Dyvarcity Score : 6.8/10 (Solid Experience)
Icefield Tour & Skywalk: Banff's Glacier Adventure
180
Overview
Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk is a fantastic adventure for everyone! It's a 3-hour bus tour to see two amazing places near Banff National Park: the Columbia Icefield and the Glacier Skywalk.
First, ride on a big Ice Explorer bus onto the Athabasca Glacier. You can walk on the ice, touch it, and even fill your water bottle with fresh glacier water! Then, get ready for awesome views at the Glacier Skywalk. It's a glass platform hanging over a cliff, where you can see everything below.
This tour includes a guided drive to the Athabasca Glacier and access to the Glacier Skywalk. All taxes and fees are included. Infant tickets are free, but required. Gratuities and transportation to/from the Glacier Discovery Center are not included.
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
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Upsell Risk (6 - Optional) : Upsells exist but avoidable
Logistics (6 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (6 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
What People Dislike
Crowd Density (3 - Overcrowded) : Packed, uncomfortable, restricted movement
Highlights
Walk on a Real Glacier: Ride on a special bus and step onto the Athabasca Glacier!
Drink Fresh Glacier Water: Fill your water bottle with pure, cold water straight from the glacier.
See Amazing Views: Walk on the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform with incredible views of the mountains.
Fun for Everyone: This easy tour is great for families and people of all ages.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors loved walking on the glacier and drinking the fresh water.
The views from the Glacier Skywalk were described as breathtaking.
Many reviewers enjoyed the overall experience and found it memorable.
The Ice Explorer ride was a unique and fun part of the tour.
Some visitors felt that the tour was too short.
A few reviewers mentioned that it can be crowded.
The Journey
Columbia Icefield
Venture into the heart of the Canadian Rockies and discover the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the region and a remnant of the last ice age. Embark on an exhilarating Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier, where you can walk on ancient ice formed over centuries and even taste pure glacial meltwater. Learn about the glacier's impact on the surrounding landscape and the effects of climate change on this natural wonder. Conclude your visit with a thrilling walk along the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-bottomed platform suspended high above the Sunwapta Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Experience the sheer scale and beauty of this icy wilderness, a truly unforgettable encounter with nature's power.
Athabasca Glacier
Descend onto the Athabasca Glacier, a tongue of ice flowing from the Columbia Icefield. Experience the rare opportunity to walk on this ancient frozen river, touch the glacial ice, and learn about the glacier's history and formation. Observe the crevasses, moraines, and other glacial features that reveal the dynamic processes shaping this icy landscape. Consider filling your water bottle with pure, pristine snowmelt directly from the glacier - a refreshing reminder of the power and purity of nature.
Glacier Skywalk
Dare to venture onto the Glacier Skywalk, a breathtaking glass-bottomed walkway extending over the edge of a cliff in the Sunwapta Valley. Experience the sensation of floating high above the valley floor as you take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Capture stunning photographs of the awe-inspiring landscape and learn about the geological forces that have shaped this dramatic scenery. This unique architectural marvel offers a thrilling and unforgettable perspective on the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a guided drive to the Athabasca Glacier and access to the Glacier Skywalk. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the price. Infant tickets are free, but you must reserve one when booking. Gratuities are not included. You will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the Glacier Discovery Center, where the tour begins.
Hot Tip
Dress warmly, even in summer, as it can be cold on the glacier. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on ice and the Skywalk. Bring an empty water bottle to fill with glacier water!
Review Summary
People usually say that the Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk offers an unforgettable experience combining two iconic attractions—riding the massive ice explorer across the Athabasca Glacier and walking the thrilling glass-bottom Skywalk suspended 1,000 feet above the valley. Travelers frequently praise the dramatic frozen landscapes, engaging guides, and unique opportunity to walk on ancient glacial ice while filling water bottles with pristine snowmelt. The main criticisms involve the premium pricing and recommendations to book 48 hours in advance online for better discounts, with some noting the experience can feel crowded during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Nearby Events
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Calgary
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Calgary From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Bus Tours & Pop in Calgary. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Calgary Activities








