Columbia Icefield Adventure: A Deep Tour Review

If you are looking into seeing the Canadian Rockies and giant ice formations, a tour like the Columbia Icefield Adventure, including Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, might be just what you need. So, is that tour any good? I would say there is very much to consider before committing, so I am going to share all the gritty details. The mountains, the lakes, and the ice itself, the entire thing is definitely something to experience. What’s it really like? This article offers a look, with what it’s like to see some top destinations.

Getting to the Columbia Icefield

So, getting to the Columbia Icefield could be thought of as half the experience. If you’re planning on doing this drive yourself, make sure your car is equipped for the kind of road conditions you’re going to find, too it’s almost a necessity to keep an eye on the weather before you go, the Icefields Parkway, Highway 93, could have all kinds of different surprises. This trip offers you mountains all around you, that seem to stretch on forever and rivers running strong, it is that amazing. But let me tell you, that area, is not exactly littered with pit stops. Gas stations and places to grab a bite are few and far between, so you’re going to want to plan ahead. Many folks, go through the trip as part of the organized bus tour, especially from Banff or Jasper. The driving gets taken out of your hands so you can relax. Plus, the bus makes all these photo opportunities and also tells you interesting details.

The All-Terrain Ice Explorer Ride

The main draw, might be the Ice Explorer, this bus takes you right onto the Athabasca Glacier. As I was saying, these aren’t your everyday vehicles; they are large, built to take on the tricky ice. Is it amazing? Standing on a glacier thousands of years is like stepping into another lifetime. Yet, the impact of the area due to the tourism really hits you, when the guides explain how quickly the glacier is shrinking and talk about climate change. What would typically be some great stuff to take in on the ride down turns into thinking.

Athabasca Glacier Walk: Under Your Feet

You have some time to walk around on the glacier itself once the Ice Explorer reaches its spot. Anyway, make sure you take tight grip because it is usually windy and definitely cool, also it’s slick in spots. When you start to look at the ice close up, you get to see this deep blue color, it really is special. I want to mention, there’s something kind of odd being out there with a bunch of other people, it kind of loses its special feeling a little, still being on something that took so long to form it is truly awesome.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk

So, I do have to talk about the Skywalk, as it’s frequently added to the Icefield tour. That glass-floored platform hangs over the Sunwapta Valley, the views are really awesome. If heights make you squeamish, so that might be a challenge, but standing up high like that offers a view of the valley most people do not see. Keep that in mind too it’s almost as if the information signs they have along the way point out all the geography and tell you about what type of animal lives around there, is pretty interesting too.

Bow Lake Stop

The tour will probably include a stop at Bow Lake, now Bow Lake gives a very pretty picture. I feel like it’s very still out on that lake, you are gonna like looking across and seeing the reflections of the mountains, definitely calming. Arguably, the thing about the views around here is so unbelievable. It doesn’t hurt that there’s the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. You see, this lodge adds charm, it’s a neat place to grab a warm drink or bite. Now, here’s something you might want to know, if you plan to see Bow Lake when it’s quiet you want to make your way there earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, if possible that is.

Peyto Lake Viewpoint

So, a big photo op is Peyto Lake, known for this color, really it’s the bright turquoise-blue shade. To see it at it’s finest you kind of need a clear day, because of the light. Anyhow, if it’s a clear sky day, then the drive up to the viewpoint might take a few minutes and that location is above the lake itself, but what a view! You are going to take awesome photos up there, yet you’ll have lots of people at the lookout because that lake is very much favored.

What to Bring On The Tour

Want to come prepared? So, start with the right clothes. Basically, think layers, for one the weather up in the Rockies can change quick and when you’re on the glacier, I can tell you, it’s for sure cool. Have warm sweaters and also windbreakers. Next up, are shoes. Strong shoes are basically a must if you want to walk around at the glacier, there will likely be some ice or snow, even during what one would expect would be the summer months. Yet, something you may forget about, it’s just a little important to protect the eyes. Polarized sunglasses, are needed since the sun shines intensely off the ice and water. Ultimately, don’t forget your camera and perhaps extra batteries.

Is The Columbia Icefield Adventure Worth It?

I’ll say that the Icefield Adventure is cool and offers some unique things, for sure standing on a glacier is very cool. Now, the popularity means it’s really, pretty busy. I really did not think it would be that populated. So, if seeing those sights on your own or doing some tours with small groups, is what you think sounds good you want to investigate some other adventures. At the end of the day, the Icefield tour, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake really display a little bit of all that the Canadian Rockies area has to display, if you are prepared for larger group travel that is.

Here’s a few quick facts from this tour review: