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Depart from Banff to explore the Columbia Icefield and travel along the scenic Icefields Parkway. These guided day trips often feature stops at vibrant alpine lakes like Peyto and Bow, with options to ride the massive Ice Explorer or walk the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk.
Free Cancellation Ride an Ice Explorer onto the Columbia Icefield on a full-day mountain drive from Banff.
Free Cancellation This full-day drive from Calgary or Banff covers the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.
Free Cancellation Tour the Icefield Parkway and six mountain lakes from Calgary or Banff, with winter ice walks at Johnston Canyon.
Tour the Columbia Icefield and see the turquoise water of Peyto Lake on this day trip through the Canadian Rockies.
Free Cancellation Visit the Columbia Icefield and Peyto Lake in a small group to avoid the large crowds at the main overlooks.
Free Cancellation Travel the Icefields Parkway to Athabasca Glacier and Peyto Lake, with an optional ride on the glacier itself.
Free Cancellation Visit the Columbia Icefield and five glacial lakes on a full-day tour from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore.
Free Cancellation A full-day guided trip from Calgary or Banff to the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.
Free Cancellation Walk on the Athabasca Glacier and visit Peyto Lake on this small-group trip from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff.
Free Cancellation Walk across the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and view the glaciers from the glass-floored Skywalk.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Columbia Icefield — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A guided tour from Banff to the Columbia Icefield covers 180 kilometers of the Icefields Parkway. You spend most of the 10- to 12-hour day in a vehicle, stopping at glacial lakes before reaching the 325-square-kilometer icefield. The main event involves riding a specialized vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier and walking on a glass platform suspended over a valley.
You board a massive, six-wheel Ice Explorer to descend a steep moraine. The vehicle drives directly onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.
Passengers get 15 to 25 minutes outside on the 10,000-year-old ice. You can fill a water bottle straight from the glacial meltwater streams.
A glass-floored platform extends 35 meters past the cliff edge. You look straight down 280 meters into the Sunwapta Valley.
The 125-kilometer drive from Lake Louise to Sunwapta Pass is the core of the tour. The highway runs past dozens of high-altitude peaks and hanging glaciers.
Tours pull over at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. The water gets its bright turquoise color from suspended rock flour ground down by the surrounding glaciers.
Bighorn sheep often block the highway. Mountain goats frequent the cliffs near the Skywalk and the Glacier Discovery Centre.
Tours to the Columbia Icefield require a full day and careful attention to what your ticket actually covers. Weather dictates everything at this altitude.
Trips from Banff take 10 to 12 hours round-trip. You will spend roughly five hours driving, with the rest split between lake viewpoints and the glacier.
Read the fine print on your booking. Many $70 to $90 tours only provide transport and require you to buy the $109 Columbia Icefield Adventure ticket separately.
The glacier tours and Skywalk operate from May 1 to October 12, 2026. Outside these dates, the Discovery Centre closes and tours switch to winter itineraries.
The glacier surface sits at roughly 2,000 meters elevation and runs 15°C colder than the parking lot. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip and pack a heavy jacket even in July.
Entering Jasper National Park requires a $12.25 daily pass. Full-service tours usually include this fee, but transport-only shuttles might not.
Two Ice Explorers have wheelchair lifts. You need to call the operator 72 hours in advance to book these specific vehicles.
There are no washrooms on the ice or the Skywalk. Use the facilities at the Glacier Discovery Centre before your departure time.
Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance. A few budget options are strictly final sale.
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| All-Inclusive Icefield Tour | Transport & Sightseeing Only | Winter Parkway Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 11 hours | 10-12 hours | 10 hours |
| Glacier Tickets Included | Yes | No (Buy separately) | N/A (Closed) |
| Key Stops | Athabasca Glacier, Skywalk, Bow Lake | Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier | Abraham Lake, Athabasca Falls |
| Price from | $300 USD | $75-$90 USD | $75 USD |
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The Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk operate from May 1 to October 12, 2026. The site closes completely during the winter.
Tours after 3:30 p.m. receive a 20% discount.
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is located at Sunwapta Pass on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N). It is roughly 180 kilometers north of Banff.
Drivers take the Trans-Canada Highway 55 kilometers west to Lake Louise, then turn north onto the Parkway for 125 kilometers. The drive takes about two and a half hours without stops. There are no gas stations between Lake Louise and Saskatchewan River Crossing, so fill your tank before leaving.
Mid-June to mid-September provides the most reliable weather and full access to the glacier. July and August bring the warmest temperatures, with highs around 17°C at the Discovery Centre, but also the heaviest crowds.
Booking a tour in September offers thinner crowds and clear days. Snow can fall at the 2,035-meter elevation during any month. Check road conditions if you drive in May or October, as avalanche control can close the highway.
