Can/Banff :Columbia Icefield, Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake, Tour

Explore the Canadian Rockies with a Full-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff

This 10-hour guided tour offers a comprehensive look at some of the most iconic sights in the Canadian Rockies, including Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and Lake Louise. Starting from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, the tour provides multiple photo stops, scenic drives, and expert commentary. The tour is highly rated at 4.5/5 from 21 reviews, with 95% recommending it. Price-wise, it costs $80.17 per person, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking an immersive Rockies experience.

One notable aspect is the flexible itinerary, which includes several stops at major viewpoints. However, it’s important to mention that activities at Columbia Icefield such as the Ice Explorer ride and Skywalk are not included in the base price—they are available at an extra cost. The tour also adapts to the winter season, replacing Columbia Icefield visits with Johnston Canyon, which is accessible from October 15 to May 2. This tour suits visitors eager to see multiple highlights in one day in a comfortable, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Full-day tour covering Banff and Jasper National Parks with approximately 10 hours of sightseeing
• Stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and Waterfowl Lake
• Price: $80.17 per person, with optional activities at Columbia Icefield at additional cost
• Departure points: Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, with pickups in the morning
• Small-group experience with maximum 13 travelers enhances personalized attention
• Guides like Ashish receive high praise for knowledge, professionalism, and friendliness

From Calgary to the Heart of the Rockies

The tour begins with a pickup in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, with set times starting from 8:00 AM in Calgary. The journey takes travelers through scenic landscapes as the vehicle heads into the Rockies. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, allowing for plenty of stops and opportunities to take photographs.

The route is designed to maximize the sightseeing potential, with the itinerary including Lake Louise for 30 minutes of free time. Known for its shimmering turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Lake Louise is one of the most recognizable sights in the Rockies. It’s an ideal spot for photos and simply soaking in the mountain scenery.

Visiting Peyto Lake: The Wolf-Shaped Viewpoint

Next, the tour stops at Peyto Lake, where visitors have 45 minutes to explore and enjoy the vibrant turquoise waters. The lake’s unique wolf-shaped appearance is best appreciated from the well-known viewpoint, which offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. This stop is perfect for landscape photography and to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Crowfoot Glacier: A Unique and Changing Formation

A highlight of the trip is the Crowfoot Glacier, which is renowned for its distinct crowfoot-like shape. The stop lasts 10 minutes, giving travelers a quick but impressive view of this constantly changing glacier. The sharply defined features of Crowfoot Glacier make it a favorite among many visitors, and it’s a great photo opportunity to capture the scale of the glaciers in the Rockies.

Columbia Icefield: The Main Attraction and Its Limitations

While the Columbia Icefield is a major feature of the area, the tour only includes a 2-hour stop at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, not the Ice Explorer rides or Skywalk, which are not included in the base price. These activities cost CA$120 per person and must be purchased separately. During the winter months, the activities are closed from October 15 to May 2, and visitors are directed instead to Johnston Canyon for a winter experience.

The Discovery Centre allows visitors to learn about the size of the icefield, which spans 325 square kilometers, and see eight glaciers feeding into the area. It’s an informative stop that offers a chance to understand the region’s glaciology without additional charges.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk: An Optional Thrill

The Skywalk is a glass-floored walkway that extends over the Sunwapta Valley in Jasper National Park. It offers breathtaking views of the glacier-fed landscape below. However, tickets are not included in the tour price. Visitors who choose to experience the Skywalk can do so at their own expense, adding extra adventure and photo opportunities to their day.

Bow Lake and Waterfowl Lake: Scenic Viewpoints and Photo Stops

Following the icefield, the tour visits Bow Lake, where travelers have 30 minutes to admire the vivid blue waters fed by the nearby glaciers. The lake provides stunning views of the Crowfoot Glacier and surrounding peaks, making it a favorite for photos. The next stop is Waterfowl Lake, which offers additional scenic vistas and is part of the journey along the scenic Icefields Parkway.

Tangle Creek Falls: A Picturesque Waterfall

The tour also includes a 30-minute stop at Tangle Creek Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall in Jasper National Park. Its accessibility and photogenic quality make it a popular point for capturing images of the Rockies’ flowing water and rugged landscape.

The Experience Guide and Customer Satisfaction

Guided by Aashish and other knowledgeable guides, the tour receives high praise for professionalism, friendliness, and insight. Reviews highlight the guides’ ability to navigate confidently, share stories, and help guests capture great photos. The small group setting allows guides to tailor the experience and ensure everyone gets the best views and information.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and bottled water. It does not include travel insurance, meals, or the icefield activities (which are optional and paid separately). Confirmation is received upon booking, and service animals are allowed. The tour is suitable for most travelers and operates most days, with a maximum of 13 participants ensuring a comfortable experience.

Preference is given to good weather conditions, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Final Thoughts on the Rockies Day Trip

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic viewpoints, wildlife photography opportunities, and educational stops, all within a manageable 10-hour window. The small-group format enhances the experience, and the guides’ expertise adds valuable context to each stop.

While activities at Columbia Icefield are not included in the base price, the tour’s design maximizes sightseeing with numerous free viewpoints and stops at iconic locations. It is particularly suited for visitors who want a comprehensive day trip with a focus on spectacular scenery and expert guiding.

If you are comfortable with self-purchasing optional activities and prefer a well-paced trip with lots of photo opportunities, this tour provides excellent value for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include activities at Columbia Icefield, like the Ice Explorer ride or Skywalk?
No, those activities are not included in the tour price. They can be purchased separately for CA$120 per person.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lake, and Tangle Creek Falls.

Is this tour suitable during winter?
Yes, during the winter season, Columbia Icefield activities are closed, and the itinerary is adjusted to include Johnston Canyon instead.

How long are the stops at each location?
Typical durations are 30 minutes at Lake Louise, 45 minutes at Peyto Lake, 10 minutes at Crowfoot Glacier, 2 hours at Columbia Icefield, 30 minutes at Bow Lake, and 30 minutes at Tangle Creek Falls.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of participants is 13, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund; later cancellations are not eligible for refunds.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is operated by Matrix tours and travel LTD.

What is the best way to book this tour?
Booking can be done online through the provider’s platform, with confirmation provided immediately upon reservation.

Embark on this scenic journey to the Canadian Rockies, enjoying the stunning beauty of glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls, guided by friendly experts who bring the landscape to life.