Observation Decks in Banff: 7 That Use a Whole Day Well

1.Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Banff

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 649 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $302Our pick

Spend about 11 hours traveling from Banff to the Columbia Icefield with a guide, stopping at Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake. Ride the Ice Explorer onto glacier ice, cross the Glacier Skywalk, and enjoy a hot buffet lunch. Small groups can include up to 14 people, with guides such as Nolan, Brad, Riley, and Jack.

“Amazing experience with Viator trip to the Columbia icefields of Jasper Park. From our driver Nicky and our tour guide Karla .. We had a little mishap while we were in parking lot in Peyto lake area - an hour our bus, had an issue it was starting then stopping, something with the alternator. But after 1 hr the bus started again. Everyone in the tour group was very patient, kept calm and good spirits. So we carry on the icefields arrived at 2pm. We still had a good hot buffer lunch. Icefields is a great experience with the ice explorer and walking in glacier itself….🥰 Nikki and Carla kept…”

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2.Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Crowfoot Glacier, and Lakes Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 475 reviews · 12 hours · from $50

Travel with an English-speaking guide such as Harry, Ross, or Aashish from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff to Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Waterfowl Lakes, and the Columbia Icefield. The $50 fare covers transport, park admission, water, and sightseeing, but Ice Explorer and Skywalk tickets cost extra.

“It was very fun and exciting! We’ve had plenty of time to take pictures and explore. Our guide was also very helpful to making sure we got good photos and videos which was a bonus. 10/10 would recommend to another traveler in the future.”

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3.Calgary Banff: Columbia Icefield, Skywalk and Lakes Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 154 reviews · 11 hours · from $49Best value

Spend a full day on the Icefields Parkway with stops at Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and Waterfowl Lake. The $49 tour includes transport and a guide, but Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure and Skywalk tickets cost extra. Guides may speak English, Hindi, or Punjabi.

“We had a fantastic day! This tour exceeded our expectations thanks to our driver and guide Aashish. He was very communicative, knowledgeable, pleasant and eager to make it a wonderful experience. Would definitely. recommend.”

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4.Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Parkway, Bow & Peyto Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 85 reviews · from $86

Spend a full day on the Icefields Parkway with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield. From Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, you travel by air-conditioned van. Ice Explorer and Skywalk tickets cost extra, and the glacier stops run from early May to mid-October.

“I love that Sammy is very informative and friendly. He brought us to a nat geo photo worthy spot! Great job, Sammy!”

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5.Calgary: Columbia Icefield Adventure, Skywalk and Peyto Lake Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 21 reviews · from $88

Travel from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore in an air-conditioned van or car with a guide such as Jazz, Harsh, Daler, or Topu. Stop at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, and the Icefields Parkway, then add the Athabasca Glacier ride and glass-floored Skywalk for a very full day.

“The bus arrived 30 min late, which shortened the time in the places to visit. Even one of the lakes we didn't see, we had to eat on the bus running and speaking of bus there was no wifi as promoted. I sent a claim why I didn't want to do a negative review because I did 4 excursions with them the others were great but they didn't heed my claim. So pretty disappointed with this tourAuto-translated”

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6.Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 10 hours · from $294

Spend about 10 hours traveling from Banff to the Columbia Icefield with an English-speaking guide. Stop at Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier, ride an Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier, then cross the glass-floored Skywalk. Guides such as Brad, Dave, and Andre have made the long ride lively and informative.

“Fascinating experience on the glacier! Long bus ride was broken up with frequent photo or comfort stops. Refreshments along the way and huge buffet lunch upon arrival at icefield. Guide and driver both very engaging. Skywalk was quite a victory! Great day!”

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7.Columbia icefield, Skywalk, Waterfowl, Bow & Peyto Lake Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $57

Travel from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore in an air-conditioned van or private car with an English-speaking guide. See Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lake, Peyto Lake, Glacier Lake, and Columbia Icefield. Plan separate Columbia Icefield Adventure or Skywalk tickets for a 2:00 or 2:30 PM time slot.

“It was great, super comfy, the driver was awesome and super friendly, and the places we visited were really attractive and enjoyable”

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