The Columbia Icefield Adventure accommodates wheelchair users with 72 hours advance notice. Accessible vans transport guests to the staging area, and two Ice Explorers feature wheelchair lifts to reach the glacier.
The Skywalk is a flat, 800-meter paved loop that easily handles wheelchairs and strollers. Reaching the Discovery Centre from the lower parking lot requires climbing 75 stairs, but a ramp pathway sits to the left. Accessible parking requires a code provided at booking.
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre serves as the main hub. It contains a restaurant, a gift shop, and the only washrooms in the immediate area.
Parks Canada enforces strict safety rules around the Athabasca Glacier due to fatal crevasse accidents.
Yes. The icefield sits inside Jasper National Park. You need a daily Parks Canada pass ($12.25 CAD per adult) or an annual Discovery Pass to drive the Icefields Parkway.
Walking beyond the marked tourist area alone is dangerous due to hidden crevasses. Several people have died falling into them. The safe method is taking the guided Ice Explorer tour, which stays in a monitored zone.
Yes, but you must call 72 hours in advance. Two Ice Explorers have lifts, and accessible vans take you to the departure point. The Skywalk is a flat, 800-meter paved loop.
It depends on the operator. Full-priced tours around $300 USD include the Columbia Icefield Adventure ticket. Cheaper $70 to $90 tours only provide transport, meaning you must buy the $109 CAD attraction ticket yourself.
The ice surface is typically 15°C (27°F) colder than the Discovery Centre. Wind speeds are high. You need a warm jacket, gloves, and closed-toe shoes even in August.
The drive covers 180 kilometers and takes about two and a half hours without stopping. Most guided tours take 10 to 12 hours round-trip because they stop at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake along the way.
There are no washrooms on the Athabasca Glacier or the Skywalk. You must use the facilities at the Glacier Discovery Centre before boarding the bus.
Tours operate in light rain and snow. Operators will suspend the Ice Explorer and Skywalk during lightning, extreme winds, or blizzard conditions.
No. Pets are strictly prohibited on the glacier tours and the Skywalk. Only accredited service dogs are allowed under the Alberta Service Dogs Act.
The entire Columbia Icefield Adventure takes about two and a half hours. You spend 15 to 25 minutes actually walking on the glacier surface.
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This day trip from Banff travels the Icefields Parkway to reach the Columbia Icefield. The 180-kilometer road crosses the Alberta Rockies and passes dozens of high-altitude peaks. You'll see one of the largest ice masses south of the Arctic Circle. Expect to be out for 11 hours. You'll board an Ice Explorer to drive onto the Athabasca Glacier. These six-wheeled vehicles are built for the ice, and a local guide explains the surrounding geology as you go. You can get out and walk on the frozen surface for about 20 minutes. It's slippery. The air on the glacier is usually 10 degrees colder than in Banff, so bring a heavy jacket even in August.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 11-hour drive follows the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield with pickups in Calgary, Banff, and Canmore. You'll travel in an air-conditioned van or private car. The route stops at Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Waterfowl Lake. It’s a lot of seat time. Peyto Lake is the main draw because of its bright blue water, a result of light reflecting off suspended glacial silt. At Crowfoot Glacier, you'll see the remaining ice claws clinging to the mountain face. Your guide covers the area's geology and how these glaciers feed three different oceans. Pack a windbreaker even in mid-summer; the air coming off the ice is cold. The walk to the Peyto Lake overlook is a paved but steep ten-minute climb. If it’s foggy, you won’t see the glaciers at all. Calgary departures start early—usually before 8:00 AM—so book from Banff or Canmore to save two hours of highway driving.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
This tour covers the Icefield Parkway’s major lakes and glaciers with pickups in Calgary, Banff, and Canmore. You’ll stop at Herbert Lake, Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lake, and the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint, plus a 30-minute visit to Lake Louise. Peyto Lake is on the itinerary too. It’s a lot of driving, so expect most stops to be focused on photography. From May 3 to October 13, the route goes to the Columbia Icefield. You can pay for the Ice Explorer glacier truck or the Skywalk there, but those tickets aren't included in the tour price. You’ll also buy your own lunch at the on-site restaurant. When the icefield attractions close for winter (October 14 to May 2), the tour goes to Johnston Canyon instead. Pack ice cleats if you’re booking the winter canyon walk.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hindi, English
This day trip follows the Icefields Parkway through Banff and Jasper National Parks to the Columbia Icefield. It's the largest ice mass in North America. You can add a ride on the Ice Explorer—a specialized bus with tires taller than a person—to go onto the glacier itself. Book that option if you want to walk on the ice. The drive covers high-altitude terrain where snow often stays on the peaks through July. Peyto Lake is bright blue-green because of rock flour, a fine mineral silt suspended in the water. You'll see it from an overlook that shows the lake's distinct wolf-head shape. At Bow Lake, look up at Crowfoot Glacier. It lost one of its three toes to melting in the mid-1900s, but the remaining ice still hangs over the cliffs. These stops are short, focused on photography and seeing how glaciers carved the valley. Temperatures on the icefield are often 10 degrees colder than in the town of Banff. Pack a windbreaker even in summer. To cancel, message via Viator at least 72 hours before departure for a full refund. Miss that window and you won't get your money back.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Chinese, Japanese, English
