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Step onto the Athabasca Glacier and walk 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley on a glass-floored observation deck. These tours combine a ride on a massive Ice Explorer with admission to the spectacular Glacier Skywalk.
Ride an Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier to walk on the ice and visit the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk.
Free Cancellation Ride a six-wheeled Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier on this full-day trip from Banff through the Rockies.
Free Cancellation Day trip from Jasper to the Columbia Icefields to see glacier-fed rivers and mountain peaks, returning by late afternoon.
Walk on a glass-bottomed path 1,000 feet above the Sunwapta Valley floor in Jasper National Park.
Free Cancellation Full-day trip from Calgary or Banff to the Columbia Icefield and the glacial lakes of the Icefields Parkway.
Free Cancellation Ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier and visit Banff on this full-day tour from Calgary.
Free Cancellation Visit Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier on a day trip from Calgary or Banff, including Johnston Canyon in winter.
Free Cancellation Walk across a glass floor suspended 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley.
Free Cancellation Walk on the Athabasca Glacier and see the turquoise Peyto Lake on this day trip along the Icefields Parkway.
Free Cancellation Visit the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier on a full-day guided drive through the Rockies.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Columbia Icefield — from practical tips to personal highlights.
The Columbia Icefield Adventure combines a drive onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive six-wheeled vehicle with a walk on a glass-floored observation deck. The entire round-trip takes about three hours from the Glacier Discovery Centre. You spend 15 to 25 minutes actually standing on the ice.
Six-wheeled buses with tires nearly five feet tall grind down a steep moraine onto the Athabasca Glacier. The driver-guide explains glacial geology while navigating the steep grades.
Step out onto ice up to 365 meters thick. The surface is slick, uneven, and about 15 degrees colder than the parking lot. Fill a bottle straight from a meltwater stream.
A glass platform extends 35 meters out from the cliff edge. You look straight down 280 meters into the Sunwapta Valley. The drop triggers real vertigo.
Bighorn sheep and mountain goats frequent the cliffs around the Skywalk. Keep an eye on the road shoulders along the Icefields Parkway during the drive.
The Athabasca Glacier has retreated over 1.5 kilometers since the late 1800s. Markers along the road show exactly where the ice used to reach.
An 800-metre paved path leading to the Skywalk features fossil displays and geology exhibits. Kids can complete a Rockies Rangers field guide here to earn a badge.
Booking in advance is mandatory during the peak summer months. Walk-up tickets regularly sell out by mid-morning in July and August.
Most visitors book the standard Columbia Icefield Adventure, which bundles the Ice Explorer ride and the Skywalk. You can buy a Skywalk-only ticket, but standalone glacier rides do not exist.
Tour tickets do not cover park entry. Every adult needs a Jasper National Park day pass ($12.25 CAD) just to drive the Icefields Parkway and park at the Discovery Centre.
Tickets cost about $109 CAD for adults. Booking a departure after 3:30 p.m. cuts the price by 20 percent. The crowds thin out significantly in the late afternoon.
Operators run 10- to 13-hour bus tours from Banff or Calgary. These cost between $250 and $400 USD and handle the 180-kilometer drive, usually adding stops at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.
High winds, lightning, or sudden blizzards can ground the Ice Explorers even in August. If operators cancel your slot, you get a refund or a rebooking option.
Two Ice Explorers have wheelchair lifts, and the Skywalk is entirely flat. You need to call 72 hours ahead to secure the accessible glacier vehicle.
The ice is freezing and windy. Bring a winter jacket, gloves, and grippy closed-toe shoes regardless of the forecast in Banff.
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| Columbia Icefield Adventure | Full-Day Tour from Banff | Full-Day Tour from Jasper | Skywalk Only | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Type | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | Guided Bus Tour | Guided Bus Tour | Observation Deck |
| Duration | 3 hours | 11 hours | 7 hours | 1 hour |
| Starting Point | Discovery Centre | Banff Hotels | Jasper Hotels | Discovery Centre |
| Price Estimate | ~$109 CAD | ~$300 USD | ~$250 USD | ~$41 CAD |
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The Columbia Icefield operates seasonally from May 1 to October 12, 2026. The site and Discovery Centre close entirely outside this window.
During the peak summer period (June 15 to September 6), tours run daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the shoulder months of May and October, operations shift to a 10 a.m. start.
Arrive at the Discovery Centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This gives you enough time to park, use the washrooms, and check in at the ticket desk.
The Glacier Discovery Centre sits on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) at Sunwapta Pass. It is a 180-kilometer drive north from Banff, which takes about two and a half hours without stops.
From Jasper, the drive is 108 kilometers south and takes roughly one hour. The route is entirely paved but climbs to an elevation of 2,035 meters.
There are no gas stations on the Icefields Parkway. Fill your tank completely in Lake Louise or Jasper before starting the drive.
Mid-June to mid-September is the prime window. The glacier tours run at full capacity, the roadside snow has melted, and days are long.
