Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake Discovery Tour

The Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake Discovery Tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the Canadian Rockies. This full-day experience along the scenic Icefields Parkway offers stunning photo opportunities and an in-depth exploration of the region’s glacial wonders. Whether you’re admiring the turquoise hues of Bow and Peyto Lakes or enjoying the exhibits at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, this tour promises to leave you…

About Your Stay

• This full-day tour offers photo stops at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake along the Icefields Parkway, as well as a visit to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.
• The tour includes an optional Ice Explorer experience and Western-style lunch at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.
• Bilingual tours are available in English and Chinese, with comfortable air-conditioned transportation provided.
• Customers have generally provided positive feedback on the tour organization and knowledgeable guides, with an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5.
• The Ice Explorer ticket is not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately, and tour reservations cannot be modified after booking confirmation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake Discovery Tour offers a chance to explore some of the most stunning natural wonders in the Canadian Rockies.

Priced from $100.49 per person, this full-day tour takes you along the Icefields Parkway for photo stops at Bow and Peyto Lakes.

You’ll also visit the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where an optional lunch and Ice Explorer experience await.

The tour is bilingual (English and Chinese) and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Transportation is provided in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus or coach.

Itinerary Highlights

Beginning at the Elk + Avenue Hotel, the tour takes guests on a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway.

The first stop is Bow Lake, where travelers enjoy a 20-minute photo opportunity.

Next, they visit Peyto Lake for a 30-minute photo stop.

Stop at Peyto Lake for a 30-minute photo opportunity of its striking blue waters and scenic mountain backdrop.

The highlight is the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where guests spend 2.5 hours, with an optional Western-style lunch available.

The tour also includes views of the Crowfoot Glacier as they pass by.

For an additional fee, guests can take the Ice Explorer experience to access the glacier itself.

Tour Experience

This tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the largest ice field outside the Arctic Circle.

Highlights include:

1. Hiking to the Peyto Lake Viewpoint, which offers views comparable to the popular Moraine Lake.

2. Optional Western-style lunch box available at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.

3. Comfortable air-conditioned transportation via minibus or coach for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

4. Scenic views of the Crowfoot Glacier as you pass by during the tour.

The comprehensive experience allows visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies.

Customer Feedback

According to the reviews, customers have generally positive feedback about this tour. They praise the tour’s organization, with commendations for the knowledgeable guides and smooth transportation.

Specific praise goes to guides Emma and Joseph, who are described as accommodating and skilled communicators. The overall rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on 30 reviews, suggests a solidly positive experience for most participants.

While the reviews highlight the tour’s strengths, customers should be aware that the Ice Explorer experience incurs an additional fee and that booking changes aren’t permitted once the tour is confirmed.

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Important Information

One key detail for customers to be aware of is that the Ice Explorer ticket isn’t included in the tour price. Additional purchases will need to be made through the customer service team.

Once the tour is confirmed, any further bookings can’t be canceled or changed. Here are a few other important details to keep in mind:

1. Ice Explorer ticket must be purchased separately.

2. Tour reservations can’t be modified after booking.

3. Meeting point is at the hotel lobby or front door.

4. Refunds are available up to 24 hours in advance.

Scenic Drive Along Icefields Parkway

The tour begins with a scenic drive along the renowned Icefields Parkway, offering breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rockies.

Passengers wind through the majestic mountains, passing glaciers, alpine lakes, and dense forests. The route showcases the dramatic beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Along the way, the guide points out notable landmarks and shares insights into the region’s geology and wildlife. The drive sets the stage for the day’s adventures, whetting guests’ appetites for the stunning natural wonders they’ll explore at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.

Exploring the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

After the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, the group arrives at the impressive Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.

Following the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, the group arrives at the impressive Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.

This state-of-the-art facility offers:

1. An interactive exhibit showcasing the region’s glacial history and climate change.

2. A cafeteria serving a range of Western-style lunch options.

3. An opportunity to purchase tickets for the Ice Explorer, a unique vehicle that takes visitors directly onto the Athabasca Glacier.

4. Spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and the Athabasca Glacier itself.

With ample time to explore the centre, the tour allows visitors to fully enjoy the grandeur of the Columbia Icefield.

Discovering Bow Lake and Peyto Lake

Departing the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, the tour then takes visitors to two of the region’s most picturesque lakes – Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Bow Lake offers a stunning 20-minute photo stop, showcasing its striking turquoise waters and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Next, the group heads to Peyto Lake, where they can spend 30 minutes taking in the iconic view of the vibrant blue-green lake from the Peyto Lake Viewpoint. This breathtaking sight is often compared to the famous Moraine Lake.

| Lake | Photo Stop Duration | Viewpoint |

|——|———————|———–|

| Bow Lake | 20 minutes | – |

| Peyto Lake | 30 minutes | Peyto Lake Viewpoint |

Questions About Your Stay

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. Travelers can use the restrooms at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and at the photo stops along the Icefields Parkway.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. There are opportunities to enjoy your packed snacks and beverages during the stops along the way, such as at Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.

What Should We Wear to Be Prepared for the Weather?

The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to dress in layers. Bring a warm jacket, hat, and gloves, as well as sturdy, comfortable shoes. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be quite strong.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but customers can explore the sites at their own pace during the scheduled stops. You’ll have ample time to take in the stunning scenery without feeling rushed.

Can We Request a Specific Tour Guide for Our Group?

Requesting a specific tour guide is not guaranteed, but you can ask the tour company if it’s possible. They’ll try their best to accommodate your preference, but it ultimately depends on guide availability.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake Discovery Tour offers a breathtaking day of stunning scenery, photo opportunities, and educational experiences. With comfortable transportation and the option to add lunch, it’s a great way to explore some of the Canadian Rockies’ most picturesque natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to learn about the region’s natural beauty, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: