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Explore the Canadian Rockies with tours to the Columbia Icefield, featuring rides on the Ice Explorer and walks along the Glacier Skywalk. Choose from quick admission tickets to full-day scenic drives from Calgary, Banff, or Jasper.
Ride an ice explorer onto Athabasca Glacier and walk the glass-floored Skywalk on this three-hour trip.
Free Cancellation Drive the Icefields Parkway from Banff to walk on the Athabasca Glacier and ride a massive Ice Explorer truck.
Free Cancellation Spot mountain wildlife and the Columbia Icefields on a day trip from Jasper through glacier-fed valleys.
A glass-floored walkway extends 30 meters from the cliffs, suspended 280 meters above Jasper's Sunwapta Valley.
Free Cancellation Visit the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake on a full-day tour from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore.
Free Cancellation Tour Banff and Jasper's glacial lakes and the Columbia Icefield, with a winter shift to Johnston Canyon.
Free Cancellation Visit the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier on a small-group day trip through the Canadian Rockies.
Visit the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake on this day trip along the Icefields Parkway.
Walk on the Athabasca Glacier during a 2-hour small-group tour in a low-emission all-terrain vehicle.
Free Cancellation Drive the Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier with stops at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Columbia Icefield — from practical tips to personal highlights.
The Columbia Icefield Adventure puts you directly on the surface of the 10,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier. You ride a specialized six-wheeled Ice Explorer down a steep moraine, step onto the ice for 20 minutes, and fill a bottle with raw glacial meltwater. Afterward, a shuttle drops you at the Skywalk to stand on a glass floor 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley.
You board a massive, purpose-built vehicle designed to handle steep glacial grades. The driver navigates the rocky moraine before grinding out onto the solid ice of the Athabasca Glacier.
Passengers get 15 to 25 minutes outside the vehicle in a roped-off safe zone. The temperature drops sharply here, running about 15°C colder than the surrounding valley.
A shuttle transfers you to a 400-meter walkway clinging to a cliff. The path ends at a glass-bottomed platform extending 35 meters out over the Sunwapta Valley floor.
Full-day tours reach the icefield via Highway 93N from Banff or Jasper. This route threads through high-altitude passes and stops at turquoise lakes like Peyto and Bow.
Bighorn sheep and mountain goats frequent the cliffs around the Skywalk. The 1-kilometer interpretive trail displays animal bones and explains the area's harsh alpine ecology.
Book your Columbia Icefield Adventure tickets at least two weeks ahead. Walk-up availability vanishes entirely during July and August.
You can book a 3-hour base ticket starting at the Glacier Discovery Centre or a 10-to-11-hour guided day trip from Banff or Calgary. Day trips handle the 180-kilometer drive and usually include a hot buffet lunch.
The standard Columbia Icefield Adventure ticket covers both the Ice Explorer ride and the Skywalk. Some cheaper sightseeing tours drive the Parkway but exclude the actual glacier ride, so check the itinerary details.
The icefield sits inside Jasper National Park. You must buy a Parks Canada day pass ($12.25 CAD per adult) to drive there, which is completely separate from your tour ticket.
Tours departing after 3:30 p.m. get a 20% discount. Late afternoon slots also mean fewer crowds and softer light for photography.
Operators suspend the Ice Explorer and Skywalk during lightning, blizzards, or extreme winds. If weather shuts down the operation, you get a rebooking option or a refund.
Two Ice Explorers have wheelchair lifts, and the Skywalk is entirely flat. You must call 72 hours in advance to secure a spot on the accessible vehicles.
You must stay within the roped-off glacier zones at all times. Hidden crevasses sit just beyond the markers, and fatal falls have occurred when visitors wandered off.
Pack gloves, a heavy jacket, and grippy closed-toe shoes even in August. Weather at the 2,035-meter Sunwapta Pass shifts from hot sun to sleet in minutes.
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| Base Ticket (Self-Drive) | Full-Day Banff Tour | Full-Day Jasper Tour | Parkway Sightseeing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours | 11 hours | 7.5 hours | 10 hours |
| Starting Point | Glacier Discovery Centre | Banff / Lake Louise | Jasper townsite | Calgary / Banff |
| Includes Glacier Ride | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (Viewpoints only) |
| Price from | $97 USD | $301 USD | $249 USD | $73 USD |
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The Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk operate seasonally from May 1 to October 12, 2026. The entire site and the Discovery Centre close completely for the winter outside these dates.
During peak summer (June 15 to September 6), tours run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. In the shoulder seasons of May, early June, and late September, operations shift slightly, generally running from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.
You should arrive at the Glacier Discovery Centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to park and check in.
The Glacier Discovery Centre sits right on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) at Sunwapta Pass. It is about 180 kilometers north of Banff (a 2.5-hour drive) and 108 kilometers south of Jasper (a 1-hour drive).
You need a Parks Canada pass to drive this route. Adult day passes cost $12.25 CAD, while youth 17 and under enter free.
The Icefields Parkway is a remote mountain road. Fill your gas tank before leaving Lake Louise or Jasper, as fuel stops are extremely limited.
