athabasca glacier walking tour

Discover the Athabasca Glacier

IceWalks is closed for the season.   Booking for 2024 is now open.

From late May to early October, IceWalks provides guided glacier hikes on the Athabasca Glacier. Experience for yourself why the Columbia Icefield is the most popular stop along the Icefields Parkway.

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Discover the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield on interpretive Icewalks led by experienced guides .

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A Remarkable Experience in the Canadian Rockies

Discover the power of nature with Columbia Icefield Adventure — the must-do experience in the Canadian Rockies. For centuries, the Columbia Icefield has been the defining geological heart of Jasper National Park. We take guests on a journey deep into the wonders of this magical place, sharing our expert knowledge while prioritizing preservation through responsible exploration.

Columbia Icefield Adventure includes the Ice Explorer Tour on the Athabasca Glacier, admission to the Skywalk and return transportation from the Glacier Discovery Centre.

2024 Season: May 4, 2024 – October 13, 2024* *Weather dependent

Jaw-Dropping Views

From atop the incredible glass-floored Skywalk viewing platform, marvel at Sunwapta Valley and the mountain and glaciers that surround you.

Great Taste

Choose from a variety of dining options, including the Canadian-inspired Altitude restaurant, fast-casual Chalet and Starbucks for your morning pick-me-up.

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Let us do the driving! Join a Columbia Icefield Sightseeing Tour that includes the Columbia Icefield Adventure, Skywalk and other iconic locations on the Icefields Parkway.

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Stay at the Glacier's Edge

At Glacier View Lodge guest can experience a one-of-a-kind stay nestled alongside the iconic Columbia Icefield, offering unrivalled views of neighbouring glaciers and snowy peaks. From cocktails in the picturesque lounge to moments of secluded comfort in the guest rooms, every moment here is truly elevated.

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• Most Popular Summer Adventure

Tread Lightly Glacier Hike

Glacier hike adventure with an ecological focus. Deepen your connection with the Athabasca Glacier on this guided hiking tour.

At A Glance

• Tag Experience: No experience required
• Hiking Glacier Hiking: Hike on the Athabasca Glacier on this sustainability focused guided tour.

Hour Glass Duration: 4.5 hours

Clock Departure: 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, & 4:30 pm

Check Calendar Offered: June 1 – September 30

Map Marker Meeting Location: Rockaboo Interpretive Trailer; Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, lower parking lot. See Map

User   Ages: 12 & up. (Younger explorers may be accommodated with their parents on a private booking.)

Users   Group Size: Maximum 10

Star Outline   Fitness Level: We hike between 2 – 8 km depending on conditions and the group. Although the hiking is never strenuous, it does gain about 150m elevation from a starting elevation of 1900m. We recommend that people are fit enough to hike slowly for 4 hours and that you do not have any injuries or medical conditions that could impair your enjoyment. If you would like to hike faster to cover more ground, or would like to modify the duration of the trip due to fitness concerns, we recommend a private booking. 

Checkmark What is included: Mountain boots, crampons, hiking poles, sunglasses, all technical equipment used to explore glacier features such as crevasses. 

Info   What is not included: Clothing and lunch. As this is an upper elevation alpine area, the weather can be an important factor. This can be a very memorable and powerful experience, as long as you have the right clothing. We recommend a warm insulating layer and good rain protection. For a complete list of clothing recommended for the Athabasca Glacier hike, please see here .

Dollar Price:  $175/person + 5% GST

Tread Lightly Glacier Hikes

About the athabasca glacier.

• Jasper National Park is home to some of the world’s most impressive glaciated terrain. The Columbia Icefield is a sea of ice covering over 300 square km perched on the spine of the continent – the Continental Divide. Meltwater from this icefield travels to 3 different oceans from the hydrological apex of the country, and is a truly powerful place.
• The Athabasca Glacier is an easily accessible tongue of ice flowing from this massive icefield and provides a unique opportunity to explore an actively changing glacier. Although there are a variety of ways to experience this glacier, we pride ourselves in our program design that focuses on small groups, glacier science, sustainability, efficient travel, and even the opportunity to descend into the ice using ropes if the conditions allow. 

Your Ecologically Sustainable Glacier Walk in Jasper

• After meeting your guide at our staging area, you will be given an overview, we will highlight some glacier science projects for the day and you will be issued with equipment for the trip. This includes mountain boots, crampons, and any other safety equipment based on conditions. Then, your guide will walk you up to the toe of the glacier while introducing you to the dynamic alpine landscape. After stepping on to the glacier, your guide will lead you up the ice and show you some of the fascinating formations produced by ice and time including crevasses, millwells, and drainage channels.
• Depending on conditions, we look for an opportunity for people to increase their connection with this landscape by taking scientific samples or using ropes to explore some of these features more intimately in a safe and controlled manner. Our goal is to provide each group with a unique and authentic trip onto the ice, and share the marvels of this landscape in the hope of fostering connection with the natural world.

ACMG Release Waiver Form

• All guests participating in any activity with Rockaboo Mountain Adventures will be required to read and sign a digital or paper copy the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Release Waiver form.  Your ACMG Certified Guide will review this waiver with all participants before each trip.
• To review the ACMG Release Waiver form prior to booking your trip, click here

Book your Tread Lightly Glacier Hike on the Athabasca Glacier today and contact us for inquiries.

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Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks

Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks Overview

Guided glacier hike on the athabasca with icewalks includes:.

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2023 Visitor's Guide

This Is The Most Memorable Way To Explore The Athabasca Glacier

A new interpretive tour from rockaboo mountain adventures lets visitors get up close and personal with the athabasca glacier..

Like many disappearing worlds, the Athabasca Glacier is as fascinating as it is fragile. Located in the southern end of Jasper National Park, the famous landmark is one of six principle toes of the Columbia Icefield, and although anyone can follow the gravel trail that leads to its tip, only certified guides (and the people they escort) are allowed to traverse its surface.

Rockaboo Mountain Adventures is one of Jasper’s longtime guiding heavyweights, and their new Athabasca Glacier Tour is the latest addition to their daily programs (which includes ice climbing in winter and rock climbing in summer). Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts and background information about the glacier in addition to safety expertise.

Note: While this ice cave pictured in this story is no longer accessible, Rockaboo is excited to see what the glacier does this coming summer season.

The full-day tour leaves from downtown Jasper, ventures down the Icefields Parkway (aka one of the most beautiful drives in the world) to the glacier, where guests are equipped with crampons and a delicious lunch sourced from a local eco-friendly eatery.

