From Canmore/Banff: Icefields Parkway Experience

The Icefields Parkway Experience from Canmore/Banff offers a captivating 10-hour journey through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. Priced at £110.27 per person, this tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and optional hiking opportunities. Guests can expect comfortable vans, stunning views, and insights into the region’s natural wonders and climate change impacts. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure or a deeper connection with the Canadian Rockies, this tour promises an experience you won’t soon forget.

Contents show

About Your Stay

Experience one of the world’s most stunning mountain drives on the Icefields Parkway with stops at breathtaking locations like Bow Lake and Athabasca Glacier.
Enjoy a 10-hour tour with a live English-speaking guide, complimentary transportation from Canmore/Banff, and optional hikes at Mistaya Canyon.
Explore the Athabasca Glacier, the tour’s highlight, with 45 minutes to discover the glacier and participate in an optional Icewalk experience.
Benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and comfortable transportation with onboard amenities like USB charging and refreshments.
Learn about the glacial origins and climate change impacts from expert guides, ensuring an unforgettable and informative adventure through the Canadian Rockies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Icefields Parkway tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the world’s most scenic drives. Priced from £110.27 per person, the 10-hour tour includes a live English-speaking guide and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can expect up to 7 stops at breathtaking locations like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, with an optional hike at Mistaya Canyon. The dynamic itinerary is curated by expert guides based on mountain conditions.

Transportation is provided via comfortable vans with onboard amenities, though meals aren’t included beyond a light snack.

Looking for more options in Canmore? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Up to 7 stops at scenic locations showcase the highlights of the Icefields Parkway experience.

Travelers will visit Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Mistaya Canyon Trail Head, where an optional 40-minute hike awaits.

The tour’s crown jewel is the Athabasca Glacier, where guests can spend 45 minutes exploring this natural wonder.

Along the way, the guide curates a dynamic itinerary based on mountain conditions, ensuring guests see the best sights.

Scenic drives and viewpoints complete the immersive journey through this iconic Canadian landscape.

Transportation and Comfort

Round-trip transport from 17 pickup locations in Banff, Canmore, or Harvie Heights provides convenient access to the Icefields Parkway. Guests travel in spacious vans for maximum comfort, with onboard amenities to enhance the experience.

| Amenity | Description |

| — | — |

| USB-A Charging | Keep devices powered throughout the journey. |

| Hot Drink | Enjoy a warming beverage during the scenic drive. |

| Snack | A light snack is provided to tide you over. |

| Water Refills | Bring your reusable bottle to stay hydrated. |

The dynamic itinerary, curated by expert guides, ensures the tour adapts to mountain conditions for an unforgettable experience.

Experience the Icefields Parkway

Guests embark on a captivating journey along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most stunning mountain drives.

They stop at up to seven scenic locations, including Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Athabasca Glacier. An optional 40-minute hike at Mistaya Canyon Trail Head offers a closer look at the region’s natural beauty.

Throughout the day, the dynamic itinerary is curated by expert guides, ensuring guests experience the best of the area based on current mountain conditions.

Expertly curated itinerary ensures guests experience the best of the Icefields Parkway based on current mountain conditions.

Breathtaking scenery and knowledgeable guides combine to create an unforgettable Icefields Parkway experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Bow Lake

As guests embark on their journey along the Icefields Parkway, their first stop is the captivating Bow Lake.

Nestled at the base of the stunning Bow Glacier, this alpine lake boasts a mesmerizing turquoise hue. Guests have 20 minutes to explore the shoreline, snap photos, and marvel at the breathtaking mountain backdrop.

The guide shares insights about the lake’s glacial origins and the surrounding peaks. Though the stop is brief, it offers a tranquil introduction to the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, setting the tone for the day’s adventure.

There's plenty more to explore in Canmore

Exploring Peyto Lake

Continuing along the Icefields Parkway, the tour makes its way to the stunning Peyto Lake.

Surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, this vibrant, glacial-fed lake boasts a striking, turquoise hue. Guests will have 20 minutes to admire the breathtaking vistas and snap photos from the designated viewpoint.

The short walk to the lookout offers sweeping panoramas of the lake and the Waputik mountain range. After soaking in the scenery, the group reboards the van and continues their journey through the Canadian Rockies, heading towards the next stop on the dynamic itinerary curated by the expert guide.

Hiking the Mistaya Canyon Trail

Heading down the parkway, guests reach the trailhead for the Mistaya Canyon Trail, an optional 40-minute hike that offers a glimpse into the region’s rugged geology.

The trail descends along the Mistaya River, providing panoramic views of the steep, carved walls of the canyon. Hikers must be prepared for uneven terrain and potentially muddy conditions.

Those who complete the hike are rewarded with the sight of the turquoise river rushing through the ancient rock formations.

The dynamic itinerary allows flexibility for this excursion, ensuring guests can tailor their experience to their interests and abilities.

Venturing to the Athabasca Glacier

Leaving the Mistaya Canyon Trail behind, the tour now focuses on the awe-inspiring Athabasca Glacier. Guests have 45 minutes to explore this stunning natural wonder, part of the Columbia Icefield.

The guide shares insights about the glacier’s formation and retreating nature, a sobering reminder of climate change. Visitors can opt to venture onto the glacier’s surface via an included Icewalk, equipped with specialized footwear.

This up-close experience offers a unique perspective on the glacier’s icy expanse and stunning blue hues. With plenty of photo opportunities, the Athabasca Glacier provides an unforgettable highlight of the Icefields Parkway tour.

Questions About Your Stay

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The tours require a minimum of 4 guests to operate. If the minimum is not met, alternatives or refunds will be offered.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Yes, children are allowed on the tour. The tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate, and discounted rates are available for children. Families are welcome to join the excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides a light snack and water refills, but you’re welcome to bring additional sustenance for the day’s activities and scenic stops.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. The tour provides essential amenities like USB charging, hot drinks, and water refills. Just bring comfortable walking shoes, outdoor clothing, and a reusable water bottle.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

The tour itinerary is dynamic and curated by expert guides based on mountain conditions, but there’s some flexibility to customize stops to fit your preferences. You can discuss your interests with the guide upon pickup.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Icefields Parkway Experience from Canmore/Banff offers an unforgettable journey through stunning mountain landscapes. With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and opportunities for hiking, this tour provides an immersive experience exploring iconic glaciers, lakes, and canyons. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views or learning about the region’s natural wonders, this 10-hour adventure is a must-do for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies.