Hi, I'd appreciate the lowdown on (preferably) clean restroom locations along the Icefields Parkway, between Banff and Jasper. Thanks very much!

We were actually pleasantly surprised that most of the restrooms on the Parkway were clean and did not have that common "rest area smell". There were plenty of places to stop along the way as well. Most of the stops had posted signs indicating restrooms and picnic areas.

Well, there are not a lot of them. But you will find plenty of large, dense bushes along the way. Even a few trees!

Most of the "restrooms" on the Icefield Parkway have been upgraded in the past few years - they are fancy Panabode outhouses with a large tank that is pumped out each year and the contents transported to the nearest sewage treatment facility. They are cleaned by Parks Canada staff on a daily basis, and I notice lately that many of them now have a hand sanitizer dispenser.

Parks Canada publishes a leaflet called "The Icefields Parkway", which has a mile-by-mile (Kilometre by kilometre?) list of stops, viewpoints, picnic areas and toilet facilities. You can get it at the Parks Canada Visitor Centres in Jasper, Banff, the Columbia Icefields or Lake Louise.

A bush may do in a pinch, but it's best to keep clear of any water sources - I think the recommendation in the backcountry is to stay at least 100m away - and try not to go immediately upstream of the hostels, which get their water from the river. Also, if you MUST use paper, pick it up and take it out with you. Remember... "take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints" ! It's one of my pet peeves, and as far as I am concerned, shows a total disregard for anyone coming along later.... you'll be walking along in the bush somewhere and come across used tissues or toilet paper (or worse, used tampons!) And what's with the morons who think it is acceptable to toss a disposable diaper into the bush??? Every rest stop and picnic area has garbage bins, so there is just no excuse for this!!!

Don't be making any of that 'Yellow snow'.
See Frank Zappa for reference.

There are actually a couple of very nice 'spots' on the way.

We got to know them well on the Icefields Parkway. You'll find one or two at just about every trailhead, and other places. Parks Canada does a good job with them. They were clean, bright (because of the translucent roofs), and well-stocked with paper and hand cleaner. I swear some of them even smelled like peppermint, which was about 1000% better than the ladies room at the Icefields Centre.

I had to commemorate our appreciation of Parks Canada's efforts with a photo. My husband will love this.

http://devonmcj.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?
set_albumName=album04&id=DSCF0193

Thanks for all of your helpful replies! Don't worry, no bushes or trees will be harmed.