Begin with an early departure from Calgary, Canmore or Banff. Travel north with your expert, certified guide, who shares the deep geological and ecological stories of the Rockies.
Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint:
Your first stop is the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint. Here, your guide points out how the glacier's shape has changed, offering a poignant, real-time lesson in our evolving environment. It’s a powerful introduction to the day’s glacial theme.
Bow Lake:
The journey continues to the stunning Bow Lake. Often overlooked, its deep blue waters and backdrop of the Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Peak create a scene of raw, untouched beauty. Your guide shares the history of the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge.
Peyto Lake:
Next, a short, guided walk leads you to the Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint. From this unique perch, you witness the lake's brilliant, almost unreal turquoise hue, fanned out in the shape of a wolf’s head—a perspective few visitors ever learn to see.
Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint:
After a refreshment break at Saskatchewan River Crossing, you ascend into a grander, more rugged landscape. The Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the sharp, dramatic peaks that define the northern part of the parkway.
Columbia Icefield Adventure:
(visit Columbia Icefield & Ice Explorer from Early May to Mid-October only, Winter alternatives are Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon)
Columbia Icefield ( Skywalk and Glacier Adventure closed from 13th October to 13th May)
Then, the main event: the Columbia Icefield Adventure.
The day concludes with a visit to the spectacular Columbia Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America. Here, you’ll witness the Athabasca Glacier, a striking remnant of the last Ice Age, and have time to explore the Glacier Discovery Centre. Optional experiences include the Glacier Adventure, featuring a ride on a specially designed Ice Explorer that travels onto the glacier, and the Skywalk, a glass-floored platform suspended high above the Sunwapta Valley offering breathtaking views. Whether you take part in these activities or simply soak in the surroundings, the Columbia Icefield promises an unforgettable finale to your day.
