From Banff: Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Day Trip
Before you book
- Pickups start at 7:30 am at Canalta Lodge and run through a list of Banff hotels to the Juniper Hotel at 8:05 am, then Lake Louise Village, outside Wilson's Sports, at 8:41 am. Without a pickup, meet at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 7:42 am. The listing also names hotel pickup among its exclusions, so confirm your stop when you book.
- Included: transport, a guide, a packed lunch, and the Ice Explorer with the Glacier Skywalk (now called the Columbia Icefield Skywalk). The listing gives about three hours at the icefield and an hour at the Skywalk, with photo stops at Crowfoot Glacier, Waterfowl Lakes, Saskatchewan River Crossing and Bow Lake. Tips are not included.
- Pursuit runs the Ice Explorer and Skywalk from 1 May to 12 October in 2026 and lists 1 May to 11 October for 2027. The listing warns that early and late-season road and trail closures may limit access.
- Cancellation, as listed: “Cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund”. Groups of nine or more need 7 days, and no-shows or missed departures are not refunded. Infant rates do not include food, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.
About This Experience
A guided day from Banff, with a pickup in Lake Louise village, up the Icefields Parkway to ride the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier and walk the Skywalk, both included, with a packed lunch and a stop at Bow Lake.
Highlights
- xplore the iconic Icefields Parkway, renowned as a top scenic drive.
- Climb aboard the Ice Explorer and travel onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier
- Take in unparalleled views from the glass floored Glacier Skywalk
- See Rocky Mountain landmarks like Bow Lake and the Bow River's headwaters.
- Pass by numerous peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes
What's Included
- ✓ Round-trip transportation
- ✓ Tour guide
- ✓ Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure: Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk
- ✓ Packed lunch
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
Good to Know
- Pick up times for each location are as follows:
- Canalta Lodge: 7:30am
- Banff Caribou Lodge: 7:31am
- Fox Hotel & Suites: 7:32am
- Red Carpet Inn: 7:33am
- Douglas Fir Resort: 7:36am
- Banff Ptarmigan Inn: 7:40am
- Public Bus Parking - Behind Mount Royal Hotel: 7:42am
- Rimrock Resort: 7:50am
- Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Motorcoach Entrance: 7:55am
- Scout-Guide Hall (opposite Banff Park Lodge): 8:00am
- Banff Train Station: 8:00am
- Juniper Hotel: 8:05am
- Lake Louise Village - outside Wilson's Sports: 8:41am
- If no pickup is selected, meet at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 7:42AM for.
- Early and late season road / trail closures may limit access to some areas
- Infant rates do not include food
- Groups of 9 or more guests, operate a 7 day cancellation policy. Cancel up to 7 days prior for a full refund
- No shows, missed departures or unused services will be non-refundable.
