Jasper to Banff: Icefields Parkway, Glacier Tour & Skywalk

From Jasper to Banff along glaciers, wild lakes and mountain air

You’ll ride from Jasper to Banff with local guides who know every curve of the Icefields Parkway. Walk atop Athabasca Glacier, brave the Columbia Icefield Skywalk’s glass floor, and pause for a picnic lunch by Bow Lake. Expect moments of awe, and maybe a little laughter, alongside glacier winds and mountain stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Icefields Parkway5h
2. Crowfoot Glacier15m
3. Nashville Riverfront Park20m
4. Bow Lake15m
5. Columbia Icefield Skywalk1h · entry included
6. Athabasca Glacier50m · entry included

Scenic drive and glacier experiences

• Drive along Icefields Parkway
• Stop at Crowfoot Glacier for photos
• Visit Athabasca Falls
• Arrive at Glacier Tour start location
• Take Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer tour
• Walk Columbia Icefield Skywalk
• Enjoy picnic lunch
• Stop at Bow Lake for views
• Return to Banff

The experience

Hands gripping my coffee cup, I watched mist slide off the mountains as our driver (Mike, who’s lived here forever) checked if everyone was set for the day trip from Jasper to Banff. He had that way of talking where you can’t help but listen, even if you’re still waking up. The van felt warm compared to the outside air, which smelled sharp and clean: like pine needles and something colder underneath. We rolled out onto the Icefields Parkway just as a bit of sun broke through. Someone in the back tried to name all the peaks we passed (I gave up after two), but Mike knew them all, plus stories about each one.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get at Crowfoot Glacier. Just boots crunching gravel and a couple of crows arguing overhead. The wind there has this bite that wakes you up more than coffee ever could. At Athabasca Glacier, they handed us these big-wheeled buses (Ice Explorers) and our guide joked about “glacier fashion” as we bundled up. Standing on that ice, I filled my water bottle straight from a melt stream (coldest water I’ve ever tasted, honestly), and tried not to slip while taking photos. Lunch was a picnic near Bow Lake. Nothing fancy but somehow everything tastes better when you’re surrounded by mountains like that.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk was... well, I’m not great with heights but I did it anyway. The glass floor is 918 feet up (someone measured), and looking down made my stomach do a weird flip. I just kept focusing on the blue-white sweep of glaciers in every direction. Our guide told a story about caribou migrations right as a group of kids started daring each other to jump on the glass (their parents looked less thrilled). By then clouds were rolling in again, making everything look washed in silver light. I still think about that view sometimes: how small you feel out there.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected when booking, entry fees for both Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Skywalk experiences, plus a picnic lunch along with snacks: all guided by locals who share stories throughout your one-way trip from Jasper to Banff.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 12 May 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by SunDog Tour Co

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

Is hotel pickup included for the Jasper to Banff tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you select that option during booking.

What attractions are visited on this Jasper to Banff day trip?

The tour includes stops at Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Glacier, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield Skywalk, and travels along Icefields Parkway.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a picnic lunch is included as part of your day trip from Jasper to Banff.

Can I fill my water bottle with glacier water?

Yes, at Athabasca Glacier you can fill your bottle with fresh glacier water during your guided tour.

How long is the drive from Jasper to Banff on this tour?

The journey covers most of a full day including sightseeing stops along Icefields Parkway.

Are all physical fitness levels suitable for this tour?

Yes, this one-way tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. Dressing appropriately is recommended.