Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Calgary

Explore the Canadian Rockies on a comprehensive day trip from Calgary to the Columbia Icefield, with highlights like the Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier and a walk on the Glacier Skywalk. Priced at $379.83 per person, this 14.5-hour adventure is priced for travelers eager to see iconic sights like Lake Louise, Banff, and Peyto Lake, all in one day.

What we love about this tour are the spectacular scenery along the Icefields Parkway—arguably one of the world’s most scenic drives—and the chance to step onto a glacier in the company of knowledgeable guides. The included buffet lunch and the fascinating Glacier Skywalk are bonuses that make this experience even more memorable.

A potential consideration is the long duration, with the trip starting early (around 6:15 am) and returning late (about 7:30 pm), so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day on the road.

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of the Rockies, including glaciers, turquoise lakes, and mountain vistas, all in one tightly packed experience. If you’re short on time but craving multiple highlights, this tour offers excellent value—and a chance to learn from guides who keep things engaging.

Key Points

• Spectacular Alpine Scenery: The Icefield Parkway offers some of the most stunning mountain views you’ll encounter in Canada.
• Close-up Glacier Experience: Riding the Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier is a highlight, providing a real sense of the glacier’s scale.
• Authentic Sightseeing: Stops at Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier give you plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of the region’s natural beauty.
• Guided Insights: Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with engaging commentary and safety awareness.
• Value for Money: The tour includes lunch, the Skywalk admission, and the glacier ride—offering a well-rounded experience.
• Long but Rewarding: The day is full and busy, which might be tiring but is ideal for those wanting to maximize their adventure.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Calgary to the Rockies

Starting early, around 6:15 am, you’ll be picked up from your Calgary hotel. The pickup window is typically between 5:50 and 6:15 am, so plan to be ready. The benefit of this early start is avoiding the crowds and experiencing the Rockies during the quiet morning hours. The coach is air-conditioned and comfortable, making the long drive more manageable.

From the city, you’ll head northwest into the prairie plains, then transition into rolling hills and eventually the towering peaks of the Rockies. The first few hours are a scenic cruise, but it’s the stops that truly stand out.

Lake Louise: Iconic Beauty

The first major stop is Lake Louise, often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Here, you’ll have about 15 minutes to appreciate the vibrant turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks and the impressive Mount Victoria and Victoria Glacier in the background. Many reviews, like Susy_C’s, highlight this as a “breathtaking view,” and it’s easy to see why. This is the kind of spot where you’ll want to snap a few photos and breathe in that fresh mountain air.

Scenic Stops En Route to the Icefield

After Lake Louise, your journey continues with a few more short stops. At Crowfoot Glacier, you’ll get a closer look at a stunning ice formation, with some reviews praising how guides are attentive to spotting wildlife, like bears, along the way. Peyto Lake offers another iconic view—its wolf-shaped outline and brilliant color make it a photographer’s dream.

The drive along the Icefields Parkway itself is part of the adventure, winding past towering mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The guides’ commentary helps you appreciate the geological history and the significance of these ancient glaciers and rugged landscapes.

The Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier

Once at the Columbia Icefield, the real excitement begins. The Ice Explorer—a specially designed all-wheel-drive vehicle—takes you onto Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible and iconic glaciers in the world. As one reviewer noted, “The vehicle tires are almost five feet tall,” emphasizing how robust this vehicle is for glacier travel.

On the glacier, you’ll have about an hour to walk around in a designated zone. Guides often share fascinating facts about the glacier’s formation and the environmental changes it’s undergoing. It’s a surreal experience to stand on ice that’s thousands of years old, feeling the crunch beneath your feet. Some reviews mention how crowded it gets, but the guides manage the group well to ensure safety and enjoyment.

The Glacier Skywalk

Next on the itinerary is the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-bottomed pathway extending out over the cliffs. You’ll spend around 30 minutes here, soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. While some found the Skywalk less impressive than the glacier, most agree it’s worth the visit for the thrill and the views.

