From Banff: Columbia Icefield Tour With Glacier Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Tour from Banff promises an unforgettable adventure deep into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Travelers can experience the thrill of riding an all-terrain vehicle onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier and walk on 25,000-year-old ice. The tour also includes a visit to the breathtaking Columbia Icefield Skywalk, where a glass-floored platform offers panoramic views. With knowledgeable guides and a hot buffet lunch, this 10-hour excursion provides an enriching exploration of one of Canada’s most stunning natural wonders. But what secrets await those who embark on this remarkable journey?

Key Points

• Scenic 10-hour journey along the Icefields Parkway from Banff to the Columbia Icefield.
• Ride an all-terrain vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier and explore ancient glacier ice.
• Experience the Columbia Icefield Skywalk with a glass-floored platform for stunning mountain views.
• Includes hotel pickup, hot buffet lunch, and admission to the Ice Explorer and Skywalk.
• Tour has a high customer rating of 4.7/5 for excellent organization and knowledgeable guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Columbia Icefield Tour is an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore one of the most scenic mountain regions in the world.

The tour departs from Banff and takes guests on a 10-hour journey along the Icefields Parkway, showcasing breathtaking lakes, mountain peaks, and glaciers.

The highlight is the opportunity to ride an all-terrain vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier, where travelers can walk on ancient ice and sip from glacier streams.

The tour also includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, offering a glass-floored platform for unparalleled views of the stunning landscape.

Pricing and Inclusions

From £203.60 per person, the Columbia Icefield Tour provides an extensive range of inclusions.

The tour features:

1. Pickup from select hotels in Banff.

2. A hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

3. Admission to the Ice Explorer experience and Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

4. Light snacks and refreshments onboard.

In addition, the price includes a dedicated onboard guide, taxes, and fees.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour offers flexibility and value for money.

Exploring the Icefields Parkway

As one travels along the Icefields Parkway, a scenic mountain road that connects Banff and Jasper National Parks, the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies unfold.

Towering peaks, sparkling glaciers, and serene lakes dot the horizon. The iconic highway winds through the heart of this natural wonder, offering visitors a front-row seat to the region’s stunning beauty.

Along the way, the tour guides share their extensive knowledge, pointing out wildlife, geological features, and the history of this remarkable place.

The Icefields Parkway is the perfect gateway to exploring the grandeur of the Columbia Icefield.

Glacier Exploration Experience

Riding aboard the massive all-terrain Ice Explorer vehicle, visitors embark on a thrilling journey onto the Athabasca Glacier’s ancient ice.

They’ll:

1. Walk on the 25,000-year-old glacier and sip from its pure, glacial streams.

2. Enjoy a hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.

3. Experience the Columbia Icefield Skywalk’s glass-floored platform for breathtaking views.

4. Learn about glaciers, wildlife, and geology from the knowledgeable onboard guide.

Throughout the adventure, guests will be in awe of the pristine lakes, towering mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic mountain roads.

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The Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a breathtaking glass-floored platform that offers visitors unparalleled views of the surrounding glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks.

A breathtaking glass-floored platform that offers visitors unparalleled views of the surrounding glaciers, lakes, and mountain peaks.

Extending 280 meters (918 feet) out from the cliff’s edge, the Skywalk allows guests to gaze down through the transparent floor to the valley below.

This thrilling experience provides an opportunity to learn about the geology and ecology of the region from knowledgeable guides.

While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the Skywalk is an unforgettable highlight of the Columbia Icefield tour, showcasing the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies.

Wildlife and Scenery

Along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic mountain roads, travelers can spot an abundance of wildlife.

The area is home to:

1. Majestic elk, with their large antlers and imposing presence, grazing in the meadows.

2. Playful bighorn sheep, nimbly navigating the rocky slopes.

3. Elusive cougars, stalking their prey with stealth and grace.

4. Vibrant grizzly bears, foraging for berries and insects in the lush vegetation.

Along With the diverse wildlife, the tour showcases pristine alpine lakes, towering mountain peaks, and the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield, a stunning natural wonder.

Logistics and Recommendations

One key aspect of the Columbia Icefield Tour is the logistics and recommendations. The tour includes hotel pickup in Banff and a hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Participants also receive tickets for the Ice Explorer experience and Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Snacks and refreshments are provided onboard, and a dedicated guide accompanies the group. However, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Recommended items include comfortable shoes, gloves, waterproof shoes, and a windbreaker, as glacier temperatures can be cooler. The tour operates rain or shine.

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Hotel pickup in Banff | Gratuities |

| Hot buffet lunch | Audio devices at Skywalk (subject to availability) |

| Ice Explorer experience | – |

| Columbia Icefield Skywalk | – |

| Snacks and refreshments | – |

| Dedicated guide | – |

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customer reviews and ratings for the Columbia Icefield Tour reflect a positive overall experience.

The tour boasts an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 3 reviews. Customers highlighted several notable aspects:

1. Excellent tour organization and knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhanced the experience.

2. The opportunity to walk on the ancient glacier ice and sip from the pristine glacier streams.

3. The breathtaking views from the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

4. The well-planned logistics, including hotel pickups and a hot buffet lunch.

While the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests an exceptional excursion for visitors to Banff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for Solo Travelers to Join a Group?

Yes, solo travelers can join the group tour. The tour accommodates individual bookings, allowing solo visitors to experience the Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk alongside other participants.

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

Yes, customers can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. However, a hot buffet lunch at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is included in the tour price, and light snacks and refreshments are also provided onboard.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can easily reschedule their tour by cancelling and booking a new date without penalty as long as they provide 24 hours’ notice.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Glacier Walk?

The tour recommends wearing comfortable, waterproof shoes and bringing gloves, a windbreaker, and a refillable bottle for glacier water. Special gear like crampons is provided. It’s also advisable to dress warmly as glacier temperatures can be cooler.

Can I Take Photos and Videos Throughout the Entire Tour?

Yes, guests can take photos and videos throughout the entire tour. The tour includes ample opportunities to capture the stunning scenery and glacier experiences. However, camera use may be restricted in certain areas for safety reasons.

The Sum Up

The Columbia Icefield Tour from Banff offers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Travelers can walk on ancient glacial ice, enjoy panoramic views from the Skywalk, and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Icefields Parkway. With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and a hot lunch, this tour provides an enriching exploration of one of Canada’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: