Columbia Icefields Tour
Join us on an unforgettable tour of the Columbia Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. You'll experience the breathtaking beauty of numerous natural wonders, including Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. Feeling adventurous? Opt for an exhilarating ride on the special Ice Explorer vehicle to traverse the ancient Athabasca Glacier, and if you're brave enough, take a walk on the Skywalk, perched 918 feet above a spectacular valley. Discover the magic (and maybe a touch of adrenaline) on this extraordinary journey with us!
Duration
9-10 hours
From
$1,490 CAD
Passenger Van (up to 14): $1,790 CAD ($1,309 USD approx.) before tax
SUV (up to 5): $1,490 CAD ($1,036 USD approx.) before tax
Pickup
Door-to-door: Canmore, Harvie Heights, or Banff
Group
Private, your group only
INCLUDED
Transportation, local guide, all stops
Tour Options & Pricing
Option 1: Base Tour
Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier viewpoint
Passenger Van
Up to 14 guests
$1,890 CAD
$1,382 USD approx
SUV
Up to 5 guests
$1,590 CAD
$1,163 USD approx
Taxes not included in price
Option 2: + Skywalk
Base tour + Columbia Icefield Skywalk (tickets not included)
Passenger Van
Up to 14 guests
$2,090 CAD
$1,529 USD approx
SUV
Up to 5 guests
$1,760 CAD
$1,288 USD approx
Taxes not included in price
Option 3: + Skywalk + Glacier Adventure
Base tour + Skywalk + Ice Explorer glacier ride (tickets not included)
Passenger Van
Up to 14 guests
$2,270 CAD
$1,660 USD approx
SUV
Up to 5 guests
$1,890 CAD
$1,382 USD approx
Taxes not included in price
Option 2: + Skywalk
Base tour + Columbia Icefield Skywalk (tickets not included)
Passenger Van
Up to 14 guests
$2,170 CAD
$1,587 USD approx
SUV
Up to 5 guests
$1,750 CAD
$1,280 USD approx
Taxes not included in price
The Ice Explorer and Skywalk are operated by Pursuit and purchased on-site. This tour travels through Banff and Jasper National Parks; a Parks Canada pass is required.
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What You Will See
Your guide reads the glacial retreat written into Crowfoot's rock face. The third lobe that once reached the valley floor is now gone.
First major stop
Crowfoot Glacier
A glacier-fed lake on the Icefields Parkway. Its vivid colour comes from glacial flour, fine rock dust suspended in the meltwater.
1,920 m elevation
Bow Lake
The Parkway climbs to its highest point at Bow Summit for the famous viewpoint above Peyto's glacier-blue water.
Unreal colors
Peyto Lake
One of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, straddling the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Largest non-polar icefield
Columbia Icefield
Ride the Ice Explorer snowcoach onto 10,000-year-old ice. Roadside markers show more than 1.5 km of glacier lost since records began.
Ice Explorer add-on
Athabasca Glacier
A glass-floored walkway cantilevered over the Sunwapta Valley, with views across the icefield. Bundled with the Ice Explorer ticket.
280 m · 918 ft up
Glacier Skywalk
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know Before You Book
How long is the Columbia Icefields tour?
The tour runs 9 to 10 hours depending on the option you choose. The base tour visits all stops along the Icefields Parkway. Options 2, 3, and 4 add time for the Skywalk, Glacier Adventure, or Ice Odyssey.
What is the difference between the four tour options?
Option 1 is the base tour covering the full Icefields Parkway with all scenic stops and the Athabasca Glacier viewpoint. Option 2 adds the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Option 3 adds the Skywalk plus an Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier. Option 4 adds the Ice Odyssey snowcoach experience. Attraction tickets for Options 2, 3, and 4 are purchased separately by guests.
Do we need a Parks Canada pass?
Yes. A Parks Canada pass is required for entry into Banff National Park and should be purchased in advance at parks.canada.ca. Passes are not included in the tour price.
Are the Skywalk and Glacier Adventure tickets included?
No. Tickets for the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Glacier Adventure (Ice Explorer), and Ice Odyssey are purchased separately by guests at the attraction. The tour price covers transportation and guide services only.
Where does the tour pick up?
We offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Canmore, Harvie Heights, and Banff.
