Looking for the best Athabasca Glacier tour? Look no further!
As an Alberta local myself, Dan and I have explored the Athabasca Glacier more times than we can count. Over the years, we’ve figured out the easiest, most scenic ways to experience this massive sheet of ice—without the stress of planning every detail yourself. From glacier hikes to Ice Explorer rides, we’ve done it all.
The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most iconic sights in the Canadian Rockies, and the good news is, whether you’re staying in Banff or Jasper, you’re in a perfect location to visit. Both towns are great home bases, so we’ve rounded up tours from each to make your trip smooth, memorable, and totally worth it. Let’s dive into the icy adventure!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Skywalk combo tour! We rode the impressive Ice Explorer vehicle onto the glacier, then walked the glass-bottomed skywalk overlooking it – what a deal!
Check out the 1,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Athabasca Glacier Tours
- 1. Visit the Columbia Icefield Tour, Glacier Skywalk, and more from Banff
- 2. Top-rated Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk (self-drive)
- 3. Hike on the Athabasca Glacier with a guide
- 4. Athabasca Glacier and Ice Explorer tour from Banff
- 5. Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk full day tour from Jasper
- Other Activities to do While in Banff
- Where to Stay in Banff
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
- Renting a Car in Alberta
Best Athabasca Glacier Tours
1. Visit the Columbia Icefield Tour, Glacier Skywalk, and more from Banff
- Duration: 11 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Small-group mountain driving tour from Banff to the Columbia Icefield, stop at stunning Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake, enjoy an all-terrain ride on the Ice Explorer, learn about the history behind glaciers and ice fields
- Inclusions: Expert guide, ride in the Ice Explorer, Columbia Icefield Skywalk admission, pick-up and/or drop-off at multiple locations, hot buffet lunch
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Banff is packed with jaw-dropping scenery, but trying to cram in all the highlights on your own means a lot of driving, parking, and guessing what’s worth a stop. We booked this full-day tour instead, and by the time we got back to Banff that evening, we’d hit all the top spots without lifting a finger (except to take photos).
Our guide, Colin, kept things relaxed but super informative, sharing stories about the Rockies, glaciers, and wildlife along the Icefields Parkway. We stopped at Lake Louise just as the morning light hit the glassy water.
At Peyto Lake, we hiked a short trail to the upper viewpoint and saw the lake’s iconic shape—bright turquoise and outlined just like a wolf’s head. Crowfoot Glacier was a quick pull-off, but standing there with the crisp alpine air and glacier views in every direction made it feel like we were deep in the wild.
Then came our favorite part—the Columbia Icefield. We rumbled across ancient ice in the Ice Explorer, stepped out onto a frozen landscape where snow hasn’t melted in centuries, and filled our bottles with the coldest, purest water we’ve ever tasted. Afterward, we hit the Glacier Skywalk for one more round of views before heading back.
This tour packed in so much, and the hot buffet lunch was the perfect warm-up before the glacier walk. If you’re short on time but want the full Rockies experience, this is one you don’t want to miss!
Reserve this adventure here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
2. Top-rated Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk (self-drive)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 10 am to 5 pm
- Highlights: Visit Glacier Skywalk and the Athabasca Glacier from the Icefield Glacier Discovery Center, ride in a huge Ice Explorer for a guided tour of the glacier, walk on the glass-bottom Skywalk and along the glacier
- Inclusions: Guided drive to Athabasca Glacier, access to Glacier Skywalk, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Trying to explore the Columbia Icefield on your own? We did that once and spent more time reading signs and squinting through binoculars than actually experiencing anything. The next time, we joined this small group tour and let our guide Jake (who we’re convinced is part glacier himself) handle the logistics, and it was easily our favorite glacier tour yet.
Everything started at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where we hopped aboard a massive Ice Explorer that looked more like a lunar rover than a tour vehicle. Bouncing across the icefield in that beast felt like off-roading on another planet!
Jake’s commentary made the whole ride even better, weaving in facts about glacier science and how rapidly the ice is changing. We had no idea the Athabasca Glacier has been retreating more than 5 meters (16 feet) every year.
Riding straight onto the glacier, we hopped out, crunched across the ice, and even filled our bottles with pure snowmelt. It doesn’t get fresher than that!
Next, we made our way to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-bottomed walkway suspended along a cliff with wide-open views over the Sunwapta Valley. Standing on the glass platform felt like floating—our knees wobbled, but we couldn’t look away from the incredible drop below.
This tour packed a surprising amount into a short time, and with departures every 15–30 minutes, we loved being able to choose a time that worked for us. And we aren’t the only ones impressed—read hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Book our FAVORITE Athabasca Glacier tour and see why it’s a top-rated experience!