July and August bring the warmest weather, with highs around 17°C at the center. They also bring the heaviest traffic and the highest ticket prices.
Book a tour departure after 3:30 p.m. to avoid the worst bottlenecks. The crowds thin out, and the operator applies a 20 percent discount to late-afternoon tickets.
The Skywalk features an 800-metre paved loop that is entirely flat and fully accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers.
Two Ice Explorers are equipped with wheelchair lifts to bring guests onto the glacier. You must call the operator at least 72 hours in advance to book these specific vehicles.
Reaching the Discovery Centre from the lower parking lot requires climbing 75 stairs. An alternate ramp pathway exists, and accessible parking is available in the upper lot with a code provided at booking.
The Glacier Discovery Centre serves as the main hub. It houses a cafeteria, a dining room, a gift shop, and large public washrooms.
Use the toilets here before your tour departs. There are zero washroom facilities on the Athabasca Glacier or at the Skywalk.
The on-site Glacier View Lodge offers the only accommodation directly at the icefield. Advance booking is required.
No. Walking unguided beyond the marked zone is deadly due to hidden crevasses. You must book a tour to walk on the ice safely.
Standalone tickets start around $41 CAD for adults. The combined Adventure package starts at $109 CAD. Prices increase closer to the date.
Yes. You need a Jasper National Park day pass ($12.25 CAD per adult) to drive the highway and park. This is separate from your tour ticket.
The round-trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours. This includes the bus transfers, 20 minutes on the ice, and 45 minutes at the Skywalk.
Operations run from early May to mid-October. The exact 2026 dates are May 1 to October 12. Snow closes the site for the rest of the year.
Yes. The Skywalk is fully paved and flat. Two Ice Explorers have wheelchair lifts, but you must call 72 hours in advance to book them.
It is a 180-kilometer drive north along the Trans-Canada Highway and Icefields Parkway. The trip takes roughly two and a half hours without stops.
Bring a heavy jacket, a hat, and grippy closed-toe shoes. The ice surface is roughly 15 degrees Celsius colder than the parking lot.
No. There are no washrooms on the ice or at the Skywalk. Use the facilities at the Discovery Centre before your tour departs.
No. Only accredited service dogs are allowed on the buses, glacier, and Skywalk. Emotional support animals are turned away.
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Ice Explorers—six-wheeled buses with tires nearly five feet tall—carry you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 20-minute walk on the ice. You're standing on a frozen sheet up to 300 meters thick. Fill a reusable bottle with meltwater from the surface streams. It's cold. You'll want a jacket even in August. The whole excursion from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre takes three hours. The Glacier Skywalk is a glass-floored walkway 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. The cliffs drop straight down through the panels under your boots. Buses depart from the Discovery Centre, located roughly 2.5 hours from Banff by car. Book the earliest slot to miss the midday tour bus crowds. If it's foggy, the valley views disappear, so check mountain weather before you leave Jasper or Lake Louise.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This tour travels 180 kilometers from Banff to the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice masses south of the Arctic Circle. Most of the trip follows the Icefields Parkway, a high-altitude road passing Crowfoot Glacier and the turquoise water of Bow Lake. Watch for grizzly bears or bighorn sheep near the road. They're common along this route. At the icefield, you'll board an Ice Explorer. These massive vehicles use low-pressure tires to crawl onto the Athabasca Glacier without sinking. You'll have about 20 minutes to walk on the surface. Bring a jacket. Even in July, the wind coming off the ice is biting. You can drink the meltwater, so bring a bottle. A local guide narrates the drive, explaining how these glaciers shaped the Alberta landscape. The total trip lasts roughly nine hours. But traffic on the Parkway often stalls for wildlife sightings, so the return time can shift. It's a long day. Pack snacks if you don't want to rely on the cafeteria at the Discovery Centre.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
U-shaped valleys and limestone peaks line the road from Jasper to the Columbia Icefields. You'll pass rivers and lakes fed by meltwater, which stays a cloudy turquoise due to suspended rock particles. Look for bighorn sheep and elk along the road shoulders. They're common in these protected areas. It's a lot of sitting. Expect to be back in Jasper by late afternoon. If it's raining in town, the icefields are likely covered in fog—skip the trip on overcast days. The wind coming off the glaciers stays cold year-round. It often drops the temperature by ten degrees Celsius compared to the valley floor. Pack a windbreaker even if Jasper feels warm.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The Glacier Skywalk is a 400-meter walkway extending 30 meters over the Sunwapta Valley. You'll stand on a glass floor 280 meters above the valley floor. It's high. From the edge, you'll see the jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies and the deep, U-shaped valleys ground out by glaciers. The walkway is a horseshoe of steel and glass bolted into the cliffside along the Icefields Parkway. Winds often whip through the valley, so keep a grip on your phone and wear a windbreaker (even in July). If you have vertigo, stick to the inner rail. Don't look down. The drop is a sheer 918 feet to the rocks below.