A full-day guided run up the Icefields Parkway that pairs glacier viewpoints with jewel-toned alpine lakes. Expect short walks, dramatic overlooks, and interpretive stops at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and Skywalk.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of a quiet, air-conditioned van onto a shoulder of the Icefields Parkway and the Rockies immediately reframe scale: serrated peaks, glacier-fed lakes the color of crushed gems, and a wind that seems intent on moving you forward.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; brief uphill sections (Peyto viewpoint) require moderate mobility
Wildlife
History
The Icefields Parkway follows routes used by Indigenous peoples and later served as a strategic corridor during early exploration and the fur trade; the road itself was completed in the 20th century to link Banff and Jasper.
Conservation
The region is managed as national parkland—stay on marked paths, avoid feeding wildlife, and pack out waste; glacial retreat is visible and underscores the area's sensitivity to climate change.
Reserve your spot on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk Peyto Lake Bow Lake Tour from Calgary today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for rapidly changing weather
Temperatures can swing quickly on the Icefields Parkway—pack a windproof outer layer and a warm mid-layer even on sunny days.
Bring sun protection
High-altitude glare off glacial water intensifies UV—sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are practical must-haves.
Carry a refillable bottle
Bottled drinks may be included, but refill stations are limited; carry a litre or two to stay hydrated on viewpoint walks.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Boardwalks, lakeshores, and roadside pullouts are common—choose sturdy walking shoes with good traction.
Layered jacket
Windproof and insulating layers protect against cold gusts and sun at higher elevations.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provide stability on boardwalks, uneven shorelines, and short uphill viewpoints.
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Protects eyes and skin from strong alpine UV and reflective glacial glare.
summer
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Landscape photography opportunities are frequent—long battery life ensures you won’t miss key shots.