Related Read: If you need some help planning the perfect Banff trip, check out our detailed 3-day itinerary, which will guide you through all the highlights, hidden gems, and things to eat!
3. Hike on the Athabasca Glacier with a guide
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:45 am and 2 pm
- Highlights: Glacier-walking adventure in the Canadian Rockies, enjoy views of the Rockies as you walk on the Athabasca Glacier, get insights into its ice formations
- Inclusions: Guide, all equipment, including micro-spikes (crampons for added traction on the ice), rain gear, hiking boots, gloves, and hat, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Bus tours are great, but nothing compares to actually walking on a glacier. We signed up for this small-group hike and found ourselves deep in the frozen heart of the Athabasca Glacier, surrounded by crevasses, meltwater streams, and ice formations that looked straight out of a documentary.
Everything was incredibly well organized from the moment we checked in. We were given microspikes for traction (a game changer once we hit the ice), and our guide, Larry, was a total pro. He kept a leisurely, steady pace that made the hike doable for everyone in the group.
Hiking across the glacier felt surreal—each step crunched beneath our feet, and we could hear the distant trickle of meltwater echoing through the ice. There were moments where we just stopped and stared, surrounded by this stark, otherworldly landscape stretching in every direction.
Larry’s knowledge was impressive, but what really stood out was how kind and thoughtful he was. He stopped often to explain things like millwells and icefalls, made sure everyone had time for photos, and checked in with anyone who was struggling to keep up. It never felt rushed, just immersive, relaxed, and honestly kind of magical.
This was one of our most memorable experiences on the Athabasca Glacier—nothing else felt quite as immersive. Check out the five-star reviews here and see why other travelers can’t stop raving about this hike!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Athabasca Glacier and Ice Explorer tour from Banff
- Duration: 11 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Full-day tour from Banff, visiting the Athabasca Glacier and the stunning scenery lining the breathtaking Icefields Parkway, travel halfway along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, get up close and personal with Banff’s UNESCO-listed scenery
- Inclusions: Professional guide, picnic lunch, Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure (Ice Explorer tour and Glacier Skywalk), pick up from public bus parking, hotel pick up and drop off (available upon request)
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
We’ve done road trips where someone’s always checking Google Maps, rushing to find bathrooms, or wondering if we’ve missed the good view. This full-day Athabasca Glacier tour took the stress out of the day and let us actually enjoy the scenery.
We were picked up in Banff and hit the road with our guide, Jake. He was approachable, funny, and full of stories that made the time fly, as did the jaw-dropping views out the window the entire way.
Our day kicked off at the Columbia Icefield, where we climbed into the six-wheeled Ice Explorer and rumbled across the Athabasca Glacier. Watching the tires crawl over the ice while glacier walls rose around us felt like a true Arctic expedition. We even got to drink glacial water straight from the source.
Next, we visited the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored platform hanging over the Sunwapta Valley. Walking out onto it felt like stepping into thin air. You know the glass can hold your weight, but your brain needs a minute to catch up.
After a mountain-style picnic (which hit the spot after all that adrenaline), we followed the Icefields Parkway back to Banff. We stopped at Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake, where the stillness and views made it hard to leave.
If you want a well-paced, all-in-one day that lets you relax and soak up the Rockies, this is the one to book. It’s the kind of day you’ll be talking about long after your boots are off!
Secure your spot on this full-day tour and experience the best of the Icefields Parkway!
Related Read: If you need some more activities to add to your itinerary, have a look at our top 10 favorite things to do in Banff here!
5. Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk full day tour from Jasper
- Duration: 7 hours and 15 minutes
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Explore the Columbia Icefields Parkway on a tour from Jasper, admire glacier-fed streams, iconic mountains, and local wildlife, traverse the Athabasca Glacier in an all-terrain vehicle, and walk on the Glacier Skywalk
- Inclusions: Ride in the Ice Explorer, hot buffet lunch, air-conditioned vehicle, pick-up and/or drop-off at multiple locations available, Columbia Icefield Skywalk Admission
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re staying in Jasper and want to experience the Athabasca Glacier without renting a car or cramming your day full of logistics, this full-day icefield and glacier tour is the best option by far. It’s an adventure that hits all the highlights—no stress, no second-guessing, just jaw-dropping scenery and glacier views that speak for themselves.
You’ll be picked up right at your hotel and climb aboard a comfortable coach to set off down the Icefields Parkway. The drive alone is worth the trip, with glacier-fed rivers, endless peaks, and wildlife along the road (we even spotted a black bear!).
Our guide was friendly, sharp, and clearly loved this place, sharing stories about the park’s history, local geology, and the Indigenous roots of the region.
