Spend a full day along the Icefields Parkway visiting Peyto and Bow lakes, Crowfoot Glacier, and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. This guided tour pairs dramatic viewpoints with optional steps onto Athabasca Glacier for a hands-on glacial experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A slab of highway unspools between granite spires as the Icefields Parkway cuts north toward steel-blue skies. You step off the coach where the world tilts: a glass-floor cantilever at the Skywalk thrusts you out over the Sunwapta Valley, while miles of blue-white ice—frayed edges of the Athabasca Glacier—crowd the horizon.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes short boardwalk walks and optional, low-impact glacier access via vehicle.
Wildlife
History
This corridor was traveled for millennia by Indigenous peoples and later by fur traders and early mountaineers; the Icefield’s features were cataloged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during Canadian Rockies exploration.
Conservation
Glaciers in the Columbia Icefield have been retreating—park management emphasizes stay-on-trail rules, limited-impact viewing and education to reduce visitor footprint.
Reserve your spot on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk Crowfoot Glacier and Lakes Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Alpine weather swings quickly; pack a breathable base, insulating mid-layer and a windproof, waterproof shell.
Protect against glare
Bring polarized sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen—reflected UV from snow and water is strong even on cool days.
Hydration and snacks
Tours have limited stops for supplies—carry a reusable water bottle and snacks to keep energy up during long drives.
Respect wildlife and boundaries
Stay on marked viewpoints and follow park signage; don’t approach animals and keep a safe distance for photography.
Waterproof, windproof jacket
Shields you from alpine wind, sleet and sudden showers encountered at high viewpoints.
spring
Sturdy waterproof shoes
Support and traction for short walks on uneven boardwalks and icy moraine near viewpoints.
summer
Polarized sunglasses & sunscreen
Protects eyes and skin from intense UV reflected off ice and water.
summer
Reusable water bottle & snacks
Keeps you hydrated and energized during long stretches between stops.