Banff to Columbia Icefield Skywalk tour: 11 hours, four lakes
Eleven hours on the Icefields Parkway: four glacier-fed lakes, then a glass platform suspended above the Sunwapta Valley
An 11-hour guided tour from Banff along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored platform suspended 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. The route passes Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake, each with stops for views and photography. At the Skywalk, a 1 km interpretive walkway leads through exhibits on glaciology and geology before you step onto the curved glass platform extending 35 meters from the cliff's edge.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Icefields Parkway and Skywalk
- Drive along Icefields Parkway
- Stop at Lake Louise
- Visit Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint
- Visit Bow Lake
- Visit Peyto Lake viewpoint
- Visit Waterfowl Lake
- Pass Saskatchewan River Crossing
- Take shuttle from Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
- Walk 1 km interpretive trail
- Experience Columbia Icefield Skywalk
- Crowfoot Glacier Entry included 20m
- Bow Lake Entry included 30m
- Peyto Lake Entry included 45m
- Columbia Icefield Skywalk 1h
What’s included
- The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for the full 11 hours.
- bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
- a live English-speaking guide.
- pickup from your choice of three hotels or the Canmore location.
- and access to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and the 1 km interpretive walkway. Skywalk and Glacier Adventure tickets are purchased separately and must be booked in advance.
Times
- Every day 08:00 09:30 09:50
Before you book
Operated by Banff Trip
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The drive starts at Lake Louise, where turquoise water fed by the Victoria Glacier sits ringed by mountain peaks and the historic Fairmont Chateau. From there, the route follows the Icefields Parkway north through Banff and into Jasper National Parks: a 232 km stretch named one of the world's most scenic roads. Stops include Crowfoot Glacier, visible from a roadside viewpoint above Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake at the Bow Summit, the highest point on the parkway, reached by a short paved trail. The lake's brilliant turquoise color comes from fine rock flour from surrounding glaciers.
At the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, you board a shuttle for the final leg to the Skywalk. The 1 km interpretive walkway features exhibits on local wildlife, glacial geology, and the landscape carved by ancient ice. The walk ends at the glass-bottomed platform itself: 35 meters of curved glass extending from a cliff 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. Below are ancient rock formations, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The operator recommends booking Skywalk tickets online in advance for a 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm time slot, especially during summer, as counter availability can be limited.
The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the tour includes bottled water and snacks. A live English-speaking guide leads the full day. Pickup is available from three starting points: the Delta Hotel Downtown Calgary, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa, or a location on Bow Valley Trail in Canmore. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. It suits all other fitness levels.
Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to see multiple lakes and glaciers in a single day without driving yourself, and if you're comfortable with heights. The Skywalk's glass platform is the centerpiece, and the views depend on clear weather. The fixed 11-hour schedule fits the Icefields Parkway's major stops into one departure, so you don't need to plan separate visits to each lake.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is Lake Louise like when we stop there?
Lake Louise sits in Banff National Park with turquoise water fed by the Victoria Glacier, surrounded by towering peaks and forest. The historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands at the edge, and a lakeshore trail offers a walk with views of the water and mountains.
How high is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk above the ground?
The Skywalk platform is suspended 280 meters (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley. The glass-floored section extends 35 meters from the cliff's edge, giving views straight down to glaciers, waterfalls, and rock formations below.
What do we see on the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and the Skywalk?
The route passes Crowfoot Glacier, visible from a roadside viewpoint; Bow Lake, a glacier-fed lake with turquoise water; and Peyto Lake at the Bow Summit, famous for its vivid turquoise color caused by glacial rock flour. Each stop offers photography and views of surrounding peaks.
Is there a walk at the Skywalk before stepping onto the glass platform?
Yes, a 1 km interpretive walkway leads to the platform, with exhibits on glaciology, geology, and local wildlife. The walk ends where the curved glass platform begins, so you learn about the landscape before stepping onto it.
When should I buy tickets for the Skywalk?
The operator recommends purchasing Skywalk tickets online in advance for a 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm time slot. During summer, counter availability can be limited, so booking ahead ensures your preferred time.
Banff to Columbia Icefield Skywalk tour: 11 hours, four lakes
11h · EN · at your hotel
from CA$ 119 per person
≈ US$ 86 in your currency
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