Calgary to Columbia Icefield 1-Day Tour

1 Day
  • Calgary
  • None
  • None
  • None
  • Air-conditioned van or coach bus

Overview

Glaciers & Gems: Columbia Icefield Adventure and Turquoise Lakes
Step into the heart of the Canadian Rockies for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with ancient icefields and shimmering glacial lakes. From riding a colossal all-terrain vehicle to marveling at vivid blue waters, this journey is an unforgettable blend of power, beauty, and serenity.

Bow Lake
Bow Lake


Tour Highlights
Columbia Icefield Explorer Ride
Climb aboard the massive “Icefield Explorer” and traverse the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield.
Experience one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic.
Stand atop millennia-old glacier ice for a rare and humbling encounter with Earth’s frozen past.
Peyto Lake & Bow Lake
Discover the postcard-perfect beauty of two iconic glacial lakes, where nature’s palette comes alive.
Peyto Lake: Famous for its wolf-head shape and dazzling Tiffany Blue hue.
Bow Lake: Set beneath Bow Glacier, this peaceful lake reflects surrounding peaks in crystal clarity.

Why Choose This Experience?
Ride the one-of-a-kind Icefield Explorer for a thrilling and educational glacier adventure.
Visit two of the Rockies’ most colorful lakes in one scenic loop.
Ideal for travelers who love dramatic landscapes, geological wonders, and iconic photo ops.

------------------------------

Departure date:

04/26/2025-10/14/2025: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Minimum 2 people
------------------------------

Departure location:

07:15Departure Calgary Airport Hotels: Sandman Hotel Calgary Airport;25 Hopewell Way Northeast, T3J 4V7 Calgary, Canada;
07:30Departure CalgaryNortheast: DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North;2120 16th Avenue Northeast, T2E 1L4 Calgary, Canada;
07:55Departure Calgary Downtown: Bus Stop in front of Harry Hays Building (opposite Delta Calgary Downtown Hotel);4th Ave SE, Calgary;
09:20Departure Canmore:Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre;2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 3A2, Canada;
09:35Departure Banff: Elk + Avenue Hotel;333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B1, Canada;

------------------------------

Return location:

Banff: Elk + Avenue Hotel;333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B1, Canada;
CalgaryNortheast: DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North;2120 16th Avenue Northeast, T2E 1L4 Calgary, Canada;
Calgary Airport Hotels: Sandman Hotel Calgary Airport;25 Hopewell Way Northeast, T3J 4V7 Calgary, Canada;
Calgary International Airport (YYC);2000 Airport Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6W5, Canada;
Please book domestic flights departing after 21:30 and international flights departing after 22:00.
Calgary Downtown: Bus Stop in front of Harry Hays Building (opposite Delta Calgary Downtown Hotel);4th Ave SE, Calgary;
Canmore:Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre;2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 3A2, Canada;


------------------------------

Itinerary

  • One
    Day

    Calgary/Banff - Columbia - Vehicle Peyto Lake - Bow Lake

    This morning, we'll depart from Calgary or Banff and journey along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway. Our adventure begins with a ride on a giant snowcoach to the 300-meter-deep Athabasca Glacier, where you'll have the chance to walk on ancient ice—remnants of the Second Ice Age. Next, we'll visit Peyto Lake, a stunning glacial lake famous for its vibrant turquoise waters that draw nature lovers and photographers from around the world. Our final stop is Bow Lake, where the summer melt transforms the water into a brilliant blue. The calm surface mirrors the surrounding peaks, creating a truly picture-perfect scene.

    ------------------------------

    Itinerary:

    Calgary/Banff → Icefields Parkway → Columbia Icefield Adventure-Columbia lcefield (Ice Explorer) → Peyto Lake → Bow Lake → Banff/Calgary
    ------------------------------

    Columbia Icefield

    The Columbia Icefield is a remarkable remnant of a massive ice sheet that once shaped much of the Rocky Mountains’ landscape. Today, it spans approximately 325 square kilometers (130 square miles) and offers a truly awe-inspiring destination to explore. This vast expanse of ancient ice is not only a geological wonder but also a breathtaking highlight of the Canadian Rockies.
    ------------------------------

    Peyto Lake

    Each summer, glacial rock flour flows into Peyto Lake, and the fine particles suspended in the water give the lake its striking bright turquoise color. This unique natural phenomenon has made Peyto Lake one of the most popular and photographed attractions in the park.

    ------------------------------

    Bow Lake

    Bow Lake is nestled in the Canadian Rockies, about 30 minutes north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Located just half a mile from Crowfoot Glacier, it sits at an elevation of 1,920 meters (6,300 feet) and is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Fed by the meltwater of Bow Glacier from the Wapta Icefield, Bow Lake offers a stunning setting for a relaxing picnic and unforgettable scenic views.

    ------------------------------

Cost Includes

  • Tour bus service, with the specific vehicle type determined by the size of the group.

Cost Excludes

  • Meals and beverages.
  • Service fee (Minimum of US$15 or CAD$20 per person per day. Children and infants occupying a seat are also required to pay the service fee).
  • Personal expenses not included in the "Fee Included" section.

