Columbia Icefield Skywalk Peyto Lake and Glaciers Day Tour Banff
Overview
This full-day shared tour drives the Icefields Parkway from Calgary, Canmore or Banff to the Columbia Icefield, stopping at Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Waterfowl Lake on the way. The default option includes pickup and drop-off, the Banff National Park pass, an English-speaking guide, bottled water and snacks. Tickets for the Ice Explorer glacier vehicle and the Glacier Skywalk are not included and are paid at the icefield. It suits nature lovers and photographers who want one long, scenic day in the Rockies.
Highlights
- The Columbia Icefield and views of the Athabasca Glacier
- Peyto Lake viewpoint, famous for its wolf-head shape and vivid colour
- Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and Waterfowl Lake along the Icefields Parkway
- Pickup and drop-off at three points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff
- Banff National Park pass, guide, bottled water and snacks included
- Time at the icefield to add the Ice Explorer or Glacier Skywalk, paid separately
- Wildlife-spotting chances along one of the world's great mountain roads
Full Description
The Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway, Highway 93, links Lake Louise to Jasper over about 232 kilometres of glaciers, waterfalls and peaks. A Columbia Icefield day tour from Banff uses the southern half of it, and much of the pleasure is the drive itself, with your guide explaining geology, wildlife and history as the scenery changes.
We plan several photo stops, so the road is part of the experience rather than a transfer. Bears, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats are sometimes seen from the vehicle, though wildlife is never guaranteed. Many travellers search for the best Icefields Parkway tour from Banff because the road is long and driving yourself means missing the views.
The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier
The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, a remnant of the last ice age feeding several glaciers, including the accessible Athabasca Glacier beside the highway. Waters from the icefield reach three oceans, which is why it is often called a hydrological apex of North America.
At the icefield centre you can see the glacier tongue and the marker signs showing how far it has retreated over the last century. The Ice Explorer, a large all-terrain vehicle that drives onto the ice, and the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored viewing platform over the Sunwapta Valley, are separate tickets not included in this option. Ask your guide about timing when you book them.
Peyto Lake and Bow Lake
Peyto Lake is reached by a short uphill walk from the car park to the Bow Summit viewpoint. From above, the glacial lake takes the shape of a wolf's head, and its colour is an intense turquoise created by rock flour. Visitors often search for is Peyto Lake worth visiting; on a clear day, it is one of the strongest viewpoints of the whole road. We allow around 45 minutes.
Bow Lake lies below Bow Glacier and is the source of the Bow River that runs through Banff and Calgary. Its calm surface reflects the peaks on still mornings, and you can walk along the shore near the old lodge. Closer to Lake Louise, the viewpoint for Crowfoot Glacier shows the ice ridge that once had three claws.
Lake Louise and Waterfowl Lake
The day starts or ends with Lake Louise, depending on the route. It is a good introduction to the mountain scenery, and the lake sits within the Banff National Park pass included in the tour. The walk along the shore is level and easy, with the Victoria Glacier at the far end.
Waterfowl Lake, north of Bow Summit, is a quiet, less visited stop where the water is deep green-blue and the peaks feel very close. It is a good place for a stretch and photographs before the icefield. The tour returns to your chosen area at the end of a long day, about 12 hours after departure.
Itinerary
- Pickup in Calgary, Canmore or BanffMeet at one of three pickup points, with departure around 8:00 AM.
- Lake LouiseA short stop for the lakeshore view before the Icefields Parkway.
- Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint and Bow LakePhoto stops along the road beside the ice and the lake.
- Peyto LakeA short uphill walk to the Bow Summit viewpoint over the wolf-head lake.
- Waterfowl LakeA quiet lakeside stop for photographs and a stretch.
- Columbia IcefieldTime at the icefield centre with views of the Athabasca Glacier; Ice Explorer and Skywalk tickets are separate.
- Return driveBack along the parkway to your drop-off area, with a total day of about 12 hours.
What's included
- Pickup from designated points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff
- Round-trip transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Banff National Park pass
- Local English-speaking guide
- Bottled drinking water and snacks
- Sightseeing stops
Not included
- Entry ticket to the Columbia Icefield Adventure (Ice Explorer)
- Entry ticket to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk
- Meals
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Not suitable for
- People with altitude sickness
- Travellers who cannot manage a full day of travel and short uphill walks
- Anyone expecting the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tickets to be included
Meeting point
Pickup and drop-off are included from designated points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff, and you choose one of three pickup points when booking. Departure is around 8:00 AM, and the exact time for your pickup point is confirmed after booking.
Important information
- Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk tickets are not included in the default option and are paid separately at the icefield
- Meals are not included, but bottled water and snacks are provided; bring lunch or plan to buy it where available
- Dress in layers, with a warm jacket, hat, gloves and sturdy shoes, because the icefield is cold even in summer
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, as glare from ice and snow is strong
- The itinerary can change with weather, road conditions and wildlife, and your guide will explain any change
- Tips, insurance and personal expenses are not included
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Columbia Icefield tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the age of the traveller. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
The default option includes pickup and drop-off at designated points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff. You choose one of three pickup points.
How long is the tour?
About 12 hours in total, starting around 8:00 AM, including the long drive on the Icefields Parkway and all stops.
Are the Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk tickets included?
No. The default option does not include them. You can buy them at the Columbia Icefield if you want to add them, and we can advise on timing.
Is the Banff National Park pass included?
Yes, the park pass is included, along with bottled water and snacks.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, age categories are shown in the booking panel. The day is long, so bring things to keep young children comfortable.
What should I wear and bring?
Layers, warm jacket, hat, gloves, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Weather at the icefield can be cold even in summer.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Sometimes, depending on availability. Select your date in the booking panel to see whether the tour is open.
Is Peyto Lake worth the stop?
Yes. The wolf-head shape and turquoise colour from the viewpoint make it one of the most memorable stops on the parkway.
What is the difference between this tour and an Icefields Parkway falls tour?
This tour is centred on the Columbia Icefield and the glacier stops, while the falls tour focuses on Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls or Abraham Lake in winter, plus Peyto and Bow lakes.
