Columbia Icefield Adventure & Glacier Skywalk Tour

8:00am

Departure Time

11 Hours

Duration

All Ages

Age

Leisurely

Activity

May-Oct

Season

Explore The Canadian Rockies on a Columbia Icefield Adventure

The Columbia Icefield is a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder, and it is a must-see for anybody visiting the Canadian Rockies. The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest icefields in North America, covering an area of 325 square kilometers (125 square miles). It’s located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, straddling the border between British Columbia and Alberta. The icefield is made up of several glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier, which is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

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Don’t see a date available? Check out our modified Columbia Icefields + Lake Louise Tour here >

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The Unique Experience Of The Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield tour offers you a unique experience that is packed with fun, adventure, and lasting memories. Join us for an incredibly journey and take advantage of the amazing opportunities that the Columbia Icefield offers for a day filled with unforgettable moments.

From the specially designed Ice Explorers, which can take you onto the massive Athabasca Glacier, to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform suspended 280 meters (900+ feet) above Sunwapta Valley. You can enjoy guided tours, to learn more about the area’s natural history and take time to marvel at the beautiful views while having a snack along the way. Whether you’re looking forward to an educational experience or just looking to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in North America, the Columbia Icefield tour is a perfect choice for anybody who wants to experience the magic and wonder of Canada’s natural landscapes.

Book your tickets today and experience the power and majesty of the Columbia Icefield!

The One-of-a-kind Drive & Tour to the Columbia Icefields

Climb aboard the Ice Explorer (a six-wheeled behemoth of a vehicle) and drive across the surface of this glittering sheet of ice. These massive vehicles are specially designed to travel across the ice, so you can get up close and personal with this natural wonder.

Sit back and enjoy the ride along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most stunning scenic drives. Because you don’t have to navigate or watch the road, this tour lets you focus on the amphitheatre of mountains towering above. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at the edges of the forest.

Dig into a hearty mountain picnic and take a photo stop 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 Peyto Lake (when access permits) or lower Waterfowl Lake along the Icefields Parkway, a stunning glacier lake set against Mt Chephren.

Getting thirsty? You’ll have a chance to drink pure, cold water straight from the glacier.

Incredible Views On The Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Step out onto the glass-bottomed Skywalk and feel the fresh air on your face as you gaze down 280 meters (918 feet) to the Sunwapta Valley below. The views are simply breathtaking, from the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the glacial crevasses and shimmering ice below. You’ll enjoy popular sights like Mount Athabasca, Mount Columbia, and Mount Robson. You’ll also see the Sunwapta River winding its way through the valley.

The Skywalk is a truly unique experience that will take your breath away. It’s the perfect way to see the beauty of the Canadian Rockies from a whole new perspective.

Schedule & Availability: Book Ahead To Reserve Your Spot On The Columbia Icefields Tour

The Columbia Icefields tours are typically available from May through October. However, seats are limited and they fill up fast. We strongly recommend that you purchase your ticket while making travel plans to ensure your spot is saved.

We also offer terrific alternative tours throughout the year:

Included	Hotel pick up and drop off (Banff) Glacier Skywalk Professional certified guide Ice Explorer Hands on interpretive tools Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Meal	Alpine Picnic Lunch

Rose's Pick

"Besides the amazing views you'll have a chance to try delicious water straight from the glacier." - Rose , Manager of Guiding Operations

Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour Reviews

4.5

3691+

4.4

219+

4.6

453+

The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:

Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure and Skywalk

Venture onto the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer, followed by a jaw-dropping walk along the Glacier Skywalk.

Icefields Parkway

This tour travels halfway along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, recognized as one of the top drives in the world passing numerous Rocky Mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and emerald lakes.

Mountain Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a hearty lunch with your choice of sandwich at a stop along the Icefields Parkway, rated as one of the most scenic highways in the world.

Crowfoot Glacier

One of the day’s many up close glacier views.

Glacier Lakes

See the headwaters of the mighty Bow River at Bow Lake, and scenic Peyto Lake (when access permits) or lower Waterfowl Lake.

Included	Hotel pick up and drop off (Banff) Glacier Skywalk Professional certified guide Ice Explorer Hands on interpretive tools Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Meal	Alpine Picnic Lunch

Rose's Pick

"Besides the amazing views you'll have a chance to try delicious water straight from the glacier." - Rose , Manager of Guiding Operations

Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour Reviews

4.5

3691+

4.4

219+

4.6

453+

Choose from the following lunch options:

Chicken Club Wrap: mayo, chicken, bacon, lettuce and tomato on a tortilla wrap
Roast Beef Sandwich: premium roast beef slices with lettuce, tomato, swiss cheese and horseradish mayo on a kaiser bun
Vegetarian Wrap: tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, lettuce and hummus on a tortilla wrap
Green salad with chicken (gluten-free): romaine lettuce, tomato, green onion, cucumber and diced chicken with french dressing

Lunches also include fruit, juice, salted potato chips and two bite brownies.

