Columbia Icefields Parkway Tour (Calgary Origin)
Duration: 13, 11.5 hours
Overview
Experience one of the Canadian Rockies’ most spectacular natural wonders on a guided Columbia Icefield tour that combines a scenic journey along the Icefields Parkway with an unforgettable glacier adventure. Travel with a knowledgeable local guide as you pass turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and towering peaks before reaching the Columbia Icefield, where you’ll ride the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier and walk the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk for incredible views of the surrounding mountain landscape. Convenient transportation is available from Calgary, with the option to return to Calgary or continue on with a one-way transfer ending in Banff for a smooth and stress-free Rocky Mountain experience.
Included
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Ice Explorer Tour
- Glacier Skywalk experience
- Mountain picnic lunch
- Professional guide
- Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Important information
How long is the tour?
The tour begins at 6:00am in Calgary and brings you back to Calgary around 7pm , approximately 13 hours.
What does the tour include?
The full day tour includes transportation from most hotels in Calgary on a guided bus tour along the scenic Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefields Centre, where you will climb aboard the Ice Explorer to visit the Athabasca Glacier and walk on the glass floor Glacier Skywalk. The tour has numerous photo opportunities, including picturesque glacier-fed Bow Lake and scenic Peyto Lake (when access permits) or lower Waterfowl Lake.
A picnic lunch is included with your choice of menu options. Please note that lunch is not included for infants.
A picnic lunch is included with your choice of menu options. Please note that lunch is not included for infants.
Where is our pick up and drop off from?
We pick up from most hotels in Calgary and the Samson Mall in Lake Louise, and you can select your preferred pick-up location during the booking process. For drop offs in Calgary, our guide will ask you on the way back where you would like to be dropped off either in town or at your hotel.
What should I wear/bring?
While for a large portion of the tour you will be on the bus, it can snow, rain, hail or shine any month of the year at the Icefields and so we suggest to prepare for unpredictable weather and dress in layers with hats, gloves and warm shoes. It is usually only a few degrees cooler at the Icefields as it is in Calgary, although the glacier does experience some cold winds. For shoes, we would suggest closed toes shoes such as trainers or outdoor shoes. It is also recommended to take sunglasses as it can be very bright on the glacier.
How long is the drive from Calgary?
The drive from Calgary to the Columbia Icefield is around 5 hours. On this tour, there will be a connection in Banff, so you will venture into the town of Banff on this tour.
ow long are we on the glacier for?
The tour from the Columbia Icefield Centre is about an hour and 15 minutes, where there will be guided commentary all the way. You will have about 20 minutes on the glacier itself.