
Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 109 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour worth booking?
Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour is a 2-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $211 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 109 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (109)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $211 per person
The Ice Odyssey at the Columbia Icefield offers an extraordinary glacier adventure, combining storytelling with exploration. Guests will embark on a 2-hour guided tour in a specialized all-terrain vehicle, navigating the breathtaking Athabasca Glacier. This small-group experience allows participants to disembark at exclusive locations, where they can walk on the glacier and engage with its fascinating history—from its formation to its role in NASA's research. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this low-impact tour emphasizes environmental preservation and provides an intimate connection to one of Canada’s natural wonders. - 2-hour guided tour with expert insights - Small groups of up to 10 guests for personalized attention - Exclusive glacier site access; walk on the Athabasca Glacier - Low-emission vehicles designed for rugged terrain
What you get
About this experience
The Ice Odyssey at the Columbia Icefield offers an extraordinary glacier adventure, combining storytelling with exploration. Guests will embark on a 2-hour guided tour in a specialized all-terrain vehicle, navigating the breathtaking Athabasca Glacier. This small-group experience allows participants to disembark at exclusive locations, where they can walk on the glacier and engage with its fascinating history—from its formation to its role in NASA's research. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this low-impact tour emphasizes environmental preservation and provides an intimate connection to one of Canada’s natural wonders. - 2-hour guided tour with expert insights - Small groups of up to 10 guests for personalized attention - Exclusive glacier site access; walk on the Athabasca Glacier - Low-emission vehicles designed for rugged terrain
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 109 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
109 verified traveler reviews for Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect ride and must do for family
Perfect experience with the blue vehicle. My 7 year and 14 year old loved it - we had a great time. Oh and ask for the tea at the glaciers
via Viator
Great for first timers but not for adventure and active outdoorsy types
We loved our tour guide. She gets five star rating. Fun experience but so limited - we just walked around for a few minutes, took photos and left. For the price, was. It worth it. We. had a better glacier hike in Iceland last year for two hours, viewed crevasses and more.. if you are an adventure active outdoor person this is not for you. If you are sedentary, have never seen a glacier up close this might be for you.
via Viator
Family Adventure!
Can’t recommend this trip enough! Family adventure in the biggest outdoor museum. The personalised service of the odyssey trip is absolutely worth it. Riley was our guide and driver - he was fab! Read our family well, was reassuring, friendly, full of interesting facts and stories. The skywalk after is good but after the odyssey a bit of a quieter experience.
Response from the operator: Hello Suzy O, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience on the Ice Odyssey with your guide, Riley! We will make sure to pass on your kind words to them. Thank you for sharing, and we hope to welcome you back again soon. Nathaniel Cherry Assistant Guest Experience Manager
via Tripadvisor
Awesome experience
If you are trying to decide if this tour is worth the extra cash just book it. It’s definitely value for money and a much more personal experience than the big bus! We were lucky enough to sit in the front cab which is noisy (but not unbearable) and if you get the chance to ride shotgun jump at it! Tori our driver and Tommy our guide were brilliant. Funny and personable and very knowledgeable. They really made the whole experience extra special for us! Thank you Team T n T!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed, and would recommend our Odyssey tour. I will make sure Tommy & Tori get to read your feedback, and will pass it on to their manager too. We hope to welcome you back soon!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome tour with a souvenir cup with fireweed tea!!
Loved our tour today!!! Tommy and Andrew were amazing guides!!!! Definitely book this awesome tour!!!!!
Response from the operator: Hello Sarahceee, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are happy to hear that you loved your experience with Tommy and Andrew! We hope to welcome you back again soon. Nathaniel Cherry Assistant Guest Experience Manager
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $211 to $289
- Booked in 30 days
- 38
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour cost?
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Prices start at $211 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 Ice Odyssey Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Ice Odyssey Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 109 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 Ice Odyssey Tour?
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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 Ice Odyssey Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour?
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Around 38 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?
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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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 happens to Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Banff. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Columbia Icefield Ice Odyssey Tour?
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Across 109 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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