Mid-June through mid-September offers the most reliable weather and fully operational tours. July and August bring the warmest temperatures, with valley highs around 17°C, but they also bring the heaviest crowds.
To avoid the peak bus traffic, book a tour after 3:30 p.m. This timing earns you a 20% discount on tickets and a quieter experience on the ice.
Shoulder months like May and October carry a high risk of snow and ice, which can close sections of the Parkway entirely.
The Columbia Icefield Adventure accommodates wheelchairs, but you must call 72 hours in advance to book. Two Ice Explorers feature wheelchair lifts to get guests onto the glacier, and accessible vans handle the transfers.
The Skywalk is entirely flat. Its 800-metre loop easily handles wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
Reaching the Discovery Centre from the lower parking lot requires climbing 75 stairs. An alternate ramp exists, but visitors with mobility needs should use the accessible parking in the upper lot. You receive a gate code for this lot when booking an accessible tour.
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre serves as the main hub. It houses a cafeteria, a dining room, a gift shop, and interpretive exhibits about the icefield's geology.
There are absolutely no washrooms on the Athabasca Glacier or at the Skywalk. You must use the facilities at the Discovery Centre before boarding your shuttle.
The Glacier View Lodge occupies the upper floor of the Centre. It is the only accommodation available directly at the icefield.
Stay in the safe zone: You must remain within the roped-off area on the glacier. Hidden crevasses sit just beyond these markers. People have died falling into them.
No pets: Animals are banned from the Ice Explorer, the Skywalk, and the Ice Odyssey. Only accredited service dogs under the Alberta Service Dogs Act are permitted.
No drones: Flying drones is illegal in Canadian national parks without a specific commercial permit.
Rebooking fees: If you miss your scheduled departure time, operators charge a $15 per person fee to put you on a later bus, subject to availability.
Walking unguided beyond the marked tourist area is dangerous and strongly discouraged. Hidden crevasses exist under the snow, and several fatal falls have occurred. You need to book the Columbia Icefield Adventure to access the safe, monitored zone.
Yes. The icefield is located inside Jasper National Park. Every adult needs a Parks Canada day pass, which costs $12.25 CAD, or an annual Discovery Pass. This is separate from your tour ticket.
The combined Ice Explorer and Skywalk experience takes about 2.5 to 3 hours round-trip from the Discovery Centre. You get roughly 20 minutes actually standing on the glacier.
Wear warm layers and flat, closed-toe shoes with good grip. The glacier surface is about 15°C colder than the Discovery Centre, and the weather changes fast.
No. There are no washroom facilities on the ice or at the Skywalk platform. Use the restrooms at the Glacier Discovery Centre before your tour begins.
Yes, the standard Columbia Icefield Adventure ticket includes both the Ice Explorer ride and admission to the Skywalk. You take a shuttle directly from the glacier to the walkway.
No. Private vehicles are not allowed at the Skywalk. You must park at the Discovery Centre and take the official shuttle bus.
It is about 180 kilometers north of Banff via the Trans-Canada Highway and the Icefields Parkway. The drive takes roughly two and a half hours without stops.
The tours and the Discovery Centre close in mid-October. They reopen the following year on May 1, depending on weather conditions.
No. Pets are not allowed on the Ice Explorer or the Skywalk. Only accredited service dogs are permitted.
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This three-hour trip from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre uses a six-wheeled Ice Explorer to drive you onto the Athabasca Glacier. You'll have about 20 minutes to walk on the ice and fill a bottle with snowmelt. It's colder than the surrounding valley. Wear layers even in August. The Glacier Skywalk is a glass-floored walkway 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley floor. It's a 30-meter loop out from the cliff edge. Keep your phone tethered or tucked away, as the wind through the canyon is strong enough to snatch loose items. Shuttles depart from the Discovery Centre. That's where you'll find the only bathrooms on the route.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This 11-hour trip travels 180 kilometers north from Banff along the Icefields Parkway. A local guide narrates the drive, which follows the spine of the Alberta Rockies through high-altitude passes where 3,000-meter peaks sit right against the road shoulder. It's a lot of sitting. Pack a heavy jacket even in mid-summer because the wind off the glaciers is biting. At the Columbia Icefield, you'll board an Ice Explorer. These massive trucks use six tires—each 1.5 meters tall—to descend a 32-percent grade directly onto the Athabasca Glacier. The icefield itself spans 325 square kilometers, the largest mass of its kind south of the Arctic Circle. You have 20 minutes to walk on the ice and look into the deep blue meltwater pools. Don't wander past the safety ropes; the glacier has active crevasses that aren't always visible. Bring a reusable bottle to fill with silt-free meltwater before heading back.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The drive to the Columbia Icefields follows valleys carved by glacier-fed rivers and passes through habitats for elk and black bears. You'll see the icefields' massive frozen expanse against the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies. The road from Jasper is about 100 kilometers each way. It's a long day. Bring a jacket even in August because the wind off the glaciers drops the temperature by ten degrees instantly. You'll get back to Jasper in the late afternoon. Keep your eyes on the roadside clearings for mountain goats. If the clouds roll in, the peaks disappear completely—check the Jasper weather webcam before heading out.