Columbia Icefield Skywalk Peyto Lake Bow Lake Tour from Calgary

Imagine waking up in Calgary and setting out on a 12-hour adventure that takes you into some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. For around $106 per person, this guided tour whisks you away to the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk—a true feast for nature lovers and photography buffs alike. With comfortable roundtrip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and some of the most iconic sights in the Rockies, it’s a day packed with jaw-dropping views and fascinating stops.

What we love about this tour is how it manages to balance stunning natural scenery with expert insights, making the experience both visually spectacular and educational. Plus, the opportunity to walk the Skywalk’s glass floored platform hanging over Sunwapta Valley is a moment you’ll likely never forget. Another highlight? The stops at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake—famous for their vibrant colors and dramatic mountain backdrops—that never fail to wow visitors.

A consideration? The full-day nature of the trip means long hours in a vehicle, which might be tiring for some. Also, the admission fees for the Icefield and Skywalk are not included in the base price and need to be purchased separately. Still, for those eager to see the highlights of the Rockies with expert guidance, the value and experience are well worth it. This tour suits travelers who appreciate guided comfort, stunning vistas, and meaningful stops rather than just rushing through the scenery.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Covers major sights like Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield, and Skywalk.
• Expert Guides: Guides provide insightful commentary about the region’s geology, ecology, and history.
• Picturesque Stops: Each stop offers unique, picture-perfect landscapes, ideal for photography.
• All-Inclusive Transport: Roundtrip transportation from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff in a comfortable vehicle simplifies logistics.
• Separate Admission Fees: Entry to Columbia Icefield and Skywalk are additional expenses you’ll need to plan for.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 14 travelers, making for a more personal experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Early and Getting There

We begin at 7:30 am, with a prompt pickup in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxed start to a long day. With a small group of no more than 14 people, the journey feels intimate, and you get plenty of chances to ask questions or simply enjoy the scenery rolling by.

Crowfoot Glacier: A Scenic Introduction

The first stop at Crowfoot Glacier is a quick 25-minute photo opportunity. Once shaping like a crows foot, this glacier has retreated over time, but it still offers a dramatic view near Bow Lake. Many travelers mention how this viewpoint marks the beginning of the Rockies’ grandeur, a perfect spot to stretch your legs and get some initial photos.

Bow Lake: The Jewel of the Icefields Parkway

Next, we stop at Bow Lake for about 30 minutes. Fed by melted snow and ice from Bow Glacier, its brilliant turquoise waters are irresistibly photogenic. We loved the way this stop offers a calm, reflective moment amid mountain majesty. You might find it hard to resist snapping dozens of pictures here, especially with the rugged peaks as a backdrop.

Peyto Lake: The Iconic Wolf’s Head

One of the day’s highlights is Peyto Lake—famous for its wolf-head shape and glowing blue hue, thanks to glacial rock flour suspended in the water. For around 50 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the views, walk around the viewpoint, and capture some truly unforgettable shots. The guide might share tidbits about how this lake’s shape and color make it one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies. Travelers often comment that Peyto Lake’s surreal beauty exceeds expectations, making it a photo enthusiast’s paradise.

Waterfowl Lakes and Saskatchewan River Crossing: Nature’s Pause Points

The peaceful Waterfowl Lakes viewpoint is a quiet 20-minute stop where you’ll see two emerald-green lakes framed by peaks and glaciers. It’s less crowded and offers a moment of serenity before heading to Saskatchewan River Crossing for a 20-minute break. Here, you can enjoy mountain views, perhaps grab a snack, and appreciate the historic significance of this fur-trade route.

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre: The Heart of the Glacier Region

The Discovery Centre is the hub for exploring the Icefields Parkway’s biggest highlight—the Columbia Icefield. You might choose to add the Ice Explorer tour onto Athabasca Glacier or walk the Glacier Skywalk. While these additional experiences have separate costs, the Centre itself offers a chance to learn about the region’s glacial landscape and ecology. Many travelers appreciate the informative displays and the chance to get closer to the glacier.

The Skywalk: Walking Over the Rockies

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is the tour’s pièce de résistance—a 1-kilometer glass-floored walkway that extends 280 meters over Sunwapta Valley. The views of glaciers and rugged peaks below are simply astonishing. For many, this is the trip’s most thrilling moment, and the fact that it extends over a sheer cliff makes it a bucket-list experience. Although the Skywalk is an extra cost, many visitors say the incredible vistas and adrenaline rush are worth it.

Wrapping Up and Returning

After a full day of sightseeing, your guide will ensure you’re comfortably returned to your starting point by evening. Along the way, the guide shares stories and answers questions, making the long drive feel informative and engaging rather than tedious.

Appreciating the Value and Practicalities

While the $105.97 price covers transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and park passes, remember that the admission fees for the Columbia Icefield and Skywalk are separate. These are optional but highly recommended for full immersion. The overall value hinges on appreciating the scenery and learning from local experts rather than just ticking off sights.

The tour’s small group size means a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to interact with your guide. Plus, the early start and included transport take the hassle out of planning logistics—letting you focus on enjoying the scenery.

The tour’s length and the amount of walking involved at some stops make it better suited for active travelers comfortable with long days in a van and some outdoor walking. If you’re prone to car fatigue or have limited mobility, that’s something to consider.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers and photographers eager to see and capture some of Canada’s most iconic sights. It’s also ideal for those who prefer guided tours, ensuring they don’t miss key viewpoints or get lost in the park. If you’re interested in learning about glaciers, lakes, and the Rockies’ ecology from friendly, knowledgeable guides, this trip checks many boxes.

Travelers who want a stress-free day with all logistics handled will find this especially appealing. Conversely, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer self-guided adventures, you might want to explore other options or combine parts of this tour with independent visits.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of the Rockies’ most stunning sights, with excellent guides who enhance the trip with insights into the landscape’s natural and cultural significance. The stops at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake alone are worth the price for their sheer visual impact, but the highlight for many will be the Skywalk—a breathtaking vantage point.

While it’s a full day, the combination of comfortable transportation, small group intimacy, and carefully curated stops make it a great choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free adventure. If you’re looking to see iconic lakes, glaciers, and mountain vistas with the benefit of local expertise, this tour delivers great value and memorable moments.

This experience suits those who want to truly connect with the spirit of the Rockies, blending natural beauty with educational commentary—an authentic, inspiring day out in the Canadian wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, roundtrip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff is included.

What are the main sites visited on this tour?
You’ll visit Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Waterfowl Lakes, Saskatchewan River Crossing, Columbia Icefield, and the Skywalk.

Are the Columbia Icefield and Skywalk tickets included?
No, these require separate purchase either online or on-site. They are additional costs, but many travelers find them worth the extra expense.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 7:30 am, making it a full-day adventure.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
It’s best for active travelers comfortable with long hours in a vehicle and outdoor stops. Small group size and guided commentary make it suitable for most age groups.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring layers for weather variations, a camera, water, and snacks. The tour provides bottles of water and soft drinks, but meals are not included.

To sum it up, this tour offers a rich tapestry of North America’s most stunning mountain scenery, guided by friendly experts who bring the landscape alive. It’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, comfortable way to experience the Rockies’ highlights—especially Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the exhilarating Skywalk. If you value vibrant vistas, expert insights, and an organized journey, this trip will meet—and likely exceed—your expectations.