The icefield is shared by Banff and Yoho National Parks and numerous outlet glaciers extend from the icefield. Runoff from the Waputik Icefield provides water for numerous lakes, streams and rivers including Hector Lake, and the Bow, Kicking Horse and Yoho Rivers.
The icefield encompasses 40 km² (15 miles²) and is located 20 km (12 miles) northwest of Lake Louise, on the west side of the Icefield Parkway.