The first stop was Athabasca Falls, where we had time to take in the roaring water and stretch our legs before heading to the Columbia Icefield. There, we boarded the Ice Explorer for an icy ride across the glacier. It was chilly, otherworldly, and absolutely thrilling!
We ended the day with a walk on the Glacier Skywalk and a hearty buffet lunch with a mountain view to match.
This tour proves that one well-planned day is all you need for a full-on Rockies experience. Book it straight from Jasper and let the experts show you what makes this landscape unforgettable!
Book this full-day tour here and surround yourself with once-in-a-lifetime views!
Other Activities to do While in Banff
Banff is chock-full of so many amazing activities and things to do, it’s impossible to put them all down on one list! To save you some time, here are some of our favorite activities that are always included in our Banff itinerary:
- Ride the Banff Gondola – Four gondolas in Banff provide some pretty spectacular views. While we’d have a hard time choosing a favorite, a ride up the Banff Gondola never lets us down! Not only is it a great way to see some amazing wildlife, but you’ll find a host of things to do at the top, including a lovely café, shops, and even a theater! The best way to get Banff Gondola tickets is to book ahead in advance here.
- Hike Johnston Canyon – One of the stops on the Banff hop-on hop-off tour, Johnston Canyon is famous for its picturesque location and magnificent waterfalls. It’s also one of the easier hikes in the Banff area, making it super accessible for most people.
- Look for wildlife – Banff is home to some pretty incredible wildlife. You might just spot elk, bears, deer, foxes, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and more! The best chance you have of seeing the most critters is on a wildlife tour in Banff. We really liked this small group tour where the guides tailor the itinerary to recent wildlife sightings and you get to see highlights of the national park along the way.
- Visit Moraine Lake – As Banff’s prettiest lake, visiting is a must! The easiest way to visit is on this full-day tour, which includes other epic stops on the Icefields Parkway. That way, you can sit back, relax, and take in the views.
Where to Stay in Banff
Now that you’ve picked out your favorite tour, you need to find the perfect place to stay! It’s most common to stay in Banff, as it’s a hub for activities. So here are our three favorite Banff hotels for a range of budgets, but be sure to book these in advance – they fill up quickly! If you are planning to visit the Athabasca Glacier from Jasper, check out our blog on the best hotels in Jasper here.
Fairmont Banff Springs – $$$
The Fairmont Banff Springs is easily the most luxurious hotel in Banff. As you can expect, it’s not cheap, but the place is simply incredible – it seriously looks like a castle! Inside the hotel, you’ll find 11 restaurants, 14 shops, a bowling alley, bars, a top-rated spa, a couple of pools, and so much more.
Rooms here at the Fairmont start from around $600 CAD a night, but can exceed the $1-2k CAD range in peak season. For the best deals, it’s best to book as far ahead as possible! You can check prices and room availability online here.
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – $$
For those with a mid-range budget, the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort has a beautiful swimming pool, hot tub, and gym, and all the rooms come equipped with kitchenettes or full kitchens. The hotel is also in a good location that’s just a 5-minute drive away from town, so it’s a great place to enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet of the Banff countryside!
Rooms here average around $500-600 CAD per night in the high season, but dip as low as around $129 CAD in the low season. You can check availability and book Banff Rocky Mountain Resort online here.
Samesun Banff Hostel – $
For folks looking to save some cash while having a blast in Banff, it’s worth checking out the Samesun Banff Hostel. It’s a great place for backpackers or anyone who’s fine with making some new friends and doesn’t mind sharing a dorm. But if you’re keen on privacy, keep in mind that there aren’t any private rooms available here.
A bed in a dorm here starts from around $45 CAD, including breakfast, and can be booked on either Booking.com.
Important info: Accommodation in Banff can be tricky. For starters, you need to book well in advance if you want to have a large selection. I suggest booking a place ASAP! Using Booking.com is great too because lots of hotels offer free cancellation, so just lock in a place (or two) for now and make the final decision later!
Related Read: If you’re still wondering where to stay, have a look at our detailed guide here. It breaks down all of the best areas and hotels so you can find the perfect one for you!
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Renting a Car in Alberta
If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough! Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.
Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Check availability and prices on Discover Cars here!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.
And if you’re planning to camp but don’t want to splurge on a huge RV, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Thanks for reading!
Booking an Athabasca Glacier tour certainly won’t disappoint, no matter which one you go with! I am always stunned by how large and vast this glacier is, so getting the chance to walk on it is simply incredible!
Before you go, check out our other Canada blogs! We’ve lived and traveled in Canada for years, so we have tons of resources to share. Here are a few related blogs that will help you plan your trip – cheers!
BANFF ITINERARY – How to Spend 1, 2, or 3 Days in Banff
