Columbia Icefield Tour Calgary: Glacier Lakes in One Day

Peyto Lake's teardrop shape and turquoise water come from glacial melt, not dye.

A full-day tour from Calgary through Banff National Park visiting four glacier-fed lakes and the Columbia Icefield, with a live guide in English, Chinese or Cantonese and hotel pickup from Calgary, Canmore or Banff. The tour runs 10 to 12 hours total, including travel time, and keeps groups small so you can ask questions and move at a comfortable pace. Snowcoach and Skywalk tickets at the icefield are optional and can be purchased in advance or on-site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Bow Lake10m
2. Peyto Lake30m

Explore Canadian Rockies highlights

• Depart from Calgary
• Visit Crowfoot Glacier
• Visit Bow Lake
• Visit Peyto Lake
• Explore Columbia Icefield and Skywalk
• Lunch at Columbia Icefield
• Return to Calgary

The experience

Peyto Lake starts the route: a stop at Bow Summit where the water's distinctive teardrop shape and turquoise color come from glacial flour suspended in the melt. Bow Lake follows, ringed by peaks and larch forest, with time to stand at the shore or spot wildlife. Crowfoot Glacier appears next, a named landmark in Banff National Park where you can see how the ice has retreated over decades. The day builds toward the Columbia Icefield, where the tour includes a walk on the ancient ice itself and access to the glass-floored Skywalk for views across the glacier and the surrounding peaks.

Pickup happens from Calgary, Canmore or Banff depending on which location you choose at checkout, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the full 10 to 12 hours. Lunch is available at the Columbia Icefield site. The guide speaks English, Chinese or Cantonese. If your chosen language doesn't have enough participants, the operator will contact you to arrange a switch to another language tour. This is a shared tour, so you'll travel with other visitors. If you'd prefer a private vehicle, contact the operator directly.

The Snowcoach ride and Skywalk tickets are not included in the tour price. If you want to book them in advance, let the operator know at least three days before departure. Otherwise they're available for purchase on-site, though availability isn't guaranteed. A reminder email arrives the day before with your exact pickup time and any last-minute updates. Luggage, strollers or wheelchairs need advance notice, as extra storage may incur a charge.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and dropoff from Calgary, Canmore or Banff.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• live guide in your chosen language.
• lunch at the Columbia Icefield.
• GST included in the price.

Options for this experience

3 options

CalgaryGuide in English, Chinese or Cantonese · Available from 1 May 2027Pickup is included, from the Calgary Downtown Delta Hotel by Marriott. The Icefield ticket is not included in the tour fee; if you would like to buy it in advance, please contact us. If you already have your own tickets, please tell us your time for the Icefield.

CanmoreGuide in English, Chinese or Cantonese · Available from 1 May 2027Pickup is included, from the Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore). The Icefield ticket is not included in the tour fee; if you would like to buy it in advance, please contact us. If you already have your own tickets, please tell us your time for the Icefield.

BanffGuide in English, Chinese or Cantonese · Available from 1 May 2027Pickup is included, from Banff Caribou Lodge. The Icefield ticket is not included in the tour fee; if you would like to buy it in advance, please contact us. If you already have your own tickets, please tell us your time for the Icefield.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 23

Live guideEnglish, Cantonese and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Banff Journey

Is this one for you?Small group sizes mean you can ask the guide questions and take photos without feeling rushed through each stop. If you want to add the Snowcoach ride or Skywalk experience on the glacier itself, book those tickets in advance or purchase them on-site when you arrive.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Chinese and Cantonese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

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 Peyto Lake and why is the water that color?

Peyto Lake sits at Bow Summit in Banff National Park and is famous for its vivid turquoise water and distinctive teardrop shape. The color comes from glacial flour (fine sediment suspended in the meltwater from the surrounding glaciers) not from any artificial source.

Do I need to book the Snowcoach and Skywalk tickets before the tour?

The Snowcoach and Skywalk are optional add-ons not included in the tour price. You can purchase them in advance if you notify the operator at least three days before your departure, or buy them on-site on the day of the tour, though on-site availability is not guaranteed.

How long is the full tour and what does that time include?

The tour runs 10 to 12 hours total, which includes all travel time between Calgary (or Canmore or Banff) and each stop, plus time spent at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and the Columbia Icefield. You'll arrive back in Calgary around 6:30 p.m., depending on traffic.

Can I take this tour as a private group instead of joining other travelers?

This is a shared tour with other local travelers. If you'd prefer a private vehicle and guide for your group, contact the operator directly to arrange a custom booking.

Which pickup location should I choose?

Pickup is available from Calgary, Canmore or Banff: select whichever location is closest to where you're staying. All pickup times and locations are fixed, so review the details carefully when booking. If you have special requests, contact the operator directly.