The experience is perfect for people who want a more intimate and adventurous exploration of the glacier. With group sizes capped at ten people, the guide is able to take people to places that the general public isn’t able to access. Including, most recently, an ice cave that one of Rockaboo’s guides discovered.

Jesse Milner always tests the cave for safety before bringing a new group in, knowing that each day could bring drastic changes to this constantly shifting landscape (part of the reason a certified guide is required on the glacier is to navigate around the dangerous and hidden crevasses that form around the glacier).

The cave Milner discovered is 30 metres long and, at its highest point 3.5 metres tall, which gives a fascinating look at the brilliant blue ice which hasn’t been obscured by the blowing dirt on the glacier’s surface. It is nothing short of magical. And it could be gone next year.

“This glacier isn’t going to be around and accessible for future generations,” says Lisa Darrah, who owns Rockaboo with her husband Max. Environmentalism is a core tenet of their business, and they impress upon their guides the importance of navigating the Athabasca Glacier — a world heritage site which feeds water to three separate oceans and has slowly been receding for decades — in a way that has minimal impact on the glacier.

But even if the newly discovered ice cave does collapse or become otherwise impassable, guests on the tour will not be disappointed. Conditions change, but the memorable experience of this interpretive tour remains.

The Experience the Athabasca Glacier trips run daily, and are open to guests aged 12 years old and older. No previous experience is necessary, though participants should have the ability to climb a ladder or go for a short hike. Note: the weather is significantly cooler on the glacier; hat, gloves or mittens, sturdy shoes and windproof coat are recommended.

Continue reading

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Jasper has always been a place for trailblazers. In the early 20th century, explorer Mary Schäffer became the first European to visit Maligne Lake, and used her skills as a naturalist, illustrator, photographer, and writer to document the region. Today, women continue to leave their mark and bring life to the national park.

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• Columbia Icefields – Hiking on the Athabasca Glacier with IceWalks
• By Lisa Michele Burns

Photographing in the Columbia Icefields of Canada

At first glistening crunch, I knew I was back in my happy place. Hearing the sound of ice crunching beneath my crampons, watching as the ice sparkled before my eyes, and marveling as my mind attempted to soak in the immense beauty as it piled in icy chunks toward the head (the top). Glacial landscapes are an environment like no other, and I’m about to share how you can walk upon one!

Athabasca Glacier in Alberta, Canada , is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Located within the Columbia Icefields on the Icefields Parkway, it’s roughly a one-hour drive from Jasper and two hours to Banff . While you can cruise on by and catch views from the car, it’s beyond worth stopping and staring a little longer. Or, spending a few days gazing upon the magnificent mountainside formations if you’re like me and can’t bear to look away.

What makes this glacier so special is that you’re able to get up close to something that’s normally the result of a multi-day hike, hidden in a distant alpine valley. Glaciers are formed when snow accumulates over time, turning to ice over many centuries, and the pressure then creates a flow effect, outward and down, a little bit like a very slow-moving ice river.  They’re found in alpine areas and shift and change throughout the seasons, calving, creeping, however, most recently, receding rapidly.

Not only do the glaciers themselves change, but the surrounding landscape is shifted over time. An example of this is seen in sharp piles of debris and rock known as lateral moraines which have been transported and carried by the glacial ice, only to be later revealed once the ice melts. Lateral moraines are seen alongside the glacier, and Athabasca Glacier has some great examples of this process.

When visiting the Athabasca Glacier, you can take a short, self-guided hike to the foot of the glacier, accessible via a car park just off the Icefields Parkway, or, you can take things one very exciting step further.

You can walk upon the glacier itself which is something I wholeheartedly recommend anyone does if you’re comfortable hiking for roughly 5km. It’s this experience I want to share with you today from my recent adventure with IceWalks on their half-day classic tour.

Just to note, while safe in the presence of a trained guide, walking solo on a glacier is extremely dangerous with hidden crevasses, collapsible sections, and potentially fast-moving sections creating a maze of obstacles, mostly invisible to the untrained eye. It’s always advised to walk on a glacier with a trained expert, preferably a mountaineering guide that’s had years of experience exploring these treacherous yet stunningly beautiful environments.

The team at IceWalks have been walking upon Athabasca Glacier since 1985 under the leadership of Peter Lemieux, an ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides) ski guide. After 36yrs on the ice, Peter transitioned ownership of the company to another member of the ACMG and long-term IceWalks guide Corin Lohmann, and his wife Megan. It’s Corin I had the pleasure of walking with a few weeks back on the opening weekend of their tours in 2023.

It’s one thing to look at a glacier and be amazed by its size, detail, and sheer beauty, it’s another to learn and hear stories from someone who has dedicated their life to this landscape.

Actually, I’m jumping ahead now…let’s go back to the start of the day .

When booking a tour with IceWalks, they’ll equip you with everything needed to ensure your safety on the glacier. Hiking boots are recommended, but if you don’t have any, they’ve got a van filled with all sizes to kit you out. There’s a pair of crampons for everyone, gloves, jackets, and even waterproof pants if you need them. Of course, you can wear your own gear too, I only used a pair of crampons as I had the rest with me.

There are two times offered for the half-day classic tour, I opted for the 10am tour as we were staying in Jasper and it was just a short drive down the parkway. Alternatively, you can also stay at the nearby campgrounds in summer, or the Glacier View Hotel where I also stayed a night and loved the view and very comfortable beds! In addition to this there’s a 2pm tour, or if you’re after a full-day deluxe tour these kick off at 9:30am. Indigenous-led tours are also offered on specific dates throughout the season, be sure to check their website here .

The tour begins with a short shuttle ride down to the trailhead by Sunwapta Lake. From here, a 15-min walk takes you toward the toe of the glacier, where the lowest point meets rocky terrain and lateral moraines. Stopping at a polished chunk of limestone, Corin shared how the movement of the glacier impacts the surrounding rock. Layers revealing centuries of change are evident, and as I wrote earlier, it’s made all the better to have someone share the scientific and geological facts about what you’re seeing.

Onward, we cross a meltwater stream and within minutes are on the ice. Despite ‘glacial blue’ being the most associated colour of glaciers, they surprisingly feature a spectrum of hues, ranging from deep white, brown, and black to an array of icy blues, light to deep. A mixture of dust, ash, sedimentary rocks and minerals are layered within the ice, then as in photography, light plays a key role in what we see on the ice. One very visible process of how light, rock and ice work together is seen in tiny pockets and holes across the glacier. Due to the darker hue of the rock, sometimes as small as a pebble, the heat of the sun warms the rock, in turn melting the ice around it.  

Another interesting colour fact is how rock flour creates the vibrant blue colour we see and are drawn to photograph in glacial lakes. Rock flour is created when the glacier advances across the bedrock, dragging rocks and boulders, grinding them down into a fine flour substance. The flour then gets into the water system and when hit with sunlight, absorbs all the colours of the rainbow and only reflects the blues and the greens.

Photographing on the Ice –

I’m a strong believer in enjoying any outdoor experience before attempting to take photos. Soak it all in, look around, and then consider how you want to capture the scene. Now, I say that, but if anyone saw me in action, I was one snap-happy photographer up on the Athabasca Glacier, although I had spent a few hours the day prior just staring and conjuring up photo ideas.

To capture great images on the ice, it’s important to consider your composition, the weatherproofing of your gear, and lens choices to ensure you’re ready to have some fun. You’ll also want to be mindful not to lag behind too much while on the glacier, mainly due to safety reasons and following the path your guide makes. It’s not really the place to set up your tripod and take your time, it’s a snap-on-the-go type of activity, but there are breaks which allow you to slow down a little.

Composition Tips when capturing the Athabasca Glacier/Glacial Landscapes:

• Look for elements like ice and water to include within your image, get up close (if safe to do so) to the glacial meltwater streams and incorporate them in your shot.
• Leading lines are a great feature when shooting glaciers, use them to compose your image and have the lines of the glacier lead the viewers eye into the frame.
• Keep an eye out for details, sparkling ice, tiny holes, patterns, colours and the contrast between rock and ice.
• Including people in your shot is a great way to showcase perspective and visually represent just how vast a glacial landscape is. On the day of my hike, we could see a distant group of mountaineers, apparently, they were a few hours’ walk ahead of us, kilometers away in fact, which gave further proof of just how immense the Athabasca Glacier is.
• If your camera has the ability, switch over to the handheld high-resolution mode (both my OM-1 and E-M1 MKIII have this) to ensure you’re creating image files filled with the intricate details of the glacier.

What Gear I Photographed With –

I took two cameras and three lenses with me on the half-day ice walk. When hiking, I prefer to use two bodies and pop on versatile lenses so I can easily shoot throughout the day without changing lenses or fiddling too much, especially if there’s no where to really stop.

Body 1: The OM SYSTEM OM-1 with the 40-150mm f2.8 pro lens.

Body 2: The OM SYSTEM/Olympus OM-D E-M1 MKIII with the 12-40mm f2.8 pro lens.

Once I’d captured a variety of images, for the walk back down the glacier, I switched out the 12-40mm lens and relaced it with the 7-14mm f2.8 pro lens to capture some wider shots of the landscape. This worked really well to get up close to the meltwater streams and because the camera has incredible weatherproofing, I knew a few splashes wouldn’t do any harm.

You can see below what a difference in focal lengths make.

Image taken with the 12-40mm f2.8 lens at a focal length of 40mm. Note the road in the background and compare it with the next image.

Image captured with the 7-14mm f2.8 wide angle lens, offering a much wider view of the landscape and making people appear far smaller.

Who can do this hike?

If you’re capable of walking around 5km on sometimes uneven terrain with a slight incline, you can do this hike. I’m not a super fit explorer, just a regular gal who loves photographing outdoors and tries to stay fit (by walking/swimming, ain’t no running/gym sessions here). All up, the half-day hike was around 3 hours and you’re out on the ice for most of this.

Should I be worried about safety on the glacier?

As with all outdoor adventures, the conditions play a part and sometimes nature can be unpredictable, but I promise the moment you meet your guide, you’ll be put at ease by their professionalism and knowledge. The team at IceWalks are trained in all aspects of mountain operations from avalanche risk assessment and rescue to crevasses rescue, with the expertise to know where to walk, and of course, where not to walk! You can read about their story and see guide profiles here .

What about other tour operators at the Columbia Icefields?

When visiting the Columbia Icefields center, you’ll see a host of tour options available. I opted to hike with IceWalks (only bookable online) because they’re a small, family-run business who focus on group tours with a limited capacity, ensuring you’re getting a more in-depth and personalised experience.

I did see large buses driving alongside the glacier nearby, and while they do also walk on the glacier and would be ideal for anyone who can’t manage the longer walk due to health concerns, it only appears to provide access in a small area and you’re alongside a lot of other visitors.

How to book your tour with IceWalks –

Jump on to their website and browse the options to select a suitable date and time for your adventure, as I noted earlier, I was on the half-day classic tour . They’re also offering an ‘Ice and Water’ combination if you’re keen to blend a little glacier walk with a rafting trip the following day, or vice versa.

The tours are offered in the spring/summer months once it’s safe to access the glacier on foot. This year the season kicked off on May 20 th , however due to seasonal weather patterns, it’s always worth checking their website to see which date the season will start in 2024.

One thing to note – I can’t imagine anyone leaving this experience and not considering it one of their favourite days outdoors. While I’ve been fascinated with glaciers since my time in Greenland , my sister was also with me on this hike and noted it was possibly the best experience she’s ever had in the mountains.

Lastly, a huge thank you to Corin and the IceWalks team for hosting us on this half-day tour. It was so insightful, inspiring and fun. You made our time in the Canadian Rockies so memorable and we’ll absolutely be back again to step it up a notch and do the full-day trip.

Before you go, if you’re interested in related content, click on through to these guides –

Glacier Lodge Eqi – Sleep Beside a Calving Glacier in Greenland

Photographing Inside an Ice Cave, Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland

Landscape Photography – Capturing Details within a Scene

Alternatively, learn with The Wandering Lens via the collection of eBooks , creative photography workbooks and online courses.

Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens. With 17+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.

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Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks

Full Day Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks

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Ice Walk - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier) Experience: 25 Tips Before Visiting

The Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on Canada’s British Columbia/Alberta border. It is arguably the most accessible glacier in North America and offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with an earth-shaping wonder.

The Columbia Icefields Discovery Center is the gateway for many visitors with interactive exhibits, tours, and features like the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Here lies the opportunity to stand on a glacier, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You’ll likely want to visit the Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rockies, as it’s one of the best things to do in Banff. Here are some helpful tips for visiting the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.

Get to Know The Athabasca Glacier

The Columbia Icefield is the largest in the Canadian Rockies and covers around 230 sq km (89 sq mi) at depths up to 265 meters (1,200 ft). The Icefield forms a high-altitude ice cap that lies on a plateau. The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe extending from the Columbia Icefield.

