Tours & tickets

Columbia Icefield

Enjoy an adventure at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. Get a guided tour around the Athabasca Glacier on Ice Explorer, admire the stunning mountains and glaciers and listen as your guide informs you of all the facts and history. Meet your guide, who will take you to the Athabasca Glacier. At the scheduled time, board your Ice Explorer, a massive vehicle designed explicitly for glacial travel, and set off on an exciting ride. During your ride, hear stories and facts about the Columbia Icefield and the glaciers around you. Once on the Glacier, hop off the vehicle to walk on the thick, 25,000-year-old ice and drink cold, pure water from the glacier itself. This is an experience you will never forget. Then, take a short ride to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Heighten your senses by walking on a platform where only glass separates you from a 918-foot (279-meter) drop. Marvel at the spectacular views of the mountains, glaciers, and the Sunwapta River with its waterfalls.

Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore to explore the majestic Columbia Icefield and stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes. Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake with its vibrant turquoise waters, and the serene Bow Lake and Waterfowl Lake, each offering breathtaking vistas. Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of these iconic locations, guided by knowledgeable experts who enhance your experience with insights into the region's rich history and ecology. This adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of the Canadian Rockies, perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Enjoy the convenience of roundtrip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned van or private car, guided by knowledgeable local experts. Begin your adventure with a winter wonderland experience at Johnston Canyon (October 15 to May 2). instead of Columbia icefield because Columbia icefield activities closed due to winter season. Columbia icefield activities opens from 3rd May 2025

Get an entry ticket to Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a cliff-edge walkway 918 feet (279 meters) above the valley floor. See giant glaciers perched above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley below with this experience. Make your way to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center in Jasper, then board the shuttle to get to the skywalk. Upon arrival at the observation platform, collect your audio guide and embark on your adventure. Step onto the glass floor of the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to begin the scenic 1-kilometer walk, surrounded by fantastic views. Marvel at crystal-clear waterfalls, admire the mountains and glaciers above and keep a lookout for wildlife native to the Candian Rockies.

Journey along one of the world's most scenic drives, Icefields Parkway or Hwy 93, on a full-day tour from Calgary. Accompanied by a local guide, uncover hidden gems waiting to be explored in Banff. As you set out to discover the wonders of the Canadian Rockies, take a trip to the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in North America's Rocky Mountains. Ride aboard a rugged Ice Explorer (at additional cost), designed for glacial travel to bring you close to the Athabasca Glacier, one of the six main "toes" of the Columbia Icefield. (visit Columbia Icefield & Ice Explorer from Early May to Mid-October only, Winter alternatives are Lake Louise & Marble Canyon) Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacier-fed Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, each offering breathtaking vistas and serene tranquility in the Canadian Rockies.

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore. From the pickup point, take a scenic drive to Banff and Jasper National Parks. Witness the expanse of the icefield and have lunch at the Columbia Icefield Restaurant (at your own expense). Then discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Waterfowl Lake. Enjoy extra stops for sightseeing, allowing ample opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography. Begin your adventure with a winter wonderland experience at Johnston Canyon (October 15 to May2). instead of Columbia icefield because Columbia icefield activities closed due to winter season. Columbia icefield activities opens from 3rd May 2025 Spend time in the impressive nature and landscapes the Rocky Mountains have to offer. After a day of exploring the parks, you will be taken back to your pickup point.

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 select Banff hotels 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.

Choose between a 20-minute, 30-minute, or 55-minute tour over the Canadian Rockies with a professional pilot. The day starts at the helicopter base surrounded by mountain views. Go through a thorough safety briefing with the flight crew before learning about the controls and getting kitted out with a professional headset. Feel the excitement build as the crew readies for takeoff. Once in the air, the itinerary will vary depending on the option selected. Either way, breathtaking sights are guaranteed. 20-Minute Tour Deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, take in an incredible view of Abraham Lake - its incredible blue color and unique bubble patterns are truly a sight to see. After a glimpse of the lake, continue the flight around the Canadian Rockies. 30-Minute Tour The most popular of the 3 flights, this adventure covers crevasses, glaciers, and waterfalls over the beautiful Wilson Icefield. Soar at a cool 100mph, 9000ft (2900m) over Cline Pass. Admire the impressive fierceness of the mountains while flying alongside them. 55-Minute Tour The “Complete Columbia Icefields Tour” is just that – a complete, full, 55 minutes of gorgeous scenery and ancient ice. See the iconic Columbia Icefield the way it was intended, an awe-mazing trip highlight to remember for years to come. Marvel at incredible panoramas of waterfalls, emerald-green lakes, and mountain ridges. Pass over 6 different glaciers surrounded by frozen lakes and waterfalls. Many mountains reveal themselves along the trip, including Purple Mountain, Mount Cline, Resolute Mountain, Mount Harlan, Minster Mountain, and more. This trip is sure to leave anyone speechless. All the trips end with one last 360-degree view of the Canadian Rockies and Abraham Lake before landing softly back at the heliport.

Join a guided tour of moderate difficulty to explore the Columbia Icefield. Get all the gear required to comfortably explore the glacier. From the meeting point, be shuttled a short distance to the trailhead. Embark on a 5 km roundtrip walking tour with a 200m elevation gain that will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, and into the incredible landscape that is the Canadian Rockies. Learn the rich history of the glacier and soak in spectacular views of the surrounding ice-covered peaks. Explore the many incredible ice formations on the glacier, including crevasses, mill wells (waterfalls into the depths of the ice), meltwater streams, and icefalls (from a safe distance).

· Bow Lake (20 min) · Peyto Lake (30 min) · Icefields Parkway (Scenic Drive) · Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre (150 min, including Optional and Lunch Time) · Optional: Ice Explore ( additional fee) · Crowfoot Glacier (Pass by) Begin your journey from Banff, traveling along the iconic Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives. Pass by the majestic Crowfoot Glacier, a striking natural formation shaped like a crow’s claw, and stop at the tranquil Bow Lake, where turquoise waters reflect towering peaks. Continue to the dazzling Peyto Lake, renowned for its vibrant blue color and wolf-shaped viewpoint - a must-see photo spot in the Rockies. Arrive at the Columbia Icefield and step aboard the Ice Explorer experience (additional fee), taking you onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Feel the thrill of walking on centuries-old ice while surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Recharge with an optional Western lunch box as you soak in the breathtaking scenery before heading back to Banff.

Get ready for an awe-inspiring experience of the Rocky Mountain with this scenic helicopter flight and hiking tour. See the Rockies from a bird's-eye view. Admire the stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and glaciers from above. Then explore the region’s natural beauty on foot. Choose from a 20, 30, or 55-minute scenic flight. Each option includes incredible panoramas of waterfalls, emerald-green lakes, and mountain ridges. With the 55-minute flight, approach the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Rocky Mountains. After the flight, land at the confluence of the Cline River and Waterfalls Creek. Continue to explore the wild beauty of this region on foot, hiking to the Twin Falls waterfall. Then climb back on board the helicopter and fly back to the heliport, enjoying the fantastic views of Abraham Lake.