlands Loop – The hoodoos thaw early, making it one of Alberta’s first great spring hikes.
Cypress Hills (Highway 41 & 515) – Rolling hills, deep forests, and a unique microclimate that brings greenery earlier than most of Alberta.
Hit the Road & Watch Alberta Wake Up
Spring is an underrated season for road trips in Alberta. You get fewer crowds, dramatic scenery, and a front-row seat to nature shaking off winter. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway, discovering hidden gems along Highway 11, or heading north to see the Peace River ice breakup, there’s no better way to welcome spring than with an open road ahead.
Where’s your favourite Alberta spring road trip? Let us know in the comments! 
