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Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff

61 Reviews 4.16 out of 5 stars Based on 61 traveler reviews collected by Cool Banff and TripAdvisor | Calgary, Canada
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

9 to 12 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
Mandarin, Japanese

Overview

Depart from Calgary or Banff with us and follow the Icefields Parkway through the Canadian Rockies. See Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier along the drive, then stop at Peyto Lake for sweeping mountain views.

During the operating season, spend time at the Columbia Icefield and choose an optional, separately priced Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier. If the Icefield visit is closed, the itinerary visits Lake Minnewanka and offers an optional Banff Upper Hot Springs stop instead. Scenic stops may change with road and weather conditions.

What's Included

  • Traffic Accident Insurance (10M liability)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Standard Sized One Carry-On Luggage Allowance
  • Lunch (Guests can purchase lunch at Icefield Centre) & Person Expense
  • Specific Hotel Pick up (we meet all travelers at a meeting point)
  • Checked-In Luggage Allowance (Extra fee may apply if needed)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

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Banff

Bus Ride from Calgary to Banff National Park / Pick up at Banff Town
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Icefields Parkway

One of Canada's national treasures and most rewarding destinations. Stretching 232km (144mi) through the heart of Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, this world-class journey offers access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers and broad sweeping valleys
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Crowfoot Glacier (pass by)

Named after its shape when was discovered. A must-see stop with the climate change nowadays. The "Third toe" was melted and barely visible.
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Bow Lake (pass by)

It is the headwaters of the Bow River that runs south through the city Calgary and onto the Oldman River ultimately to Hudson Bay.
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Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

At the edge of the Columbia Icefield, hop out to explore a small corner of the largest icefield in North America and consider consider an OPTIONAL tour to the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer.A once in a lifetime experience to visit the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Climb on board an all-terrain Ice Explorer and head on to the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Walk on, feel and drink from the ancient ice while you learn about glaciers and icefields.**Please note that this stop point includes lunch break. **Please not that this stop does not include "Skywalk" due to the tour length concern. **With the high demand, we strongly recommend to book the option provided with admission. **If Columbia Icefield is closed, we will visit Lake Minnewanka and Banff Upper Hot Springs.
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2 hours 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka is Banff's largest glacial lake, beautifully framed by towering peaks. Enjoy scenic boat cruises, hike the shoreline, and spot abundant local wildlife.**If Columbia Icefield is closed, we will visit Lake Minnewanka and Banff Upper Hot Springs.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in the soothing thermal waters of the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs. Perched on Sulphur Mountain, it offers spectacular views of Mount Rundle. It is the perfect alpine escape to unwind after exploring the Canadian Rockies!**Admission is not included. The fee is payable on-site. **If you plan to join this activity, please remember to bring a swimsuit. **If Banff Upper Hot Springs is closed, we will visit Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Discover the birthplace of Canada's national park system at the historic Cave and Basin. Explore the natural thermal springs hidden inside a fascinating underground cavern. Enjoy interactive exhibits that reveal the rich history of the Rockies!**Admission is not included. The fee is payable on-site. **If Banff Upper Hot Springs is closed, we will visit Cave & Basin National Historic Site.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Peyto Lake

It's milky blue color is unique and will change with the seasons and time of day. (if closed, replaced by Waterfowl Lakes)
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Banff

Bus Ride From Icefield back to Banff National Park
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Calgary

Bus Ride from Banff National Park back to Calgary
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with walking difficulties or those who require a wheelchair.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-220265P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.16
61 reviews

Average 4.16 out of 5 stars based on 61 traveler reviews collected by Cool Banff and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
37
4 stars
9
3 stars
6
2 stars
6
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Traffic Accident Insurance (10M liability)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Standard Sized One Carry-On Luggage Allowance
  • National Park Fee & GST
  • Bilingual Chinese-English tour guide
  • Lunch (Guests can purchase lunch at Icefield Centre) & Person Expense
  • Specific Hotel Pick up (we meet all travelers at a meeting point)
  • Checked-In Luggage Allowance (Extra fee may apply if needed)
  • Please note this tour does not visit Skywalk
  • Gratuities (Suggested: CAD $15 per person per day in cash)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with walking difficulties or those who require a wheelchair.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

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