Columbia Icefield Day Tour Ice Explorer and Scenic Views by Coach

Planning a trip to Calgary and eager to experience the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies? The Columbia Icefield Day Tour offers a comprehensive journey through some of Canada’s most iconic natural sights, perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. This full-day excursion provides a chance to see glaciers, pristine lakes, and soaring peaks—all with the comfort of a coach and the expertise of knowledgeable guides.

We particularly appreciate the scenic stops at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, offering picture-perfect moments that are easy to access and don’t require strenuous hikes. The optional Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier is an awe-inspiring experience, giving you a literal walk on the ice that’s thousands of years old. The Skywalk, high above the Sunwapta Valley, promises a rush of adrenaline and panoramic views that are hard to beat.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour includes several stops and optional add-ons, which might require a bit of physical mobility and a good camera. For travelers seeking a relaxed yet immersive day in the mountains, this tour can be highly rewarding, especially if you’re keen on seeing the Rockies’ highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips.

This experience suits those who love scenic drives, natural beauty, and easy access to iconic sights. It’s ideal for travelers with a moderate fitness level who want to maximize their Rockies experience in one day, all while enjoying the comfort of a group tour.

Key Points

• Stunning scenic stops at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier highlight the tour.
• The optional Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier offers a unique up-close glacier experience.
• The Skywalk provides a thrilling high-altitude view of the Sunwapta Valley.
• The tour is group size limited to 12, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Comfortable transportation and a professional guide enhance the day’s enjoyment.
• The price, around $80, offers good value considering the sightseeing and optional extras.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Bow Lake: A Picture-Perfect Start

The day begins with a visit to Bow Lake, a serene place where the crystal waters reflect towering glaciers and mountain peaks. Here, the focus is on tranquility and scenery—perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the mountain air. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to wander and capture the landscape without feeling rushed. This spot is a favorite among travelers for its peaceful beauty, and many say it’s a quiet moment of calm before the more dramatic sights ahead.

Peyto Lake: The Iconic Viewpoint

Next, the tour stops at the spectacular Peyto Lake, famed for its distinctive wolf’s head shape and brilliant turquoise color. It’s one of the most recognizable viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway. The 45-minute stop allows ample time to soak in the view, take photos, and appreciate the geological wonder. Visitors often comment on how striking the contrast is between the lake’s vivid hue and the surrounding peaks—it’s a photo op you won’t want to miss.

Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier: Walking on Ancient Ice

The highlight for many is the visit to the Columbia Icefield, where you can choose to add the Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. This optional experience takes you onto the ice itself, where you can stand on a glacier that’s thousands of years old. The journey onto the glacier is both exhilarating and educational, as guides often share stories of glacial formation and climate impact.

Keep in mind, the ice explorer ride isn’t included in the base price, but many travelers find it well worth the extra cost for the chance to walk on ice that’s larger than some countries. The glacier stop lasts about 2 hours, giving enough time to explore, take photos, and learn about this natural marvel from your guides.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk: An Elevated Perspective

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Skywalk offers a glass-floored platform suspended high above the Sunwapta Valley. It’s a daring way to view the Rockies from a different perspective, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valley below. The Skywalk visit lasts about an hour—an ideal detour for thrill-seekers and those wanting to elevate their sightseeing experience.

Note that admission to both the Ice Explorer and Skywalk is not included in the base ticket, but adding them provides a more comprehensive adventure. Many reviewers praise the Skywalk for its breathtaking views and the thrill of walking on transparent flooring high above the ground.

Transportation and Guides

Throughout the day, you’ll travel comfortably in well-equipped vehicles designed for mountainous terrain—most likely a small coach, given the group size of 10-12 people. The professional guides are knowledgeable, providing entertaining stories and practical information about each stop, which adds depth to the experience.

Practical Considerations

The tour starts early at 7:30am from downtown Calgary, so a good night’s sleep is recommended. The total duration is about 10 hours, including stops, which makes for a full but rewarding day. The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness—you’ll need to walk a bit at each stop, but nothing overly strenuous.

Value for Money

At just over $80 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the number of scenic stops, the guide’s expertise, and the optional activities. The price doesn’t include meals, but bottled water is provided. Optional add-ons like the Ice Explorer and Skywalk cost extra but are often considered worthwhile splurges for the experience they offer.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning mountain scenery and wants a comprehensive, relaxed way to see the highlights of the Rockies, this tour is a good fit. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer not to drive themselves, and who enjoy guided experiences with multiple scenic stops. The small group size means you get more personalized attention, and the optional excursions turn a scenic drive into an adventure.

Travelers looking for a full day of natural beauty with photo opportunities will find this tour satisfying. It’s also a good choice if you want to visit the Columbia Icefield but don’t want to organize separate excursions or deal with the logistics of multiple stops.

Final Thoughts

This Columbia Icefield tour strikes a nice balance between comfort, adventure, and sightseeing. With beautiful stops at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, plus the chance to walk on a glacier and experience the Skywalk, it offers a well-rounded Rockies experience. The knowledgeable guides help bring each site to life, making the journey as informative as it is scenic.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the value is clear when you consider the inclusions, optional activities, and stunning vistas you’ll encounter. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, hassle-free way to explore the Rockies’ most iconic sights, especially if they’re limited on time but still crave a memorable adventure.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:30am from downtown Calgary, so be prepared for an early start.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll be traveling in a well-equipped, comfortable vehicle suited to mountain roads, with small group sizes ensuring a more personal experience.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the tour price. You should plan to bring snacks or buy lunch along the way.

Can I do the Ice Explorer ride?
The Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier is an optional add-on and is not included in the base price. It is highly recommended for those who want to truly stand on a glacier.

What about the Skywalk?
The Skywalk is also an optional experience and not included in the base ticket. It offers panoramic views from high above the valley floor.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including all stops and activities.

Who is this tour suitable for?
It’s best for travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy scenic drives, easy access to natural wonders, and group-guided experiences.

Is this suitable for children?
While specific age restrictions aren’t provided, the tour’s walking and sightseeing nature makes it suitable for older children comfortable with outdoor activity.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours require good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Summary

The Columbia Icefield Day Tour offers a practical, engaging way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. With breathtaking stops, optional glacier rides, and the thrill of the Skywalk, it appeals to travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure without the hassle of planning every detail. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and insights, making each stop more meaningful.

This tour is best suited for those who want a balanced blend of scenic drives, easy walks, and memorable photo opportunities, all within a manageable day. Its value lies in the richness of sights combined with the comfort of guided groups, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see the Rockies’ highlights.

If you’re ready for a full day of awe-inspiring views and unique glacier experiences, this tour will deliver. Just keep your camera charged, your walking shoes on, and your sense of adventure ready to go.