Goats and Glaciers scenic roadside Lookout viewpoint along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park. One of the best places along the Icefields Parkway to spot mountain goats
Wild mountain goats and spectacular glacier views.. one of the easiest viewpoints to visit, with a short paved walk from the parking area leading to an overlook above the Athabasca River.
Maligne Lake Boat Cruise to Spirit Island, the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. Accessible only by boat, part of the UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park, admire views of imposing granite peaks, vibrant blue water, and ancient forests. View Maligne Lake's "Hall of the Gods" and keep your camera close as you scan the area for the eagles, bears, and deer that call this area home. Maligne Lake Boat Cruise
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Book Jasper National Park Adventures and Attractions. Jasper National Park, located in the province of Alberta, Canada, is one of the largest and most northerly of the Rocky Mountain national parks, offering a sublime expanse of untamed wilderness for visitors to explore.
Walk on the Glass-Bottom Glacier Skywalk and tour the Athabasca Glacier in the Rugged Ice Explorer Vehicle from the Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Book the Columbia Icefield & Glacier Skywalk Tour
Goats and Glaciers
Goats and Glaciers scenic roadside Lookout viewpoint along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park.
Goats and Glaciers Lookout
Goats and Glaciers Lookout is a scenic roadside viewpoint along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park that combines two of the Canadian Rockies' most memorable natural attractions: wild mountain goats and spectacular glacier views. It is one of the easiest viewpoints to visit, with a short paved walk from the parking area leading to an overlook above the Athabasca River. The stop is popular with travelers because it offers outstanding scenery without requiring a hike.
The lookout earned its name because it is one of the best places along the Icefields Parkway to spot mountain goats on the steep rocky slopes across the valley. These sure-footed animals are often seen climbing cliffs, grazing on alpine vegetation, or resting on narrow ledges that seem impossible to reach. Their natural habitat makes them fascinating to observe from a safe distance.
Beyond the wildlife, the viewpoint offers panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks and hanging glaciers high above the valley. These glaciers have carved the surrounding landscape over thousands of years, leaving behind dramatic cliffs, broad valleys, and the winding Athabasca River below. The combination of wildlife and glacier scenery makes this one of the most photogenic stops on the parkway.
The Goats and Glaciers Lookout is an excellent destination for visitors of all ages because it requires very little walking. Most people spend between 10 and 20 minutes enjoying the scenery, watching for wildlife, and taking in the peaceful alpine surroundings before continuing their journey along the Icefields Parkway.
Although mountain goats are the main attraction, visitors may also spot other wildlife in the area, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, bald eagles, or even black bears from time to time. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times for wildlife viewing, when animals are generally more active.
Whether you're driving from Banff to Jasper or exploring the Icefields Parkway as a day trip, the Goats and Glaciers Lookout is a worthwhile stop. Its combination of accessible viewing, breathtaking mountain scenery, glacier vistas, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities makes it one of the hidden gems of the Canadian Rockies.
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Goats and Glaciers Dramatic Viewpoint
This remarkable location combines dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery, glacier-carved valleys, rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise glacial waters, and opportunities to observe mountain goats in their natural habitat.
Located along Highway 93, south of Jasper, the lookout offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary landscapes of the Canadian Rockies without undertaking a long or difficult hike. It is an excellent stop for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, families, and travellers exploring the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise.
What makes Goats and Glaciers Lookout particularly special is the combination of wildlife habitat and mountain scenery. The surrounding slopes provide important habitat for mountain goats, while the expansive views reveal the powerful influence of glaciers on the valleys and mountains of Jasper National Park.
Location and surrounding landscape
Goats and Glaciers Lookout is situated approximately 38 kilometres south of Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, near the Athabasca River corridor. The viewpoint is located in an impressive mountain landscape shaped by thousands of years of glacial activity.
The surrounding terrain features steep mountain slopes, exposed rock faces, forested valleys, and glacially influenced waterways. The Athabasca River flows through this landscape, carrying meltwater originating from glaciers and snowfields higher in the Canadian Rockies.
The viewpoint is especially appealing because visitors can experience an impressive mountain panorama just a short distance from the highway. Unlike some of the more heavily visited attractions in Jasper National Park, Goats and Glaciers Lookout often provides a quieter setting for enjoying the natural surroundings.
Mountain goats and the natural mineral lick
One of the most fascinating features of Goats and Glaciers Lookout is its association with mountain goats. These remarkable animals are perfectly adapted to life in the steep, rugged terrain of the Canadian Rockies.
The lookout is sometimes called the Goat Lick or Mineral Lick because mountain goats visit exposed mineral-rich deposits along the steep slopes near the Athabasca River. These natural deposits contain salts and other minerals that supplement the animals' diets.
Mountain goats are exceptional climbers, possessing specialized hooves with hard outer edges and soft, gripping pads. These adaptations allow them to navigate narrow ledges and steep rock faces that would be extremely difficult for most other large mammals.