Athabasca Glacier sits at the base of several notable Canadian Rocky peaks , such as Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. These peaks sit along the continental divide, and most notable is Snow Dome, where water from its peak flows to the Pacific, Atlantic, or Arctic Ocean.

At its terminus, the glacier sits about 1500 meters from the famed Icefields Parkway , and a convenient parking lot makes it an easy walk. The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. You can reach the glacier in your car in 10-20 minutes.

Where is the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre?

The Glacier Discovery Centre is located on the Icefields Parkway—1 hour south of Jasper and 2.5 hours north of Banff.

From Banff, travel 55 km west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Lake Louise. Then, it’s another 125 km north from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield. Along the way, you’ll pass so many fantastic stops like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake , so make sure to read our Icefields Parkway guide for the best stops

From Jasper , travel 108 km south on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N) stopping at attractions like Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls on your way to the Columbia Icefield.

Here is the location on Google Maps

**All vehicles must park at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre when visiting the Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk. Visitors to the Skywalk must take the included shuttle from the Centre.

Columbia Icefield Tour Offerings

The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is a hub for visitors who seek a closer look at the glacier. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. You can book tickets from the center on the Ice Explorer or Columbia Icefield Skywalk . However, booking these online in advance is recommended if visiting during peak season.

Ice Explorer Trucks

The Ice Explorer is the most popular tour and experience on the Athabasca Glacier. The tour takes visitors high up the glacier and drops them off on the glacier to experience it first-hand. This is done with massive trucks that drive up the steep moraines of the glacier before driving across it to a designated area.

The designated area is a roped-off area free of crevasses that is safe to explore, granted it’s not a vast space. The trucks are pretty interesting, and it’s definitely something that will thrill young children. Once you arrive at the Athabasca Glacier, you can walk around the small area for about half an hour to take in the views. There are guides to inform you about the significance of glaciers, and many will get to drink straight from the glacier itself!

It’s a pretty pricey experience that averages around $100 but includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. However, it allows for a much closer experience with the dramatic peaks and glaciers. As mentioned, tickets include the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, so the whole experience takes several hours.

The Columbia Icefield Adventure ticket with the Glacier Skywalk includes the Ice Explorer. You cannot just purchase the Ice Explorer adventure on its own – the experience is only offered in conjunction with The Icefield Skywalk . The Skywalk is a one-kilometer glass platform that hangs above the Sunwapta Valley. A shuttle bus leaves from the discovery center every fifteen minutes to the Skywalk, which is 6 km away.

You can book tickets online, but I wouldn’t recommend booking too far in advance as, similar to Banff Gondola and Jasper Skytram , your experience can vary significantly with the weather due to poor visibility.

The Athabasca Glacier Ice Walk

You don’t have to take the massive Ice Explorer vehicles to experience Athabasca Glacier. We actually recommend booking an ice walk, if you are fit and able. The “Ice Walk” tours across the Athabasca Glacier are a half day experience and require advanced booking with the local tour company. We highly recommend booking an Ice Walk tour and not trying to walk on the glacier alone unless you’re experienced with glacier travel.

If you want to actually repel into a crevasse on your glacier experience, Rockaboo is the only guiding company certified to do that. It’s a pretty cool experience and another way to learn more about the science and importance of glaciers.

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-bottomed bridge just north of the Athabasca Icefield and is a popular stop on the Icefield Parkway. Tickets for the experiences operate on time slots, so purchasing your tickets in advance is best to avoid a long wait or the tickets being sold out entirely.

According to your ticketed time, you’ll board a bus at the Glacier Discovery Center that will drive you to the Skywalk. You cannot drive to the Skywalk yourself as there is nowhere to park. The actual Skywalk is 6 km from the Glacier Discovery Center and does not offer many views of the Athabasca Glacier, but instead the Sunwapta Valley.

The Skywalk is a kilometer-long walk that first moves along interactive displays where guests learn about the natural process that formed the Rockies and the fossils. You follow along through an audio guide available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors.

After walking to the glass-bottomed bridge, it’s a short but thrilling walk for many as they peer down on the valley far below. There is no need to worry about safety as these glass panels are literally bulletproof and then some. If you’re scared of heights, it may make your heart skip a beat as the view down to the valley floor 300 meters below can be dizzying.

Summit Mount Athabasca

Mount Athabasca looms over Athabasca Glacier, but only a few see the view from the top. Reaching the summit requires a long hike to a technical glacier crossing and then up an exposed face or col. The views are breathtaking in more ways than one. You can spot countless glaciers, ice fields, and many of Alberta’s highest peaks from the top.

The peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies, famous for reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet. Many climbers in the Rockies have the lifetime goal of summiting all 54 (58) of the peaks, and they are considered classic mountaineering objectives.

In the photo above, you can see Mount Columbia, Snow Dome, Andromeda, and Alberta. At 11,453 feet in elevation with a massive glacier and convenient location, Athabasca is a tremendous first “11,000er.”

You cannot attempt this on your own without mountaineering experience . It is a serious mountain. We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day – the experience was epic!

This is probably not for everyone, as it’s a time commitment and a great physical challenge, but it is definitely one of the more adventurous things to do in Banff. It’s also an excellent introduction for those interested in mountaineering.

Our Best Tips To Visit Columbia Icefield Athabasca Glacier

Walk on the glacier with a guide.

Please do not walk far on Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment. That being said, walking on the glacier with a guide is easy. You won’t need any technical experience; with the proper safety precautions and equipment, it’s a straightforward objective/experience. There are many crevasses in the glacier, and a few cases of children falling into the small crevasses with tragic outcomes.

Even on a warm summer day, the weather around a glacier can be frigid as they create their own microclimates. Most notable is a Katabatic Wind effect, created as cool air draws off the glacier down to pockets of warmer air.

When you stand on Athabasca Glacier, it feels a bit like standing in front of an open freezer and is usually about 15° C cooler than what you experienced at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. So pack a toque and warm jacket when you visit the glacier for a more enjoyable experience.

Consider Reservations

You do not need a reservation for the tours at the Icefield Discovery Center unless you have a large group, though reservations never hurt and do guarantee your time and booking. It gets busy at the Columbia Icefield during the summer months!

The only required reservations are for the guided Ice Walk, as it is with an independent tour operator not associated with Pursuit and the Icefield Discovery Center. You can check out guided ice walk tours here.

The Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15-30 minutes in the summer and can cycle through many visitors. As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper, it’s best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. We recommend shooting for an early morning and witnessing sunrise on the Icefields Parkway – a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Pack Your Lunch

There are not many options for food along the Icefields Parkway . When driving between Jasper and Banff , you’re pretty much left with the Icefields Discovery Center or the disappointing Saskatchewan River Crossing. Both are overpriced.

We suggest picking up a packed lunch in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. It all depends on where you’re staying the night before. While you’re on Athabasca Glacier, bring an empty water bottle, as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water!

Columbia Icefield Tours Are Seasonal

While you can drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter, weather dependent, the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center does close. Tours are only operational in the summer and are subject to seasonal weather. Roughly, you can plan for the center to open from early May to mid-October. 2024 dates are set for May 4th to mid October.

Get Discounted Tickets With Pursuit

While there are no coupons or many discounts for the Icefield Discovery Center experiences, you can buy combo tickets. You can combine the tickets with the Lake Minnewanka cruise , Banff Gondola, Golden Skybridge , or Maligne Lake cruise for a discount.

The experiences are allowed to be used on separate days throughout the summer. While we’re more mixed on the experiences offered at the Discovery Center, the Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake cruise are worth visiting for most. Below are some of the combo offerings from Pursuit. Prices are subject to change.

• $85 Columbia Icefield Adventure Off-Peak Savings : Ice Explorer and Jasper Skywalk after 3:30 PM
• $97 Columbia Icefield Adventure : Ice Explorer and Jasper Skywalk
• $146 Pursuit Pass Jasper: Columbia Icefield Adventure – including Skywalk and Maligne Lake Cruise
• $140 Pursuit Pass Banff Gondola + Columbia Icefield Adventure : Banff Gondola and Columbia Icefield Adventure – Including Skywalk
• $199 Pursuit Pass Rockies Value (available June 2nd – October 9th): Includes a visit to the Banff Gondola anytime. And Visit after 3:30 PM the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Columbia Icefield Adventure, Maligne Lake Cruise, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, and Golden Skybridge.
• $249 Pursuit Pass Rockies (available June 2nd – October 9th) Visit the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Skywalk, Columbia Icefield Adventure, Maligne Lake Cruise, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, and Golden Skybridge anytime.

There are a few select discounts offered at the Columbia Icefield Center. The first is for Alberta locals; those who apply must have a valid Alberta postal code and consent to receive email offers from Pursuit and get the ticket for $85.

The others are the “Family Experience,” which entails one child admitted free with each regular-priced adult. This is available daily for admission before 11 AM. And then there is the “Off Peak Savings,” which offers a discount on afternoon tours after 3:30pm.

Consider Saving Your Money

Truth be told, we’re personally not big fans of the Ice Explorer vehicles driving on Athabasca Glacier or the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. You can walk up to the terminus of Athabasca Glacier from the parking lot for free and get a lovely view. It’s also possible to hike a little further to the toe of the glacier yourself. However, we recommend a guide to walk actually on the glacier.

The Ice Explorer vehicles are massive and operate all day in the summer. That’s a lot of CO2 emissions doing damage to a precious environment. It’s crazy how much the glacier has receded in just 100 years, and there are photos at the Discover Center to show it. Soon, we might not have any glaciers left. Honestly, the views from the cafeteria and restaurant of the Discovery Center are fantastic for free.

When it comes to the Skywalk, the views and the novelty of a glass bottom are a bit of a letdown. For better views, go on one of our favorite hikes nearby, Parker Ridge . The ridge has phenomenal views over the Saskatchewan Glacier, and the hike is easy enough to complete in under two hours. Another great hike nearby is Wilcox Pass.

All that being said, we do understand the want to see a glacier up close, and if you are going to gain knowledge about glaciers, I suppose we can sacrifice one in the hopes that others around the world are saved. While we think you can get better views on a hike than the Skywalk, the Skywalk is accessible for all and will help everyone get the most out of their trip who may not be able to enjoy long hikes. The Athabasca Ice Explorer Tours combined with the Skywalk are among the top selling tours in Banff .

Directions To Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is conveniently located off the Icefields Parks or Highway 93, which runs from Lake Louise to Jasper . The driving distance to the Icefields Discovery Center is 195 km and takes just under three hours from Downtown Banff – that’s without any stops.

From Lake Louise, the center is 130 km away and takes around two hours to reach. Jasper is the closest at 105 km and 1.5 hours driving. Of course, very few will drive the parkway in that time as there are many worthy stops along the way. The Icefields Parkway is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

What Can You Find At The Columbia Icefields Discovery Center

There are several facilities at the Discovery Center. Even if you don’t have plans for one of the tours, it’s worth stopping for refreshment, stretching your legs, or using the washroom. You can find the following services:

• Fine Dining Restaurant, Altitude Restaurant
• Glacier View Lodge
• Picnic Tables
• WiFi & Cell Coverage
• Overflow Parking/Camping For RVs
• Washrooms (running water and flush toilets)
• Interpretative Display From Parks Canada
• Information Desk
• There is no fuel ! The closest fuel stations are in the town of Jasper and Saskatchewan River Crossing, and lastly, there are gas stations at Lake Louise. Trust us – that’s it.

The Best Columbia Icefields Hotel

One of the best hotels in Jasper is right at the foot of the Columbia Icefield. The Glacier View Lodge is the only hotel in the area and is where you can stay if you want to wake up to views of the Athabasca Glacier. I highly recommend booking a night here if you don’t mind being a few hours from Downtown Banff, the Town of Jasper, or anywhere else.

*It’s important to note this Jasper Hotel is closed in the winter and books up quickly in the summer.

• Book on Booking.com – Glacier View Lodge
• Book on Hotels.com – Glacier View Lodge

Other Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier FAQ

Can You Buy Just a Ticket on the Icefield Explorer?

No, tickets are only sold as a combo that includes the Skywalk and the Icefield Explorer. You can, however, opt to buy just a Skywalk ticket, but not the other way around.

Is There Food at the Discovery Center?

Yes, the Altitude Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, there is the Chalet Grab and Go for lunch, and there’s a Starbucks.

What Are the Hours of the Columbia Icefield Experience?

The hours change by season. In 2024 the hours posted are:

• May 4 – May 19: 11 AM – 4 PM
• May 20 – September 30: 10 AM – 5 PM
• October 1 – 9: 11 AM – 4 PM

How Long Do I Get To Stay at the Athabasca Glacier?

