How to Get from Banff to the Columbia Icefield + Best Tours

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When staying in Banff, making a trip to see the Columbia Icefield is a must-do and we think no trip to the Canadian Rockies is complete without it. So naturally, the next question you probably have is, how do I get there?

Well, we’ve got you covered! Since I’m an Alberta local, we know all the ways to get here from Banff to guarantee an awesome Columbia Icefield adventure. So keep reading to learn how you can get here yourself! 

The 2 Best Ways to Get from Banff to the Columbia Icefield

Tours

Since the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier are some of the best places to visit in Canada, booking a tour is a great way to ensure these highlights are included in your itinerary. Tours are great options for anyone who prefers not to drive, and they provide opportunities to sightsee along the route without stress.

Also, tours typically have fun experiences included in the original fee, so you don’t have to book multiple times! Our personal favorite is this glacier tour from Banff which includes the Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier, the glass-floor Skywalk, and a lovely lunch in Banff National Park.

Driving

I love the freedom of having my own wheels especially when we’re in a place as beautiful as the Rockies. For that reason, we usually opt to rent a car and recommend this option, particularly for those traveling with a group. It allows more flexibility and you can stop at some cool places along the way.

We have used Discover Cars tons of times and have always had good luck with them. You can pick up and drop off at the Calgary airport for ultimate convenience. Of course, there is the classic airport car rental option that works just as well. We have found that on average, a car is about $100 CAD per day.

The Best Tours from Banff to Columbia Icefield

All-inclusive, full-day Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier tour from Banff

This all-inclusive, full-day tour from Banff is a great choice for anyone interested in the complete Athabasca Glacier experience. It follows the Icefields Parkway which is one of our favorite drives in the world – yes, that’s right, we said it!

When we arrived at the Columbia Icefield, it was time to hop on the Ice Explorer. This epic vehicle is specialized for driving across the glacier, and the best part was getting out and walking on the glacier ourselves! Also, if you’ve got an empty water bottle handy, you can fill it up with pure glacier water while you’re trekking on the ice. How awesome is that?!

After walking and drinking from the glacier (which in and of itself creates bragging rights), we were taken to the Glacier Skywalk. This cliffside walkway is made of glass with views over the Sunwapta Valley. This is definitely a key place to take some awesome photos, so in the middle of admiring the mountains and canyon walls, be sure to snap some pics for your friends back home. You can learn more about the Glacier Skywalk here.

We spent a few hours exploring the Athabasca Glacier and the surrounding areas before making our way back to Banff. We stopped in Banff National Park to enjoy a picnic and took photos of Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. It was beautiful, and I actually think this stop was one of the highlights of the tour.

For $338 CAD, this tour includes round-trip transportation, admission fees, activities, and a tasty lunch. It runs from May to October, but it’s definitely a popular choice, so don’t wait too long to book.

Book our FAVORITE Athabasca Glacier trip from Banff here!

Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour from Calgary or Banff

Another option to see the Columbia Icefield is by booking this adventure tour. This tour meets in Calgary or Banff, so it’s a great option for those staying in either location. It also has an upgraded option that includes a ride on the Ice Explorer to go out on the glacier.

Additionally, this tour includes stops at some of Canada’s prized gems like Peyto Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier, so there are plenty of opportunities to see a range of beautiful landscapes. If you decide to do the Ice Explorer experience, a lunch break is also included, otherwise you’ll need to bring or purchase food.

Unlike the above tour, this one doesn’t stop at the Skywalk, but given time constraints and the amount of travel time from Calgary, we think they provide plenty of great sightseeing options for the cost. Calgary is about 3.5 hours from the Icefield, so having someone else drive there and back is convenient.

This tour might not include as much as the above option, but overall it is cheaper and includes transportation to and from Banff or Calgary. It costs $210 CAD from either location or $305 CAD if you tack on the Ice Explorer combo. Either way, it’s an awesome way to see the Rockies and stop at different viewpoints along the way, and it’s ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to rent a car.

We definitely recommend booking the option with the Ice Explorer though because if you wait, tickets for the experience will probably be sold out on the day of. This tour is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to October.

For more info on this full-day trip to the Columbia Icefield, check out the options here!

Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk – Self-drive option

For those who are driving themselves to the Columbia Icefield, we recommend booking this combo tour beforehand. This tour includes a ride on the Ice Explorer with the option to walk along the glacier, as well as admission to the Skywalk.

