Columbia Icefield,Peyto Lake,Bow Lake Day Trip from Banff/Calgary
Description
Discover the best of the Canadian Rockies on this breathtaking journey along the world-famous Icefields Parkway! Marvel at iconic landmarks like Castle Mountain, Crowfoot Glacier, and Bow Lake as you travel through stunning scenery. Take an unforgettable ride on the Ice Explorer across the Athabasca Glacier (optional upgrade, excluding glass bridge), then soak in the dazzling blue waters of Peyto Lake and the peaceful beauty of Bow Lake. A must-see adventure filled with awe-inspiring views and incredible photo opportunities!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your adventure with convenient departures from Sandman Hotel Calgary Airport (25 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, T3J 4V7), DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North (2120 16 Ave NE, Calgary, T2E 1L4), Calgary Downtown (Harry Hays Building bus stop, opposite Delta Calgary Downtown hotel, 4 Ave SE), Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 3A2), or Elk + Avenue Hotel (333 Banff Ave, Banff, T1L 1B1). Set off for an unforgettable journey through the Canadian Rockies, where towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and breathtaking landscapes await. From Banff National Park to the Icefields Parkway, every moment is a perfect photo opportunity.
Calgary / Banff – Icefields Parkway – Crowfoot Glacier (drive-by) – Bow Lake (20 minutes) – Peyto Lake (30 minutes) – The Crossing (lunch at own expense, 45 minutes) – Columbia Icefield (mandatory activity: Ice Explorer Snowcoach, 90 minutes) – Banff / Calgary
Journey along Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic highways in the world! This breathtaking 3-hour drive connects Lake Louise in Banff National Park to Jasper in Jasper National Park, offering panoramic views of rugged peaks, ancient glaciers, and turquoise lakes. Allow yourself a full day to experience its wonders, stopping for iconic sights, wildlife spotting, and unforgettable photo opportunities. Ready for the drive of a lifetime?
Pass by Crowfoot Glacier, an awe-inspiring natural wonder along the Icefields Parkway! Named for its original crow-like shape, this stunning glacier sits at the edge of Bow Lake, offering breathtaking views of rugged ice formations and towering peaks. Whether glistening under the summer sun or draped in winter snow, it’s a must-see photo opportunity on your journey through the Canadian Rockies. Get ready for an unforgettable sight!
a hidden gem in the Canadian Rockies, just 30 minutes north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway! Nestled at 1,920 meters (6,300 ft) elevation, this pristine lake is fed by the meltwater of the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield. Admire its turquoise waters, soak in the breathtaking mountain views, or enjoy a peaceful picnic by the shore. A must-see spot for nature lovers and photographers!
Discover Peyto Lake, one of the most breathtaking sights in the Canadian Rockies! Famous for its brilliant turquoise waters and distinct wolf-head shape, this glacier-fed wonder is a photographer’s dream. Stop at Bow Summit, the highest vehicle-accessible point on the Icefields Parkway, and soak in unforgettable panoramic views. A must-visit destination for nature lovers exploring Banff and Jasper National Parks!
The Crossing (lunch at own expense, 45 minutes)
Columbia Icefield (mandatory activity: Ice Explorer Snowcoach, 90 minutes) The Ice Explorer experience needs to be booked in advance. The tickets are not sold on-site. Guests without tickets will not be able to join the activity and may have idle waiting time while others participate. To make the most of your tour, we recommend securing your ticket at the time of booking. Get ready for an unforgettable glacier adventure! Begin at the Glacier Discovery Centre, then hop on a shuttle to the Icefield transfer bay, where the massive Ice Explorer awaits. This specially designed vehicle takes you deep onto the Athabasca Glacier, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step onto ancient ice. Feel the crisp air, marvel at the stunning landscape, and capture breathtaking photos. 2-hour experience—admission not included.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Customers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult. Pregnant women may join the tour only if they are no more than 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the trip.
- City Passes or personal attraction tickets are not accepted. Admission and meal prices are subject to change without prior notice. Refunds will not be issued for price decreases, and price matching for attraction tickets is not available.
- Please provide accurate information, including your full name, contact details (preferably a mobile phone number), and flight information. Inaccuracies may affect your travel arrangements, and any losses resulting from incorrect information will be the responsibility of the traveler.
