1‑Day Best of Mountains & Glaciers Tour from Calgary/Banff: Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake & Columbia Icefield
Departure City End City
Duration
Language
Tour Themes
Guide Type
Group Size
Activity LevelHighlights
• Columbia Icefield Experience: Visit one of North America's largest icefields – perfect for nature lovers and photographers
• Turquoise Lakes & Glaciers: Stops at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier for unforgettable scenery
• Comfortable Full‑Day Tour: Bilingual guide, air‑conditioned coach, and convenient round‑trip transport included
- [Canada National Park Free Pass]
Enjoy complimentary summer season passes to Canada's national parks when you travel during the promotion period. Limited availability—first-come, first-served!
Promotion Start: March 1, 2026
Valid Travel Period: May 1 – October 31, 2026
Itinerary
Calgary / Banff - Crowfoot Glacier - Bow Lake (20 min) - Peyto Lake (30 min) - Lunch at Saskatchewan River Crossing (optional, 45 min) - Columbia Icefield Snowcoach (optional, 90 min) - Return to Calgary
Morning
Depart from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff and begin a breathtaking journey north along one of the world's most scenic mountain highways. Enter the heart of the Canadian Rockies, where glaciers, alpine lakes, and dramatic peaks define the landscape.
Pause for a scenic photo stop at Crowfoot Glacier, an ancient ice mass clinging to the mountainside and offering a striking introduction to the Icefields Parkway.
Continue to Bow Lake for a 20-minute visit. Here, calm turquoise waters mirror the surrounding peaks, creating one of the most serene alpine scenes in the Rockies. Guests may also step inside the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, learning about legendary mountain guide Jimmy Simpson and the lodge's storied past.
Midday
Travel onward to Peyto Lake, renowned for its vivid turquoise colour and iconic maple-leaf shape carved into a glacial valley. Enjoy a 30-minute stop to admire one of the Canadian Rockies' most photographed viewpoints.
If Peyto Lake is inaccessible due to maintenance or other uncontrollable factors, the visit will be replaced with Waterfowl Lake.
Stop at Saskatchewan River Crossing for lunch (optional, approx. 45 minutes). Guests may choose to enjoy a self-serve buffet or relax before continuing the journey north.
Afternoon
Continue along the legendary Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), consistently ranked among the most beautiful drives in the world. Glaciers, alpine valleys, and jagged peaks unfold at every turn.
Arrive at the Columbia Icefield, where guests may choose to embark on the optional Ice Explorer Snowcoach experience. Ride onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier, standing atop ice formed over millions of years for a truly unforgettable encounter with the Icefields.
Evening
After a day immersed in alpine grandeur, relax on the return journey to Calgary, concluding a spectacular Rocky Mountains experience.
Seasonal & Alternative Arrangements
* Ice Explorer Snowcoach (optional): Operates May 1 to October 12
* From October 13 onward:
* Good weather: Light hike near the glacier foothills (approx. 60 minutes) for closer icefield views
* Poor weather: Itinerary may be adjusted to include Waterfowl Lake and glacier viewing from designated scenic viewpoints
Arrival time in Calgary may vary depending on schedule, traffic and weather conditions.
* For Domestic flights, please book the flight departing on/ after 21:30
* For international flights, please book the flight departing on/ after 22:30
Columbia Icefield
Athabasca Glacier
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake
Meeting & Transfer Info
09:30 AM | Banff
Elk + Avenue Hotel 333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B1, Canada
Please wait in the hotel lobby
07:30 AM | Calgary
Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza 1316 33 St NE Calgary, AB T2A 6B6
Please wait in the hotel lobby
07:45 AM | Calgary
[Downtown] Bus station in front of Harry Hays Building (across the street from the Delta Calgary Downtown hotel) 4th Ave SE, Calgary
Please wait in the hotel lobby
Banff
Elk + Avenue Hotel 333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B1, Canada
The end location is for reference only. The exact time is subject to the tour guide’s final arrangement.
Calgary
Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown on 4th Ave SE, Calgary
The end location is for reference only. The exact time is subject to the tour guide’s final arrangement.
Calgary
Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel 1316 33 St NE Calgary, AB T2A 6B6
The end location is for reference only. The exact time is subject to the tour guide’s final arrangement.
Calgary
Calgary International Airport Departure Terminal Calgary
(For Domestic flights, please book the flight departing on/ after 21:30. For international flights, please book the flight departing on/ after 22:30.)
Own Expenses
- Columbia Icefield Snow CoachCAD$100.00/Adult;
CAD$68.00/Kid(6-15 years old)Explore this magnificent Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer and venture the glacier as you step onto the glacier itself. When you step foot onto this glacier, you will truly be astonished by how massive this chunk of ice is. - The Crossing Mt. Wilson Restaurant Lunch BuffetCAD45.00/Adult (12 yrs+);
CAD37.00/Child (0-11 yrs);
What’s Included
- Ground transportation (The type of vehicle used will based on the number of guests that day)
- Professional bilingual tour guide and/or driver
- 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Traffic Accident Liability
- Admission for National Park
- Service fees for tour guide and driver (min. CAD$15.00/guest/day)
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure locations
- All personal expenses, additional hotel services and meals, unless otherwise stated
- Entrance fees and optional tours (rates vary from season to season; only the price at the ticket booth / box office is final)(We strongly recommend that you choose your activities, meals, and pre or post-stay hotel when booking your trip. No additional change or modification within 7 days before or during the tour. Changes are based on different situations and requirements.)
Special Notes
- If your itinerary includes airport pick-up and drop-off service, please provide accurate flight information and arrive at the designated pick-up location in advance. If the pick-up or designated pick-up location is mistaken due to inaccurate information you have provided, you will be charged CAD$30.00/person for a second pick-up service.