Once you arrive at the Glacier Discovery Centre, your guide and transport to the glacier are already organized and waiting. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and always give interesting facts about the glacier like how it was formed and how it’s changing due to environmental factors. It was pretty sad to hear that it’s shrinking about 5 meters (16 feet) each year, and is half the size it was 100 years ago.

We love this specific tour so much, we wrote a detailed review of the Columbia Icefield glacier experience with all the details.

The benefit of booking this tour in advance is that it saves about $30 CAD when booked together, and you don’t have to worry about not being able to purchase a ticket if they sell out the day of. In total, this option costs $115 CAD and is available from May to October. We will say the time slots book up very fast (it’s a popular place after all!).

The guided tour and Skywalk lasts about 3 hours and means you can enjoy some epic stops along the drive. Stay tuned for some of our favorite stops a little later in this post!

Don’t wait to get this glacier ride and Skywalk tour which can be booked right here!

Banff to Jasper One-Way Tour with Glacier Tour and Skywalk Included

If part of your itinerary includes traveling from Banff to Jasper, this one-way tour to Jasper is a great way to get between the two and see all of the amazing stops along the way!

I love that this tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for a truly carefree and adventure-filled day. Setting off in the morning, you’ll travel with a guide to bucket-list sites like Bow Lake, Athabasca Falls, Lake Louise, and one of my favorites, Peyto Lake.

But the real adventure begins when you spend 4 hours at the Columbia Icefield and get to ride the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier! We had so much fun doing this and it is such a unique experience only available in the Canadian Rockies. Follow that up with your choice of seeing the exhibits at the visitor center or taking in the views from the Glacier Skywalk, and it makes for one seriously epic day.

Everything is included on this tour to Jasper, even lunch. Talk about a deal! Tickets are $305 CAD and just like the above, these tours are available from May through early October.

Book this Columbia Icefield trip from Banff to Jasper with FREE cancellation here!

About the Drive from Banff to the Columbia Icefield

From Banff, the drive to the Discovery Centre takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and goes through 185 kilometers (115 miles) of Canadian Rockies wilderness. I always try to fill up on gas before leaving Banff or top up in Lake Louise. There is a place to buy gas on the Icefields Parkway, but it’s much more expensive. 

The first part of the drive is on the Trans Canada Highway, and while it’s not my favorite drive in Canada, it’s certainly a quick way to cover the distance. Alternatively, I recommend taking the Bow Valley Parkway, a beautiful stretch of road that connects Banff to Lake Louise. You’ll need a Parks Canada Pass to use it, but you need a pass to get to the Icefield anyway, so you might as well make the most of it. 

The second half of your drive is on the Icefields Parkway, one of the prettiest drives in the world. Actually, pretty might be an understatement, it’s absolutely stunning! I suggest leaving early in the morning to give yourself some extra time to pull over and take pictures along the way because there are tons of picture-worthy spots to pull over.

It’s important to note that you’ll have to purchase a Parks Canada Pass to use the Icefields Parkway to reach the Columbia Icefield. While you can buy a pass at the gate we highly recommend purchasing them online beforehand to avoid long lines at the entrance to the park. A day pass is $11 CAD or you can purchase a group day pass for up to 7 people for only $22 CAD.

12 Best Stops between Banff and the Columbia Icefield

1. Banff town

Chances are if you’re reading this blog, you’re staying in Banff. We’re here to tell you that’s a wonderful choice! Banff gets thousands of tourists a year due to its breathtaking beauty, year-round activities, lively downtown area, and of course, Banff National Park.

We suggest maximizing your sightseeing by taking a ride on the Banff gondola when the weather’s nice and taking advantage of the town’s cuisine by joining this food tour inside the Fairmont aka the Castle in Banff! There are also some top-notch hiking trails in Banff that we love, and plenty of restaurants too!

Related Read: Check out our top suggestions of things to do in Banff, including the best things to do in downtown Banff!

2. Johnston Canyon

Taking the Bow Valley Parkway means we can enjoy places like Johnston Canyon along the way. I love walking the boardwalk not only because it’s a beautiful and easy hike, but because the end result is a canyon filled with glacial waterfalls cascading over cliffs. It’s magical!

