Viator Rating : 5 (394 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.7/10 (Solid Experience)
Banff
Banff: Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip - Ice Explorer Tour
660
Overview
Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff offers a full-day adventure into a world of ice and stunning scenery. This small group tour takes travelers along the Icefields Parkway, known as one of the most beautiful highways on Earth. See landscapes carved by glaciers and remnants of the last ice age.
What can someone expect? The tour includes a ride on the Ice Explorer! at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, a unique vehicle designed to travel on the glacier. Visitors also get to experience the Glacier Skywalk, offering amazing views. A picnic lunch is included, with options to choose from by contacting 403-760-5007. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available upon request, and the default pick-up spot is behind the Mount Royal Hotel.
Key stops along the way include the impressive Athabasca Glacier, the scenic Icefields Parkway, the Glacier Viewpoint, and the calm Bow Lake. This tour ensures a personal experience with a maximum of 24 guests. It includes professional guides to enrich the journey. This adventure excludes gratuities, so participants may want to plan for that. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (4 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
Explore Athabasca Glacier: Ride on the Ice Explorer and walk on a real glacier.
Scenic Icefields Parkway: Travel one of the world's most beautiful highways.
Glacier Skywalk Views: See amazing views from the Glacier Skywalk.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a personal tour with a maximum of 24 guests.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers really liked the Ice Explorer ride onto the glacier.
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Many people said the views were amazing and worth the trip.
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Reviewers mentioned the guides were friendly and helpful.
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Some visitors appreciated the picnic lunch provided.
A few people thought the Glacier Skywalk was too crowded.
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Some customers wished they had more time at each stop.
The Journey
Athabasca Glacier
Experience the thrill of a lifetime on the Athabasca Glacier! Journey onto this ancient river of ice aboard the Ice Explorer, a specialized vehicle designed to navigate the glacier's unique terrain. Explore the glacier's icy surface, marvel at its immense scale, and even taste the pure, glacial water. Afterward, dare to step onto the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored platform suspended high above the Sunwapta Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and dramatic canyon below. This is an unforgettable opportunity to witness the raw power and stunning beauty of a natural wonder.
Icefields Parkway
Embark on a scenic adventure along the legendary Icefields Parkway, a 232-kilometer (144 mi) highway that winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Ranked among the world's most spectacular drives, this iconic route showcases a breathtaking tapestry of towering peaks, pristine glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and shimmering emerald lakes. Keep your camera ready as you traverse this natural masterpiece, encountering iconic landmarks and unparalleled views at every turn. Experience the unforgettable beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Glacier Viewpoint
Enjoy an up-close and personal encounter with the majestic glaciers along the Icefields Parkway. This brief stop offers a stunning vantage point to admire the vast expanse of ice and the raw power of nature. Capture breathtaking photos and immerse yourself in the beauty of these ancient wonders. A perfect opportunity to appreciate the sheer scale and grandeur of the Canadian Rockies' glacial landscapes.
Bow Lake
Discover the serene beauty of Bow Lake, one of Banff National Park's most picturesque lakes. Fed by the meltwater of the Bow Glacier, which originates from the Wapta Icefield, this pristine lake reflects the surrounding mountains in its crystal-clear waters. Nestled at the base of Bow Summit, Bow Lake offers a tranquil escape and breathtaking views. Explore the shoreline, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this iconic Canadian landscape. A must-see destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a professional guide, a small group experience (maximum 24 guests), and the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure: Ice Explorer! Tour and Glacier Skywalk. A picnic lunch is provided; contact 403-760-5007 to select options. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available upon request; contact directly. Default pick-up is from the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel. Gratuities are not included.
Hot Tip
Wear warm clothes, even in summer, as it can get cold on the glacier. Also, bring sunglasses and sunscreen because the sun reflects strongly off the ice. Some reviewers mentioned that if you're driving separately, arrive early to secure parking.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour highly rewarding for experiencing Canada's glaciers firsthand, with the Ice Explorer vehicle and glass-floored Glacier Skywalk being standout highlights.[5][7] Travelers appreciate the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway and the knowledgeable guides who share insights about glacial ecology and environmental changes.[2][5] The included picnic lunch and well-organized logistics are frequently praised.[5] Some travelers note that the actual time spent walking on the glacier is relatively brief (approximately 15 minutes in a limited area),[3] and early-season visitors should be aware that road closures may impact the experience.[1] Overall, reviews consistently rate this as a memorable full-day adventure suitable for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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