This tour stops at the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier. Groups stay small, so you aren't fighting for space at the railings. You'll see the three-toed shape of Crowfoot Glacier and the teardrop-shaped, milky blue water of Peyto Lake. It's a long day on the road. Wear layers. The air at the Columbia Icefield is biting even in July. Bring a jacket. At Bow Lake, the water is clear enough to see the stones on the bottom. If it's raining, the lakes lose their bright color. They need sunlight to hit the glacial silt to turn blue. Book the morning slot to get to the overlooks before the large tour buses arrive at noon.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chinese, Cantonese, English
This tour follows the Icefields Parkway past the 2,766-meter spires of Castle Mountain and the three-toed ice of Crowfoot Glacier. You'll stop at Bow Lake, where the water often sits still enough to mirror the Crowfoot Range. It's a heavy day of driving. Most of the 230-kilometer route stays above 1,500 meters in elevation. At the Athabasca Glacier, you can add an optional ride on an Ice Explorer. These six-wheeled buses drive directly onto the 6-kilometer-long ice sheet. This booking excludes the glass Skywalk bridge, so you'll spend your time on the glacier itself. Wear sturdy boots. The ice is slippery and often wet even on sunny days. Peyto Lake's water is visible from a wooden platform reached by a short uphill path. Rock flour—fine glacial silt—gives the water its color. The sediment reflects light to create a turquoise hue. It's the most crowded stop on the itinerary. For a quieter moment, walk a few minutes past the main platform toward the lower lookout.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour follows the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield with pickups in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. From May 3 to mid-October, the schedule centers on the glacier truck tours and the glass-floored Skywalk. Icefield tickets and lunch at the restaurant aren't included in the price—buy your passes online to avoid waiting in line. You'll have 30 minutes at Lake Louise, just enough for a few photos by the shore, before stopping at the three-toed Crowfoot Glacier and the bright blue Peyto Lake. It's a lot of driving. Between October 14 and May 2, Johnston Canyon replaces the Columbia Icefield because the glacier attractions close for the winter. The canyon's steel catwalks lead to frozen waterfalls, though you'll need ice cleats for traction on the ice. Stops at Herbert, Bow, and Waterfowl Lakes remain on the route for photography. Pack a heavy jacket even in July; the wind off the Athabasca Glacier is cold enough to sting.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hindi, Chinese, English
This full-day trip from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff travels the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield. You'll stop at the three-toed Crowfoot Glacier and the bright blue Bow Lake before reaching the Peyto Lake viewpoint. The 300-meter limestone cliffs of the Weeping Wall are visible from the road. It's a lot of driving. Most of the day is spent looking out the window at 3,000-meter peaks. Tickets for the Ice Explorer glacier bus and the glass-floored Skywalk aren't included. Buy them ahead of time. If you're visiting between October 14 and May 2, the Icefield is closed. The tour shifts to 45 minutes at Lake Louise and an hour at Johnston Canyon instead. Pack heavy layers even in August, as the wind off the Athabasca Glacier stays near freezing. Bring crampons for the canyon in winter.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hindi, English
Vans pick up from Calgary, Canmore, and Banff for a full-day loop through Banff and Jasper national parks. The main targets are Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield. You'll spend hours on the Icefields Parkway, where bighorn sheep often block the road. It's a lot of driving. Between May and early October, you'll ride an all-terrain bus onto the Athabasca Glacier to walk on the ice. The Glacier Skywalk follows, with a glass floor suspended 280 meters over the valley. From October 13 through April, the Icefield Adventure Centre shuts down. The tour switches to a winter itinerary, focusing on frozen viewpoints instead of the glacier walk. We'll provide crampons for the ice. Small groups mean less time waiting for people to get on the bus. Water and hot drinks are included, but bring a heavy jacket. Even in July, the wind off the glacier is biting. Pick the summer dates for the glacier walk.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chinese, Cantonese, English
The Columbia Icefield is the largest expanse of glacial ice in the Canadian Rockies. You'll walk across ice settled deep in alpine valleys while guides explain how these glaciers shaped the mountain landscape. It's windy and significantly colder on the ice than in the parking lot. Wear layers. We can book your Ice Explorer and Skywalk tickets if you give us at least three days' notice. Buying both together saves you $10 compared to individual rates. Keep in mind the icefield maintains a strict 72-hour cancellation policy. If you decide to cancel later than that, the ticket cost isn't refundable. Book the morning slot to avoid the heaviest crowds.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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