Johnston Canyon is open all year and it’s great for families as the path is quite wide and not too steep. The hike is about 2.5 km (1.6 miles) which leads to the Upper Falls. In the winter, the falls are covered in ice which is really cool to see in person.

Note: There will be some closures to vehicle traffic on sections of the Bow Valley Parkway this year (2024). From March 1-June 30 and then again from Sept 1-Sept 30 vehicles will NOT be able to drive the 17 km/11 mi stretch of road from the TransCanada-Highway junction to Johnston Canyon, it will be restricted to cyclists’ use only. This is the eastern part of the road that is affected if you’re traveling to Johnston Canyon from Banff. You will still be able to access Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway via the intersection near Castle Mountain Chalets.

3. Morant’s Curve

Once you get your fill of Johnston Canyon, we recommend staying on the Bow Valley Parkway as it’s a much more scenic drive than the Trans-Canada Highway. A little further along you’ll reach our next destination – Morant’s Curve.

Get your camera and keep an eye out because near the Bow River’s bend is a beautiful mountain backdrop with bright green trees and the flowing water below. Look for the viewing signs and park across the highway in the parking lot. My favorite part is when the trains pass by! It makes for a really awesome photo, and since they go by pretty regularly, it’s usually easy to snap a cool picture.

4. Moraine Lake

This next one is a smidge of a detour, but it’s totally worth it if you’ve got the time. Another 20 km (12.5 miles) up the road will take you to Moraine Lake. This bright blue body of water is one of the most photographed places in Canada – just look at the photo above!

Moraine Lake is worth visiting for the whole day, but the only downside is that getting here can be a challenge. To find out more, read our guide on getting to Moraine Lake. We suggest looking into this shuttle service beforehand to guarantee you see this beautiful spot.

Related Read: There are plenty of things to do at Moraine Lake, and we personally suggest visiting at sunrise for the best views without the crowds.

5. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of my favorite places to visit in Alberta. I always enjoy hiking in the area, specifically on the Lake Agnes Tea House hike. It takes about 3 hours to complete and is a steeper climb, but honestly, the views are so worth the effort, and relaxing at the historic tea house is a really cool experience.

If you’re visiting in the summer, I highly recommend taking a ride on the Lake Louise Gondola. It has great views of the mountains and Victoria Glacier in the distance. For even more ideas, be sure to check out our blog on the best things to do in Lake Louise.

Dan and I usually stay here for a few days. If we’re on a budget, the HI Lake Louise Hostel is our go-to, but if we’re celebrating, we like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which is one of the most beautiful hotels in Canada.

Note: From May until mid-October, you’ll be required to pay $36.75 CAD per vehicle per day to park at Lake Louise Lakefront (2024 updated price). The paid parking is in effect from 3 am until 7 pm daily. 

6. Bow Lake

Bow Lake Viewpoint is a quick stop on the side of the highway as you leave Lake Louise and start driving along the Icefields Parkway. It’s definitely worth pulling over, for the view and maybe a quick stretch too. I’m always in awe of the beautiful scenery on this drive, and I’m sure you will be too.

One time, Dan and I saw a grizzly when we stopped here! We stayed in our van, but it was really cool to watch him eat and go about his day. As a reminder, there is plenty of wildlife along the Icefields Parkway, so please take extra precautions when driving and stopping along the route.

If you continue down the highway a little further and turn left towards the Bow Lake car parking lot, there are some excellent photo spots here, as well as some short trails if you need to stretch your legs.

7. Peyto Lake

One of our favorite stops is Peyto Lake! We’re not the only ones who love this place though, so be prepared to see quite a few tourists and locals here. This turquoise-colored lake is best seen from the Peyto Lake Viewpoint, which is just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. This is also the halfway point between Banff and the Icefield, so it’s nice to know that we’re getting close!

Technically, you can walk from Bow Lake to Peyto Lake. It’ll take about 2 hours, so we would only recommend this if you’ve got spare time. Either way, stopping at both these locations offers amazing views and will definitely create some lasting memories.

Related Read: Be sure to read my advice on visiting Peyto Lake. It covers a lot of information that’s great for first-time visitors.

8. Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint

Another 15 minutes up the road is Dan’s favorite stop – Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint. You won’t need long here, but he loves taking photos of the mountains and their reflection in the lake. It’s a photographer’s dream!

