Follow the Icefields Parkway from Banff toward the Columbia Icefield, stopping at Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake for striking glacier-fed views and quick hikes. This full-day sightseeing run pairs iconic viewpoints with practical tips for seasonal access and on-site costs.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the vehicle where the highway narrows and the mountains take the wheel — the Icefields Parkway unspools ahead, a ribbon of pavement cut between rock and glacier.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks (10–60 minutes) at viewpoints and optional easy hikes like Johnston Canyon.
Wildlife
History
The Icefields Parkway was completed mid-20th century to connect Banff and Jasper and opened these high routes to tourism; Indigenous peoples have traveled these passages for thousands of years.
Conservation
Banff and Jasper enforce park permits and visitor rules to protect fragile alpine vegetation and wildlife; follow Leave No Trace and obey seasonal trail closures.
Reserve your spot on the Banff to Columbia Icefield and Peyto Lake with Crowfoot Glacier today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Pack layered clothing
Temperatures can swing quickly with elevation — pack a windproof layer and a warm mid-layer even in summer.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Several stops have no services; carry at least 1–2 liters per person for the day.
Plan for extra fees
Columbia Icefield activities (Ice Explorer, Skywalk) and some visitor centers require separate tickets — budget extra time and money.
Respect wildlife distances
Keep cameras on zoom and stay on trails — animals like elk and bighorn sheep are common and can be unpredictable.
Layered outerwear
Windproof and insulating layers keep you comfortable as elevation and weather change.
Sturdy walking shoes
Good tread helps on wet boardwalks, rocky viewpoints, or icy patches in shoulder seasons.
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated between limited services along the Parkway.
summer
Camera with zoom lens
Telephoto helps photograph glaciers and wildlife from safe distances without approaching sensitive areas.