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This 12-hour tour follows the Icefields Parkway from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore to the Columbia Icefield. Most of the day is spent on Highway 93 North, a road that stays above 1,500 meters for much of the route. It's a lot of sitting. Pick the Banff pickup if you want an extra hour of sleep; Calgary departures usually start before 7:00 AM. Crowfoot Glacier looks like a three-toed bird's foot on the side of a mountain, though the bottom toe has mostly melted. At Peyto Lake, the walk from the lot to the wooden viewpoint takes about 15 minutes uphill. The water is an opaque teal because of rock flour—fine silt ground down by glaciers—suspended in the lake. Bow Lake and Waterfowl Lake are the best spots to get right down to the water's edge. You'll travel in a van or car with a driver who knows the local geology. Pack a heavy jacket even in August. Temperatures at the Columbia Icefield often sit 10 degrees lower than in Banff, and the wind off the Athabasca Glacier stays sharp. If the clouds are low, you won't see the peaks. Check the mountain forecast the night before. Bring snacks, as food options along the Parkway are limited to a few expensive cafeterias at the Crossing or the Icefield Centre.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
This 13-hour trip leaves Calgary for the Columbia Icefield via the Icefields Parkway. You'll board an Ice Explorer—a specialized bus with tires nearly five feet tall—to drive directly onto the Athabasca Glacier. The ice here is roughly 300 meters deep. It's often windy and significantly colder on the glacier than at the visitor center. Wear sturdy shoes with grip; the surface is slick, wet, and uneven. The return journey stops in Banff for dinner. Most restaurants cluster along Banff Avenue, but they fill up fast during the summer peak. Pick a spot away from the main drag if you want to avoid a 45-minute wait for a table. You'll arrive back in Calgary late at night, usually after 9:00 PM. It's a lot of sitting. Choose this if you prefer sightseeing from a window over hiking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This trip follows the Icefields Parkway to Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Waterfowl Lake with pickups in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. Most of the day is spent on Highway 93, where the Crowfoot Glacier hangs over the road and the lakes look like turquoise glass. You’ll have about 20 minutes at each major viewpoint for photos. It’s a long day of driving. Between October 15 and May 2, the schedule shifts to include the steel catwalks of Johnston Canyon. The canyon walls turn into sheets of ice during these months, and the lower falls usually freeze solid. Bring boots with deep treads or ice cleats for the walk. If the weather turns, some viewpoints like Peyto Lake can close due to heavy snow on the access paths. Book the Banff or Canmore pickup if you can. Starting in Calgary adds nearly three hours of highway transit that isn't particularly scenic. This is the best choice for travelers who want the major Rockies highlights without the stress of navigating mountain roads in a rental car.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Punjabi, Hindi, English
A glass-floored platform hangs 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley on this Banff Tour & Travels trip. You'll see glacier-carved rock and the Sunwapta River directly under your boots. It’s high. If you have a serious fear of heights, the glass floor will be a challenge. Most people spend about 45 minutes here once the shuttle drops them off. Access starts at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre after a drive along the Icefields Parkway. You'll board a shuttle there. Private vehicles aren't allowed at the platform. Before the glass, there's a 1 km interpretive path about local geology and wildlife. Bring a shell for the wind. Book the earliest slot to avoid the midday tour bus surge. The platform gets crowded, and it's harder to get a clear photo of the drop when dozens of people are jostling for space.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour covers the 232-kilometer Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake are the first stops. Peyto Lake is the highlight. It's a 15-minute uphill walk to the viewpoint, where the water looks like flat blue paint from the silt. If it's cloudy, the color won't pop. The Ice Explorer bus drives you directly onto the Athabasca Glacier. You'll have about 20 minutes to walk on ice that's 300 meters deep. Wear boots with good tread because the surface is wet and slippery. The tour includes the Glacier Skywalk, a glass walkway hanging 280 meters over the Sunwapta Valley floor. It's a long day in the van, so bring snacks. Lunch is at the Icefield Centre before the Parker Ridge hike. This trail overlooks the Saskatchewan Glacier and takes about two hours round-trip. Your guide handles the driving and all entry fees. Pack a heavy jacket, even in August. The temperature drops 10 degrees once you're on the ice.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Japanese, English
This full-day trip follows the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield. You'll stop at Crowfoot Glacier to see its three distinct ice toes before walking to the viewpoint at Peyto Lake. Bow Lake and Waterfowl Lake are also on the route. It's a long day in the vehicle, but the scenery stays constant. A guide explains the glacial movement that shaped these valleys and why the water turns turquoise. They'll point out specific historical sites and explain how plants survive at these altitudes. You'll travel in a climate-controlled van, which avoids the hassle of finding parking at the busier lake lots. Wear layers. Even in mid-summer, the air near the glacier stays chilly.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, English, Italian, French, Spanish