Itinerary
7:30 AM – Private Hotel Pickup
Your adventure begins with pickup from your Banff or Canmore accommodation.
Settle into your private vehicle and begin your journey north along one of the world's most spectacular mountain highways.
The Icefields Parkway is approximately 232 km between Lake Louise and Jasper and passes through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Canadian Rockies.
🏔️ Stop 1 – Lake Louise
Begin your day with a short stop at the world-famous Lake Louise.
Enjoy views of the turquoise lake surrounded by towering peaks and Victoria Glacier.
Take photographs along the lakeshore before continuing toward the Icefields Parkway.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes
💙 Stop 2 – Bow Lake
Continue north along the Icefields Parkway to beautiful Bow Lake.
The turquoise alpine water sits beneath dramatic mountain peaks and is one of the most scenic stops along the Parkway.
This is also a great place for photographs and a short walk.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes
🦋 Stop 3 – Peyto Lake Viewpoint
One of the highlights of the entire journey.
Walk to the famous viewpoint overlooking the intensely blue waters of Peyto Lake and the surrounding mountain wilderness.
The viewpoint provides one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes
Access and walking conditions can vary seasonally.
🏔️ Stop 4 – Saskatchewan River Crossing
Continue through the spectacular mountain landscape toward Saskatchewan River Crossing.
Enjoy a short scenic stop and learn about this important junction along the Icefields Parkway.
Suggested time: 15–20 minutes
🌊 Stop 5 – Big Bend & Weeping Wall
Continue toward the dramatic Big Bend section of the Parkway.
The road winds through towering mountain walls before reaching the famous Weeping Wall, where water cascades down the steep limestone cliffs.
Suggested time: 15–20 minutes
❄️ Stop 6 – Columbia Icefield
Arrive at the spectacular Columbia Icefield, one of the defining geological features of the Canadian Rockies.
The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and feeds several major glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier.
Enjoy time at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and prepare for your glacier experience.
🧊 Stop 7 – Athabasca Glacier
Stand in front of one of the most accessible glaciers in the Canadian Rockies.
The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six major glacier tongues flowing from the Columbia Icefield.
You can enjoy spectacular views from the designated glacier area or upgrade your experience with the Columbia Icefield Adventure.
Optional Columbia Icefield Adventure
Ride a specially designed Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, step onto the ancient ice and experience the glacier landscape up close.
The 2026 Columbia Icefield Adventure is scheduled from May 1 to October 12, weather permitting, and takes approximately 2–3 hours.
Recommended upgrade: ⭐ Yes
🌉 Stop 8 – Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Experience one of the most unique viewpoints in the Canadian Rockies.
Walk along the interpretive cliffside walkway before stepping onto the glass-floored Skywalk overlooking the spectacular Sunwapta Valley.
The Skywalk is approximately 280 metres above the valley floor.
Recommended: ⭐ Add to your tour
Skywalk operation is seasonal and weather dependent.
🍽️ Lunch
Enjoy lunch at the Columbia Icefield area or another suitable stop along the route.
Lunch is not included, giving your group flexibility to choose what works best for you.
📸 Scenic Return Journey
After your Columbia Icefield experience, begin the return journey along the Icefields Parkway.
There will be opportunities for additional scenic stops depending on available time, weather, traffic and daylight.
Your private guide can prioritize photography stops and viewpoints that interest your group.
🏨 Return to Banff / Canmore
Relax in your private vehicle as you travel back through the Canadian Rockies.
Estimated return to Banff is approximately 6:00–7:00 PM, depending on the day's itinerary and conditions.