Visitors may observe mountain goats moving along rocky slopes, feeding on vegetation, resting on exposed ledges, or visiting mineral deposits. Their thick white coats make them particularly distinctive against the darker mountain rock.
Mountain goat sightings are never guaranteed. Visitors should scan the surrounding cliffs carefully and consider bringing binoculars or a telephoto camera lens.
Glaciers and snow-covered mountains
The glaciers visible from Goats and Glaciers Lookout are another defining feature of this spectacular viewpoint. Across the Athabasca Valley, distant glaciers and permanent snowfields occupy high mountain slopes and sheltered mountain basins.
Some of these are hanging glaciers, which remain perched high above the valley floor. Their bright white and blue ice contrasts dramatically with the dark exposed rock and forested slopes below.
The glaciers provide a visible reminder of the enormous forces that shaped Jasper National Park. Over thousands of years, moving ice carved valleys, transported rock and sediment, and helped create the distinctive mountain landscapes visible today.
During summer, the glaciers are particularly striking against the green forests and exposed grey limestone. In autumn, fresh snow may begin covering the upper elevations, while winter transforms the entire landscape into a vast mountain wilderness.
Athabasca River views
The Athabasca River is one of the most impressive natural features visible from the lookout. Flowing through the broad mountain valley below, the river creates a beautiful foreground for the surrounding peaks and distant glaciers.
The river's appearance changes considerably throughout the year. During periods of strong glacial melt, the water can develop a milky turquoise or grey-blue appearance because of extremely fine rock particles suspended in the current.
These particles, commonly called glacial flour, are produced when glaciers grind against underlying bedrock. Meltwater carries the sediment into streams and rivers, giving many Canadian Rockies waterways their distinctive colours.
From the elevated viewpoint, visitors can appreciate the river's winding course, gravel bars, forested banks, and the immense scale of the surrounding valley.
Mountain ranges and peaks
Goats and Glaciers Lookout offers impressive views toward the Fryatt Range and surrounding mountains of the Athabasca Valley.
Mount Kerkeslin is an important landmark in the surrounding area. Its rugged terrain provides mountain goat habitat, and its imposing slopes contribute to the dramatic character of this section of the Icefields Parkway.
Mount Christie is another prominent mountain in the broader landscape. Its distinctive pyramidal profile rises above the valley and is particularly impressive when illuminated by morning or evening sunlight.
The combination of mountains, hanging glaciers, forested slopes, and the Athabasca River makes this viewpoint an excellent location for studying the geography of Jasper National Park.
Walking path and observation area
One of the advantages of Goats and Glaciers Lookout is its accessibility from the highway. A short paved walking path, approximately 50 metres long, leads from the roadside stopping area toward the viewpoint.
The walk is relatively easy and does not require specialized hiking equipment. Visitors can enjoy the scenery without committing to a long mountain trail.
The observation area provides an elevated perspective across the Athabasca Valley. Visitors should remain within the designated viewing area and avoid approaching unstable slopes or steep drop-offs.
Although the paved pathway is suitable for many visitors, wheelchair accessibility may depend on surface conditions, snow, and the layout of the stopping area.
Parking, picnic areas, and facilities
Goats and Glaciers Lookout includes a designated roadside parking area, making it a convenient stop for travellers heading north toward Jasper or south toward the Columbia Icefield and Lake Louise.
Basic picnic facilities and pit toilets are provided at the day-use area. Visitors can take a break from driving, enjoy a packed lunch, and appreciate the surrounding mountain scenery.
There are no major visitor buildings, restaurants, gift shops, or commercial attractions at the lookout. Its appeal comes from the natural landscape and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Best time to visit Goats and Glaciers Lookout
Spring: As temperatures rise and snow begins melting, the Athabasca River becomes increasingly active. Mountain goats may visit mineral deposits, and snow remains prominent on the surrounding peaks.
Summer: June through September generally provides the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing. Green forests, glacial waters, and distant ice-covered mountains create beautiful contrasts. Wildlife sightings remain possible throughout the season.
Autumn: September and October bring cooler temperatures, quieter periods, and occasional fresh snowfall on higher mountain elevations. Clear autumn days can provide excellent visibility for mountain photography.
Winter: Snow-covered mountains and frozen landscapes create a completely different experience. However, parking areas and facilities may be snow-covered or inaccessible, and winter driving conditions along the Icefields Parkway can be challenging.
Photography opportunities
Goats and Glaciers Lookout is an excellent location for landscape and wildlife photography.
The elevated perspective allows photographers to capture the Athabasca River winding through the valley, with forested slopes and distant glaciers creating natural layers of depth.
Wide-angle lenses are particularly useful for photographing the immense mountain panorama. Telephoto lenses are valuable for capturing distant glaciers, mountain textures, and wildlife without disturbing animals.
