- Banff - This acclaimed Radventures small-group tour kicks off with a picturesque drive from Banff, where you’ll spot wildlife and delve into its rich Indigenous and European heritage.
- Icefields Parkway - Often hailed as the most scenic road on the planet, the Icefields Parkway is adorned with over 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes nestled in vast valleys of dense pine and larch forests.
The plentiful wildlife along the route through Banff & Jasper National Park will keep you looking around every bend.
As we leisurely explore, we’ll pause for a short hike or two to a breathtaking viewpoint, snap that perfect photo to share with friends, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Rest assured, you’re experiencing the Icefields Parkway the right way!
We’ll visit all the locations listed below, plus a few local secret spots that often become the highlights of our guests’ day!
- Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre - As the name suggests, these glaciers or “fields of ice” span Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and are the largest south of the Arctic Circle!
Covering an area of 325 km² and ranging from 100 to 365 meters (328 to 1,197 feet) in depth, they receive up to seven meters (275 inches) of snowfall annually.
Here, as a group, we can walk right up to the foot of the retreating glacier and explore the area, tracing the glaciers’ receding path over the years.
Please note, this tour does not include the Pursuit Skywalk or Icefields Adventure bus trip.
Instead, we reveal local secrets and viewpoints of the glaciers via the easygoing trail system, avoiding the crowds and offering a more sustainable and authentic experience.
Guests who prefer not to hike to the toe of the glacier can enjoy the onsite facilities and immersive activities at the Columbia Icefields Centre until the rest of the group completes the hike.
- Bow Lake - The neon blue Bow Lake is the source of the Bow River, the majestic river that flows through Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary, and across the country until it reaches Hudson Bay in eastern Canada!
The lake borders the Icefields Parkway and is an ideal spot for a walk down to the shore to see Crowfoot Glacier, Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, Crowfoot Mountain, and Mount Thompson.
- Weeping Wall - A mountain that appears to cry?!
Located at Cirrus Mountain, the Weeping Wall looks like a mountain with a river of tears.
Standing over 100 meters high (330 feet), water cascades down in a series of stunning waterfalls.
- Peyto Lake - The uniquely shaped, glacier-fed Peyto Lake is one of the most visited and photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason.
In the summer, glacial rock flour flows into the lake, and these suspended rock particles give the lake its vibrant, turquoise color.
We’ll take an easy walk to view the lake from Bow Summit, 2,088 meters (6,800 feet) above sea level.
Bow Summit is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway and the highest elevation crossed by a public road in Canada.
- Water refills (please BYO water bottle)
- Exclusive access to areas with an expert & fun local guide with lots of local secrets to share!
- Upscale, modern & spacious transportation with large panoramic windows
- Small group guarantee (Max 12 guests)
- Onboard cooler to keep drinks & lunch cold
- Hotel pick-up in Banff or Lake Louise (please contact Radventures BEFORE booking for availability)
- Lunch & snacks (please BYO or contact Radventures BEFORE booking to add-on a picnic lunch)
- Guide gratuities (not mandatory but greatly appreciated)
Embark on an unforgettable day exploring the world-renowned Icefields Parkway, often hailed as the most beautiful drive in the world.
Highlights:
Epic Exploration Minus the Crowds: Ditch the big bus tour groups and explore like a local at the highlights of Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefields & more.
Local Secrets & Wildlife Revealed: While the Icefields Parkway has its known jewels, our guides take pride in unveiling lesser-trodden paths and viewpoints to areas where we often see wildlife.
Active & Insightful Adventures: Guided by local experts, you’ll embark on relaxed hikes to absorb the best views. Our guides’ stories and insights blend the perfect mix of informed touring with free exploration.
Bespoke Itineraries: Daily itineraries are thoughtfully designed around weather conditions, recent wildlife sightings, and ensuring you evade the peak crowd timings. Your wishes matter; if there’s a specific spot on your bucket list, let us know!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.