Columbia Icefields Parkway & Glacier Skywalk Tour

View over 100 glaciers!

 The tour travels along the Columbia Icefields Parkway, rated as one of the most scenic highways in the world. Marvel at the spectacular mountains towering above and keep watch for wildlife at the edges of the forest.

Enjoy a hearty mountain picnic lunch at Bow Lake, one of the largest glacier-fed lakes in Banff National Park, against the backdrop of the Crowfoot Glacier. You’ll also visit scenic lower Waterfowl Lake or Peyto Lake (when access permits), a stunning glacier lake set against Mt Chephren.

You’ll climb aboard the Ice Explorer, a six-wheeled behemoth of a vehicle, and ride across the surface of the ice. Thirsty? You’ll have a chance to drink pure, cold water straight from the glacier.

Step out onto the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored lookout hanging from the edge of the Sunwapta Valley at 918-foot (280 m), with giant glaciers perched about you and the stunning Sunwaptcha Valley below.

At every stop, you will have the opportunity to get off the bus and stretch your legs. All of the viewpoints are a short walk (100 m or less) from where the bus parks. If time allows you will have the opportunity to explore further.

Tour highlights:

• Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure and Skywalk - Venture onto the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer, followed by a spectacular walk along the Glacier Skywalk.
• Icefields Parkway - Travel halfway along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, recognized as one of the top drives in the world passing Rocky Mountain peaks, glaciers, emerald lakes, and waterfalls.
• Mountain Picnic Lunch - Enjoy lunch at a scenic stop along the Icefields Parkway.
• Glacier Lakes - See the headwaters of the mighty Bow River at Bow Lake, and lower Waterfowl Lake or scenic Peyto Lake (when access permits).

Duration:  11 hours

Season:  May to October

What’s included:

• Ice Explorer Tour
• Glacier Skywalk admission
• Friendly, certified guide
• Small group sizes
• Hands on interpretive tools
• Hotel pick up and drop off (Banff)
• Mountain picnic lunch

Need to know:

• What to wear: While, for a large portion of the tour you will be on the bus, it can snow, rain, hail or shine any month of the year at the Icefields. We suggest preparing for unpredictable weather and dress in layers with hats, warm shoes, and gloves. It is usually only a few degrees cooler at the Icefields than it is in Banff, although the glacier does experience some cold winds. For shoes, we would suggest closed toes shoes. It is also recommended to take sunglasses as it can be very bright on the glacier.
• Early and late season road/trail closures may limit access to some areas.
• Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

This full day Columbia Icefield glacier adventure provides you with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of this natural wonder.

The Columbia Icefields Parkway and Glacier Skywalk Tour takes place from Banff, Alberta.  VIEW MAP

How To Book Your Experience