Columbia Icefield, Peyto & Bow Lake with Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles
About This Experience
The only tour in this catalogue that changes itinerary with the season rather than simply closing, which makes it the answer for anyone visiting the Rockies in the months when the Columbia Icefield attractions are shut.
From 1 May to 12 October it runs the classic Icefields Parkway route: Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, the walk up to the Peyto Lake viewpoint, and an afternoon at the Columbia Icefield with time to explore rather than a rushed photo stop. Nine hours makes it the shortest full-day option here, and the operator's reviews describe an unhurried pace, which is the point.
From December to March the day swings to Abraham Lake, where methane rising from decomposing vegetation on the lake bed freezes into stacked white discs suspended in clear ice. It is one of the few genuinely distinctive winter sights in the Rockies and it photographs like nothing else, which is presumably why professional photography is bundled into the price.
If you want the Ice Explorer glacier excursion or the Skywalk during the summer itinerary, tell the operator well before the tour date. Those are Pursuit attraction tickets, and buying them on the day depends on what is left when your group arrives.
Highlights
- Summer: Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier
- Winter: Abraham Lake's frozen methane bubbles, December to March
- Nine-hour day, the shortest full-day option in this catalogue
- Free professional photography included
- National park pass and all taxes included
What's Included
- ✓ National park pass covering entry to the sightseeing stops
- ✓ Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓ Pickup and drop-off in Calgary, Canmore or Banff
- ✓ Professional tour guide
- ✓ Free professional photography
- ✓ GST
Not Included
- Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk entry tickets
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for the Peyto Lake viewpoint trail
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Camera
- Food and drinks, as meals are not included
- Some cash
- Ice cleats in winter, for the Abraham Lake shoreline
Good to Know & Caveats
- The itinerary is seasonal: Columbia Icefield from 1 May to 12 October, Abraham Lake ice bubbles from December to March.
- Ice Explorer and Skywalk tickets are not included. Tell the operator in advance if you want them, or availability on the day is not guaranteed.
- Pickup times and locations are fixed. Review them before booking.
- Road conditions and weather can force itinerary changes, which the operator confirms the day before.
- Tell the operator ahead of time if you need to bring luggage, a wheelchair or a stroller.
Meeting Point
Designated pickup points in Calgary, Canmore or Banff (selected at booking)
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 138 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
An Unforgettable Banff Day Tour with Rolan! If you're looking for a Banff day tour guide who goes above and beyond, look no further than Rolan! From start to finish, this tour was absolutely magical, and so much of that was thanks to Rolan's warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care for our group. Every single stop was more beautiful than the last, and Rolan made sure we experienced each one to the fullest. He genuinely checked in on us. Throughout the day, Rolan would ask how we were doing, whether we were enjoying ourselves, and made sure everyone in the group felt comfortable and included. A grizzly bear surprise and he made time for it! Even though our official tour time had already ended, when a grizzly bear appeared along the road on the drive back, Rolan gave us extra time to watch and take photos. That small gesture meant the world to us. This was, without a doubt, one of the best guided tours I've ever experienced. Rolan's kindness, thoughtfulness, and genuine.
— Noeul, August
Steve was fabulous!! We had the best experience spotting a deer, mountain goats, a big horn sheep and a black bear. We ended up with great pictures of all of them especially the bear!! We saw beautiful lakes with intense reflections that made great photos. We saw some amazing waterfalls and two glaciers. Steve provided adequate breaks, snacks and water. He was friendly, kind and humorous. We enjoyed this trip so much!
— Art, July 25
Beautiful vistas. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide plus seeing three black bears, mountain sheep and deer made in a perfect day
— Elaine, May 14,
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Abraham Lake ice bubble season?
December to March. Methane rising from the lake bed freezes into stacked white discs held in clear ice, and the tour swings to Abraham Lake in those months while the Columbia Icefield attractions are closed.
Which itinerary will I get?
The summer route to the Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake runs 1 May to 12 October. Outside it, the winter route to Abraham Lake applies. Both are weather-dependent.
Can I add the Ice Explorer or Skywalk?
Yes, on the summer itinerary, but tell the operator as far ahead of the tour as you can. Otherwise the tickets are bought on site and availability is not guaranteed.
Is the photography really included?
Yes. Professional photos taken during the day are part of the price, which is unusual on this route and is one of the things reviewers mention most.
How long is the day?
About nine hours, the shortest of the full-day options in this catalogue, and reviewers consistently describe the pace as relaxed rather than rushed.