Lunch and Additional Sightseeing

A hot buffet lunch is included, offering a decent break after the morning’s activities. While reviews vary on the quality—some found it “very nice” with lots of options, others felt it could be better—most appreciated the convenience of having a meal included.

After lunch, the tour continues with stops at Peyto Lake and Big Hill for more photo opportunities and sightseeing. These stops are brief but provide a well-rounded sense of the region’s diversity.

Banff and Return to Calgary

On the way back, if you’ve arranged accommodation in Banff or Lake Louise, you can opt to be dropped off there instead of returning directly to Calgary. The return journey departs at about 7:30 pm, so be prepared for a full, long day.

What the Reviews Say: Authentic Perspectives

The majority of travelers rave about the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with many calling out specific guides by name for making the trip memorable. Susy_C writes, “Our driver and guide kept us engaged and funny,” which highlights how guides can make or break the experience.

Many reviews also emphasize the stunning scenery—from Lake Louise’s shimmering waters to the glacier’s icy surface—and the value for money that comes with the included activities and meals. For example, one traveler noted, “Getting to see a whole lot of Banff and Jasper in just one day was amazing,” appreciating the efficient itinerary.

However, some travelers mention the long day as a caution—covering a lot of ground in about 14.5 hours, it can be tiring, especially for those with mobility challenges or who prefer a more relaxed pace. A few found the lunch buffet mediocre or the Skywalk less spectacular than expected, but these are minor compared to the overall impact of the scenery.

The Practicalities: What to Expect and Consider

This tour is designed for active travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and travel. The group size is limited to 25, which allows for a more intimate experience but still means you’ll be sharing space in the vehicle and at stops.

The cost of $379.83 per person includes almost everything—lunch, the Ice Explorer ride, Skywalk admission, and transportation—making it a good value for the number of sights covered. Keep in mind that food and drinks outside the organized meal are not included, so pack snacks if needed.

Timing is key: early pickup and a late return mean you’ll need to prepare for a long day, but it’s packed with highlights. If you’re staying in Banff or Lake Louise, check if you can be dropped off there, which could make for a less exhausting schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive day of scenic highlights without having to plan each stop themselves. If you’re curious about glaciers, mountain lakes, and rugged landscapes, and enjoy guided commentary, you’ll find this tour highly rewarding. It also offers great value, with multiple iconic sites included in one package.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore each location in depth, you might find the schedule a bit rushed. It’s perfect for those who want a big-picture experience with plenty of memorable moments.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, and children who can handle a full day on the road should enjoy it. However, check with the operator about specific age restrictions or requirements.

What should I bring for the glacier walk?
Bring sturdy shoes suitable for walking on ice and possibly a jacket, as the glacier can be chilly even in summer. Most guides will provide safety instructions and equipment.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour involves some walking and access to certain sites like the glacier and Skywalk, which might have limitations for wheelchairs. It’s best to contact the operator directly for specific accessibility questions.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
This tour operates seasonally from May to October, when the glaciers are accessible and the weather is generally favorable for sightseeing.

Are there any hidden costs?
Most major costs—including lunch, Skywalk, and glacier ride—are included. You might want to carry extra cash or a card for souvenirs or optional extras.

How long is the drive from Calgary?
The journey to the Rockies and back is a significant part of the day, but the coach is comfortable and equipped with commentary to make the time pass quickly.

Can I skip some stops?
The itinerary is designed for a full experience, but if you have specific preferences or time constraints, check with the operator about customizing your drop-off points or skipping certain stops.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively, well-organized way to see some of the most spectacular sights of the Canadian Rockies in one day. You’ll love the chance to walk on a glacier, enjoy breathtaking views, and learn about the landscape from enthusiastic guides. While it’s a long day, it’s packed with memorable moments and excellent value—perfect for travelers eager to experience the essence of the Rockies without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you’re after a comprehensive, engaging outdoor adventure that maximizes your time and dollars, this tour is a solid choice.