Tours/Calgary/Columbia icefield, Parkway 93, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake Tour
Viator · group up to 24 pax

Columbia icefield, Parkway 93, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake Tour

4.4(11)Calgary1 hour
VIATOR4.2(9)TRIPADVISOR5.0(2)

Description

Discover the wonders of the Canadian Rockies in a full-day tour. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Columbia Icefield, Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake, each offering breathtaking vistas and serene tranquility. Visit Columbia Icefield & Ice adventure from May 2 to Oct 13, weather dependent & date may vary, Winter alternatives are Lake Louise & Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake & Natural Bridge Journey along the world's most scenic drive - Icefields Parkway or Hwy 93 and uncover hidden gems waiting to be explored in Banff. This tour provides pick up point at Calgary/Canmore/Banff

Tour Options

Banff Canalta lodge meet up
  • Starting point: Canalta Lodge Banff, 545 Banff Ave #1B5, Banff, AB T1L 1B5, Canada
Calgary Delta downtown meet up
  • Starting point: Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown, 209 4 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0C6, Canada
Canmore meet up
  • Starting point: Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre, 2801 Bow Valley Trl, Canmore, AB T1W 3A2, Canada

Itinerary

Pass by

Pass by the iconic mountain in Banff

Pass by

Pass by the iconic Lake in Banff

Admission not included150 min

The Columbia Icefield, located along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies, stands as the largest icefield in North America's Rocky Mountains, spanning the border of Alberta and British Columbia. This natural wonder offers visitors a chance to experience a glacier firsthand, providing a rare opportunity to witness the raw beauty and grandeur of nature up close. Journeying onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard specialized vehicles called Ice Explorers allows visitors to traverse its icy surface and immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscape. With its unparalleled beauty, accessibility, and educational value, the Columbia Icefield is an unforgettable destination. (add-on experience of snowcoach and skywalk at your expense) (Visit Columbia Icefield & Ice adventure from May 2 to Oct 12, weather dependent & date may vary, Winter alternatives are Lake Louise & Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake & Natural Bridge)

Admission included50 min

(Alternative to Columbia Icefields in Winter from Mid-October to Early May) Known for its deep limestone gorge carved by the turquoise waters of Tokumm Creek. With towering canyon walls, picturesque bridges, and scenic walking trails, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore dramatic rock formations and witness the power of nature up close. Ideal for easy hikes and photography.

Admission included50 min

(Alternative to Columbia Icefields in Winter from Mid-October to Early May)Lake Louise, a turquoise gem nestled in the heart of Banff National Park. Marvel at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Resort while taking in stunning views of Victoria Glacier at the foot of the snow-capped Mount Victoria. A perfect photo opportunity awaits you at the pristine shores of this glacial lake.

Admission not included30 min

Perched 280 meters (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rugged mountains, deep valleys. (add-on experience of snowcoach and skywalk at your expense) (Visit Columbia Icefield & Ice adventure from May 2 to Oct 12, weather dependent & date may vary, Winter alternatives are Lake Louise & Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake & Natural Bridge)

Admission included25 min

(Alternative to Columbia Icefields Skywalk in Winter from Mid-October to Early May) Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, with its striking emerald-green waters and mountain vistas. Whether you're strolling along the shoreline. Don't miss the picturesque wooden bridge for stunning photo opportunities.

Admission included15 min

(Alternative to Columbia Icefields Skywalk in Winter from Mid-October to Early May) Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park, sculpted by the relentless force of the Kicking Horse River over thousands of years. This breathtaking limestone arch spans the river, captivating visitors with its sheer beauty and grandeur.

Admission included15 min

Bow Lake surrounded by lush forests and overlooked by Crowfoot Mountain, it offers a serene and picturesque setting for relaxation

Admission included30 min

Situated along the Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake beckons with its mesmerizing turquoise waters and distinctive maple leaf shape, framed by the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains. Ideal for a brief hike, it treats visitors to breathtaking vistas of the lake and its mountainous backdrop.

Admission included10 min

admire the calm, reflective waters set against dramatic mountain backdrops. Known for its serene atmosphere and fewer crowds, it’s a perfect spot for photography and a quiet moment in nature.

90 min

The tour will end in Banff, and you have the option to choose your drop-off location in Banff, Canmore, or Calgary. The transfer from Banff to Calgary typically takes approximately 90 minutes.