Morning sunlight can reveal detail along the surrounding mountains, while evening light may produce warmer colours on exposed rock faces and snow-covered peaks.
Clouds, changing weather, and seasonal variations in the Athabasca River create different photographic conditions throughout the year.
Wildlife safety
Mountain goats are wild animals and should never be approached, fed, or encouraged to move closer to visitors.
Parks Canada recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 30 metres from mountain goats, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and moose. Greater distances are appropriate whenever animals appear disturbed.
Visitors should avoid blocking wildlife movement toward mineral deposits. Binoculars and telephoto lenses provide safer ways to observe animals.
Nearby Icefields Parkway attractions
Goats and Glaciers Lookout is conveniently located between several notable Jasper National Park attractions.
Athabasca Falls, approximately 7 kilometres north, features a powerful waterfall, narrow rock canyon, and scenic walking paths.
Mount Christie Viewpoint, approximately 4 kilometres south, provides another spectacular perspective of the Athabasca Valley and its surrounding mountains.
Sunwapta Falls, approximately 17 kilometres south, is known for its dramatic waterfall, rocky island, and impressive mountain surroundings.
These nearby attractions make Goats and Glaciers Lookout an excellent addition to a sightseeing itinerary along the Icefields Parkway.
Most visitors can comfortably experience Goats and Glaciers Lookout in approximately 10 to 20 minutes. This allows enough time to walk to the viewpoint, enjoy the scenery, photograph the landscape, and scan the surrounding slopes for mountain goats.
Wildlife photographers and visitors interested in observing mountain goats may prefer to spend 30 minutes or longer, depending on conditions and animal activity.
Why Goats and Glaciers Lookout is worth visiting
Goats and Glaciers Lookout captures several of the most remarkable natural features of Jasper National Park in one convenient location.
Few roadside viewpoints combine the possibility of seeing mountain goats at a natural mineral lick with such impressive views of hanging glaciers, the Athabasca River, and the surrounding Canadian Rockies.
Its easy access, beautiful scenery, wildlife habitat, and proximity to other Icefields Parkway attractions make it a worthwhile stop for visitors exploring Jasper National Park.
Goats and Glaciers Lookout is more than a scenic roadside stop. It is an opportunity to experience the relationship between wildlife, glaciers, mountains, and rivers that defines the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Located just south of Sunwapta Falls heading toward Jasper, Goats & Glacier Lookout offers an expansive, dramatic vista that captures the rugged wildness of the Canadian Rockies.
Terry Nguyen
One of the most scenic and rewarding roadside lookouts along the northern stretch of the Icefields Parkway! Located just south of Sunwapta Falls heading toward Jasper, Goats & Glacier Lookout offers an expansive, dramatic vista that captures the rugged wildness of the Canadian Rockies in a single panoramic frame.
The pull-off is easy to access, and stepping up to the wooden fence rewards you with an incredible view looking straight down over the wide, braided Athabasca River as it snakes through the valley floor. In the distance, the jagged peaks of Mount Kerkeslin and the Fryatt Range rise majestically, cradling hanging alpine glaciers. The lookout gets its name because mountain goats frequently venture down the steep mineral-rich clay and shale banks below to lick essential salts and minerals—keep your binoculars handy or scan the steep gravel cutbanks carefully! Whether you catch a glimpse of the nimble wildlife or simply pause to admire the sweeping river valley, it’s an effortless, postcard-worthy stop that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Goats & Glacier Lookout is a stunning and peaceful location with breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, and snow-covered mountains.
MM Taxi
Goats & Glacier Lookout is a stunning and peaceful location with breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, and snow-covered mountains. The scenery is absolutely mesmerizing and perfect for photography or simply enjoying nature in silence.
The viewpoint offers a wide, open panorama that truly captures the beauty of the Rockies. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area - this spot is unforgettable.
Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint is a great place to see mountains and a big river in Jasper National Park.
Deependra Tomar
Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint: A Beautiful Place
Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint is a great place to see mountains and a big river in Jasper National Park. It's easy to get to, so many people like to stop there.
What to See:
1. Amazing Views: You can see big mountains covered in snow and the Athabasca River.
2. Wildlife: You might see mountain goats eating grass on the hills.
3. Easy to Visit: It's a short walk from the parking lot to the place where you can see the view.
Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint is a great place to visit in Jasper National Park. It's beautiful and easy to get to.
There were two goats on the side of a steep incline and it was wonderful weather that contributed to the majestic area.
E Butler
This was an amazing area to look out at the natural landscape. There were two goats on the side of a steep incline and it was wonderful weather that contributed to the majestic area. It was an easy walk to the look out area, and had a great view. This is an epic stop along the Ice Fields Parkway.
Goats and Glaciers
Located just south of Sunwapta Falls heading toward Jasper, Goats & Glacier Lookout offers an expansive, dramatic vista that captures the rugged wildness of the Canadian Rockies.