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The walkway is 400 meters long and hangs 30 meters out over the edge of the Sunwapta Valley. Its glass floor puts 280 meters of air between you and the valley floor. From the end of the platform, you'll see Alberta’s mountain peaks and the deep valleys formed by glaciers. It's a long way down. Shuttles run to the site from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. High winds often whip through the canyon, which can make the glass floor vibrate under your feet. Bring a heavy jacket even in mid-summer. If you're prone to vertigo, the solid rock path leading to the glass section is still wide enough for a clear view of the peaks.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This full-day drive follows the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore. Stops include Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Waterfowl Lake. It's a 10-hour trip that covers roughly 600 kilometers round-trip. Most people go for the bright blue water at Peyto, but the glacier views at the Icefield are the main event. It’s a long day. Travel is by air-conditioned van or private car. Guides explain how the glaciers formed and point out mountain goats or grizzly bears along the road. Pack a heavy jacket even in August because the wind off the ice is cold. Photographers should bring a wide-angle lens for the Peyto Lake lookout. If you're prone to motion sickness, the winding sections of Highway 93 can be a slog. Book the private car for more control over the schedule.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Vans pick up from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff for a drive through the Rockies along the Icefields Parkway. You'll have 30 minutes to see Lake Louise before stopping at the Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake viewpoints. The trip also includes stops at Herbert, Bow, and Waterfowl Lakes. Expect a lot of time in the vehicle. Wear shoes that are easy to move in for the quick walks to the water's edge. From May 3 to mid-October, the tour reaches the Columbia Icefield. You'll need to pay for your own Ice Explorer and Skywalk tickets, as these aren't included in the tour price. Lunch at the glacier restaurant is also at your own expense. Between October 14 and May 2, the icefield attractions close for the season. During these months, the tour goes to Johnston Canyon to see the frozen waterfalls instead. Bring ice cleats for the canyon catwalks; they get slippery in the shade.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hindi, English
This tour stops at the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake. You'll travel the Icefields Parkway to reach the Athabasca Glacier, passing the three-fingered Crowfoot Glacier along the way. Peyto Lake is the main draw, famous for a bright blue color caused by glacial silt suspended in the water. The walk to the lake's viewpoint takes 10 minutes on a paved, steep path. It's often crowded, so head to the far end of the wooden platform for a clearer view of the valley. Vans carry 12 passengers, which allows for quicker stops than the 50-seat coaches. You'll have enough time at the Icefield to walk the Toe of the Glacier trail or visit the discovery center. Bring a windbreaker. Temperatures at the glacier stay near 5°C even in mid-summer. It's the best option for those who want to avoid the big bus crowds.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chinese, Cantonese, English
You'll spend the day driving the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper to reach the Columbia Icefield. This is the largest ice mass in North America. You can pay extra for the Ice Explorer tour to ride a bus with massive tires directly onto the Athabasca Glacier. It’s loud and cold on the ice. Bring a windbreaker even in mid-August. If you'd rather not pay for the bus, the walk to the glacier’s toe is free but steep. Bow Lake sits at the foot of Crowfoot Glacier, where you'll see the three distinct ice formations that gave the peak its name. Nearby, Peyto Lake has a bright turquoise color caused by rock flour—fine glacial silt—suspended in the water. The walk to the Peyto overlook takes about 15 minutes and is mostly uphill. It's often windy at the top. Cancel via Viator message at least 72 hours before the start time for a full refund. No refunds are given after that window. If heavy snow closes the parkway, the tour won't run. Check the Parks Canada road reports the morning of your trip.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Chinese, Japanese, English
You spend two hours on the Athabasca Glacier in a group of ten or fewer. These tours use low-emission, all-terrain vehicles to reach sections of the ice field far from the standard bus routes. You'll spend about half the time walking on the ice itself. It’s cold even in August — bring gloves. If the wind picks up, the wind chill on the glacier surface drops significantly. NASA used this terrain to test Mars rover equipment because of its desolate, rocky environment. You'll see deep crevasses and meltwater streams carving through the 300-meter-thick ice. The vehicle's massive tires are designed to grip the slick surface without tearing it up. It's a bumpy ride. If you have back issues, the standard Ice Explorer bus is a safer, if more crowded, bet. Choose this over the larger tours to avoid the 50-person crowds at the main glacier turnaround. These smaller vehicles access higher elevations where the ice is cleaner and the views of Mount Athabasca are clearer. Book the morning slots for the best light and fewer clouds. Don't forget polarized sunglasses; the glare off the white ice is blinding.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This tour follows the Icefields Parkway through the Canadian Rockies. You'll pass the limestone towers of Castle Mountain and the three-toed ice formation of Crowfoot Glacier. Stop at Bow Lake to see the reflection of the Wapta Icefield in the water. It's a long day in the van. The main stop is the Athabasca Glacier. You can pay extra to ride the Ice Explorer, a massive six-wheeled bus that drives directly onto the ice. This specific upgrade doesn't include the glass Skywalk bridge. After the glacier, the route heads to the bright blue water of Peyto Lake. It's a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint shaped like a wolf's head. Go early to miss the tour bus rush at the lake.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English