Today, we will drive along [
Icefields Parkway], National Geographic magazine has voted it as one of the most beautiful scenic highways on the planet. This breathtaking drive blends jaw-dropping views with pristine wilderness. Pass by the snow-capped mountain peaks of [
Crowfoot Glacier]. Following the visit to [
Bow Lake], the lake is a bright turquoise color which is due to the glacial runoff from Bow Glacier. Shortly after, we will come to [
Peyto Lake], a must-see lake in Banff National Park for its unique maple shape or vibrant blue glacier-fed water. (
Note: If the Peyto Lake is under maintenance or other force majeure, we will go to Waterfowl Lake and Big Hill as an alternative attraction.) After that, we will arrive at [
Columbia Icefield] and experience the stunning beauty of [Athabasca Glacier], the largest and oldest icefield in North America. For an unforgettable trip into this region, take a ride of [
Ice Explorer - Snowcoach]. Then we will head back to Banff.
【Itinerary】
Banff - Crowfoot Glacier (Pass by) - Bow Lake (20 min) - Peyto Lake (30 min) - Columbia Icefield[Snowcoach] (Additional fees) & Lunch stop (Optional Western Lunch Box with additional fees) (150min) - Calgary
Crowfoot Glacier
The spectacular Crowfoot Glacier can be viewed from a lookout point on the world famous Icefields Parkway about 34 km (21 mi) north of Lake Louise. Attached to the north eastern side of Crowfoot Mountain, overlooking Bow Lake, the glacier's runoff feeds into the Bow River, which flows from Banff National Park through the City of Calgary to the Alberta prairies.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, off the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) in the Canadian Rockies and a half mile north of the Crowfoot Glacier. Sitting at an elevation of 1,920 m (6,300 ft), it is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield, the lake lies at the base of Bow Summit, which is perfectly reflected in its aquamarine waters on a calm day. Great place for a picnic or a short stroll.
Icefields Parkway
Joining the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff with the Town of Jasper in Jasper National Park is one of the most scenic highways in the world --- Icefields Parkway. Along the 230 km mountain road, every corner on the Icefields Parkway reveals another one of nature's splendor, from the ancient glaciers and cascading waterfalls to the vivid colours of lakes and lush forests . Many stops along the Icefields Parkway deserve a stop.
Peyto Lake
Located along the Icefields Parkway, approximately 40km north of Lake Louise is the vibrant glacier-fed lake, Peyto Lake. The lake is nestled in majestic mountain ranges which lie on each of its sides. This jaw dropping view is the best reward for an intense scrambling hike. The scenery on the viewpoint looks as if it is a carefully painted piece of art. Peyto Lake’s beauty is comparable with the famous Moraine Lake without as many crowds.
Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, covering some 230 sq km (89 sq mi) to a depth of 365 m (1,200 ft) and some 28 km (17 mi) long. Draped over the continental divide on a high alpine plateau along the Alberta-BC border, it receives an average of 7 m (23 ft) of new snowfall per year. Not all of that snow can melt in the short summers so it accumulates, turning to ice which flows outward through the surrounding passes, creating fingers of ice known as glaciers, the Athabasca Glacier being the most well-known.
Dropoff Points in Banff:
* Winter - [Banff Town] Elk + Avenue Hotel
Dropoff Points in Calgary:
* Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza, 1316 33rd St NE, Calgary AB T2A 6B6.
* Winter -[Downtown] Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown
* Calgary International Airport, pease ensure that your flight departs after 10:30pm. Please understand that depending on the situation, your arrival time in Calgary may be adjusted.