Calgary: Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Crowfoot Glacier and Lakes

Overview

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks on this scenic tour from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore. Marvel at the stunning Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Waterfowl Lake while capturing incredible wildlife and nature photography. Winter travelers will enjoy a special visit to Johnston Canyon, showcasing a winter wonderland until May 2. This tour includes ample sightseeing stops, allowing for memorable moments in the Rocky Mountains, followed by a return to your pickup point after a day of exploration. - Scenic tour through Banff and Jasper National Parks - Visit iconic sites like Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, and more - Special winter experience at Johnston Canyon from October 15 to May 2 - Ample opportunities for photography and sightseeing throughout the day

Itinerary

1. Lake Louise

   Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, Lake Louise is one of Canada’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Famous for its vibrant turquoise waters, framed by majestic mountain peaks and the stunning Victoria Glacier, this glacial lake offers breathtaking scenery year-round. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeshore, rent a canoe in summer, or experience a magical winter wonderland with ice skating and snow-covered views. The historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise adds to the charm, providing a perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation.

   · 30 min

2. Crowfoot Glacier

   Marvel at the natural wonder of Crowfoot Glacier, a stunning hanging glacier nestled on the slopes of Crowfoot Mountain along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. Once named for its three distinct “toes” resembling a crow’s foot, the glacier has become a symbol of the changing climate, as one of its toes has melted over time. Easily visible from a roadside viewpoint along Bow Lake, this glacier offers breathtaking scenery without the need for a strenuous hike. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and alpine beauty, it’s a perfect photo stop and educational moment during your journey through the Canadian Rockies. The glacier’s shimmering ice, combined with its historical significance and accessibility, makes it a favorite highlight for visitors exploring the iconic Icefields Parkway. Whether you're on a sightseeing tour or road-tripping through Banff, a stop at Crowfoot Glacier is a must for lovers of nature, geology, and striking mountain landscapes.

   · 20 min· Admission included

3. Bow Lake

   Bow Lake, located along the scenic Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Fed by the Bow Glacier, the lake’s brilliant turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains, including Crowfoot Mountain and Mount Thompson, creating postcard-perfect views. A peaceful stop for travelers, Bow Lake offers opportunities for short walks, photography, and enjoying the quiet beauty of alpine nature. In summer, the area is alive with wildflowers and gentle breezes, while in colder months, it transforms into a serene, snow-covered landscape. The historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, located on the northern shore, adds rustic charm and a glimpse into the region’s heritage. Whether you stop for a quick photo or a longer break, Bow Lake provides an unforgettable experience with its calm waters, glacier-fed brilliance, and panoramic mountain backdrop—perfect for nature lovers and road trippers alike.

   · 30 min· Admission included

4. Peyto Lake

   Peyto Lake is a breathtaking glacial lake located in Banff National Park, just off the Icefields Parkway. Famed for its unique wolf-head shape and brilliant turquoise color, Peyto Lake offers one of the most iconic and photographed viewpoints in the Canadian Rockies. The vibrant color comes from glacial rock flour that flows into the lake during the summer months, creating an unreal, almost glowing appearance. A short walk from the parking area leads to a well-maintained viewing platform that provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and sightseers, Peyto Lake is a must-see stop that captures the essence of the Rockies' natural beauty. Whether you visit during summer for vivid colors or in winter for a peaceful, snow-draped scene, the views are unforgettable. This stop is a highlight for anyone traveling the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper.

   · 45 min· Admission included

5. Waterfowl Lakes, located along the iconic Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, are a pair of stunning glacial lakes that offer tranquility, breathtaking scenery, and a perfect connection with nature. Nestled between Bow Summit and the majestic Mount Chephren, these serene lakes are known for their vibrant blue-green color and peaceful surroundings, making them a favorite stop for travelers seeking a less crowded yet equally beautiful alternative to more popular sites. The area offers excellent photo opportunities, short walks, and even access to longer hiking trails like the Chephren Lake and Cirque Lake trails. Reflections of snow-capped peaks and dense pine forests on the calm water create postcard-worthy views in every direction. Whether you’re stopping for a break, enjoying a picnic, or simply admiring the untouched beauty of the Canadian Rockies,

   · 20 min

6. Sasketchawan River Crossing

   Saskatchewan River Crossing is a scenic and historic stop along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, where the North Saskatchewan, Howse, and Mistaya Rivers meet. Surrounded by towering peaks and glacial valleys, this junction served as an important route for Indigenous peoples, fur traders, and early explorers. Today, it offers visitors a peaceful place to take in panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies and learn about the area’s rich heritage. With a nearby viewpoint, picnic areas, and a service center with restrooms and refreshments (open seasonally), it's a convenient and picturesque place to pause during your journey between Banff and Jasper. The surrounding landscape includes dramatic mountain ranges and wide river valleys that are especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. Whether you're stretching your legs, capturing the scenery, or reflecting on the region's history, Saskatchewan River Crossing is a meaningful and memorable stop on any Icefields Parkway adventure.

   · Non-stop passage

7. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

   Perched at an elevation of over 2,000 meters along the world-renowned Icefields Parkway, the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is more than just a visitor stop—it's the beating heart of glacier exploration in the Canadian Rockies. Located in Jasper National Park, directly across from the Athabasca Glacier, the Discovery Centre offers a rare opportunity to learn, dine, shop, and embark on once-in-a-lifetime adventures—all within one spectacular alpine setting.

   · 45 min· Admission not included

8. Columbia Icefield Skywalk

   Step into the sky with the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, an awe-inspiring glass-floored platform suspended 280 meters (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley in Jasper National Park. This cliff-edge walkway offers a thrilling perspective of the surrounding glaciers, waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and vast alpine landscapes. Your experience begins with a scenic shuttle ride from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, followed by an interpretive walk featuring engaging exhibits on geology, wildlife, and Indigenous history. At the Skywalk, panoramic views stretch across the untouched wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, while the glass-bottom design allows you to look directly down into the dramatic canyon below. Ideal for photographers, families, and adventure seekers, this accessible attraction offers a safe yet exhilarating way to connect with nature. Whether part of a glacier tour or a standalone visit, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a must-see highlight along the Icefields Parkway.

   · 1 h· Admission not included

9. Athabasca Glacier

   The Athabasca Glacier, part of the massive Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, is one of the most accessible and iconic glaciers in the Canadian Rockies. This stunning river of ancient ice stretches over 6 kilometers and plunges nearly 300 meters deep, offering a rare chance to walk on and explore a moving glacier. Visitors can join a guided Ice Explorer tour aboard a specially designed vehicle that travels directly onto the glacier’s surface, where you can step out, touch the ice, and even drink fresh glacial meltwater. Alternatively, a short trail leads to the glacier’s toe, where interpretive signs highlight its dramatic retreat due to climate change. Surrounded by towering peaks and alpine beauty, the Athabasca Glacier offers an unforgettable educational and visual experience. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventurer, or photographer, this glacial wonder is a must-see stop along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper

   · 1 h 30 min· Admission not included

How to use your ticket

Ticket handed over by the operator on site

Please purchase entry tickets of columbia icefield activities online with time slot between 2:30 PM or 2:45 PM.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please purchase the tickets of Columbia Icefield activities (Skywalk and ice explorer) in advance with time slot between 2:30 PM or 3:00 PM because due to summer season sometimes tickets are not available on counter & it's mandatory and you can go for hike near the glacier
• This activity can accommodate a maximum of 30 travelers.
• You will receive confirmation immediately when you book.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 487686P4

Activity offered by Banff Trip via Viator.