Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff
Banff, Canada

Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff

Outty Ranking 52 4.1 · 66 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $79
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Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 66 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff worth booking?

Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff is a 9-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $79 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 66 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (66)
Duration
9 hours
From
$79 per person

Depart from Calgary or Banff with us and follow the Icefields Parkway through the Canadian Rockies. See Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier along the drive, then stop at Peyto Lake for sweeping mountain views. During the operating season, spend time at the Columbia Icefield and choose an optional, separately priced Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier. If the Icefield visit is closed, the itinerary visits Lake Minnewanka and offers an optional Banff Upper Hot Springs stop instead. Scenic stops may change with road and weather conditions.

What you get

    About this experience

    Depart from Calgary or Banff with us and follow the Icefields Parkway through the Canadian Rockies. See Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier along the drive, then stop at Peyto Lake for sweeping mountain views. During the operating season, spend time at the Columbia Icefield and choose an optional, separately priced Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier. If the Icefield visit is closed, the itinerary visits Lake Minnewanka and offers an optional Banff Upper Hot Springs stop instead. Scenic stops may change with road and weather conditions.

    What's included

    Included

    • Traffic Accident Insurance (10M liability)
    • Bilingual Chinese-English tour guide
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Standard Sized One Carry-On Luggage Allowance
    • National Park Fee & GST

    Not included

    • Lunch (Guests can purchase lunch at Icefield Centre) & Person Expense
    • Specific Hotel Pick up (we meet all travelers at a meeting point)
    • Checked-In Luggage Allowance (Extra fee may apply if needed)
    • Please note this tour does not visit Skywalk
    • Gratuities (Suggested: CAD $15 per person per day in cash)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Banff

      Bus Ride from Calgary to Banff National Park / Pick up at Banff Town

      90 minutes here

    2. Icefields Parkway

      One of Canada's national treasures and most rewarding destinations. Stretching 232km (144mi) through the heart of Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, this world-class journey offers access to a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers and broad sweeping valleys

      120 minutes here

    3. Crowfoot Glacier

      Named after its shape when was discovered. A must-see stop with the climate change nowadays. The "Third toe" was melted and barely visible.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Bow Lake

      It is the headwaters of the Bow River that runs south through the city Calgary and onto the Oldman River ultimately to Hudson Bay.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

      At the edge of the Columbia Icefield, hop out to explore a small corner of the largest icefield in North America and consider consider an OPTIONAL tour to the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer. A once in a lifetime experience to visit the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Climb on board an all-terrain Ice Explorer and head on to the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Walk on, feel and drink from the ancient ice while you learn about glaciers and icefields. **Please note that this stop point includes lunch break. **Please not that this stop does not include SKYWALK due to the tour length concern. **With the high demand, we strongly recommend to book the option provided with admission. **If Columbia Icefield is closed, we will visit Lake Minnewanka and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

      150 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. Lake Minnewanka

      Lake Minnewanka is Banff's largest glacial lake, beautifully framed by towering peaks. Enjoy scenic boat cruises, hike the shoreline, and spot abundant local wildlife. **If Columbia Icefield is closed, we will visit Lake Minnewanka and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

      20 minutes here

    7. Banff Upper Hot Springs

      Relax in the soothing thermal waters of the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs. Perched on Sulphur Mountain, it offers spectacular views of Mount Rundle. It is the perfect alpine escape to unwind after exploring the Canadian Rockies! **Admission is not included. The fee is payable on-site. **If you plan to join this activity, please remember to bring a swimsuit. **If Columbia Icefield is closed, we will visit Lake Minnewanka and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    8. Cave and Basin National Historic Site

      Discover the birthplace of Canada's national park system at the historic Cave and Basin. Explore the natural thermal springs hidden inside a fascinating underground cavern. Enjoy interactive exhibits that reveal the rich history of the Rockies! **Admission is not included. The fee is payable on-site. **If Banff Upper Hot Springs is closed, we will visit Cave & Basin National Historic Site.