Included	Hotel pick up and drop off (Banff) Glacier Skywalk Professional certified guide Ice Explorer Hands on interpretive tools Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Meal	Alpine Picnic Lunch

Rose's Pick

"Besides the amazing views you'll have a chance to try delicious water straight from the glacier." - Rose , Manager of Guiding Operations

Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour Reviews

4.5

3691+

4.4

219+

4.6

453+

How long is the tour?

The tour begins at 8:00am in Banff (or 9:00am in Lake Louise) and brings you back to Banff around 7pm (or Lake Louise at 6:15pm), approximately 11 hours.

What does the tour include?

The full day tour includes transportation from most hotels in Banff on a guided bus tour along the scenic Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefields Centre, where you will climb aboard the Ice Explorer to visit the Athabasca Glacier and walk on the glass floor Glacier Skywalk. The tour has numerous photo opportunities, including picturesque glacier-fed Bow Lake and scenic Peyto Lake (when access permits) or lower Waterfowl Lake.

A picnic lunch is included with your choice of menu options. Please note that lunch is not included for infants.

Where is our pick up and drop off from?

We pick up from most hotels in Banff and the Samson Mall in Lake Louise, and you can select your preferred pick-up location during the booking process. For drop offs in Banff, our guide will ask you on the way back where you would like to be dropped off either in town or at your hotel.

How can I join this tour if I'm not staying in Banff?

You are welcome to meet us at any of our pick up locations in Banff to join the tour, and there is free parking at the Fenlands Centre in Banff for up to 12 hours. Guests parking here can select their pickup location as the Banff Train Station (in front of Main Entrance), located 600 metres from the Fenlands Centre. Guests staying in Lake Louise can meet at the Samson Mall in Lake Louise.

Most guests choose to self-drive into Banff, although please note that you will need to find parking in Banff that exceeds the duration of the tour. Please refer to the Town of Banff website for general parking information, or the banffparking.ca website for live parking availability. For guests staying in Canmore, you can also use the Roam bus service and disembark at the Banff High School. The closest pick up point to the Banff High School is across the road at the Elk and Avenue Hotel.

What should I wear/bring?

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 and so we suggest to prepare for unpredictable weather and dress in layers with hats, gloves and warm shoes. It is usually only a few degrees cooler at the Icefields as it is in Banff, although the glacier does experience some cold winds. For shoes, we would suggest closed toes shoes such as trainers or outdoor shoes. It is also recommended to take sunglasses as it can be very bright on the glacier.

How long is the drive from Banff?

The drive from Banff to the Columbia Icefield is around 3 hours.

How long are we on the glacier for?

The tour from the Columbia Icefield Centre is about an hour and 15 minutes, where there will be guided commentary all the way. You will have about 20 minutes on the glacier itself.

Does this tour run in winter?

Unfortunately the tour does not run in winter, as conditions are too harsh to travel on the glacier.

Will I see wildlife on the tour?

There is a chance of seeing wildlife on the tour and the Icefields Parkway is a common area to spot animals, however we do not guarantee seeing wildlife on any of our tours. Our guides have a lot of knowledge about the animals within the park and can fill you in about them if you see any wildlife or if you have any questions.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 24 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).

Should I tip my guide?

Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.

Included	Hotel pick up and drop off (Banff) Glacier Skywalk Professional certified guide Ice Explorer Hands on interpretive tools Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Meal	Alpine Picnic Lunch

Rose's Pick

"Besides the amazing views you'll have a chance to try delicious water straight from the glacier." - Rose , Manager of Guiding Operations

Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour Reviews

4.5

3691+

4.4

219+

4.6

453+

Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Early and late season road / trail closures may limit access to some areas.
Infants (5 and under) are free of charge, but this does not include any food.
Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
By participating in a tour with Discover Banff Tours, guests are acknowledging that they understand that we may take video and photographs of them during their tour. These videos and photographs may be used in promotional materials including, but not limited to, social media.
Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.

Included	Hotel pick up and drop off (Banff) Glacier Skywalk Professional certified guide Ice Explorer Hands on interpretive tools Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Meal	Alpine Picnic Lunch