Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure Day Tour from Calgary/ Banff
Active
9h - 11h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the frozen expanses of the Columbia Icefield, snap photos of the snow-covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and learn about the erosive legacy of the Crowfoot Glacier on this day trip around Banff and Jasper's national parks.
Explore a small corner of the largest icefield in North America and consider an optional tour to the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to visit the heart of the Icefields Parkway. Continue to Bow Lake for photos of the jagged peaks and the icy foot of Crowfoot Glacier. Learn how the ice shaped the mountain-studded skyline, and visit Peyto Lake, known for its blue-green waters due to high mineral content.
Please contact us via Viator message, if you would like to cancel. To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 72 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Available options
Sale! Banff Pick Up
Without Ice Explorer Admission<br/>Starting point:<br/>Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
Sale! Banff Pick Up + Ticket
With Ice Explorer Admission<br/>Starting point:<br/>Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
Calgary Pick Up + Ticket
With Ice Explorer Admission<br/>Starting point:<br/>Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada
Banff Pick Up without ticket
Without Ice Explorer Admission<br/>Starting point:<br/>Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
Sale! Calgary Pick Up
Without Ice Explorer Admission<br/>Starting point:<br/>Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada
Sale! Calgary Pick Up + Ticket
With Ice Explorer Admission<br/>Starting point:<br/>Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada
Calgary Pick Up without ticket
Without Ice Explorer Admission<br/>Starting point:<br/>Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada
Banff Pick Up + Ticket
With Ice Explorer Admission<br/>Starting point:<br/>Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
What's included
Traffic Accident Insurance (10M liability)
Bilingual Tour Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Standard Sized One Carry-On Luggage Allowance
National Park Fee & GST
Detailed itinerary
1
Bus Ride from Calgary to Banff National Park / Pick up at Banff Town
2
Stop 2
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
3
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
4
Stop 4
It's milky blue color is unique and will change with the seasons and time of day. (if closed, replaced by Waterfowl Lakes)
5
Stop 5
It is the headwaters of the Bow River that runs south through the city Calgary and onto the Oldman River ultimately to Hudson Bay.
6
Stop 6
Named after its shape when was discovered. A must-see stop with the climate change nowadays. The "Third toe" was melted and barely visible.
7
Bus Ride From Icefield back to Banff National Park
8
Bus Ride from Banff National Park back to Calgary
What's not included
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)
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Audio guide
JA
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
51 reviews
5★
29
4★
6
3★
7
2★
6
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.5
13 reviews
5★
9
4★
3
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meeting Time 09:25AM. Departure Time 09:35AM. We will meet you at the hotel lobby
*Subject to change to other hotels in Banff Town. Guests will be notified one day prior to departure if any changes.
*Customers will return back to Banff or can choose to be dropped off at Calgary Downtown.
Important notes
Please contact us by sending email to tour@calgarytours.ca if you would like to be picked up at Banff but dropped off at Calgary, or picked up at Calgary but dropped off at Banff.
Please note that due to travel length and tour arrangement, we do not offer specific hotel pick up. We meet all travelers at 2 meeting locations
1. Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1
2. Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada
About Calgary
Calgary, known as the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a vibrant city that beautifully blends urban energy with stunning natural beauty. It's famous for its annual Calgary Stampede, a world-renowned rodeo and festival, and offers easy access to the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies.
Top Attractions
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is the greatest outdoor show on earth, featuring rodeos, chuckwagon races, live music, and much more. It's a must-visit event held annually in July.
Cultural
10 days
Free entry to the grounds, tickets required for some events
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a stunning national park in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Free entry with a Parks Canada pass
Calgary Tower
The Calgary Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. It's a great place to learn about Calgary's history and enjoy a meal with a view.
Architecture
1-2 hours
$19 CAD for adults, $10 CAD for children
Heritage Park Historical Village
Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum, showcasing life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s. Visitors can explore historic buildings, ride vintage trains, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Historical
3-4 hours
$29.95 CAD for adults, $17.95 CAD for children
Prince's Island Park
Prince's Island Park is a beautiful urban park located in the heart of Calgary. It's a great place for picnics, walks, and outdoor concerts. The park is also home to the Calgary Folk Music Festival and other events.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Beef Brisket
Slow-cooked, tender beef brisket is a Calgary staple, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Main Course
Not vegetarian/vegan
Bison Burger
A delicious and lean alternative to beef, bison burgers are a popular choice in Calgary.
Main Course
Not vegetarian/vegan
Butter Chicken
A beloved Indian dish, butter chicken is a creamy, spicy curry made with tender chicken pieces.
Main Course
Not vegetarian/vegan, contains dairy
Caesar Cocktail
A Canadian classic, the Caesar cocktail is a spicy, savory drink made with vodka, Clamato juice, and various seasonings.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Spa treatments
Picnicking in parks
Yoga and meditation
Visiting museums and galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the best time to visit Calgary for warm weather and outdoor activities. It's also when the Calgary Stampede takes place, a major event not to be missed.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: French, Punjabi, Chinese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
GMT-7 (Mountain Time Zone)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Calgary is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Calgary International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train
Calgary Station
By bus
Calgary Transit Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The CTrain is efficient, frequent, and a popular way to get around Calgary. It's free to ride downtown.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Beltline
Kensington
Innisfail
Day trips
Banff National Park
130 km (81 miles) • Full day or overnight
Banff National Park is a stunning national park in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise lakes, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife.
Canmore
100 km (62 miles) • Half day or full day
Canmore is a charming mountain town located near Banff National Park, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning scenery.
Drumheller
135 km (84 miles) • Full day
Drumheller is a town in the Canadian Badlands, known for its unique geological features, dinosaur fossils, and the famous Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Festivals
Calgary Stampede • July
Calgary Folk Music Festival • Early July
Calgary International Film Festival • Mid-September
Pro tips
- Visit during the Calgary Stampede for a unique and unforgettable experience, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
- Explore the city's extensive park system, including Prince's Island Park and the Bow River Pathway, for a taste of Calgary's natural beauty.
- Take advantage of the city's excellent public transit system, including the CTrain and buses, to get around easily and affordably.
- Try local specialties, such as beef brisket and bison burgers, and don't miss out on the city's thriving coffee and craft beer scenes.
- Dress in layers, as the weather in Calgary can change quickly, especially in the spring and fall.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
