The most accessible ancient glacial ice
Glacier Tours in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most accessible ancient glacial ice in North America. From the colossal Columbia Icefield and the famous Athabasca Glacier to Peyto Lake's glacier-fed turquoise water and the backcountry icefields above Kicking Horse, this guide covers glacier destinations across the Rockies and the transportation options for reaching them from Canmore and Banff.
How Canmore Travel fits in: We provide private shuttle transportation to glacier destinations across the Canadian Rockies. We do not organize any activities or events. We get you to and from the glaciers from convenient pickup locations in Canmore, Harvie Heights, or Banff.
Glacier Tour Destinations
Canmore Travel provides transportation to all of the glacier destinations below. Guided glacier activities are organized separately through the operators at each site.
Banff and Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper passes more glacial terrain than any other paved road in North America. Four of the most dramatic glacier destinations in the Rockies are accessible as stops along this route.
Banff is the starting point for exploring the glaciers of the Canadian Rockies, with easy access to world-class glacier viewpoints along the Bow Valley Parkway. The Banff Gondola offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers from the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Banff provides the ideal base for a glacier-themed adventure in the Rockies.
Banff
Bow Lake is fed by the Bow Glacier and is known for its turquoise glacial waters and the stunning Crowfoot Glacier across the valley. The Bow Glacier Falls Trail leads from the lakeshore toward the face of the glacier, offering a close-up view of its meltwater cascade. A serene and accessible setting for experiencing glacial landscapes without a guided tour booking.
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake is fed by the Peyto Glacier, part of the Wapta Icefield, and is known for its extraordinary turquoise colour and iconic wolf-head shape from above. The Bow Summit viewpoint at 2,088 metres is reached via a short walk. A tour to the area lets you learn about the glacial history and see the effects of climate change on this retreating glacier.
Peyto Lake
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest icefields in North America and the centrepiece of any Rockies glacier tour. The Athabasca Glacier flows from the icefield directly to a roadside access area where guided walks onto the ice and Ice Explorer vehicle tours operate through summer. Visitors can walk on ancient glacial ice and witness the stunning blue ice up close. A must-visit for any glacier enthusiast.
Columbia Icefield
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Both lakes sit directly below glaciers that define their colour and their character. Victoria Glacier and the smaller glaciers above the Valley of the Ten Peaks are among the most photographed glacial features in Canada.
Lake Louise is world-famous for its glacier-fed water, with Victoria Glacier looming majestically above the far shore. A guided hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers begins from the lakeshore and takes you through a valley named for the six glaciers visible along the route, bringing you within close range of Victoria Glacier. The scenery above the teahouse at trail's end is among the finest in the national park.
Lake Louise
Moraine Lake is surrounded by towering glaciers, and the Rockpile Trail provides panoramic views of the lake and the peaks above. The Rockpile Trail also offers views of the geological forces that created this stunning landscape. Moraine Lake's beauty and dramatic glacial backdrop make it a highlight of any trip to the Rockies.
Moraine Lake
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park provides access to some of the most spectacular glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, with the full-day journey from Canmore via the Icefields Parkway turning the drive itself into part of the experience.
Jasper National Park provides access to some of the most spectacular glaciers in the Canadian Rockies. Visit the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on the glacier or take a ride in an Ice Explorer vehicle. The park also offers several glacier-fed lakes and scenic viewpoints. Jasper's vast wilderness and abundant wildlife make it a perfect destination for a comprehensive glacier tour.
Jasper
British Columbia
Three BC destinations within shuttle range of Canmore offer glacier access through mountain gondolas, resort backcountry tours, and Glacier National Park of Canada.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort provides access to less-visited glaciers in the Rockies. A guided tour into the surrounding backcountry explores the rugged icefields and glacial valleys of the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. The resort's gondola ride offers spectacular views of surrounding peaks with glimpses of distant glaciers. Ideal for those seeking a more adventurous off-the-beaten-path glacier experience.
Kicking Horse
Panorama Mountain Resort offers access to glaciers in the Purcell Mountains, including the Jumbo Glacier area where you can see active glacial ice and learn about the processes shaping these ancient formations. Panorama's combination of adventure activities and stunning glacier views makes it a great destination for a comprehensive Rocky Mountain glacier experience.
Panorama
Revelstoke is a gateway to the impressive glaciers of Glacier National Park of Canada. Take a guided tour to the Asulkan Valley or the Illecillewaet Glacier, hiking along scenic trails through lush forests, rugged peaks, and stunning glacial terrain. Revelstoke's combination of diverse landscapes and genuine glacial access makes it a fantastic destination for those looking to explore beyond the Icefields Parkway.
Revelstoke
Ready to See the Glaciers?
Private pickup in Canmore, Harvie Heights, or Banff. One vehicle, one driver, direct to the glacier destination of your choice. Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Bow Lake, or across to Revelstoke. We handle the logistics on one of the most dramatic drives in the world so you can focus on the scenery.
Note: We do not organize guided glacier walks or Ice Explorer bookings. Those are arranged on-site.