Waterfowl Lakes is about 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Peyto Lake, and the parking lot will be on the left-hand side. We know we’ve mentioned a lot of lakes on this drive, but there’s a reason they are our favorite stops. Each one deserves its own viewing time.

9. Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is located on the Icefields Parkway about 57 kilometers (35.5 miles) from the Columbia Icefield. I love stopping here because it is actually a little bit of a walk and makes for the perfect place to stretch my legs.

From the Mistaya parking lot, it is a 0.5-kilometer-long (0.3-mile) walk to the canyon. The good news is that the walk is all downhill on the way there and it ends at an awesome viewpoint overlooking the canyon. This beautiful canyon really showcases the power of water as it rushes down the Mistaya River.  

The walk is suitable for all fitness levels and only gains about 40 meters (131 ft) in elevation on the way back up. Just be sure to stay on the marked paths, and be careful of the colder months as there can be snow and ice on the trail.

10. Saskatchewan River Crossing Café, Hotel, and Gas Station 

There are very limited facilities and services along the Icefields Parkway, so Saskatchewan River Crossing is the place to stop if you’re low on gas or getting hungry. Since this is the only gas station on the Icefields Parkway, the gas is more expensive, so I always recommend filling up in Banff beforehand.

There is also a café and souvenir shop, so it’s a good place to grab a coffee or sandwich since food is more expensive at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. Oh, and be sure to use the restroom here. It’s free to the public and they are the best facilities on the drive.

There is also a hotel at Saskatchewan River Crossing called The Crossing Resort if you’d rather spend two days driving the Icefields Parkway. The price per night averages around $225 CAD, and after staying here, we can confirm it’s an ideal location to visit the icefield if you’re taking a long road trip.

Note: Saskatchewan River Crossing closes in the winter months, so plan ahead with a full fuel tank and food!

11. Weeping Wall

The second to last stop before reaching the icefield is at the Weeping Wall. While this might sound like something out of a fantasy book, it’s actually just a cool viewpoint with a collection of tiny waterfalls that stream down the cliff, making it look like the mountain is “weeping.”

Of course, in the winter, these falls freeze over which makes for some pretty unique photos. But, I like visiting in the summer when they live up to their namesake. This is another quick stop and you don’t even need to leave your car if you choose.

12. Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk

We’ve made it to our final destination! Be sure to check in at the Discovery Center, which is the central hub to get tickets to the Athabasca Glacier and Skywalk. It’s also got a cafeteria, restrooms, and a glacier gallery that is worth checking out.

We’ve mentioned the Athabasca Glacier above, but this huge glacier is worth exploring, and the only way to do that is to book a tour. We recommend this tour option which includes a a guided exploration of the glacier, and tickets to walk out onto the Glacier Skywalk. The Skywalk can be a little nerve-wracking with its glass floor, but it’s safe and we were surprised to hear that the engineering is so solid on this floating bridge that it can hold a 747 airplane!

Note: Athabasca Glacier tours and the Skywalk are only available from May to October.

Are there shuttles from Banff to the Columbia Icefield?

The short answer is, not really, but there is a workaround we found if you want to take a shuttle from Banff to the Columbia Icefield.

If you book this shuttle transfer between May 2nd to October 20th you can request to be picked up in Banff and dropped off at the Columbia Icefield Visitor Center or Glacier View Lodge. In order to do this, you would book the Calgary to Jasper shuttle and message them on Viator beforehand with your pick-up and drop-off details. 

The company does not come back that day so you will need to stay the night and do the same process the next day, but from Jasper to Calgary, and request to be picked up at the Icefield and dropped off in Banff. It’s a little bit of a hassle, but still doable. Tickets are $205 CAD one way so expect to pay $410 CAD total to get there and back.

What is our recommended option?

It really is a matter of personal preference. We love driving ourselves, but we understand it can be stressful for some people, so tours are also a solid option.

The tours we talked about earlier are all highly-rated and we’ve taken a few of them ourselves! Overall, if you’re short on time, don’t want to drive, or just want to leave the planning to a pro, take a tour.

While driving requires more planning, it’s our preferred option. We love the freedom of a rental car and the drive from Banff to the Columbia Icefield is full of amazing sights along the way.

Other Things to do While You’re in Banff

We discovered that there are so many things to do in Banff. But with so much to choose from, it might feel overwhelming. So below, I’ve picked some of my favorite activities in the area.

