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Adventure

From Banff: Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Day Trip

4.7  / 5
230 reviews
Activity provider:Discover Banff Tours
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Adventure

From Banff: Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Day Trip

Activity provider:Discover Banff Tours
4.7  / 5
230 reviews

From $244.15 per person

Travel along the Icefields Parkway and see the Athabasca Glacier on this full-day tour from Banff and enjoy a packed lunch. Pass the Rocky Mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and emerald lakes.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 11 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Itinerary
  • getyourguide-logo-icon.svg

    Starting location:

    Mount Royal Parking Lot

  • Transfer

    (1.5 hours)

  • Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint

    Photo stop (5 minutes)

  • Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint

    Photo stop (5 minutes)

  • Transfer

    (30 minutes)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Saskatchewan River Crossing

    Photo stop (10 minutes)

  • Transfer

    (30 minutes)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Icefields Parkway

    Photo stop, Lunch, Picnic, Free time (35 minutes)

  • Transfer

    (40 minutes)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Columbia Icefield

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Walk (3 hours)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Columbia Icefield Skywalk

    Photo stop, Visit, Self-guided tour (1 hour)

  • Transfer

    (1.3 hours)

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    Bow Lake

    Photo stop, Guided tour (20 minutes)

  • Transfer

    (1.5 hours)

  • Arrive back at:

    Mount Royal Parking Lot

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights
  • Travel along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most stunning scenic drives
  • Climb aboard the Ice Explorer and travel onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier
  • Take in unparalleled views from the glass floored Glacier Skywalk
  • See iconic Rocky Mountain landmarks such as Bow Lake and the headwaters of the mighty Bow River
  • Pass by numerous peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes
Full description
Discover the Athabasca Glacier on a guided tour from Banff. Journey along the scenic Icefields Parkway and climb into an Ice Explorer vehicle to explore the awesome glacier. Experience breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley as you step across the Glacier Skywalk. Get picked up from your Banff hotel in a modern mini bus by your friendly guide. Departing from Banff, your guide will welcome you on the tour with an overview of where you'll be headed as you sit back and enjoy the ride along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most stunning scenic drives. Benefit from a tour where you don’t have to navigate or watch the road. Sit back, relax, and focus on the amphitheater of mountains towering above as you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at the edges of the forest. Stop at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and board an Ice Explorer vehicle. Drive onto the Athabasca Glacier, learn about its history, and take some free time to soak up the views. Touch this ancient sheet of ice and even drink pure, cold water straight from the glacier. Head to the nearby glass floor Glacier Skywalk and follow the 1-kilometer walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918-foot drop. Witness the giant glaciers perched above you and admire the views of the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spread out below. Enjoy a scenic stop for a hearty packed lunch of a sandwich, juice, fruit, chips, and brownies. Visit iconic landmarks along the Icefields Parkway such as Bow Lake, the headwaters of the mighty Bow River before heading back to Banff.
Includes
  • Round-trip transportation
  • Tour guide
  • Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure: Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk
  • Packed lunch
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Please wait at the public bus parking spot located behind the Mount Royal Hotel. Be ready 15 minutes prior to the 7:42 AM pickup time. - Specific hotel pick up and drop off - Please contact 403-760-5007 to request

Open in Google Maps ⟶
Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Warm clothing
  • Sunglasses

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • Early and late season road / trail closures may limit access to some areas
  • Infant rates do not include food
  • Groups of 9 or more guests, operate a 7 day cancellation policy. Cancel up to 7 days prior for a full refund
  • No shows, missed departures or unused services will be non-refundable.

From $244.15 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
  • Give this as a gift

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 230 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

Filter

By star rating

Sort by:

B
Betty – Hong KongOctober 28, 2023 – Verified booking
The whole trip was excellent, very satisfying - including the beautiful scenery, interesting & informative bus drivers, smooth itinerary. Luckily, a very sunny day, thanks God. Moreover, I must say thank you for an amazing picnic ground choosen for having our expected yummy packed lunch. It would be perfect if 15 more minutes could be given to take pictures.
Helpful?
G
GetYourGuide traveler – GermanyOctober 10, 2023 – Verified booking
It was a unique experience. The many beautiful stops/lakes on the way to the glacier were at least as beautiful as the glacier. The lunch menu was well chosen. The packed lunch was delicious and absolutely sufficient. Good mood on the bus, friendly atmosphere. Simply a successful day, although of course very touristy on the glacier. But nobody can do anything about that.
Helpful?
G
GetYourGuide traveler – United StatesSeptember 22, 2023 – Verified booking
Kelsey, our guide and tour director for this excursion was excellent. She was and is knowledgeable about the area and history. Her presentation was clear. She took time to answer our questions and provide background information about many points of interest throughout the trip. She even had some humorous stories about some of the characters that have helped the legend of Banff grow to what it is today. Toward the end of the trip, she even offered some options regarding things to see, do and where to enjoy certain types of food. Kelsey was absolutely outstanding!
Helpful?

Product ID: 226492

  • Canada
  • Alberta, Canada
  • Things to do in Jasper
  • Saskatchewan River Crossing

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