Highlights

Air-conditioned tour van
Visit Lake Louise, Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge from Mid October to Early May
Local tour guide as driver
In winter, crampon will be provided, use it at your own responsibility
Visit Columbia Icefields from May to Mid-October

What's included

Included
Air-conditioned tour van
Visit Lake Louise, Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge from Mid October to Early May
Local tour guide as driver
In winter, crampon will be provided, use it at your own responsibility
Visit Columbia Icefields from May to Mid-October
Not included
Suggested tips $12 cash per person
Meals at your own expense
Travel insurance
Columbia Icefield Adventure activity fees

Traveller Ratings

4.4
11 reviews
5
8
4
1
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2
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Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, attraction closures, or traffic issues.
  • Pack your own lunch or buy grab-to-go at Fairmont Café Lake Louise

Reviews(11)

J
James_R
July 15, 2026
Amazing scenery on drive...

Amazing scenery on drive to natural wonders! Our Tour Guide/Driver Oscar was a wealth of information…

C
Coastal07402083990
October 4, 2025
Great driver guide Tammy

My wife and I took this bus tour from Banff to see the Columbia icefield and some lakes. We had a wonderful time and our guide Tammy was awesome. She was driving safely and was knowledgeable and friendly! Thanks Tammy!

B
Basil_V
September 23, 2025
Misleading Tour, hidden fees

This is very misleading. It’s just a shuttle service to Icefields, the events at the Icefield is extra and they only tell you after you pay for it. It’s misleading since the pictures for this shuttle service show the paid events at icefields, like the glacier walk with the bus, in the page for this shuttle service. There were multiple people in the shuttle with me that thought the same as well, not just me. Also, this company changed the dates on us since they didn’t have enough people that day, what if we had other plans? I’ve noticed that a lot of companies here just has a driver that talks through the shuttle service and then call it a tour which is exactly what this is. Would not recommend this company again

Operator response

Hello Basil, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear there was a misunderstanding regarding the Columbia Icefield Adventure. We would like to clarify that it is clearly stated on the website that the Columbia Icefield Adventure activity fees are not included in the tour price. Additionally, we reached out to you three days before the tour with detailed information about Icefield tickets reservations and the pricing of it. This should give you enough time to decide whether to participate in the activity or cancel your booking for a refund. We’d also like to mention that none of the other guests in your group raised any concerns about the additional Columbia Icefield costs. Regarding the date change, we contacted you in advance, and you confirmed your agreement with the new date. Our tour offers more than just shuttle bus transportation, our local guide provides attractions information and local knowledge throughout the tour to ensure our guests with exceptional travel experience. We also visited scenic locations like Peyto Lake and Bow Lake to enhance the overall experience. We hope this helps clarify the situation, and we genuinely appreciate your understanding.

L
Leah_D
September 21, 2025
We had an awesome time...

We had an awesome time with Tammy as our tour guide! We spent about 30 mins each at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Most of the time was spent at the Columbia Icefield which is a unique experience with the glacier and skywalk as optional activities. Definitely should do both. We highly recommend this tour!

G
Gary_L
September 5, 2025
Trip of Lifetime!

Great scenery, great information from driver, fun activities, best trip ever, give it six stars out of five!

M
Marie K
August 8, 2025
Great trip

We had a great time during the trip. We had Peter as our guide/driver and he was nice and helpful and showed us some beautiful places. We had 3+ hours at the discovery centre and booked the skywalk only tour there directly.

W
Weston_S
June 28, 2025
Would recommend for sure

Awesome tour experience! I made some mistakes such as forgetting to book the optional icefield adventure the tour guide found a way to ensure I could enjoy this. She was also able to answer everyone's questions and accommodate us any way she could.

S
selina_y
February 3, 2025
It was a good trip...

It was a good trip overall. Kind of a bit simple. I wish I could stay longer in Emerald lake to enjoy the peaceful view. Our tour guide Ben is great!

H
Harinder_D
September 1, 2024
Great experience!

Peter our driver/guide was fantastic. He was kind and knowledgeable. Keen to support and respond to questions. Would recommend the company without hesitation. We would suggest that scheduled time is included for break/for lunch so that we didnt feel so rushed. Also providing water during the trip, as it was a long hot day and journey back to Calgary.

D
Debbie_R
May 27, 2024
A wonderful day

The glacier experience was phenomenal. I walked through a winter wonderland to Peyto Lake. So beautiful Thank you

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