• Look for wildlife – Banff is home to some incredible wildlife. You might just spot elk, bears, deer, foxes, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and more! The best chance you have of seeing the most critters is on a wildlife tour in Banff. We really liked this small group tour where the guides tailor the itinerary to recent wildlife spottings, and you get to see highlights of the national park along the way.

• Banff Upper Hot Springs – Relax in Banff’s very own hot springs with mountain views. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Alberta, it can get busy though so it’s best to go first thing in the morning or the last hour before they close.

• Hike Johnston Canyon – There are tons of amazing hikes in and around Banff, but I especially loved hiking Johnston Canyon and seeing its spectacular waterfalls. You can drive to the trailhead on your own or book a tour. This e-bike and hiking tour is excellent for those who want to combine both activities. Or if you just want transport, take the hop-on-hop-off bus that stops here.

• Ride up a gondola – If you want an incredible vantage point in town, riding up the Banff Gondola is our pick! You’ll climb to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you’ll have a view of six different mountain ranges. Tickets for the Banff Gondola do sell out in the busy season, but you can purchase yours ahead of time here!

• Explore Banff town – Start your morning by visiting one of the cute local cafes, or grab patio drinks along Banff Avenue in the afternoon. To avoid traffic, check out the pedestrian-only Bear Street, with even more restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Where to Stay in Banff

Where you stay is one of the most important parts of your trip and in Banff, the selection can be overwhelming and expensive. To help you decide, we’ve detailed the pros and cons of different areas in Banff National Park here. There are also plenty of great hotels in Banff town to consider. Below are some amazing hotels we recommend for a variety of budgets!

Fairmont Banff Springs – $$$

The Fairmont Banff Springs is by far the most luxurious hotel in Banff. It’s definitely not cheap, but the place is simply incredible – it seriously looks like a castle! Inside this one-of-a-kind hotel, you’ll find 11 restaurants, 14 shops, bowling, bars, a top-rated spa, a couple of pools, and so much more.

If you’re celebrating something special, such as a honeymoon, then this should be the hotel you choose! A one-night stay starts at around $744 CAD, and you can check prices and room availability for Fairmont online here.

Banff Inn -$$

The Banff Inn is a great midrange hotel that combines comfort with an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. I love staying here as not only is the hotel located right on Banff Ave, but all rooms are air-conditioned, and the staff is so friendly! In the hotel, you’ll find a hot tub, steam room, and sauna, as well as a restaurant and bar.

Rooms here at the Banff Inn start at around $266 CAD per night, and I highly recommend booking well in advance, as this is one of the most popular hotels in Banff.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – $$

Another fantastic midrange hotel is Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, which has a swimming pool, hot tub, gym, and all the rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens. It’s the perfect place for families since they also have two and three-bedroom units to pick from.

The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort is located in a peaceful spot on Tunnel Mountain that’s only a 5-minute drive from Banff town! With rooms starting at around $143 CAD, you can check availability and book Banff Rocky Mountain Resort online here.

Samesun Banff Hostel – $

Samesun Banff Hostel is a great budget hostel with dorm rooms – perfect for those on a tight budget who want to stay in the heart of Banff town. Their common real is ideal for meeting like-minded travelers, and they also have an on-site restaurant where you can grab a meal before your wildlife tour!

As this is a backpacker place, you won’t find any private rooms available, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great stay here. Dorms start from $53 CAD in the low season, but this does rise come summer! That’s why it’s a great idea to check your dates ahead of time and to book your space on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Important info: Accommodation in Banff can be tricky. For starters, you need to book well in advance if you want to have a large selection. I suggest booking a place ASAP! using Booking.com is great too because lots of hotels offer free cancellation, so just lock in a place (or two) for now and make the final decision later!

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.

Thanks for reading!

Well, there you have it! Our favorite ways to get from Banff to the Columbia Icefield! We’ve included our suggestions for the best tours and stops if you opt to drive. Honestly, no matter which way you get there, it’s definitely worth the trip.

We hope this blog has helped make your travel plans easier! We absolutely love staying in Banff and traveling all around Alberta. If you want to read more of our travel stories and recommendations, please feel free to click on the below blogs:

Is Banff Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons You MUST Visit Banff!

33 FREE Things to do in Banff, Canada

Banff vs Lake Louise – Comparison and My Personal Recommendation!