Icefield Parkway Athabasca Falls Sunwapta Falls Peyto Lake Tour Banff
Overview
This shared day tour follows the Icefields Parkway to two of its great waterfalls, Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls, then to Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. In winter, Abraham Lake and its ice bubbles replace Sunwapta Falls when conditions allow. The default option includes pickup from four points, an air-conditioned vehicle, taxes, winter traction spikes and an English-speaking guide. Meals are not included, so bring your own lunch. It suits photographers and travellers who want waterfalls, glacial lakes and mountain views in one day.
Highlights
- Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park, with a powerful drop into a rock gorge
- Sunwapta Falls in the warm season, or Abraham Lake ice bubbles in winter, weather permitting
- Peyto Lake viewpoint and Bow Lake with mountain reflections
- Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint and wildlife-watching chances along the road
- Pickup and drop-off from four points in Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise
- Air-conditioned vehicle, taxes and winter traction spikes included
- English-speaking guide with local knowledge
Full Description
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. The Athabasca River, fed by glacial melt, plunges about 23 metres into a narrow limestone gorge, and viewing paths and bridges bring you close to the spray. Our stop is about 20 minutes, which is enough for the main lookouts and photographs.
It lies in Jasper National Park, just off the Icefields Parkway, making it the far point of this Athabasca Falls tour from Banff. Searches for Athabasca Falls day trip are common because the falls are far from town, and the guide handles the driving on a long mountain road.
Sunwapta Falls and Abraham Lake
From April to November the tour stops at Sunwapta Falls, where a river fed by the Athabasca Glacier drops into a rock canyon. A short walk leads to viewpoints over the upper falls, and a longer trail continues toward the lower falls. We allow about 30 minutes.
From December to March, weather permitting, we go instead to Abraham Lake, a reservoir on the North Saskatchewan River. Trapped methane freezes into white bubbles beneath clear ice, creating a striking pattern that photographers travel far to see. The visit is about 90 minutes with free time on the ice edge, and you should bring warm clothes and cash for extras.
Peyto Lake and Bow Lake
Peyto Lake, reached by a short uphill walk from the car park, is the highlight for many. From the viewpoint the glacial lake takes the shape of a wolf's head, and its colour ranges from deep turquoise in summer to a white, snow-draped expanse in winter. We allow about 45 minutes.
Bow Lake, the source of the Bow River, lies below Bow Glacier. In winter it is frozen and silent; in summer it reflects the peaks. A 15-minute stop is enough for photographs. If you are wondering whether an Icefields Parkway tour is worth it, these two lakes alone answer that question.
Crowfoot Glacier and wildlife on the road
Just north of Lake Louise, the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint shows a ridge of ice once shaped like a bird's foot, now reduced by melting. It is a short photo stop of about ten minutes, but the shape tells the story of glacial retreat clearly.
The whole road is a wildlife corridor, and your guide watches for elk, bighorn sheep and bears. Weather and road conditions can change plans in winter, and we inform you of changes the day before. Total tour time is about ten hours including the drive. We also stop briefly at viewpoints when animals appear near the road.
Itinerary
- PickupCalgary, Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise Visitor Centre, with departures at 7:15, 8:40, 9:00 or 9:50 depending on the pickup point.
- Cascade Mountain, Castle Mountain and Vermilion LakesScenic drive on the way with commentary from your guide.
- Sunwapta Falls or Abraham LakeAbout 30 minutes at Sunwapta Falls in the warm season, or about 90 minutes at Abraham Lake in winter, weather permitting.
- Athabasca FallsAbout 20 minutes to view the falls and the rock gorge.
- Peyto LakeAbout 45 minutes for the uphill walk and viewpoint.
- Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier viewpointShort photo stops of 10 to 15 minutes each.
- Drop-offReturn to your pickup area after about ten hours.
What's included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Pickup and drop-off in Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Centre
- Taxes (GST)
- Winter traction spikes for shoes
- Local English-speaking guide
Not included
- Meals (bring food and drinks)
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Tips for the guide
- Extra luggage, wheelchair or pushchair space (please tell us in advance)
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot manage a long day in a vehicle
- People who need meals provided on the tour
Meeting point
Pickup and drop-off are included from four points: Calgary, Canmore, Banff and the Lake Louise Visitor Centre. Choose your point when booking; departure times are 7:15, 8:40, 9:00 or 9:50 depending on the pickup point, and pickup times are fixed.
Important information
- Meals are not included; there are no restaurants or fast food at the attractions, so bring your own lunch and drinks
- Wear warm layers, gloves, a hat and sturdy shoes, as it is cold at the lakes and falls
- Winter traction spikes for shoes are provided; bring a camera and some cash
- Sunwapta Falls is visited in the warm season; Abraham Lake replaces it in winter if conditions allow
- Road and weather conditions can change the itinerary, and we will inform you the day before
- Tips, personal expenses, insurance and extra luggage or wheelchair space (tell us in advance) are not included
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Icefields Parkway 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?
Pickup is included at designated points in Calgary, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise Visitor Centre. Choose one of four pickup points.
How long is the tour?
About ten hours including the drive and stops, with departure times between 7:15 and 9:50 depending on the pickup point.
Is lunch included?
No. Meals are not included and there are no restaurants at the attractions, so bring lunch and drinks.
When do you go to Sunwapta Falls and when to Abraham Lake?
Sunwapta Falls is visited from April to November. From December to March, weather permitting, Abraham Lake replaces it.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, age categories are shown in the booking panel. The day is long, so bring snacks and warm clothing for children.
What should I wear and bring?
Warm layers, gloves, a hat, sturdy shoes, a camera, lunch and cash. Traction spikes for shoes are provided in winter.
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 Athabasca Falls worth the drive?
Yes. It is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Rockies and gives a closer look at a rock gorge carved by glacial water.
What is the difference between this tour and the Columbia Icefield tour?
This tour focuses on waterfalls, Abraham Lake in winter, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, while the Columbia Icefield tour goes further to the icefield itself with different stops.