Guests get about 20 minutes of actual glacier time if partaking in the Ice Explorer Tour. If doing an IceWalk, guests will be on the glacier for about 2 hours, but the whole walk experience takes between 3-4 hours.

Is the Columbia Icefield Open in the Winter?

While you can certainly drive the Icefields Parkway and see Mount Athabasca in the winter, no experiences are offered in the winter. All operations at the Discovery Center close in mid-October for the season.

Is the Columbia Icefield wheelchair accessible?

The Columbia Icefield Adventure offers a unique opportunity for guests with mobility needs to experience breathtaking natural wonders. The Ice Explorers are equipped with wheelchair lifts, allowing guests to explore the glacier up close.

Additionally, accessible vans are available to transport guests to the Ice Explorer and Columbia Icefield Skywalk, where the entire 800-meter circumference is designed to be fully accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. To ensure a seamless experience, guests with accessibility needs should call 1.866.506.0515 at least 72 hours before arrival to arrange accommodations and check-in at least 30 minutes before the tour start time.

Is the Columbia Icefield Pet Friendly?

It’s best to leave pets at home as they are not allowed on the Columbia Icefield Adventure or Skywalk.

How Long Do I Need at the Columbia Icefield?

Leave yourself between 3-4 hours to enjoy all the offerings at the Columbia Icefield. The Jasper Skywalk takes about 1-1.5 hours to enjoy (including transport), while the Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer experience takes about 2 hours. If you are enjoying an Ice Walk tour, plan for that time added to your day. Also nearby is a nice Alberta waterfall, Tangle Creek Falls, is a quick 20-minute stop!

Where Do the Shuttle Buses Leave From?

The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is the departure point for shuttle buses to the Columbia Icefield Adventure and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. To streamline the process, the queue hallway is separated into two sides: one for guests embarking on the Columbia Icefield Adventure and one for those visiting the Skywalk.

Guests who have purchased the Columbia Icefield Adventure will proceed directly to the Skywalk from the transfer bays upon returning from the Glacier.

Do You Need a Parks Pass to Visit the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier?

All visitors need a Parks Canada Pass to access Banff or Jasper and drive on the Icefields Parkway. You can purchase a Parks Canada pass at any park gate as you enter the Icefields Parkway in either direction. Or you can buy Parks Canada passes in advance online.

A Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which gets you entrance to all Parks Canada destinations for the year, is only $151.25 for a family. Day passes are $11.00 per person, so depending on how many days you are staying and if you have plans to go to Banff, you may want to consider the Discovery Pass.

Parks Canada Day Pass Rates

Hopefully, this helped determine if you want to enjoy the columbia icefield experience., if you have any other questions, comment or see our  canadian rockies travel guide  for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, etc..

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The  Banff Blog Facebook Group  is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Cameron

Cameron is a resident of Canmore, Alberta. After traveling the world for six years, he settled down in the beautiful Bow Valley with Natasha. He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. You can learn more on the about us page. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

4 thoughts on “Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier) Experience: 25 Tips Before Visiting”

This is a supremely helpful guide for the icefield. We now know what to avoid. Thank you.

Very informative and helpful. I have been wondering if we could go to Skywalk first before our time for the Glacier field tour? Thanks for the response.

You can only go to the skywalk from the discovery center as there is no parking on the road, so you will have to go check in there first.

Extremely useful information that covers a lot of relevant ground. For the life of me, I couldn’t find elsewhere such clear information about whether we had to take one of those red and white buses to see the glacier (every search result showed these buses everywhere). Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

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The Columbia Icefields & Athabasca Glacier Tour

If you are planning an Icefields Parkway road trip, or visiting Banff National Park , the Columbia Icefield is probably on your itinerary. The Columbia Icefield is the largest Icefield south of the Arctic. Seeing the Icefields in person is a bucket list item for any visitor to the Canadian Rockies. This guide to the Columbia Icefields & Athabasca Glacier Tour is here to help plan your visit. 

Covering an area of 125 square miles, the Columbia Icefield was formed during the Great Glaciation period. What you see today is the remainder of what was once a thick ice mass that covered most of Western Canada. Glaciers have been constantly shaping this landscape for millions of years.

The Icefields are spread between both Banff and Jasper National Parks with the majority being in Banff. There are approximately 30 glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefields, with the Athabasca Glacier being one of 6 major “tongues”. 

There are few places on earth that compare in beauty to the Icefields, they are a natural wonder that everyone needs to see in their lifetime. Visiting the glacier can take up to 3 hours total so it’s important to plan your visit ahead of time. 

Facts About The Columbia Icefields

– The Columbia Icefields were formed during the Great Glaciation Period . – The Athabasca Glacier is over 10,000 years old . – Mount Snow Dome is part of the triple continental divide. – The Athabasca Glacier is the most accessible glacier in the world. – The Columbia Icefields are the biggest Icefields south of the Arctic .

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

What Is A Glacier? How Are Glaciers Formed?

A glacier is an accumulation of snow that is present year-round. A glacier is formed when snow accumulates faster than it can melt. The weight of the snow compresses, turning into a thick mass of ice that has formed over many years. Glaciers are continuously in motion and flow just like a slow moving river. Glaciers are responsible for the beautiful blue lakes you see scattered throughout the Canadian Rockies.

How To Get The The Icefields Centre

The Icefields Centre is where you’ll purchase or pick up tickets, and where you’ll join your Ice Explorer tour for the Athabasca Glacier. It is situated about halfway along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper National Parks. 

From Banff the drive is 2 hours and 15 minutes one-way, and from Jasper the drive is slightly shorter at 1 hour and 15 minutes one-way. If you plan to stop along the way your drive will be longer depending on how long you want to spend at each place. 

Just before reaching the Icefields Centre you’ll start to notice the landscape change and begin to see the surrounding mountains have larger accumulations of snow. You can see the Athabasca from the road, and even drive up to the toe of the glacier for a closer look. 

With its close proximity to the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier is the most visited and most accessible glacier in the world. 

The Icefields Centre is one of the only places along the Icefields Parkway that has Wifi, it’s free to use so take advantage of it while you can. They also have a Starbucks, gift shop, cafe and restaurant on site.

