Icefield Parkway: Peyto and Bow Lakes, and Sunwapta Falls or Abraham Lake

Overview

Embark on a 12-hour full-day excursion along the famous Icefield Parkway, departing from Calgary, Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise. Accompanied by a guide, you will explore spectacular mountain landscapes aboard an air-conditioned vehicle. From 1 April to 30 November, the itinerary focuses on the turquoise waters of Peyto and Bow Lakes, as well as the power of Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls, where rushing waters carve impressive canyons. From 1 December to 31 March, the route includes Peyto and Bow Lakes but replaces the falls with Abraham Lake. The latter is renowned for its ice bubbles trapped beneath the surface, visible depending on weather conditions. During this winter period, crampons are provided, and snowshoeing is offered with equipment and hot drinks. The service includes pick-up and return depending on the chosen location. Please note that no restaurants are available along the way; therefore, you must bring your own lunch.

Itinerary

1. Cascade Mountain is a mountain located in the Bow River Valley of Banff National Park, adjacent to the town of Banff.

   · Non-stop passage

2. You will see a serene collection of lakes reflecting the surrounding mountains. They can enjoy picturesque views, go wildlife spotting, and capture stunning photographs.

   · Non-stop passage

3. With its sheer cliffs, towering slopes, and dramatic presence, Castle Mountain showcases the raw power and magnificence of nature.

   · Non-stop passage

4. Sunwapta Falls and Canyon

   **4/1-11/30 will visit Sunwapta Falls** **12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (ice bubble lake, weather permitting)** Sunwapta Falls is a powerful, two-tiered waterfall in Jasper National Park, located along the scenic Icefields Parkway. Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, the falls are characterized by an impressive upper falls and a more spread-out lower falls, accessible via a short hike.

   · 30 min

5. Athabasca Falls

   **4/1-11/30 will visit Athabasca Falls** **12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (ice bubble lake, weather permitting)** This stop may be adjusted or cancelled depending on the weather and road conditions. Athabasca Falls is a powerful, wide waterfall where the Athabasca River plunges over hard quartzite rocks, creating dramatic rapids and a thunderous roar. Its unique combination of sheer force, striking rock formations, and easily accessible viewpoints makes it one of the most impressive waterfalls in Jasper National Park.

   · 20 min

6. Abraham Lake

   **4/1-11/30 will visit Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls** **12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (ice bubble lake, weather permitting)** Abraham Lake, located in the Canadian Rockies, is renowned for its striking frozen bubbles trapped beneath the lake's icy surface during winter. This natural phenomenon creates a stunning visual effect, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Abraham Lake offers a serene and picturesque winter landscape.

   · 1 h 30 min

7. Peyto Lake

   Peyto Lake, situated in Banff National Park, is famous for its unique, heart-shaped appearance, which is especially visible from the viewing point. Surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and often covered in snow, the lake's turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the surrounding landscapes, making it a popular destination for breathtaking views and photography.

   · 45 min

8. Crowfoot Glacier

   This stop may be adjusted or cancelled depending on the weather and road conditions. The glacier gets its name from its three spurs that resemble a crow’s foot. (The lower toe melted away by the 1940s.) It sits on the northeast side of Crowfoot Mountain, overlooking Bow Lake. The glacier's runoff feeds into Bow Lake and the Bow River, which flows from Banff National Park through Calgary to the Alberta prairies.

   · 10 min

9. Bow Lake

   Bow Lake is renowned for its striking turquoise waters and picturesque setting. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers, the lake offers stunning reflections and is a popular spot for photography and tranquil walks along its shore. The striking blue color of the lake comes from glacial meltwater, adding to its serene beauty.

   · 15 min

10. Bow Valley Parkway

    Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic route in Banff National Park, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This picturesque drive is also a prime location for wildlife spotting, with frequent sightings of elk, deer, and sometimes even bears. As you traverse this beautiful parkway, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, making your journey both visually stunning and wildlife-rich.

    · Non-stop passage

Pickup

Pickup included.

Please ensure that you are prepared and present 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Our tour guide will pick you up and drop you off at the lobby. Here are the designated departure times and locations: 07:15 Delta Hotel by Mariott, 209 4 Ave SE 08:40 Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 3A2) 09:00 Banff Caribou Hotel, 521 Banff Ave 09:50 Lake Louise Visitor Center The pick-up times may vary depending on the status of the tour.

What to know before you go

• Special needs child seats available.
• Public transport available nearby.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• The tour requires a minimum of 6 people to operate; in case of cancellation, you will be informed the day before.
• The tour takes place in a bus with other travellers.
• If there are insufficient participants for the chosen language, an alternative in another language may be proposed.
• The total duration includes travel time.
• Please bring your own lunch.
• A reminder will be sent the day before the tour via email or message.
• Pick-up times and locations are fixed.
• The itinerary may be adjusted due to winter road and weather conditions, with notification the day before.
• The itinerary includes Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls from 1 April to 30 November.
• The itinerary includes Abraham Lake from 1 December to 31 March.
• Observation of Abraham Lake's ice bubbles depends on the weather, with the ideal period generally between January and February.
• Please inform the organiser if you are bringing luggage, a wheelchair, or a stroller, as service fees may apply.
• The group is limited to 48 travellers.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before departure.

• No refund if cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before departure.
• The activity may be cancelled due to bad weather or insufficient number of participants.

Who is it for?

• Travellers staying in Calgary, Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise.
• People of all fitness levels.
• Groups or individual travellers (up to 48 people).
• English, Chinese, or Cantonese speakers.

What makes it different

• Pick-up and return available in four different cities.
• Seasonal itinerary adapted with snowshoes and crampons provided in winter.
• Access to diverse natural sites such as Abraham Lake and its ice bubbles.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 467609P28

Activity offered by Banff Journey via Viator.