The Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies is a breathtaking destination that offers a day tour showcasing some of the region’s most stunning natural wonders. Visitors can experience the beauty of Bow Lake, explore the mighty Columbia Icefield, and marvel at the iconic turquoise waters of Peyto Lake. With a range of inclusions and opportunities to capture unforgettable moments, this tour promises an adventure that’ll leave you longing to uncover more of the Rockies’ captivating landscapes.
About Your Stay
- This day tour from $83.83 per person offers a 9-11 hour journey along the Icefields Parkway, showcasing stunning mountain vistas and glacier-fed lakes.
- The tour includes stops at Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield for a guided glacier walk, the iconic Peyto Lake, and the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint.
- Travelers can enjoy the services of a live tour guide in Chinese, English, and Japanese, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour package covers transportation, national park fees, lunch, and checked luggage, providing a comprehensive experience of the Canadian Rockies.
- The Icefields Parkway is renowned for its dramatic glacier-capped peaks, breathtaking views of Bow Lake and the Bow River, and the vast Columbia Icefield.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Icefield Parkway, Bow Lakes & Peyto Lakes Day Tour is a comprehensive sightseeing excursion that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies.
Priced from $83.83 per person, the tour lasts 9-11 hours and features a live tour guide available in Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Priced from $83.83 per person, the tour lasts 9-11 hours and features a live tour guide available in Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes transportation, national park fees, lunch, and checked luggage, with a suggested service charge of CAD$15 per guest.
Passengers are advised to bring sun protection and note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
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Itinerary Highlights
Kicking off the Icefield Parkway, Bow Lakes & Peyto Lakes Day Tour, travelers embark on a scenic drive along the 232 km Icefields Parkway, renowned for its stunning mountain vistas.
The first stop is Bow Lake, a glacier-fed marvel where guests can admire its serene beauty.
Next, the tour heads to the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice accumulations south of the Arctic Circle. Here, guests can enjoy a guided tour and optional glacier walking experience.
The journey continues to the iconic Peyto Lake, known for its distinctive turquoise hue, and the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint.
Scenic Features of the Icefields Parkway
Stretching 232 km between Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Icefields Parkway is renowned for its stunning mountain vistas.
The Icefields Parkway, spanning 232 km between Banff and Jasper, is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery.
The route offers:
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Dramatic glacier-capped peaks, including the ancient Crowfoot Glacier, a significant indicator of climate change.
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Breathtaking views of Bow Lake, the turquoise headwaters of the Bow River.
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The vast Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice accumulations south of the Arctic Circle, where visitors can opt for a guided glacier walking experience.
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The iconic Peyto Lake, known for its distinctive fox-shaped, turquoise waters, though visibility may be affected by seasonal closures.
Bow Lake: Glacier-fed Wonder
As the tour winds through the Icefields Parkway, travelers are treated to a stunning glimpse of Bow Lake, a glacier-fed wonder that serves as the headwaters of the Bow River.
Fed by the Bow Glacier, this turquoise-hued lake reflects the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Visitors spend 20 minutes admiring the serene beauty and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
The lake’s pristine waters and dramatic mountain backdrop make it a must-see destination along the Icefields Parkway. This scenic stop offers a chance to appreciate the power and grandeur of the natural world.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring the Columbia Icefield
After traversing the Icefields Parkway, the tour arrives at the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice accumulations south of the Arctic Circle.
Visitors have the opportunity to:
Visitors can take a guided tour of the Athabasca Glacier, enjoy a hearty lunch, explore the Discovery Center, and capture the awe-inspiring landscape.
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Take a guided tour of the Athabasca Glacier, which allows them to step onto the ancient ice formation.
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Enjoy a hearty lunch while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
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Explore the Discovery Center and learn about the effects of climate change on the region.
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Snap photos of the awe-inspiring landscape, a testament to the power of nature.
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Crowfoot Glacier: Witness to Climate Change
The Crowfoot Glacier, an ancient ice formation, serves as a significant indicator of the dramatic effects of climate change in the region.
As part of the Icefield Parkway tour, visitors can witness this striking glacier, which has receded significantly over the past century.
The glacier’s shrinking size is a sobering reminder of the accelerating pace of global warming.
Seeing the Crowfoot Glacier firsthand provides a powerful visual representation of the urgent need to address climate change.
This brief stop on the tour offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the ongoing environmental challenges faced in the Canadian Rockies.
Peyto Lake: Iconic Turquoise Waters
Peyto Lake’s iconic turquoise waters captivate visitors as they gaze upon this natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Known for its distinct fox-like shape, the lake’s vibrant hue is attributed to the glacial flour suspended in the water.
Visitors can:
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Enjoy a scenic 20-minute stop to soak in the breathtaking views.
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Photograph the surreal blue color contrasted against the surrounding mountain landscape.
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Hike to the Bow Summit Lookout for a bird’s-eye perspective of the lake.
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Explore the nearby hiking trails to discover additional stunning vistas.
The Peyto Lake viewpoint is a highlight of the Icefield Parkway tour, offering a glimpse into the awe-inspiring beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Tour Inclusions and Recommendations
The tour includes several key features to enhance the experience. Travelers receive an English-speaking guide, transportation, national park fees, and lunch. Packing recommendations include a sun hat and sunscreen. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and one carry-on piece of luggage per person is allowed.
| What’s Included | Recommendations | Restrictions |
| — | — | — |
| – English-speaking guide
– Transportation
– National park fees | – Sun hat
– Sunscreen | – Not suitable for wheelchair users
– 1 carry-on piece of luggage per person |
Questions About Your Stay
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though it may not be wheelchair-accessible. Participants should be able to walk short distances at the various sightseeing stops.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a lunch is already included in the tour package, so bringing your own may not be necessary. Be mindful of any policies regarding food consumption on the bus.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Stops?
There’s no option to extend the tour or add additional stops. The tour follows a set itinerary with specific durations at each location. Customizations beyond the standard tour aren’t available, but the tour covers the main highlights of the Icefield Parkway region.
Do I Need to Have Any Special Physical Abilities to Participate?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, indicating some level of physical ability is required. However, the itinerary doesn’t mention any strenuous activities, so most travelers should be able to participate comfortably.
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, travelers can book this tour for a private group. The tour provider offers the flexibility to accommodate private group bookings, allowing customers to enjoy the experience with their own group.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Icefields Parkway day tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. From the breathtaking vistas of Bow Lake to the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience amidst the region’s majestic glaciers and turquoise waters. With a guided tour and hearty lunch included, this tour provides an immersive and convenient way to discover the natural wonders of this remarkable destination.
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