Discover glacier views and alpine lakes on a guided Columbia Icefield day tour from Calgary or Banff. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle along the Icefields Parkway, with mountain scenery and commentary as you pass Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier.
During the operating season, enjoy approximately 2.5 hours at the Columbia Icefield. Add an optional Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier for an unforgettable encounter with the Canadian Rockies' icy landscape. The ride costs extra and advance booking is recommended.
Stop at Peyto Lake for approximately 20 minutes to admire its mountain setting and photograph its vivid blue waters when the lake is ice-free. If access is unavailable, visit Waterfowl Lake instead.
Seasonal itinerary: Before the first Saturday of May and after the second Saturday of October, the Columbia Icefield visit is replaced by Lake Minnewanka (approximately 20 minutes) and Banff Upper Hot Springs (approximately 60 minutes; optional admission payable onsite). If the hot springs are unavailable, Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the alternative, with admission payable onsite. Bring swimwear if you plan to use the hot springs.
