Calgary & Banff: Columbia Icefield, Skywalk and Lakes Day Tour
About This Experience
The highest-rated Icefields Parkway day tour in this catalogue at 4.9 across nearly 200 reviews, and the shortest of the full-day options at around 11 hours, which on this route is the difference between arriving back for dinner and arriving back at midnight.
The run north covers Herbert Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Waterfowl Lake and the Mistaya Canyon bypass, with Lake Louise on the return. The northern turning point is the Columbia Icefield, where the optional Ice Explorer excursion takes visitors onto the Athabasca Glacier and the Skywalk platform reaches out over the Sunwapta Valley.
The operator is unusually direct about the inclusions, and repeats it in the highlights: Columbia Icefield and Skywalk tickets are not in the price. Guests buy those separately from Pursuit, and the tour's own Icefield arrival is built around a fixed afternoon attraction slot, so booking the attraction ticket for the matching time matters more here than on the looser itineraries.
Reviews repeatedly mention wildlife sightings on the drive and the pace of the stops, which is the trade-off an 11-hour version of this route implies: less waiting around, and less slack if a viewpoint is busy.
Highlights
- Best-rated Parkway day tour in this catalogue at 4.9 stars
- Shorter 11-hour day than most Icefields Parkway itineraries
- Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Herbert Lake and Waterfowl Lake
- Crowfoot Glacier and the Mistaya Canyon bypass
- Lake Louise on the return leg
What's Included
- ✓ Pickup from designated points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff
- ✓ Transport by bus or van
- ✓ Tour guide
Not Included
- Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk entry tickets
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
What to Bring
- Layers, because the weather changes quickly on the Parkway
- Camera
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Snacks, since meals are not included
Good to Know & Caveats
- Columbia Icefield and Skywalk tickets are not included and must be booked separately.
- The Icefield arrival is built around a fixed afternoon attraction slot, so match your attraction ticket to it.
- The Columbia Icefield and Skywalk close for the season from roughly 13 October to 3 May.
- At around 11 hours this is the shortest of the full-day Parkway options.
- Pickup points and times are fixed at booking.
Not Suitable For
- Travellers with mobility impairments
- Travellers with heart conditions
Meeting Point
Designated pickup points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff (selected at booking)
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 195 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
I had a long but absolutely amazing day trip from morning until night, visiting Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, and many other beautiful lakes and scenic spots. We were even lucky enough to see a bear! Everything was incredibly beautiful, especially during the summer. Our tour guide, Sanjeet, was friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend booking this tour if you want to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies!
— Cao Duong Huong, August
Sanjeet is a fabulous tour guide very informative .
— Gemma, August
The trip was amazing! our guide, Ram, was very knowledgeable. We had enough time to enjoy every stop. I would definitely recommend it. Thank you so much for an enjoyable day!
— Taslima, August
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Columbia Icefield and Skywalk tickets included?
No, and the operator flags this in the listing itself. The tour price covers transport and the guide. Entry to the Columbia Icefield Adventure and the Skywalk is bought separately from Pursuit, and should be booked to match the tour's afternoon arrival slot.
How is this different from the longer Parkway tours?
It runs about 11 hours rather than 12 or more, and it adds Herbert Lake, the Mistaya Canyon bypass and Lake Louise on the return. The stops are slightly brisker as a result.
When do the Columbia Icefield attractions close?
The operator lists the seasonal closure as 13 October to 3 May. Outside those dates the Skywalk and the Ice Explorer do not run.
Where does the tour pick up?
From designated points in Calgary, Canmore and Banff, selected at booking. Times are fixed to the pickup location.
Is a national park pass needed?
Park entry applies on this route. Confirm with the operator at booking whether your pass is covered or purchased separately, as this differs between the tours on the Parkway.
