Drive the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a glass-floored Skywalk and glacier shuttle. This full-day Banff departure mixes short interpretive walks with dramatic glacier and turquoise-lake viewpoints—book activity time slots early.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto the Icefields Parkway before dawn and the Rockies rearrange themselves as the bus snakes north — jagged ridgelines rise like folded pages, glaciers gleam in cold light, and the Sunwapta Valley opens as if daring you to look down. The tour threads Lake Louise, Bow and Peyto lakes, then parks at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for the Glacier Adventure and Skywalk: a glass-curved platform 280 m above the valley that makes the cliffs feel insistently alive.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Good baseline fitness for a long day on the road with short walks; able to stand and walk up to 1 km at elevations.
Wildlife
History
The Icefields Parkway follows routes used by early fur traders and surveyors; the Columbia Icefield region has long been a natural crossroads between watersheds.
Conservation
Glaciers here are retreating; visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths, pack out waste, and book guided experiences that support local conservation efforts.
Reserve your spot on the Banff:Columbia Icefield Adventures, Skywalk and Iconic Lakes Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book Icefield tickets in advance
Skywalk and Glacier Adventure time slots (commonly 2:30–3:00pm) sell out in summer; reserve early to avoid missing the experience.
Layer for alpine weather
Temperatures at the icefield can be 10–15°C colder than Banff; bring windproof layers and gloves even in summer.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Choose grippy, waterproof shoes for short glacier ramps and rocky viewpoints.
Respect wildlife distance
Wild animals are often visible from the roadside—do not approach or feed; use binoculars and stay in your vehicle if nearby.
Waterproof hiking shoes
Stable traction and protection for rocky viewpoints and wet boardwalks.
spring
Layered jacket (windproof)
Blocks cold winds at glacier viewpoints and keeps you comfortable during sudden weather shifts.
summer
Refillable water bottle with filter
Access glacier-fed water at viewpoints; a small filter or treatment adds safety.
Sunglasses with UV protection
Glare from ice and turquoise lakes is intense—quality lenses reduce eye strain.
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