Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 191 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch worth booking?
Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch is a 8-hour experience in Canmore, Canada, from $211 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 191 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (191)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $211 per person
Embark on an unforgettable day exploring the world-renowned Icefields Parkway, often hailed as the most beautiful drive in the world. Highlights: Epic Exploration Minus the Crowds: Ditch the big bus tour groups and explore like a local at the highlights of Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefields & more. Local Secrets & Wildlife Revealed: While the Icefields Parkway has its known jewels, our guides take pride in unveiling lesser-trodden paths and viewpoints to areas where we often see wildlife. Active & Insightful Adventures: Guided by local experts, you'll embark on relaxed hikes to absorb the best views. Our guides' stories and insights blend the perfect mix of informed touring with free exploration. Bespoke Itineraries: Daily itineraries are thoughtfully designed around weather conditions, recent wildlife sightings, and ensuring you evade the peak crowd timings. Your wishes matter; if there's a specific spot on your bucket list, let us know!
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable day exploring the world-renowned Icefields Parkway, often hailed as the most beautiful drive in the world. Highlights: Epic Exploration Minus the Crowds: Ditch the big bus tour groups and explore like a local at the highlights of Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefields & more. Local Secrets & Wildlife Revealed: While the Icefields Parkway has its known jewels, our guides take pride in unveiling lesser-trodden paths and viewpoints to areas where we often see wildlife. Active & Insightful Adventures: Guided by local experts, you'll embark on relaxed hikes to absorb the best views. Our guides' stories and insights blend the perfect mix of informed touring with free exploration. Bespoke Itineraries: Daily itineraries are thoughtfully designed around weather conditions, recent wildlife sightings, and ensuring you evade the peak crowd timings. Your wishes matter; if there's a specific spot on your bucket list, let us know!
What's included
Included
- Comfortable, premium transportation
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise locations
- Polaroid souvenir
- Fresh water refills (BYO bottle)
- Small group experience (max 12 guests)
- Expert local guide trained in photography and storytelling
- Lunch
Not included
- Guide gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
Banff
This award-winning Radventures small-group adventure begins with a stunning drive from Banff, spotting wildlife and learning about it's rich Indigenous & European history.
Pass by without stopping
Icefields Parkway
Widely regarded as the most scenic driving road in the entire world, the Icefields Parkway is punctuated by more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and larch forests. The abundance of wildlife along the drive through Banff & Jasper National Park will have you peering around every turn. As we take our time to explore, we'll stop for a short hike or two to a breath-taking view point, capture that stunning photo to share with friends and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the splendour of the Canadian Rockies pristine wilderness. You can be rest assured that you're experiencing the Icefields Parkway the right way!
300 minutes here
Peyto Lake
The incredibly shaped glacier-fed Peyto Lake is one of the most visited and photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies for good reason. During the summer, glacial rock flour flows into the lake and these suspended rock particles give the lake its bright, turquoise colour. We'll take an easy walk to view the lake from Bow Summit, 2,088 metres (6,800 feet) above sea level. Bow Summit is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway and is the highest elevation crossed by a public road in Canada.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
Just as the name implies these glaciers or “fields of ice” straddle Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and are the largest south of the Arctic Circle! They are 325km2 in area and 100 to 365 metres (328 to 1,197 ft) in depth and receives up to seven metres (275 in) of snowfall per year. Here as a group we can walk right up to the foot of the retreating glacier and explore the area, following the receding path of the glaciers through the years. Please note, this tour does not include the Pursuit Skywalk or Icefields Adventure bus trip. Instead, we show our guests local secrets and viewpoints of the glaciers via the easygoing trail system, escaping the crowds and giving you a more sustainable and authentic experience. Guests who wish to opt out of the short hike to the toe of the glacier are welcome to enjoy the onsite facilities and immersive activities at the Columbia Icefields Centre until the remainder of the group finishes the hike.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Bow Lake
The neon blue Bow Lake is the headwaters of the Bow River, that big beauty of a river that you'll see running through Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary and across the country until it hits Hudson Bay all the way out in the east of Canada! The lake lines the Icefields Parkway and makes a perfect place to go for a walk down to the lake shore to see Crowfoot Glacier, Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Crowfoot Mountain and Mount Thompson.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (50 min after tour start): 9:20am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (2 hr 10 min after tour start): 10:10am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the bus Loading zone in Samson mall parking lot opposite Lake Louise Visitors centre. . Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (45 min after tour start): 9:15am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (2 hr after tour start): 10:00am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (5 min after tour start): May 1 – May 31: 8:35am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 8:05am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the Bus Loading Zone on Elk Street, by the roundabout across from the Train Station, next to the Banff sign. Pickup times (tour start time): May 1 – May 31: 8:30am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 8:00am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (5 min before tour start): 8:25am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (tour start time): 8:00am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the Bus loading Zone outside Fairmont Shops by turn circle. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (10 min before tour start): 8:20am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (5 min before tour start): 7:55am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (15 min before tour start): 8:15am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (10 min before tour start): 7:50am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (25 min before tour start): 8:05am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (20 min before tour start): 7:40am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (25 min before tour start): 8:05am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (20 min before tour start): 7:40am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (25 min before tour start): 8:05am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (20 min before tour start): 7:40am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the Roam Bus Stop on Tunnel Mtn Rd outside Tunnel Mtn Resort. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (30 min before tour start): 8:00am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (25 min before tour start): 7:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (35 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:25am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (40 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:20am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Meeting point
Canmore
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (45 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:15am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (50 min after tour start): 9:20am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (2 hr 10 min after tour start): 10:10am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the bus Loading zone in Samson mall parking lot opposite Lake Louise Visitors centre. . Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (45 min after tour start): 9:15am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (2 hr after tour start): 10:00am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (5 min after tour start): May 1 – May 31: 8:35am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 8:05am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the Bus Loading Zone on Elk Street, by the roundabout across from the Train Station, next to the Banff sign. Pickup times (tour start time): May 1 – May 31: 8:30am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 8:00am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (5 min before tour start): 8:25am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (tour start time): 8:00am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the Bus loading Zone outside Fairmont Shops by turn circle. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (10 min before tour start): 8:20am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (5 min before tour start): 7:55am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (15 min before tour start): 8:15am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (10 min before tour start): 7:50am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (25 min before tour start): 8:05am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (20 min before tour start): 7:40am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (25 min before tour start): 8:05am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (20 min before tour start): 7:40am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel on Banff Ave. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (25 min before tour start): 8:05am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (20 min before tour start): 7:40am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the Roam Bus Stop on Tunnel Mtn Rd outside Tunnel Mtn Resort. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (30 min before tour start): 8:00am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (25 min before tour start): 7:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (25 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:35am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (35 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:25am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (40 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:20am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Ends at
Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times (45 min before tour start): Jun. 1 – Oct. 12: 7:15am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Vehicle departs on schedule.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Radventures
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children 12 and under are unable to join our small group adventures
- Not recommended for travellers with mobility issues
- Lunch is included for all bookings made on or after June 26, 2026. A fresh picnic lunch from one of our local favourites, with a turkey sandwich by default. Have a preference or dietary restriction? Reach out and we'll sort you out with an alternative. Booked before June 26? You can still add lunch by calling us ahead of your tour.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 191 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
191 verified traveler reviews for Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Satisfying and relaxed day of scenic exploring
Knowledgeable driver/guide who gave an enjoyable commentary, paced the day well, and was responsive and flexible to the needs of the group. A good value expedition to take in some scenic highlights of the National Park, centred around a visit to the Athabasca Glacier. I've been on a glacier before and didn't feel the need to actually be on the ice again. Getting to the base of the small lake in front of the glacier was sufficient, and did mean there was more time for other sightseeing on the tour.
Response from the operator: A relaxed pace and a guide who adjusts to the group is what we're after on a long Icefields day, so that's good to hear. Fair call on skipping the ice if you've been on a glacier before. Standing at the lake in front of the toe still gives you the view, and it leaves more time for the other stops. Glad it felt like good value, and thanks for the detailed review.
via Tripadvisor
Go anywhere with Charle
Charle, our Driver and Guide (Now Friend) was GREAT.
Response from the operator: Driver, guide and now a friend, you can't ask for more than that. Thanks for this, we'll pass it on to Charlie.
via Tripadvisor
Disappointing booking process
I booked this tour the day before with 10h left to book. On the day of the tour, I was at the pickup place, waiting to be picked up and was called by the company to tell me that they neglected to check the bookings again at night/in the morning, and just realized I was added. Initially they told me they could come back for me and to wait 10-15 min where I was, but then called me again to tell me that if they did do that it would make them late for the following tour they had scheduled and they would not be able to accommodate me... Unfortunately it was my last day in Banff so it was a huge bummer since I was really looking forward to this tour, and my friends had already taken the car for a long hike. It was too late to make any other arrangements to go to Icefields since all the other tours had left :(
Response from the operator: We're really sorry we couldn't get you out on the Icefields Parkway on your last day in the area, and sorry for the stress of that morning. This was an unfortunate set of circumstances, and it's rare for us. Your booking came in overnight, and a Canmore pickup needs more planning than we could pull together once the guide's day was underway. With other guests already on board and another tour due out straight after, we couldn't make it work without letting them down. We called you as soon as we saw it and refunded the booking in full. We hope the rest of your trip made up for it, and that the Rockies see you again.
via Viator
Perfect day at Peyto Lake, Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier
We’ve spent five days in Banff and used Radventures for all 5. One of the best decisions we have ever made, every day tour has been a win. We spent the day today with our driver/ guide Kelly who did a fantastic job. The highlight of the tour is the Athabasca Glacier, so amazing. Throw in the drive on the Icefields Parkway and gorgeous Peyto Lake yet another terrific Radventures day.
Response from the operator: Five days running with Radventures and every one a win, that's exactly what we hope for. Kelly making the Athabasca Glacier and Peyto Lake feel like the highlight of an already strong run of days says a lot. Thanks for this, we'll pass it on to her.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Our Tour Guide and Driver, Tyler, was excellent. The tour itself was excellent. And the lunch that was included was outstanding.
Response from the operator: Excellent guide, excellent tour, excellent lunch, Tyler delivering across the board. Thanks for this, we'll pass it on to him.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $211 to $380
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 67
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Radventures, who run 12 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.4.
See everything Radventures runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Canmore.
How much does Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch 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 Canmore usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Canmore is not rushed.
Is Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 191 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Canmore, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch?
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Around 67 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 Canmore 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 Canmore and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch 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 Canmore 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 Canmore?
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On Outty we rank every Canmore experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 8 Iconic Stops. 12 Comfy Seats. See Banff's Best in First Class., Lake Louise & Lake Moraine Tour, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Tour from Calgary - Canmore - Banff. 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 Canmore?
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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 Canmore?
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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 is included in Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch?
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Included: Comfortable, premium transportation; Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise locations; Polaroid souvenir; Fresh water refills (BYO bottle); and Small group experience (max 12 guests). Not included: Guide gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch?
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Meet at the front of the hotel. Pickup times: May 1 – May 31 (50 min after tour start): 9:20am Jun. 1 – Oct. 12 (2 hr 10 min after tour start): 10:10am Please be ready 10 min before departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch offered in?
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It runs in 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 Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch?
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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 Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for travellers with mobility issues. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch if the weather is bad?
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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 Icefields Parkway Small Group Tour with Peyto Lake and Lunch?
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Across 191 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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