Banff to Columbia Icefield: Glacier Skywalk, Ice Explorer & Lunch

Summary

From Banff to Columbia Icefield for glacier views, skywalk thrills and a hot lunch with local stories

You’ll ride from Banff past Lake Louise and glaciers before stepping onto ancient ice with an expert guide. Try soup at lunch overlooking mountains, then test your nerves on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk’s glass floor. Expect real mountain weather and friendly banter—plus hotel pickup so you can relax all day.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver, Mark, joking about “Canadian traffic” — which turned out to be a couple of elk crossing the road just outside Banff. It set the mood: relaxed, a bit goofy, everyone peering out windows as morning light hit Lake Louise. I’d seen photos but seeing that blue in person — it’s weirdly quiet there, even with people around. Our guide pointed out Victoria Glacier up above; you could actually hear meltwater trickling somewhere nearby if you listened. I tried to take a photo but gave up and just stared for a bit. Sometimes you have to let your phone go.

The drive along the Icefields Parkway is something else. There’s this part where Crowfoot Glacier appears suddenly through the trees — it really does look like a giant bird foot (Mark said it used to have three “toes,” but one melted off decades ago). We stopped for air that felt colder than I expected for July. Someone behind me said it smelled like “clean snow,” which made me laugh because…what does dirty snow smell like? Anyway, you get what they meant. The bus was comfy and warm though, so nobody complained.

Lunch was at the Columbia Icefield Centre — buffet style, lots of options (I went back for seconds on soup because it tasted homemade). Then came the main event: climbing into this huge Ice Explorer vehicle and rumbling out onto the glacier itself. The tires are taller than most people; our guide explained how thick the ice is under your feet (hundreds of meters — hard to picture). Standing there, wind biting my ears, I scooped up some slushy ice in my hand just because I could. It’s colder than you think. My friend tried drinking some and immediately regretted it — not exactly Evian.

The last stop was the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. If you’re even slightly afraid of heights…well, good luck. The glass floor hangs over this wild valley and you can see waterfalls way below; my knees went wobbly but I still leaned over for a photo (with shaky hands). A little kid next to me just sprinted across like it was nothing — kids are fearless or maybe just don’t overthink things like adults do. On the way back toward Banff everyone got quieter, maybe tired or maybe just full of everything we’d seen. Sometimes I still think about that cold air on my face out on the glacier.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour from Banff to Columbia Icefield

• Enjoy the view at Lake Louise
• See views of Banff National Park
• View Victoria Glacier
• View Crowfoot Glacier
• Experience the Glacier Skywalk

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Columbia Icefield tour?

Yes, pickup from multiple Banff locations is included if arranged in advance.

How long does the day trip from Banff to Columbia Icefield take?

This is a full-day tour with several stops including Lake Louise and lunch.

What’s included in lunch at the Columbia Icefield Centre?

A hot buffet lunch is provided with various options available.

Do we get to walk on the glacier during this tour?

You’ll ride an Ice Explorer vehicle onto Athabasca Glacier and can step onto the ice safely.

Is entry to the Glacier Skywalk included?

Yes, admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is part of your booking.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during travel.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to pickup points in Banff.

Can I leave the tour at Lake Louise instead of returning to Banff?

You may depart at Lake Louise if you've arranged accommodation there in advance.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Banff or nearby stops, all entry fees for both the Glacier Skywalk and your ride aboard the giant-tired Ice Explorer vehicle onto Athabasca Glacier, plus a hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Centre before heading back through mountain scenery in an air-conditioned coach.