Bus Tours to the Columbia Icefield

Excellent bus tours that take you to the Columbia Icefield, one of the most popular attractions in the Canadian Rockies. These bus tours provide a combination of scenic drives, expert commentary, and an immersive experience on the Icefields.

Columbia Icefield Adventure

Bus Tour Duration: Full-day tour (approximately 9-11 hours)
Bus Tour Departure Points: Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper
Description: Brewster Sightseeing's Columbia Icefield Adventure is one of the most popular bus tours to the Columbia Icefield. The tour includes:
A scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Stops at Peyto Lake or Bow Lake for stunning views. A visit to the Athabasca Glacier, where you board a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle that takes you onto the glacier itself. Access to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform that overlooks the Sunwapta Valley.
Why It's Great: You get a chance to step out onto the glacier and experience the thrill of the Skywalk. Professional guides provide insights into the history and geology of the area.
Inclusions: Transportation, Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk.
Bus Tour Starting Locations: Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper.

Columbia Icefield Tour

Bus Tour Duration: Full-day tour (approximately 11 hours)
Bus Tour Departure Point: Banff
Description: Discover Banff Tours offers a comprehensive tour to the Columbia Icefield, which includes:
A scenic drive through the Icefields Parkway with stops at key viewpoints like Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, and Weeping Wall. A guided Glacier Adventure tour that includes riding on an Ice Explorer vehicle to the Athabasca Glacier. A stop at the Glacier Skywalk. Frequent wildlife sightings along the way.
Why It's Great: This tour emphasizes a mix of natural beauty and adventure, with plenty of stops for photos and exploration.
Inclusions: Transportation, Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk, and multiple scenic stops.

Icefields Parkway Discovery Tour

Bus Tour Duration: Full-day tour (10-12 hours)
Bus Tour Departure Points: Jasper or Banff
Description: SunDog Tours offers a full-day journey along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield. Highlights include:
Stops at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Athabasca Falls. A ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle to the Athabasca Glacier. A visit to the Glacier Skywalk. Informative commentary from experienced guides about the history, geology, and wildlife of the area.
Why It's Great: This tour combines the Icefields Parkway's scenic beauty with a thrilling glacier experience, making it a comprehensive Rocky Mountains adventure.
Inclusions: Transportation, Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk, photo stops.

Columbia Icefield Discovery Tour

Bus Tour Duration: Full-day tour (approximately 9 hours)
Bus Tour Departure Point: Banff
Description: Banff Adventures offers a convenient day trip from Banff to the Columbia Icefield. The tour includes:
A scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway with stops at Peyto Lake or Bow Lake. The Athabasca Glacier experience, where you take the Ice Explorer onto the glacier. A visit to the Glacier Skywalk for stunning views of the Sunwapta Valley.
Why It's Great: Ideal for those staying in Banff who want a comfortable and comprehensive day trip to the Icefields.
Bus Tour Inclusions: Transportation, Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk, and photo stops.

Private Columbia Icefields Tours

Bus Tour Duration: Full-day (customizable)
Bus Tour Departure Points: Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper
Description: Several tour companies offer private tours to the Columbia Icefield. These tours provide a more personalized experience and often include luxury vehicles, flexible itineraries, and personalized commentary. Highlights include:
Custom stops along the Icefields Parkway based on your interests. A private Glacier Adventure and Skywalk experience.
Why It's Great: Perfect for those who want a more intimate and flexible tour with added comfort and personalized service.
Inclusions: Transportation, private guide, Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk, and tailored stops.

Attractions of Columbia Icefield Tours

Icefields Parkway: A breathtaking drive with stops at scenic spots like Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier.
Athabasca Glacier: One of the largest icefields south of the Arctic Circle, where you can walk on the ice.
Glacier Skywalk: A glass-floored observation platform offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Wildlife: Tours often provide opportunities to spot wildlife such as bears, elk, and mountain goats.

These bus tours offer a combination of adventure and breathtaking scenery, making the Columbia Icefield a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies. Book Your Canadian Rockies BusCanadian Rockies Bus Bookings include All taxes, fees and handling charges.