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    9. Peyto Lake

      It's milky blue color is unique and will change with the seasons and time of day. (if closed, replaced by Waterfowl Lakes)

      20 minutes here

    10. Banff

      Bus Ride From Icefield back to Banff National Park

      120 minutes here

    11. Calgary

      Bus Ride from Banff National Park back to Calgary

      90 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Banff

    Meeting Time 09:25AM. Departure Time 09:35AM. We will meet you at the hotel lobby *Subject to change to other hotels in Banff Town. Guests will be notified one day prior to departure if any changes. *Customers will return back to Banff or can choose to be dropped off at Calgary Downtown.

    Meeting point

    Banff

    Meeting Time 07:50AM. Departure Time 08:00AM. Bus parks in front of the hotel. Please wait in the hotel lobby and our tour guide will come in and greet you. *Customers will return back to Calgary Downtown or can choose to be dropped off at Banff Aspen Lodge.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • Calgary Pick Up without ticket

      Without Ice Explorer Admission Starting point: Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada

    • Banff Pick Up without ticket

      Without Ice Explorer Admission Starting point: Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada

    • Banff Pick Up + Ticket

      With Ice Explorer Admission Starting point: Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada

    • Calgary Pick Up + Ticket

      With Ice Explorer Admission Starting point: Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA, 610 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K1, Canada

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    cmn, ja, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Wed, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tourland

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff, photo 2Snowcoach, Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or BanffColumbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff, photo 4Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff, photo 5Columbia Icefiled, Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or BanffPeyto Lake, Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 66 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    66 verified traveler reviews for Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    39
    4 star
    9
    3 star
    7
    2 star
    8
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    Milushka_R · October 2026

    Very scenic tour

    A must do, very good organized and on time. Very scenic, long drive. I enjoyed all of it. The ride to the glaciers and the view there were totally worth it.

    via Viator

    Jeff_W · October 2026

    Not good.

    We were put with a group of 32 other travelers that were together and we were the only 2 that spoke English. I seemed like we were just added to fill the van with the big group.

    via Viator

    winnie_W · October 2025

    Excellent tour. Very...

    Excellent tour. Very comfortable, driver was excellent, and timing of everything was great. Would definitely recommend.

    via Viator

    Carmen_G · September 2025

    Columbia Icefield

    Our guide Eric was the best he gave us information along the way to the Icefield. I didn’t care for the lunch at the lunch stop. I’d pack my own lunch next time. The Icefield is amazing the ride on the ice explorer was cool as well as the driver Lars who was very entertaining. Highly recommend this excursion.

    via Viator

    Carol H · September 2025

    Great Experience

    Visited the Icefield Parkway, a great e perience the giant trucks that take you up to the glacier are great fun. Jackson our driver was hilarious with his commentary.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Wed, Sat
    Price range
    $79 to $139
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    23
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tourland, who run 12 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.7.

    See everything Tourland runs

    Why this scores 52

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)46
    Review evidence (18% weight)62
    Booking momentum (14% weight)56
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.

    How much does Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff cost?

    +

    Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Banff usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff take?

    +

    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Banff is not rushed.

    Is Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 66 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Banff, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

    +

    Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Banff can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Banff and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Banff within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Banff?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Banff experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Lake Louise Emerald Lake Natural Bridge Half Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Banff?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Banff?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

    +

    Included: Traffic Accident Insurance (10M liability); Bilingual Chinese-English tour guide; In-vehicle air conditioning; Standard Sized One Carry-On Luggage Allowance; and National Park Fee & GST. Not included: Lunch (Guests can purchase lunch at Icefield Centre) & Person Expense; Specific Hotel Pick up (we meet all travelers at a meeting point); Checked-In Luggage Allowance (Extra fee may apply if needed); and Please note this tour does not visit Skywalk. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

    +

    Meeting Time 09:25AM. Departure Time 09:35AM. We will meet you at the hotel lobby *Subject to change to other hotels in Banff Town. Guests will be notified one day prior to departure if any changes. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Chinese, Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

    +

    Across 66 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff?

    +

    There are 4 options to choose from, including Calgary Pick Up without ticket, Banff Pick Up without ticket, Banff Pick Up + Ticket, Calgary Pick Up + Ticket. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Columbia Icefield & Peyto Lake Day Tour from Calgary or Banff.

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