Tips For Visiting The Athabasca Glacier

• Opening Times – The Icefields Centre is open seasonally from May to October and tours in the summer months run from 10am to 5pm.
• Arrive Early – It’s really important that you arrive on time for your tour. Ensure you leave with plenty of time to spare. You can try to book a walk-up spot on the day but this is never guaranteed. If you do happen to miss your tour time,  staff will do their best to accommodate you, providing that there is space on one of the next tours. 
• Bring a warm coat – Don’t take the blue sunny skies for granted. Things may be warm at the visitors centre and while on the bus, but the second you step off the Ice Explorer you will feel that cold glacial wind hit you. 
• Wear grippy shoes – You’ll be walking on a huge chunk of ice, so bring shoes with good grip or micro spikes if you want. Walking on the glacier in regular tennis shoes can be done, it’s just much harder to do. I saw people slipping and sliding all over the place. 
• Bring lunch or snacks – The icefields Centre is the only place to get food or snacks for miles (besides the limited Saskatchewan Crossing) so you can expect the prices to be high . I took a quick look through their sandwich selection and the average price was $16. We had snacks already so decided to continue onto Jasper. 
• Make use of the Icefields Centre – Whether you are taking an Ice Explorer tour or hiking in the area, make use of the Icefields Centre. The centre doesn’t require a ticket entry and has public washrooms, free wifi and a Starbucks (I can only be outdoorsy for so long until I need my Starbucks…)

Visiting the rockies without a car? Take a one-day tour from Banff to the Columbia Icefields!

Athabasca Ice Explorer Tour

Your tour starts at the Icefields Centre. This is where you’ll sign in with your tour guide and board the bus that will take you across the highway to your Ice Explorer.

The Ice Explorers have gone through many transitions through the years. The older vehicle model was the “shake and bake” – looking at this old model makes me happy that they no longer use them, they do not look overly safe to me! 

During the drive to the glacier our guide asked the group if there was anyone who had walked on a glacier before. Matt and I have both been up close with glaciers. The Wedgemount Glacier in Whistler was the closest I had ever been to a glacier, but I wasn’t prepared for the vastness and beauty of the Athabasca Glacier. This giant block of ice is truly impressive. 

During the drive onto the glacier your guides give an overview of the history of the area and the Athabasca Glacier itself. The Athabasca Glacier has lost over half its volume over the past 125 years and each year it recedes around 1.5km. Climate change continues to be a threat to the Athabasca Glacier, and it is predicted that it could disappear within one generation. 

Once you depart the Ice Explorer, you are free to roam around the designated area of the glacier and take photos with the Canadian flag. It is much colder on the glacier (its a block of ice after all) and you’ll also experience extreme winds, so bring layers.

Once you are standing on the glacier you can get a better look of the other glaciers in the area, including Andromeda Glacier. It’s hard not to marvel in awe at the sprawling glaciers that surround this area.

Just next to the Athabasca is Mount Snow Dome, one of the most important peaks in the area. Snow Dome is part of a triple continental divide. The meltwaters from Dome Glacier flow to three different oceans, the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. 

There are many streams of meltwater all along the glacier, if you bring a water bottle you can fill up with fresh glacial water. On a sunny day the glacier sparkles like a diamond, with many shades of white and blue. 

Is The Skywalk Worth It?

The Skywalk is the last part of your tour. After you have boarded your Ice Explorer to leave the glacier, you’ll then transfer back onto the coaches you came on and drive towards the Skywalk. 

The Skywalk was introduced in 2014 and is a walkway made out of glass that juts out from the side of a mountain. The Skywalk looks over the Sunwapta Valley and the views are really beautiful. 

On the way to the glass section of the walk, you’ll pass by info boards explaining the history of the area. Many fossils have been found in this area suggesting that the valley below was once an ancient seabed hundreds of millions of years ago. Audio guides are free to pick up on your way in and are really interesting to listen to. 

Is the Skywalk worth it? As a stand-alone ticket I would say no. Had the location been better maybe it would be worth it. As it is included in your ticket it’s a nice addition to do. Its location seems a bit odd, the original idea behind the Skywalk was to showcase some of the other glaciers along the Columbia Icefields, but its in a location that makes this kind of hard to do. While the valley is beautiful, the glaciers are tucked behind the bend in the road just before you arrive at the Skywalk.

The Skywalk is very much a tourist attraction, but if you want to see other glaciers in the area without buying a ticket, consider the Parker Ridge or Wilcox Pass hikes which offer better views and are completely free. 

There is no option to take the Skywalk off the Ice Explorer admission price and there are no direct buses from the glacier to the Icefields Centre. If you do not wish to to visit the Skywalk, you will need to get off at the Skywalk bus stop and wait for the next return bus. 

Athabasca Glacier Ice Walk

If you are looking for a more sustainable option to visit and walk on the Athabasca Glacier, then a glacier ice walk might be the better choice. 

From the road the glacier looks smooth and potentially easy to walk on, but crevasses are hidden all over the glacier and venturing onto the glacier alone is not recommended/advised or permitted.

Crevasses are big holes and gaps hidden in the glacier, and falling in one can be life threatening. Matt knows all too well about crevasses, having fallen into one while out snowmobiling – I can say with confidence it doesn’t look fun! 

That’s where Ice Walks comes in. Not only will they provide you with the safety and knowledge of navigating the glacier, but it doesn’t require any heavy machinery being operated on the glacier either! A win-win. It’s also much more adventurous and fun.

Where To Stay When Visiting The Columbia Icefields

There aren’t many places to stay within close proximity to the Athabasca Glacier, but if you want the full blown experience, you can book the Glacier View Lodge . The hotel has unparalleled views of the glacier and the surround mountains and parkway. It is very much a premium experience but one that you won’t get anywhere else. 

One of the perks of staying here is that you can opt to add on a guided morning tour of the Athabasca Glacier, with a complimentary coffee in hand, as well as a guided evening tour at the Skywalk. The price is double what you’d pay for a regular tour, but you’ll get the best views and no other visitors. 

There is also the option to camp in the area . If you’re wanting to hike Wilcox Pass, the nearest campground is Wilcox Creek Campground which is located right at the trailhead. For hiking Parker Ridge, the HI Hilda Creek Wilderness Hostel is fairly close. 

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Athabasca Glacier: Wonder of Ice along the Icefields Parkway

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, and it’s the most prominent as well. As you can see it from the Icefields Parkway you can easily walk up to it, and even step on it during an Ice Explorer tour. If you want to know everything about this famous glacier, this article is for you!

Most people who visit Banff National Park know that the Athabasca Glacier is the one you can access by taking a ride in a mighty Ice Explorer vehicle. However, there’s so much more to tell about this mighty glacier.

Let’s dive in!