- According to different hotel operation requirements, you may be required to provide credit card information as a deposit during your stay for miscellaneous expenses and incidental guarantees (such as telephone expense, laundry, catering).
- All activities and meals must be booked in advance. Please understand that no additional bookings will be provided during the tour.
- Aside from admission fees, optional tour fees and service fees mentioned above, other fees and taxes should be paid in CAD currency by. If you choose to pay in USD currency, you should pay the price difference caused by the currency exchange rate.
- During the tour, please arrive at the pick-up location at the time scheduled by the tour guide. Do not be late to avoid delaying other tourists' itinerary. If you are late or miss the transportation we have provided, you are responsible (at your own expense) to meet the group at the next designated meeting location.
- During your trip, the tour guide may pick-up or drop-off travelers accommodated at different hotels. The tour guide will make reasonable arrangements according to the presented situation. Please cooperate and understand, thank you.
- During your trip, there may be different vehicles and tour guides serving you.
- If for any reason you need to leave our group during the trip, you must fill out a "Letter of Liability Release"; no exceptions.
- Guests under 16 years old, must be accompanied by an adult (Age 18 or above).
- In the event of traffic, weather, or other circumstances not under our company's control, or if you are unable to participate in activities included in the itinerary due to personal reasons, no refunds will be given.
- If you have special needs (such as but not limited to: bed type, vegetarian options, high-chairs, etc.) please inform us at least 7 days before your trip. We will do our best to accommodate you, but there is no guarantee.
- This product is a local bus tour. All foreign travelers are responsible to have ready and to bring a valid visa. Confirm and process eTA in advance according to your passport type. For details, please click the link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp (Electronic Travel Permit [Mandarin] for reference only: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4iyyMVFvfM）
- Please provide accurate and complete information (Name, gender, adult / child, copy of passport and contact information) when booking a tour to avoid errors that would affect your travel. If you cause a delay or cause losses due to missing or inaccurate information, you will be held responsible.
- This product is a local bus tour. Under the premise that the promised service and standards remain unchanged, your itinerary may take place alongside another traveler's itinerary to form a group tour. Depending on arrival and departure dates, travelers’ itinerary sequence may differ.
- Hotel Class: North American Hotels do not have an official hotel star rating standard. The hotels involved on the trip are local brand hotels.
- The North American Hotel Standard Room is equipped with one large bed or two standard beds. If you have a specific request for bed types, please inform us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.
- Product components such as: tour vehicles, hotels, restaurants, attraction facilities, etc. may have different standards (ratings, classes, quality) in different regions of the world; please understand. Our bilingual tour guides will use Mandarin and/or English to serve you.
- Tour vehicles: Vehicles are arranged according to the number of people in a group. In a group up to 24 passengers, the driver will also be the tour guide. In a group of more than 24 passengers, an individual driver/tour guide will be provided.
- Tour Operator will provides transportation, accommodation or other services and is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage or injury, delay or accident due to an act of default of any company engaged in providing service included in these packages.
- In case of force majeure including but not limited to weather, traffic accidents, etc. our company has the right to modify or cancel the itinerary.
- It is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for your personal benefit.
- Tour Operator is not responsible for any transportation cancellations or delays, climate change, or any other travel safety issues within the trip that are caused by circumstances not under our company's control.
- In the Rockies, there can be large temperature differences between morning and evening. The average daytime temperature in summer is 25 °C, and the average night temperature is 15-18 ° C. Please prepare clothes appropriately.
- In the Rockies, there's ample sunshine and usually high levels of Ultraviolet rays (UV rays) that may cause sunburn, so proper sun protection will be needed. The region has a dry climate and body lotion is one of the must-haves when traveling.
- When encountering wild animals, feeding is prohibited; In the case of large animals, do not leave the vehicle and approach.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in hotel rooms and throughout the hotel. Violation of the rules will result in a fine of $300 CAD or more.
- Within the national parks, please note smoking is permitted in certain areas only. Please follow the rules and do not litter cigarette butts. Please make sure that they're fully out in case of a fire hazard.
- Please note that hotels in the Rocky Mountains area are mostly 3-4 story wooden structures. Some hotels do not have elevators.
- For environmental protection, Rocky Mountains area hotels are not provided with toothpaste, toothbrush, slippers, comb; Only shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided.
- Most hotel rooms are not equipped with kettles. If you need hot water for drinking, please ask the hotel's front desk for assistance. If no kettle can be provided, please use the coffee machine properly as instructed.
- There is no "hot (boiling)" drinking water at the attractions, if necessary, please prepare it yourself before departure.
- Canadian voltage power is 110V, and the electrical socket is a three-pin plug: the upper one is round, and the lower two are flat and parallel.
- Don't forget to bring your camera and enjoy your journey!
Please Note:
1. Guests are not allowed to use a CITY PASS, NATIONAL PARK PASS and admission ticket purchased by themselves to join the sightseeing attractions included in this tour.
2. Guests who do use a CITY PASS, NATIONAL PARK PASS or admission ticket purchased by themselves, will not be offered the transportation service for that day, and will possible need to pay a penalty fee. Please consult your tour guide for details.
Language: This tour is escorted by a professional bilingual tour guide and/or driver guide (English/Chinese). Tours and/or languages may be combined to operate this tour depending on the number of passengers who have booked a particular departure.
The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel
Reviews
Best Price Promise Transparent Pricing — No Hidden Fees Departure & Itinerary Guarantee Strictly Selected Local Partners 24/7 Multilingual SupportQ & A
