Banff & Jasper tour from Calgary: Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake

Five glacier viewpoints, two national parks, one full day from Calgary

This 10-hour scenic tour departs Calgary, Canmore or Banff and follows the Icefields Parkway through Banff and Jasper National Parks, stopping at Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Herbert Lake and Waterfowl Lake. A live guide in English or Hindi narrates the drive; pickup times vary by location (8:00 AM from Calgary, 9:30 AM from Canmore, 9:50 AM from Banff). The Columbia Icefield and Skywalk are closed October 14 to May 2, so winter departures visit Johnston Canyon instead. Lunch at the Columbia Icefield Restaurant and Skywalk tickets are separate purchases.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore glaciers and lakes in Rockies

• Pickup from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore
• Drive to Banff and Jasper National Parks
• Visit Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint
• Stop at Bow Lake for views and photos
• Explore Peyto Lake viewpoint
• Visit Herbert Lake viewpoint
• Visit Bow Lake viewpoint
• Visit Waterfowl Lake viewpoint
• Lunch break at Lake Louise Village
• Explore Lake Louise area
• Return to pickup point

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Calgary, Canmore or Banff, then heads into Banff National Park on a scenic drive that sets up the stops ahead. You'll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided, and the guide will point out the landscape and wildlife as the route climbs toward the high peaks. The Icefields Parkway itself is the spine of the tour — a 144-kilometer stretch that connects the two parks and frames every major viewpoint.

Crowfoot Glacier comes first, its distinctive crowfoot shape visible from the roadside viewpoint above Bow Lake. The glacier sits on the Wapta Icefield and feeds into Bow Lake below, where the meltwater turns the water a vivid turquoise in summer. From there you'll stop at Peyto Lake, famous for its wolf-shaped outline and the intense blue of its waters, then move on to Herbert Lake and Waterfowl Lake viewpoints. Lake Louise sits about 30 minutes from the main route and offers time to walk the shoreline or visit the Fairmont Chateau. If you're traveling between October 14 and May 2, Johnston Canyon replaces the Columbia Icefield stop — a narrow gorge with waterfalls and, in winter, frozen cascades that turn the canyon into an ice sculpture gallery.

The Columbia Icefield and Skywalk open again on May 3, 2025, and when they're operating, they're optional add-ons at separate cost. The Skywalk is a glass-floored walkway suspended over the Sunwapta Valley with views across the glaciers and peaks. Lunch happens at the Columbia Icefield Restaurant (your own expense), and the day wraps with the return drive to your starting point. Total time includes all travel and stops.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• live guide in English or Hindi.
• hotel pickup from Calgary (8:00 AM), Canmore (9:30 AM) or Banff (9:50 AM).
• stops at Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Herbert Lake and Waterfowl Lake viewpoints.
• Lake Louise visit (30 minutes).
• Johnston Canyon in winter (October 14 to May 2) instead of the Icefield.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Matrix tours and travel LTD

Is this one for you?Pick Calgary or Canmore pickup if you're based outside Banff and want a guided drive along the Icefields Parkway that stops at five viewpoints across both parks; the shared van means you travel with others rather than driving solo.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake stops on this tour?

Crowfoot Glacier is a viewpoint above Bow Lake where you see the glacier's distinctive crowfoot shape and the turquoise meltwater below; Peyto Lake is a separate stop further along the Icefields Parkway, famous for its wolf-shaped outline and intense blue color. Both are photography stops, but they're different glacial features in different locations.

Can I walk on the glaciers or is this just a viewing tour?

This tour is a scenic drive with viewpoint stops — you don't walk on the glaciers. If you want to walk on the Athabasca Glacier, that's an optional add-on at the Columbia Icefield (available May 3 to October 13), and you'd book the Ice Explorer separately at additional cost.

What happens if I book for winter — do I still see the Columbia Icefield?

No. From October 14 to May 2, the Columbia Icefield and Skywalk are closed, so the tour visits Johnston Canyon instead — a frozen waterfall gorge with ice-walking and photography opportunities. The Icefield reopens May 3, 2025.

How much time do I get at Lake Louise?

Lake Louise is about 30 minutes from the main route, so you'll have time to walk the shoreline, visit the Fairmont Chateau or explore the village, but it's not a long stop.

Is lunch included, and where do we eat?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. When the Columbia Icefield is open, there's a lunch break at the Columbia Icefield Restaurant (your own expense). During winter, lunch happens at Lake Louise Village, where you can shop and pick up food.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or Hindi — you'll choose your preferred language when you book.