FAQs

Important Information Before Booking

1. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour. Unaccompanied minors or children are not allowed to participate in the tour.

2. Please make sure to provide accurate and complete information at the time of booking, including full name, gender, valid contact details (preferably a mobile number for timely communication), correct flight information, or pick-up location. Any losses caused by incorrect information provided will be the sole responsibility of the customer.

3. Hotel room types may vary, such as rooms with one King/Queen-size bed or two Double-size beds. Each room can legally accommodate 2 to 4 guests, including adults and children. Hotels may require a security deposit upon check-in, and guests must cooperate with the hotel’s policy. While we guarantee the number of rooms, we cannot guarantee specific room types or locations. Hotel check-in time is generally after 3:00 PM.

4. Tour participants must purchase attraction tickets from the tour guide and may not bring their own tickets or use City Passes. Admission fees and meals may change due to updates from the attraction providers and are subject to the prices announced on the day of the visit.

5. The tour operator reserves the right to adjust the order of the itinerary if needed to ensure smooth tour operation. No scheduled attractions will be removed from the itinerary.

6. During the tour, the tour guide or driver may adjust the order of visits, the time spent at attractions, or meeting times based on weather, traffic, or other factors to ensure the tour proceeds smoothly.

7. In case of temporary closures of attractions or holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year), the guide will make suitable adjustments such as exterior viewing or substitution with other attractions to maintain the richness of the tour. Opening hours and visitor limits at attractions and national parks may change due to the pandemic. If the itinerary is affected, it will be considered a force majeure situation, and we appreciate your understanding.

8. Children under 8 years old are required to use a child safety seat while on tour. We offer a rental service at $10.00 per person per day. Please make a note during booking if you need one so we can prepare in advance. If not notified in time, guests will be responsible for any fines or violations. If the tour uses a chartered bus on the day of travel, the safety seat is not required and the fee will be refunded.

9. Many attractions on the itinerary require guests to have a basic level of physical health. Disabled passengers should contact us in advance to learn about available accommodations. If not informed in time, we cannot guarantee wheelchair-accessible buses or special seating arrangements.

10. The company is not responsible for damage to or loss of luggage, handbags, or personal belongings. It is recommended that guests purchase relevant personal travel insurance for international trips.

Important Information Before Departure

1. To ensure a smooth and complete tour experience, all guests are responsible for strictly adhering to the meeting times given by the tour guide. The vehicle will not wait more than 10 minutes past the scheduled time and will depart promptly. While we strive to offer timely service, we cannot guarantee on-time arrivals or pick-ups in the event of uncontrollable factors such as weather, traffic, mechanical issues, strikes, government shutdowns, war, or terrorist activity. Any resulting delays, missed connections, or additional expenses (e.g., flights, trains, buses, or other travel arrangements) due to such circumstances are the sole responsibility of the traveler.

2. To facilitate smooth tour operations, the company reserves the right to transfer guests to a different vehicle and assign a different driver and guide during the journey if needed.

3. To expedite check-in and registration, we recommend having a valid photo ID and being ready to present either a printed or digital copy of your itinerary.

4. This is a group tour product. If you decide to leave the group mid-tour, please inform the tour guide in advance and obtain their approval. You’ll be required to sign a departure agreement. Any unfinished portions of the itinerary will be considered voluntarily forfeited, and no refunds will be issued.

5. Complimentary activities included in the itinerary are subject to change. If such activities cannot be offered due to weather, traffic, or other uncontrollable factors—or if a guest cannot participate due to personal reasons—no refunds will be provided. Your understanding is appreciated.

6. Under U.S. federal law, smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus. Most hotel rooms also enforce a no-smoking policy. Hotel staff are trained to detect smoking, and security may document violations. If evidence of smoking is found, a cleaning fee of at least $250 per night will be charged to the guest. The tour company bears no responsibility for this charge. If you need to smoke, please use designated smoking areas.

7. Pets and animals are not permitted on any part of the group tour itinerary.

8. For tours that include airport pickup service: Only one complimentary airport pickup is provided per booking within the specified time range. If a delay due to weather, flight changes, or other circumstances prevents the arranged pickup, guests will need to arrange and cover their own transportation.

Cancellation Policy

In the event that unforeseen circumstances such as weather, war, strikes, or other force majeure factors prevent the tour from proceeding as planned, the company reserves the right to adjust the itinerary. Admission fees for affected attractions will be refunded (excluding complimentary or optional activities). However, the tour fee will not be refunded.

The cancellation policy is as follows:

a. If the tour is canceled or rescheduled 21 days or more before departure (inclusive), the full tour fee will be refunded. However, any additional bookings such as hotels, flights, or other services are subject to the refund policies of the respective providers.

b. If the tour is canceled or rescheduled between 11 and 20 days before departure (inclusive), 50% of the tour fee will be deducted from the refund.

c. If the tour is canceled within 10 days before departure (inclusive), or if the participant fails to join the tour on the departure day, it will be considered a voluntary forfeiture. No refund will be issued for the tour fee paid.

d. If a participant withdraws from the tour or misses any part of the itinerary due to personal reasons (e.g., missing travel documents, tardiness, illness, or accidents), no refund will be provided, nor will alternative compensation be offered.