Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Jasper and Banff National Parks is a must-do for visitors to the Canadian Rockies. This comprehensive day trip from Calgary or Banff offers a seamless experience, taking travelers to the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield, the turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, and the opportunity to walk on the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Guided by experienced professionals, this journey allows visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur of the region. With pickup and drop-off at key locations, the tour provides a convenient and immersive way to discover why these parks are renowned worldwide.

Key Points

From Calgary/Banff: Columbia Icefield Day Trip - Key Points

  • This full-day tour from Calgary or Banff explores the stunning natural wonders of Jasper and Banff National Parks, including the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield.
  • The tour offers pickup and drop-off locations in both Calgary and Banff, accommodating travelers from both areas for a seamless start and end to the day.
  • Highlights of the tour include visits to Peyto Lake, the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint, and the opportunity to walk on the 25,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier.
  • The tour provides ample time to soak in the breathtaking vistas, snap photos, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
  • The tour is inclusive of an English-speaking guide, transportation, service charge, and national park fee, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Tour Details

From Calgary/Banff: Columbia Icefield Day Trip - Tour Details

The Columbia Icefield day trip offers a full-day tour from Banff or Calgary, lasting approximately 10 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can reserve now and pay later for this excursion.

The pickup locations are the Calgary Coast Downtown Hotel at 8:00 AM and the Banff Aspen Lodge at 9:35 AM, with two drop-off points at the end of the day – the Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA and the Banff Aspen Lodge.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, transportation, service charges, and national park fees, though it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and each person is limited to one piece of carry-on luggage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Pickup Locations

From Calgary/Banff: Columbia Icefield Day Trip - Pickup Locations

At 8:00 AM, the tour picks up guests from the Calgary Coast Downtown Hotel, while the Banff Aspen Lodge serves as the 9:35 AM pickup point.

This allows the tour to conveniently accommodate travelers from both the Calgary and Banff areas.

After exploring the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies, the tour provides two drop-off locations – the Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA for those returning to Calgary, and the Banff Aspen Lodge for those concluding their journey in Banff.

The centralized pickup and drop-off points ensure a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure through Jasper and Banff National Parks.

Itinerary Overview

From Calgary/Banff: Columbia Icefield Day Trip - Itinerary Overview

After guests are picked up from the designated locations, the day’s itinerary takes them on a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies.

Highlights include passing by the serene Bow Lake, exploring the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield, admiring the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, and marveling at the turquoise waters of Peyto Lake.

At the Columbia Icefield, visitors can opt to walk on the 25,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier.

Throughout the tour, guests will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of Jasper and Banff National Parks.

With ample time allotted for each stop, travelers can fully enjoy the natural wonders of the region.

Peyto Lake Exploration

From Calgary/Banff: Columbia Icefield Day Trip - Peyto Lake Exploration

Travelers will marvel at the turquoise-tinted Peyto Lake, a stunning glacial-fed body of water nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

The tour offers a 20-minute stop at the Peyto Lake viewpoint, allowing ample time to soak in the breathtaking vistas.

From this strategic vantage point, visitors can gaze upon the vibrant blue-green hues of the lake, a result of the glacial rock flour suspended in the water.

Guests can also observe the surrounding Peyto Glacier and the Waputik Mountain Range in the distance.

This scenic stop provides a perfect opportunity to snap photos and appreciate the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Athabasca Glacier Walk

From Calgary/Banff: Columbia Icefield Day Trip - Athabasca Glacier Walk

Upon reaching the Columbia Icefield, guests have the option to embark on an exhilarating walk across the 25,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier, a majestic river of ice that flows down from the surrounding peaks.

This unique opportunity allows visitors to experience the glacier up close, witness its sheer size and power, and learn about the effects of climate change on these ancient ice formations.

The walk is guided by experienced professionals, ensuring safety and providing insightful commentary on the glacier’s history and ecology.

Guests are encouraged to bring proper footwear and dress warmly, as the glacier’s temperature can be quite chilly.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers a deeper appreciation for the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.

Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint

From the majestic Athabasca Glacier, the tour moves on to the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, offering a stunning panoramic vista of the Canadian Rockies.

Guests can gaze upon the dramatic, claw-like shape of the Crowfoot Glacier as it clings to the mountainside, a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of this rugged landscape. The viewpoint provides an opportunity to appreciate the immense scale and grandeur of the glacier from a safe distance.

Visitors can snap photos and take in the breathtaking scenery before continuing on to the next destination, Peyto Lake, where they’ll witness the vibrant turquoise waters nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Bow Lake Reflections

As the tour winds its way through the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, visitors often pause at the serene Bow Lake, marveling at the mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains dancing across its tranquil surface.

The lake’s pristine, turquoise waters create a breathtaking natural mirror, perfectly reflecting the towering Crowfoot Mountains and their glacier-capped peaks. This is a prime photo opportunity, allowing travelers to capture the essence of the Canadian Rockies in a single frame.

The stillness of the lake, combined with the majestic mountain scenery, creates a peaceful and awe-inspiring moment for all who witness it. Visitors can take their time exploring the lake’s shores and soaking in the serene ambiance before continuing on their Columbia Icefield adventure.

Inclusions and Restrictions

The Columbia Icefield day trip includes an English-speaking guide, transportation, service charge, and national park fee.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Plus, the tour only allows one piece of carry-on luggage per person. This ensures a comfortable and efficient experience for all participants.

The key inclusions and restrictions are:

  • English-speaking guide provided
  • Transportation to and from pickup locations
  • Service charge and national park fee covered
  • Not suitable for wheelchair users
  • One piece of carry-on luggage allowed per person

These guidelines help maintain the safety and organization of the tour, allowing guests to fully enjoy the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies.

Frequently Asked Questions

From Calgary/Banff: Columbia Icefield Day Trip - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour details mention that one piece of carry-on luggage per person is allowed, which would likely include any personal snacks or beverages.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The tour does not have a minimum number of participants. It is a group tour, so the size of the group may vary, but there is no minimum requirement to operate the tour. The experience is offered daily.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Clothing or Equipment?

Guests should dress warmly and wear sturdy, weatherproof footwear. Bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle is also recommended. Optional activities, like walking on the glacier, may require additional specialized equipment that can be rented on-site.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour, but parents should ensure their children can handle the long hours and hiking involved.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour provider offers private group bookings, which allows you to customize the itinerary and enjoy the experience with your own group.

Recap

This comprehensive day trip from Calgary or Banff allows visitors to explore the stunning landscapes of Jasper and Banff National Parks.

Led by experienced guides, the tour provides an immersive experience, including the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield, the vibrant Peyto Lake, and the opportunity to walk on the ancient Athabasca Glacier.

It’s a seamless and unforgettable journey through the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.