Calgary: Columbia Icefield & Skywalk, Peyto, Bow & Glaciers

Explore the Canadian Rockies on a Full-Day Adventure from Calgary

This 11-hour tour offers an immersive experience of the Canadian Rockies, starting from Calgary or Banff. Priced with a 4.6 rating from the provider, Banff & Badlands Trip Planner, the trip highlights iconic sights like Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the Columbia Icefield with its famous Skywalk. The tour also features a chance to ride an Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier (at extra cost), making it a favorite for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

With small group sizes limited to 14 participants, the experience remains intimate and engaging. The tour combines scenic drives, stunning viewpoints, and guided insights into the region’s geology and ecology. While the Skywalk and Icefield Glacier Adventure are seasonal and require separate tickets, the overall journey offers plenty of breathtaking views and memorable moments for a full day of exploration.

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Key Points

• Full-day tour of the Canadian Rockies from Calgary or Banff
• Includes stops at Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Waterfowl Lake
• Features the Columbia Icefield Skywalk with panoramic views
• Opportunity to ride an Ice Explorer on Athabasca Glacier (extra cost)
• Small group tours limited to 14 participants ensure personalized attention
• Duration is approximately 11 hours, with comfortable transport included

Discover Crowfoot Glacier and Its Panoramic Views

The tour begins with a visit to the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, where panoramic vistas of the icy landscape and surrounding peaks unfold before you. This viewpoint is about 25 minutes and offers excellent photo opportunities. The glacier’s name derives from its shape resembling a three-toed crow, adding visual interest to the stop. The guide provides insights into the glacier’s formation and significance, enriching the experience.

This stop is perfect for capturing stunning landscape photos and appreciating the power of glacial ice. The brief guided tour helps contextualize the glacier’s role in the region’s geography and climate. Expect a scenic drive to this point, with views of the Rocky Mountains setting the backdrop.

Marvel at the Vibrant Waters of Peyto Lake

Next, the tour visits the Peyto Lake viewpoint, renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters and the wolf-shaped outline of the lake visible from above. This 50-minute stop allows ample time for sightseeing and photography. The viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding valley, showcasing the natural beauty that draws many travelers.

The guide explains how the lake’s striking color results from mineral-rich glacial meltwater. Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, with plenty of photo stops en route. The viewpoint is particularly popular for capturing images of the landscape’s vivid hues and pristine waters.

Relax at Bow Lake & Waterfowl Lake’s Tranquil Shores

The tour makes stops at Bow Lake and Waterfowl Lake, both of which feature serene water and dramatic mountain scenery. These pristine glacial lakes provide a tranquil setting for relaxing or snapping photos. The 30-minute stops allow you to take in the crystal-clear waters and rugged peaks, perfect for a moment of tranquility amid adventure.

Both lakes are ideal for appreciating the region’s natural serenity and capturing clear images of the mountainous landscape. The guide shares details about the lakes’ formation and ecological importance, adding depth to the stops.

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Drive the Scenic Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway segment offers 50 minutes of breathtaking scenic driving through the Rocky Mountain foothills. This route is often described as one of the most spectacular drives in the world, with towering peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls along the way. The journey includes several photo stops, allowing travelers to stretch their legs and admire the stunning scenery.

The route connects the various stops and creates a cohesive experience of mountain grandeur. The views during this drive are a highlight, with the rugged terrain and sweeping vistas leaving a lasting impression.

Visit Saskatchewan River Crossing for a Rest Break

A 30-minute stop at Saskatchewan River Crossing provides a convenient break for food, rest, or a quick look at the local facilities. This location is a typical rest point along the route, offering a chance to refresh before heading toward the Columbia Icefield. While not a sightseeing stop per se, it is essential for maintaining the pacing of the long day.

The stop also offers a glimpse of the river crossing’s surroundings, with views of the river and mountains, adding a bit of regional flavor.

Walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk for Panoramic Heights

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a 1-hour guided walk that elevates visitors onto a glass-floored observation platform suspended over the Sunwapta Valley. The Skywalk provides panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers, peaks, and valleys, making it a memorable highlight of the tour.

The guide offers insights into the geology and ecology of the Icefield while you walk along the glass platform, feeling the thrill of standing above the landscape. The Skywalk is seasonal, closed from October 15 to May 1, and tickets need to be bought separately, with options for a 2:00 PM time slot available for purchase online.

Experience the Ice Explorer on Athabasca Glacier

The most iconic part of the tour is the chance to ride an Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier (at additional cost). This rugged vehicle safely transports visitors across the glacier’s icy surface, providing a close-up view of the glacier’s cracks and surface features. The 2-hour experience includes scenic views of the glacier and offers a rare opportunity to stand on a glacier.

This activity is available from early May to mid-October and is highly recommended for those wanting an up-close glacier experience. The tour guides share detailed information about glacial geology, making it both an educational and awe-inspiring part of the day.

Explore the Athabasca Glacier and Surrounding Scenery

After the Ice Explorer ride, the tour continues with 30 minutes of sightseeing at the Athabasca Glacier. This allows time to walk around, take photos, and marvel at the glacier’s size and structure. Guides provide insights into the glacier’s importance within the Columbia Icefield and its ongoing changes due to climate factors.

This stop complements the Ice Explorer experience, offering more opportunities to appreciate the glacier’s scale and beauty.

Tour Logistics: Convenient Pickup, Small Groups, and Flexibility

The tour departs from three convenient locations: Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown at 9:00 AM, Canmore Inn & Suites at 9:30 AM, and Moose Hotel & Suites in Banff at 7:30 AM. The small group size limits the number of participants to 14, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Roundtrip transportation is air-conditioned, making the journey relaxing while you enjoy the scenic views. Pickup times are designed to maximize your day, with a schedule that balances sightseeing with breaks. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in planning.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

Travelers should dress in layers to adapt to changing mountain weather and bring comfortable shoes for walking. A camera is essential for capturing the scenery, and sunscreen helps protect against mountain glare. The tour does not include tickets for the Skywalk or Ice Explorer, which can be purchased separately online.

Since the Skywalk and Icefield Glacier Adventure are seasonal, planning ahead for their availability is important. The tour is not suited for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness, and it involves walking and outdoor exposure.

Summary: A Well-Balanced Rocky Mountain Day Trip

This full-day tour from Calgary offers a broad view of the Canadian Rockies, combining scenic drives, iconic viewpoints, and glacier adventures. The highlights include Peyto Lake’s vibrant waters, Crowfoot Glacier, and the panoramic vistas from the Skywalk. The option to ride an Ice Explorer significantly enhances the experience for those interested in glaciers.

While the Skywalk and Icefield Glacier Adventure require separate tickets and are seasonal, the core stops and scenic drives create a comprehensive mountain journey. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized and informative experience.

This tour suits nature lovers, photographers, and those eager to see the best of the Rockies in one day. It offers excellent value for the variety of sights and experiences, making it a memorable way to explore Alberta’s rugged landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ice Explorer included in the tour price?
No, the Ice Explorer ride is optional and requires an additional ticket purchased separately. It is available at a 2:00 PM time slot from early May to mid-October.

Can I visit the Skywalk during the tour?
Yes, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is part of the tour, but tickets are not included and must be purchased separately online. It is seasonally closed from October 15 to May 1.

What should I wear for the tour?
Travelers should wear layers, comfortable walking shoes, and bring sunscreen and water. Weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 14 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops range from 25 minutes at Crowfoot Glacier to 50 minutes at Peyto Lake, with other stops lasting between 30 to 50 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness, as it involves walking and outdoor activities.

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