Calgary: Icefield Adventure, Skywalk and three Glaciers Tour

Planning a trip to Alberta? Curious about exploring the iconic Canadian Rockies with a mix of breathtaking scenery and hands-on glacier experiences? This tour promises a full day of awe-inspiring views, fascinating natural history, and a taste of adventure—all from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore. While it’s a long day, the highlights make it well worth the effort for those wanting a comprehensive mountain experience.

What we love about this tour is how it combines several must-see sights into one trip at a reasonable price. From the thrill of riding across a glacier in an all-terrain vehicle to standing on a glass Skywalk over a canyon, you get a sense of adventure and scenic beauty in one go. Plus, the knowledgeable guides help make the experience informative and personable.

One consideration worth noting is the tour’s length and rugged terrain, which might be tiring for some travelers. Also, certain activities like the Ice Explorer ride or Skywalk are optional extras and add to the cost. Still, for anyone with a love of wilderness, glaciers, and jaw-dropping landscapes, this tour hits many high notes.

Who would enjoy this most? Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a well-rounded taste of the Rockies without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s especially suitable if you want to maximize scenic highlights in a single day.

Key Points

Stunning Scenery: The tour takes you through some of the most iconic spots in the Rockies, including Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Waterfowl Lake, all with spectacular mountain backdrops.

Glacier Experience: Riding an all-terrain vehicle or Glacier Bus on Athabasca Glacier offers an up-close look at ancient ice, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their kindness, professionalism, and ability to share engaging stories about the glaciers and region.

Balanced Itinerary: The day is well-structured, blending scenic stops with opportunities for photos, learning, and even a bit of adrenaline with the Skywalk.

Good Value: At $58 per person, the tour offers access to several highlights, with the option to add extra experiences like the Skywalk or Ice Explorer, which many reviews suggest are worth the additional cost.

Family-Friendly and Accessible: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers, though it involves rugged terrain and long hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour usually departs in the morning from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, with convenient pickup points. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned van or bus, the journey through the Icefields Parkway instantly signals that you’re in for a scenic day. This route is renowned worldwide for its dramatic mountain vistas, winding roads, and countless photo stops.

Herbert Lake: A Serene Beginning

Your first stop at Herbert Lake sets a peaceful tone. This tranquil, often-overlooked glacial lake reflects the surrounding peaks like Mount Temple in calm weather, making it a favorite for photographers. Many travelers appreciate this quiet moment early in the day before the crowds arrive, as one reviewer noted, “a perfect mirror reflection of the mountains.”

Crowfoot Glacier: A Glimpse of Change

Next, you’ll visit Crowfoot Glacier, perched on Crowfoot Mountain. Its shape has changed over time, shrinking from its distinctive “crow’s foot” appearance, a testament to the glacial retreat happening in real time. This stop offers a visual reminder of climate change’s impact—something many travelers find both sobering and fascinating.

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Bow Lake: Nature’s Masterpiece

The drive continues to Bow Lake, one of the largest along the route. The vibrant turquoise waters fed by the Bow Glacier contrast sharply against the rugged mountains. It’s a prime spot for photos and learning about the lake’s role in the regional watershed. We loved the way this scene combines natural beauty with geological significance—an excellent example of why this journey is so enriching.

Waterfowl Lake: Quiet Reflection

Hidden away in a peaceful corner, Waterfowl Lake offers a quiet moment to take in the scenery. Surrounded by meadows and forest, and reflecting Mount Chephren, it’s a peaceful contrast to some of the more popular stops, giving you a chance to breathe and appreciate the wilderness.

Peyto Lake: The Iconic Wolf-Head

A short walk leads to the famous Peyto Lake viewpoint. Known for its wolf-head shape and striking turquoise hue, this spot is a photographer’s dream. The lakes’ vibrant color results from glacial rock flour suspended in the water, an effect many find mesmerizing. Visitors often comment on how surreal and beautiful this lake looks, making it a highlight of the trip.

The Crown Jewel: Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier

The climax of the tour is the Columbia Icefield, one of North America’s largest ice accumulations. The Glacier Discovery Centre provides a base for exploring this icy wonderland. You can opt to go onto the Athabasca Glacier via a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle—a highlight for many, who describe it as “a chance to stand on thousands of years of ice and see deep crevasses.”

The guides share insights about glacier formation, climate impacts, and even NASA testing—adding depth to the experience. You’re encouraged to walk on the ice, feeling the crisp Arctic air and seeing incredible ice formations.

The Glacier Skywalk: A Thrilling Perspective

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Glacier Skywalk offers a glass-floored platform extending over the Sunwapta Valley. The views of the canyon below are jaw-dropping, and many reviews highlight this as a favorite for its unique perspective. It’s an optional add-on, which does cost extra, but most agree it’s worth the splurge for the thrill and photo ops.

The Overall Experience

The tour balances scenic beauty, educational content, and adventure. We appreciated how the guides kept the atmosphere friendly and informative, giving just enough background without overwhelming. The stops are timed well, allowing ample photo opportunities and time to soak in each location.

However, the full-day length and rugged terrain mean you should be prepared for a long, sometimes tiring day. Packing a change of clothes and sturdy shoes is recommended, especially for the glacier and Skywalk activities. Reviewers also mention the importance of dressing warmly, especially as glaciers can be cold even in summer.

Price and Value

At $58 per person, this tour offers a lot of value, considering the many sites covered and the included transportation. The optional experiences, like the Ice Explorer and Skywalk, are extra but perceived as worthwhile by many travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and hands-on activities. Some reviews suggest that the tour could be improved with more detailed info about how to book certain extras in advance, but overall, the price is fair for this kind of adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to the Canadian Rockies without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s perfect for those who love eye-popping scenery, glaciers, and lakes, as well as those interested in learning about glacial processes and climate change.

Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity and scenic drives will find this tour rewarding. It’s also accessible for wheelchair users, though the rugged terrain and long hours mean some physical effort is involved.

Final Thoughts

This tour provides a well-rounded day of mountain marvels, glacier exploration, and spectacular views. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the glaciers’ importance, a camera full of stunning images, and hopefully, some stories to bring back home. It’s a great choice for travelers eager to see the highlights of the Rockies in one go, especially if they appreciate expert guides and balanced pacing.

While it’s a long day, the sights, the thrill of walking on ice, and the panoramic views justify the effort. The optional Skywalk and glacier ride add a dash of adventure—definitely recommended if you’re looking for more than just sightseeing.

If you’re after a memorable, value-packed day with a touch of adventure and education, this tour could be just what you need for your Alberta trip.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts about 10 to 11 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the evening, making it a full day of exploration.

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned van or bus is included from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff.

Can I book the Skywalk or glacier ride separately?
The tour includes entry to the Athabasca Glacier by walk, and the Skywalk is an optional extra. You’ll want to book these in advance if interested, as some reviews note that info about booking can be clearer.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s accessible and suitable for most travelers, including those in wheelchairs, but be prepared for a long day and some rugged terrain. It’s not recommended for those over 95.

What should I bring?
Pack a change of clothes, a charged smartphone, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Dress warmly as glaciers can be cold even in summer.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase meals during the day.

In all, this tour offers a satisfying blend of scenic beauty, educational value, and adventure. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, affordable way to see the highlights of the Canadian Rockies in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby