Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 247 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway worth booking?
Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway is a 10-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $102 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 247 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (247)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $102 per person
**4/1-11/30 will visit Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls** **12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (ice bubble lake, weather permitting)** April 1 – November 30: Visit Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the stunning Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls along the Icefields Parkway. Enjoy the iconic turquoise views of Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Continue to Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls, where powerful waters carve through dramatic canyons. Travel along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, with breathtaking landscapes and plenty of photo opportunities. December 1 – March 31: We’ll visit Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the magical Abraham Lake (Ice Bubble Lake). Enjoy the iconic views of Peyto Lake and the beauty of Bow Lake, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. At Abraham Lake, witness the famous frozen ice bubbles beneath the surface. Experience snowshoeing with complimentary equipment and warm up with hot coffee or tea while taking in the winter scenery.
What you get
About this experience
**4/1-11/30 will visit Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls** **12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (ice bubble lake, weather permitting)** April 1 – November 30: Visit Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the stunning Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls along the Icefields Parkway. Enjoy the iconic turquoise views of Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Continue to Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls, where powerful waters carve through dramatic canyons. Travel along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, with breathtaking landscapes and plenty of photo opportunities. December 1 – March 31: We’ll visit Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the magical Abraham Lake (Ice Bubble Lake). Enjoy the iconic views of Peyto Lake and the beauty of Bow Lake, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. At Abraham Lake, witness the famous frozen ice bubbles beneath the surface. Experience snowshoeing with complimentary equipment and warm up with hot coffee or tea while taking in the winter scenery.
What's included
Included
- Guide / driver
- Pickup and dropoff available in Calgary, Canmore and Banff
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Crampons (winter only)
- 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Not included
- All meals
- All personal expenses including activities and travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide CAD$15/head
- If you need to bring luggage/wheelchair/stroller, please inform us and service fee will be charged
What you'll see and do
Cascade Mountain is a mountain located in the Bow River Valley of Banff National Park, adjacent to the town of Banff.
Pass by without stopping
You will see a serene collection of lakes reflecting the surrounding mountains. They can enjoy picturesque views, go wildlife spotting, and capture stunning photographs.
Pass by without stopping
With its sheer cliffs, towering slopes, and dramatic presence, Castle Mountain showcases the raw power and magnificence of nature.
Pass by without stopping
Sunwapta Falls and Canyon
**4/1-11/30 will visit Sunwapta Falls** **12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (ice bubble lake, weather permitting)** Sunwapta Falls is a powerful, two-tiered waterfall in Jasper National Park, located along the scenic Icefields Parkway. Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, the falls are characterized by an impressive upper falls and a more spread-out lower falls, accessible via a short hike.
30 minutes here
Athabasca Falls
**4/1-11/30 will visit Athabasca Falls** **12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (ice bubble lake, weather permitting)** This stop may be adjusted or cancelled depending on the weather and road conditions. Athabasca Falls is a powerful, wide waterfall where the Athabasca River plunges over hard quartzite rocks, creating dramatic rapids and a thunderous roar. Its unique combination of sheer force, striking rock formations, and easily accessible viewpoints makes it one of the most impressive waterfalls in Jasper National Park.
20 minutes here
Abraham Lake
**4/1-11/30 will visit Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls** **12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (ice bubble lake, weather permitting)** Abraham Lake, located in the Canadian Rockies, is renowned for its striking frozen bubbles trapped beneath the lake's icy surface during winter. This natural phenomenon creates a stunning visual effect, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Abraham Lake offers a serene and picturesque winter landscape.
90 minutes here
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake, situated in Banff National Park, is famous for its unique, heart-shaped appearance, which is especially visible from the viewing point. Surrounded by rugged mountain terrain and often covered in snow, the lake's turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the surrounding landscapes, making it a popular destination for breathtaking views and photography.
45 minutes here
Crowfoot Glacier
This stop may be adjusted or cancelled depending on the weather and road conditions. The glacier gets its name from its three spurs that resemble a crow’s foot. (The lower toe melted away by the 1940s.) It sits on the northeast side of Crowfoot Mountain, overlooking Bow Lake. The glacier's runoff feeds into Bow Lake and the Bow River, which flows from Banff National Park through Calgary to the Alberta prairies.
10 minutes here
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is renowned for its striking turquoise waters and picturesque setting. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers, the lake offers stunning reflections and is a popular spot for photography and tranquil walks along its shore. The striking blue color of the lake comes from glacial meltwater, adding to its serene beauty.
15 minutes here
Bow Valley Parkway
Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic route in Banff National Park, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This picturesque drive is also a prime location for wildlife spotting, with frequent sightings of elk, deer, and sometimes even bears. As you traverse this beautiful parkway, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, making your journey both visually stunning and wildlife-rich.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Canmore
Canmore pickup from: Canmore Visitor Information Centre (2801 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore) Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, as there are no stores or restaurants available along the way Itinerary (10/14-11/30 & 4/1-): Sunwapta Falls 45mins, Peyto Lake 45mins, Bow Lake 15mins, Crowfoot Glacier 15mins Itinerary(12/1-3/31): Abraham Lake(bubble lake) 1hr, Peyto Lake 45mins, Bow Lake 15mins, Crowfoot Glacier 15mins Pickup included
Lake Louise
Lake Louise poickup from: Lake Louise visitor center Note: Abraham Lake(Ice Bubble): Begins to freeze around mid-Nov, and the best see time is Dec-Mar. Weather conditions vary, so sightings aren't guaranteed Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, as there are no stores or restaurants available along the way Itinerary (10/14-11/30 & 4/1-): Sunwapta Falls 45mins, Peyto Lake 45mins, Bow Lake 15mins, Crowfoot Glacier 15mins Itinerary(12/1-3/31): Abraham Lake(bubble lake) 1hr, Peyto Lake 45mins, Bow Lake 15mins, Crowfoot Glacier 15mins Pickup included
Calgary
Calgary pickup from: Calgary Downtown Delta Hotel by Marriott Note: Abraham Lake(Ice Bubble): Begins to freeze around mid-Nov, and the best see time is Dec-Mar. Weather conditions vary, so sightings aren't guaranteed Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, as there are no stores or restaurants available along the way Itinerary (10/14-11/30 & 4/1-): Sunwapta Falls 45mins, Peyto Lake 45mins, Bow Lake 15mins, Crowfoot Glacier 15mins Itinerary(12/1-3/31): Abraham Lake(bubble lake) 1hr, Peyto Lake 45mins, Bow Lake 15mins, Crowfoot Glacier 15mins Pickup included
Banff
Banff poickup from: Banff Caribou Lodge Note: Abraham Lake(Ice Bubble): Begins to freeze around mid-Nov, and the best see time is Dec-Mar. Weather conditions vary, so sightings aren't guaranteed Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, as there are no stores or restaurants available along the way Itinerary(10/14-11/30,4/1-): Sunwapta Falls 45mins, Peyto Lake 45mins, Bow Lake 15mins, Crowfoot Glacier 15mins Itinerary(12/1-3/31): Abraham Lake(bubble lake) 1hr, Peyto Lake 45mins, Bow Lake 15mins, Crowfoot Glacier 15mins Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, yue, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Banff Journey
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour requires a minimum of 6 people to proceed. If the minimum number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the tour for that day and will inform travelers the day before departure.
- This is a local bus tour, and you will join the tour with other travelers locally.
- If there are not enough participants for a tour in your selected language, we will contact you to discuss joining a tour in another language.
- Total tour duration includes travel time.
- Please remember to bring your own lunch.
- We will send a reminder the day before your tour. Please be sure to check your email or messages.
- All pick-up times and locations are fixed. Please carefully review the pick-up detail and choose the location that best suits you. If you have any special requests, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
- Due to the unpredictable winter road conditions and weather, the itinerary may be subject to adjustments. We will inform you of any changes to the itinerary the day before the tour.
- 4/1-11/30 will visit Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls
- 12/1-3/31 will visit Abraham Lake (Ice bubble lake)
- Abraham Lake transforms into a frozen wonder, famous for its stunning ice bubbles trapped beneath the surface. While the timing of bubble formation varies each year, January to February is typically the best season for viewing.
- Kindly let us know if you'll be bringing luggage, a wheelchair, stroller, or anything that may require extra storage space, as there may be an additional charge.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 247 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
247 verified traveler reviews for Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must visit in Banff/Jasper region
We had a beautiful day navigating the Icefields Parkway. The guide/driver made a quick stop at the Glacier for those who wanted to do the activities there and for those who didn’t, we went to the Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls. Beautiful region and a must on your trip to Banff. The driver also schedule our visit in Bow Lake, Glacier, Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls and finally Peyto Lake to avoid larger crowds, that was really great. It’s a tired tour because we spent too much time in the van but I knew that, so that was fine. The only downside was that the driver took off 5 minutes before the schedule time and when we were 30min away from Banff, he had forgotten a passenger and we had to go back all the way to pick her up. We lost 1 hour on this and it was kind of bad, because we had to stick to the schedule time for each place. I got pickup in Banff and dropped off in Calgary and they managed to save a spot for my carry on. I thank you for that.
via Viator
Roland was great. The bus...
Roland was great. The bus was uncomfortable to be spending that much time in. It’s a long day and a lot of driving.
via Viator
You won’t regret
Excellent tour! It’s a long drive but with the out of this world scenery it didn’t feel tiresome. The lakes, the waterfalls and glacier were absolutely spectacular! Our guide Steve was very friendly and made sure we all had a wonderful day.
via Tripadvisor
Seat assignment is important
This sounds strange but your seat in the van really affects your experience. It is a long day and the venues are worth it but the seating in the van is a bit cramped especially in the back row.
via Viator
Great Trip
We didn’t get to do the original tour we planned but we went to the Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise and stopped by downtown Banff. Our tour guide Steve was great! Very kind and helpful. Definitely recommend!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $102 to $139
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 86
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Banff Journey, who run 22 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.8.
See everything Banff Journey runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway cost?
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Prices start at $102 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 Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 247 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Banff, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway?
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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 Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway?
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Around 86 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway 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 is included in Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway?
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Included: Guide / driver; Pickup and dropoff available in Calgary, Canmore and Banff; In-vehicle air conditioning; Crampons (winter only); and 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). Not included: All meals; All personal expenses including activities and travel insurance; Gratuities for guide CAD$15/head; and If you need to bring luggage/wheelchair/stroller, please inform us and service fee will be. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 5 listed pickup locations in and around Banff. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese, Cantonese 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 Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway?
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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 Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Kindly let us know if you'll be bringing luggage, a wheelchair, stroller, or anything that. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway 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 Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway?
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Across 247 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. 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.
What booking options are available for Sunwapta, Athabasca Falls, Peyto, Bow Lake, Icefield Parkway?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Canmore, Lake Louise, Calgary, Banff. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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