- If you choose to leave the group early, please inform the tour guide in advance and sign a departure agreement. No refunds will be provided for any unused portions of the tour.
- If a scheduled attraction is closed due to public holidays or other unforeseen circumstances, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly and/or substitute it with an equivalent attraction to maintain the quality of the Tour.
- The Ice Explorer experience needs to be booked in advance. The tickets are not sold on-site. Guests without tickets will not be able to join the activity and may have idle waiting time while others participate. Due to fixed tour schedules, we strongly recommend booking your Ice Explorer tickets through us. If purchasing independently, please select the 14:00–14:30 time slot only. Should this slot be unavailable on the official website or if you experience any booking difficulties, please contact us in advance for assistance.
- The tour itinerary may be modified by the guide due to weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances to ensure a smooth trip.
- These terms may be updated from time to time. Please refer to the product website for the most current information before booking. The tour provider is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages, except as required by laws.
- It is highly recommended to book Ice Explorer tickets when booking with "Tour with Admission" option, as they sell out far in advance.
- Please Note: The total duration of the tour (8–11 hours) may vary depending on your pick-up and drop-off locations.Passengers picked up from Calgary may experience longer travel times compared to those boarding in Banff.
- Gifts provided during the tour are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions. No refunds will be issued for any changes to the gifts.
Reviews(48)
He is nice, very helpful and love to share
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Yesterday, my child and I joined the Rocky Mountain Icefield Day Tour, and we had an amazing experience thanks to our tour guide, Roy. Roy was professional, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable throughout the entire trip. He shared fascinating information about the Rockies, glaciers, and the surrounding areas, making every stop even more enjoyable. His passion and sense of humor kept the tour engaging and fun. He was also very kind and patient with everyone in the group, especially families with children, making us feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the day. Thank you, Roy, for your hard work and dedication. You made this trip truly memorable, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. We highly recommend Roy to anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies and hope to join another tour with him in the future!
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Good day trip to the Columbia icefield stopping at bow lake and peyto lake. Small group and great driver. Had great weather as well.
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
It was marvelous trip I recommend it once in life time must be done and our guide driver Roy was descent and helpful
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
It was marvelous trip and our guide Roy was very informative and descent he looks after every one of us taking pictures and caring It s really recommended the tour to every one especially when Roy is the guide
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Our trip to the Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield was one of the highlights of our Canadian Rockies vacation. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, with towering mountains, ancient ice, and incredible views everywhere we looked. A special thank you to our tour guide, Daryl, who made the experience even more memorable. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the history and geology of the glacier. He explained everything clearly and shared many interesting facts throughout the journey. His sense of humor and enthusiasm kept the whole group engaged and made the long drive enjoyable. Daryl was also very attentive and patient, making sure everyone was comfortable and had enough time to take photos and enjoy the glacier experience. We never felt rushed. If you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies, I highly recommend taking this tour. Walking near the Athabasca Glacier and learning about this amazing natural wonder with Daryl as our guide was an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Daryl, for such a fantastic day!
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
We had an amazing day exploring the Canadian Rockies with our guide, Daryl Lu. The tour was well organized, informative, and absolutely breathtaking from start to finish. Our first stop was Bow Lake, where the turquoise water and surrounding mountain scenery were stunning. Daryl shared interesting information about the area and gave us plenty of time to enjoy the views and take photos. Next, we visited Peyto Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes we have ever seen. The famous wolf-head-shaped lake looked even more impressive in person. Daryl helped us find the best viewpoints and patiently answered all our questions. The highlight of the trip was the Columbia Icefield. Walking near the massive glacier and learning about its history was an unforgettable experience. Daryl was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the Rockies, which made the journey even more enjoyable. Throughout the day, he ensured everyone was comfortable, safe, and having a great time. His professionalism, positive attitude, and local knowledge truly enhanced the experience. We highly recommend this tour and especially recommend Daryl Lu as a guide. If you want to experience the beauty of the Rockies while learning about the region, this tour is an excellent choice. Thank you, Daryl, for a wonderful and memorable day!
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
The tour was worth it. Thanks to our tour guide Roy he's excellent. Will recommend this tour to my family and friends.
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
It was all worth it. Roy our tour guide is excellent!
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Great tour and excellent guide! Everything was well organized, and the scenery was amazing. The guide was professional, patient, and provided lots of useful information throughout the trip. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area.
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
