How to Plan Your Banff: Bow Lake and Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour

Are you looking for an adventure in Banff that combines picturesque scenery with an exciting experience? Look no further than the Bow Lake and Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour! This full-day tour offers stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains while exploring one of the world’s most breathtaking scenic drives. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your Banff: Bow Lake and Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour with ease.

Experience

This guided tour offers a unique experience to explore the Athabasca Glacier, journeying along the scenic Icefields Parkway, and an opportunity to cross the Glacier Skywalk. You’ll get to experience the beauty of the Rockies up close and personal, soak in the wonders of nature and maybe even spot some wild animals in their natural habitat.

Highlights

The tour’s highlights include the following: 1. Scenic beauty of Rockies 2. Glacier views. 3. Bow and Peyto Lake.

Full Description of the Tour

The tour begins with a pick-up from your Banff hotel in a modern minibus, and your friendly guide will welcome you with an overview of where you’ll be headed. You’ll sit back and enjoy the ride along the Icefields Parkway—one of the world’s most stunning scenic drives. As you soak in the beauty of your surroundings, your guide will offer interesting facts about the area and the wildlife that call it home. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings, including bears, coyotes, and moose. Your first stop will be at the Bow Lake viewpoint, where you can capture the picture-perfect moment of the crystal blue waters against the backdrop of the Rockies. Next, you’ll visit the famous Peyto Lake viewpoint to experience the vibrant turquoise hues set amidst majestic peaks. The tour will continue on to Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, where you’ll board an Ice Explorer vehicle driven by a qualified driver-guide. Zoom across the Athabasca Glacier and experience the thrill of walking on ice in the middle of the glacier. Before leaving the glacier, make sure to step across the Glass Floor Glacier Skywalk. The power of the view up and down may make your heart skip a beat! As your adventure comes to a close, your guide will take you back to your Banff hotel, where you can reflect on your unforgettable experience, refreshing your thoughts with fond memories.

Booking Your Tour

To book your spot on the Bow Lake and Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour, click on this link “book the tour here”. You can include tour insurance for your peace of mind, and if you want a different perspective of Banff’s wildlife, look into a tandem paragliding experience offered by the same company.

Book Your Tour Now

We hope this guide helps you plan a fantastic day out with Banff: Bow Lake and Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour that will create memories that last for years. From the breathtaking views of wildlife to walking on the glacier, this tour offers an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of the Rockies. So why wait? Book your tour today and enjoy this amazing experience!

Frequently Asked Questions about Banff

If you’re planning to visit Banff, a small town in Alberta, Canada, you may have a few questions about this stunning location. From the best time to visit to the top things to do, here are answers to some frequently asked questions that will help you better plan your trip.

1. When is the Best Time to Visit Banff?

The best time to visit Banff is from June to August, when the weather is mild and warm, and there are plenty of outdoor activities available to enjoy. However, it is also the busiest time of the year, so you may want to avoid peak season and visit in the shoulder seasons of May or September. Alternatively, winter is another popular time to visit Banff for skiing and snowboarding.

2. How Do I Get to Banff?

The closest airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport, which is approximately a 90-minute drive from Banff. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle bus to the town. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Banff from other Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton, or Toronto.

3. What are the Top Things to Do in Banff?

Banff is known for its beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities. Some of the top things to do include hiking, skiing or snowboarding, soaking in hot springs, wildlife watching, and taking scenic drives. Other popular activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, biking, and rafting.

4. What is Banff National Park?

Banff National Park is a protected area famous for its rugged beauty, snow-capped mountains, and glacial lakes. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and coyotes, and offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors.

5. Where Can I Stay in Banff?

Banff has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, and resorts. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, you can choose to stay at a hotel such as the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Rimrock Resort Hotel. Alternatively, there are plenty of budget-friendly options like hostels and campsites.

6. What Should I Pack for My Trip to Banff?

When visiting Banff, it’s important to pack appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities you plan to engage in. Be sure to bring warm clothing layers, a waterproof jacket, hiking boots or shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray. If you plan on skiing or snowboarding, don’t forget to pack appropriate gear such as snow pants and gloves.

7. What is the Local Cuisine in Banff?

Banff has a diverse range of dining options, from classic Canadian cuisine to international flavors. Some of the local specialties you won’t want to miss include poutine, elk burgers, and Alberta beef. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available.

8. What is the Weather Like in Banff?

Banff experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and mild summers. During the summer months, the average high temperature is around 20°C, while in winter, it can often drop below freezing. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out to ensure you’re prepared.

9. What Can I Expect to See at Lake Louise?

Lake Louise is one of Banff’s most iconic attractions, with crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking and canoeing in the summer, while in the winter months, cross-country skiing and ice skating are popular activities.

10. How Can I Stay Safe While Visiting Banff?

When exploring Banff’s beautiful natural landscape, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe. Be sure to follow trail markers and stay on designated paths, carry bear spray and make noise while hiking in areas with wildlife. Dress appropriately for the weather, and always let someone know your itinerary and expected return time.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Banff

Banff is a beautiful town located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta. The town is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including towering mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and vast forests. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary for a trip to Banff. In this post, we will explore some of the best ways to spend your time in Banff as a tourist.

1. Visit Banff National Park

Banff National Park is the heart of Banff and is one of the most visited national parks in Canada. The park is home to a plethora of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and elk. There are several hiking trails within the park that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. Some of the most popular hikes in the park are Johnston Canyon, Plain of Six Glaciers, and Sulphur Mountain.

2. Explore Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a glacier-fed lake located within Banff National Park. The lake is famous for its turquoise-colored water and stunning mountain views. Visitors can hike around the lake, rent a canoe, or simply relax on the shore and take in the beauty of the scenery. Not to be missed is the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike, which begins at Lake Louise and offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

3. Soak in the Hot Springs

The Banff Hot Springs is a must-visit attraction in Banff, especially after a long day of hiking. The hot springs contain natural mineral water that is rich in minerals and believed to have therapeutic benefits. The water is kept at a temperature of 37-40°C and is perfect for relaxing and soothing sore muscles.

4. Visit the Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola is a cable car that takes visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The gondola ride offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the summit provides an unobstructed 360-degree view of the area. At the top, visitors can enjoy several hiking trails, a café, and a gift shop.

5. Take a Scenic Drive

There are several scenic drives in and around Banff that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Icefields Parkway is a 232-kilometer drive that connects Banff and Jasper National Park, and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Bow Valley Parkway is a 48-kilometer drive that follows the Bow River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife.

6. Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Banff is known for its world-class ski resorts, including Banff Ski Resort, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. These resorts offer a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, as well as other winter activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.

7. Visit the Banff Park Museum

The Banff Park Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of Banff National Park. The museum houses a collection of over 5,000 specimens of wildlife and plant life, as well as cultural artifacts and geological specimens.

8. Go Rafting or Canoeing

The Bow River offers excellent opportunities for both rafting and canoeing. The river offers stunning scenery and a variety of rapids for an exciting adventure.

Book Your Tour Now

Banff is a true gem of Canada and offers visitors an endless array of activities and attractions. Whether you are interested in hiking, skiing, wildlife viewing, or simply relaxing in the natural hot springs, Banff has something for everyone. With proper planning and organization, you can make the most out of your visit to Banff and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.