Banff/Calgary/Canmore: Crowfoot Glacier, 5 Lakes & Canyon

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks on this full-day guided tour that departs from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore. For around 12 hours, you’ll visit Crowfoot Glacier, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Herbert Lake, and Waterfowl Lake, with stops at Columbia Icefield and Marble Canyon. The tour is designed for those eager to see iconic Canadian Rockies scenery in a single day, with plenty of photo opportunities and guided insights from knowledgeable guides. The price includes transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with pickup options included.

This tour emphasizes stunning lakes and glaciers, making it ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. A notable strength is the highly-rated guides who provide detailed explanations and extra stops, ensuring a rich experience. However, the itinerary can vary, with some stops like Lake Louise potentially omitted during winter, and lunch is not included, so planning accordingly is advised.

This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking a comprehensive day of sightseeing in the Rockies, especially those who want to maximize their time without the hassle of self-driving. The tour’s flexibility and small group size contribute to a personal experience, making it a favorite among visitors.

Key Points

• Full-day trip lasting approximately 12 hours, with pickups from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore
• Visits to Crowfoot Glacier, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Herbert Lake, and Waterfowl Lake
• Includes a guided tour with detailed explanations from highly-rated guides
• Stops at Columbia Icefield and Marble Canyon for extra scenic exploration
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vans with small group sizes
• Lunch is not included, but options are available at Lake Louise Village and Ski Resort

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Pickup Locations and Flexibility

This tour offers multiple pickup points to start the day: Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, Delta Hotels in Calgary Downtown, and the Canmore Visitor Information Centre. Pickup times vary by location, with Calgary at 8:00 AM, Banff at 9:50 AM, and Canmore at 9:30 AM, making it convenient regardless of where travelers stay. The transportation is highly rated, with 85% of reviews giving it a perfect score.

Exploring Banff and Jasper’s Lakes

The tour’s core focus is the five lakes and glaciers within Banff and Jasper National Parks. Lake Louise is renowned for its pristine beauty and breathtaking alpine scenery, with a guided 45-minute tour. Herbert Lake offers a short 20-minute photo stop, giving visitors a chance to capture its tranquil waters. Bow Lake and Waterfowl Lake are also included, with 30-minute and 20-minute stops, respectively, allowing time for photos and brief explorations.

Peyto Lake: The Vibrant Rockies Icon

One of the standout locations is Peyto Lake, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters. The tour includes a 45-minute visit, with a guided tour and photo stops, making it possible to appreciate its spectacular color and mountain backdrop. Many reviews highlight Peyto Lake as a personal favorite, with visitors praising the great photo opportunities and the guide’s assistance.

Crowfoot Glacier and Waterfowl Lake

The Crowfoot Glacier is a major highlight on this tour, with a guided 20-minute visit to a viewpoint where the glacier glistens under sunlight. The guided tour here provides insight into the glacier’s size and significance. Waterfowl Lake is the final scenic stop, with a 20-minute visit that offers peaceful natural surroundings, perfect for a quick stretch or photos.

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Columbia Icefield and Marble Canyon

The Columbia Icefield is a significant part of the itinerary, with a 2.5-hour visit. It features guided exploration of one of the largest ice fields in the Rockies, and the opportunity to learn about the glacier’s history and climate. Following that, the Marble Canyon is visited for about 1 hour, known for its striking rock formations and scenic views.

Logistics and Pacing

The tour’s pacing balances sightseeing with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. The itinerary includes breaks at Lake Louise Ski Resort for 45 minutes, where travelers can purchase lunch or explore the area. Keep in mind that lunch is not included, so packing snacks or planning to buy food locally is recommended.

The group size typically remains small, which enhances the experience by allowing more personalized attention from guides. The transportation is modern and comfortable, making the long day more enjoyable.

Guides and Customer Experience

Multiple reviews emphasize the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, with several mentioning Guru, Bally, Vik, and AJ. Customers appreciate guides who are informative, helpful, and passionate about Banff and Jasper. Many reviews highlight extra stops and additional points of interest that guides show, enhancing the value of the tour.

The guides’ flexibility and willingness to accommodate travelers’ needs contribute to high satisfaction levels. Photo assistance, extra sightseeing advice, and extra stops are common themes in positive reviews.

Tour Duration and Best Time to Go

The tour lasts around 12 hours, departing early in the morning to maximize sightseeing time. While the itinerary can change, especially in winter when some lakes like Waterfowl Lake are less accessible, the core stops remain consistent. Most reviews highlight excellent timing and well-organized schedules that allow seeing many highlights within a single day.

Cost and Booking Options

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans. Customers can reserve now and pay later, which is especially convenient for flexible travel plans. The price includes pickup, transport, and guided commentary, making it a practical value for a comprehensive Rockies adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Crowfoot Glacier, 5 Lakes & Canyon Tour

This full-day tour delivers impressive views of lakes, glaciers, and mountain scenery in Banff and Jasper Parks. The highly-rated guides and small group sizes ensure a personalized experience, perfect for travelers eager to see multiple highlights in one day. Visitors particularly enjoy the Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier, and the well-paced itinerary balances sightseeing with relaxation.

Limitations include the absence of included lunch and possible itinerary variations in winter. However, the reliable transportation and expert guiding make this tour a solid choice for outdoor lovers and photography enthusiasts. Overall, it offers excellent value and a comprehensive taste of Canada’s Rockies with the comfort of a guided group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. Guests can purchase food at Lake Louise Village or the Lake Louise Ski Resort during the break.

What are the pickup locations and times?
Pickup options are Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa (9:50 AM), Delta Hotels in Calgary Downtown (8:00 AM), and Canmore Visitor Information Centre (9:30 AM).

What is the duration of the Columbia Icefield visit?
The Columbia Icefield is visited for approximately 2.5 hours, offering guided exploration of one of the largest ice fields.

Can the itinerary change during winter?
Yes, during winter, some lakes such as Waterfowl Lake might not be accessible, and stops like Lake Louise may be omitted.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour involves short walks and photo stops at scenic viewpoints, making it suitable for most people with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

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