Geographical Location of Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is located in the Canadian Rockies, specifically within the Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is part of the Columbia Icefield , the largest icefield in the North American Rockies at 325 square kilometers (125 sq mi). The glacier is named after the Athabasca River, which flows nearby.

The Athabasca Glacier is in the Sunwapta Valley , a glacially-carved valley in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It lies along the Icefields Parkway, a scenic highway stretching between Jasper and Lake Louise, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and lakes.

The Athabasca Glacier is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) long and covers an area of around 6 square kilometers (2.3 sq mi) . It descends from the Columbia Icefield, the source of six glaciers. Peaks like Mount Athabasca and Snow Dome surround the glacier.

Like many glaciers worldwide, the Athabasca Glacier has been experiencing significant retreat over the past century. You’ll probably guess the reason: climate change is to blame. 

The result is a noticeable reduction in its size and volume. Scientists and researchers monitor the glacier’s changes as it provides insights into the effects of global warming on glaciers and the environment.

ALSO READ: The Glaciers of Banff National Park

Accessing the Athabasca Glacier

The glacier is easily accessible as it lies beside the Icefields Parkway , a 230-kilometer-long scenic roadway connecting the towns of Lake Louise in Banff National Park and Jasper in Jasper National Pak. 

You can easily access the glacier from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre , about 100 kilometers (62 mi) south of Jasper and 130 kilometers (80 mi) north of Lake Louise. You can take guided tours onto the glacier by riding specially designed all-terrain vehicles known as “Ice Explorers”.

Formation and History of Athabasca Glacier

The formation and history of the Athabasca Glacier are closely connected to the geological processes that have shaped this region over millions of years.

Like other glaciers, the Athabasca Glacier existed through snow’s gradual accumulation and compression . It all began with snow buildup in the high-altitude areas of the Columbia Icefield.

As the weight of the accumulated snow increased, the layers beneath it became compressed, transforming into glacial ice through a process called firnification .

Belonging to the Pleistocene Epoch , a geological period lasting from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago, the Athabasca Glacier is a relic of the last major glaciation. This is known as the Wisconsin Glacial Stage . This epoch was characterized by multiple glaciation cycles, better known as ice ages.

Throughout its history, the Athabasca Glacier has experienced periods of advancement and retreat as a result of changes in climate and environmental conditions.

The glacier would advance during colder periods, slowly descending the Sunwapta Valley. However, as temperatures warmed, it would gradually retreat, leaving moraines.

These moraine deposits , consisting of rocks, sediment, and debris carried and deposited by the Athabasca glacier, are proof of its past advances. The lateral and terminal moraines surrounding the glacier indicate its different stages and extents.

These days, the Athabasca Glacier is a natural laboratory for studying glaciology, climate change, and the effects of global warming on glaciers.

Scientists and researchers monitor the glacier’s behavior. They measure its mass, flow rate, and other parameters . It gains insights into the dynamics of glaciers and their response to changing climate conditions.

Due to its accessibility (see above) and beauty, the Athabasca Glacier has become a popular tourist attraction. You can take guided tours of the glacier.

Recession over Time

As I explained in the previous paragraph, the Athabasca Glacier has undergone a significant recession, particularly in the last century.

The rate of recession of the Athabasca Glacier has accelerated in recent decades . Between 1890 and 2010, the glacier retreated approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mi), most of this retreat occurring since the mid-20th century. While the recession rate has varied, it has generally increased in recent years.

Global warming has increased the melting of the glacier’s ice. Reduced snowfall and a higher proportion of rainfall, less effective in replenishing the glacier’s ice mass, resulted in a loss of ice.

This recession has led to a significant reduction in its volume and thickness . The glacier has lost substantial mass as the ice melts and flows downslope. This ice loss has visibly impacted the glacier’s size, with a noticeable decrease in length and area.

Comparing historical photographs with the current landscape reveals the visible changes caused by the recession of the Athabasca Glacier.

The glacier’s terminus, or furthest point reached, has noticeably retreated up the Sunwapta Valley . This retreat has exposed previously covered land, leaving behind exposed bedrock and moraines that were once hidden beneath the ice.

The recession of the Athabasca Glacier has environmental implications for the surrounding area .

The reduction in glacial meltwater affects the flow of streams and rivers that depend on the glacier as a water source. This can impact downstream ecosystems, aquatic life, and water availability for plants and animals.

Scientists and researchers use methods such as satellite imagery, aerial surveys, and ground measurements to monitor the recession of the Athabasca Glacier.

They help track changes in the glacier’s size, mass, and flow. The studies also help to better understand the impacts of climate change on glaciers and they refine climate models.

Climate and Weather Patterns

The climate and weather patterns surrounding the Athabasca Glacier are influenced by its high-altitude location in the Canadian Rockies and the broader regional climate of the area.

The Athabasca Glacier experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and relatively warm summers. The region has distinct seasons, with significant temperature variations throughout the year.

In winter (December to February), temperatures near the Athabasca Glacier can plummet well below freezing, with average lows of around -15°C (5°F) or colder.

Summers (June to August) bring milder to warm temperatures, with average highs ranging from around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

The area surrounding the Athabasca Glacier receives moderate precipitation year-round. Winter months bring snowfall, while summers bring rainfall. Annual precipitation levels typically range between 500 to 1,000 millimeters (20 to 40 in).

Snowfall obviously plays an important role around the Athabasca Glacier, particularly during winter.

Snow accumulation on the glacier contributes to its mass and sustains its size. However, climate change has influenced overall snowfall in the region , with some studies suggesting a decrease over time.

Glacial winds are a notable feature of the Athabasca Glacier’s climate. These winds can be strong and chilling due to ice and mountainous terrain. They contribute to a harsher and colder climate around the glacier, particularly during winter months.

The region around the Athabasca Glacier is characterized by microclimates , localized climate conditions that differ from the surrounding climate.

The presence of the glacier and its valley creates unique temperature and weather patterns, often with cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover compared to lower elevations.

Weather variability is common around the Athabasca Glacier, with rapid changes possible over short periods.

Weather fluctuations and sudden shifts in temperature are not uncommon , especially during transitional seasons such as spring and autumn.

While the Athabasca Glacier has its own climate and weather patterns, it is also influenced by broader regional climate trends and global climate change.

Unique Features of the Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier has several unique features that make it a stunning natural phenomenon.

The Athabasca Glacier offers guided tours to explore its icy landscape. Guides lead these tours, allowing you to walk on the glacier or ride in specialized all-terrain vehicles called “ Ice Explorers ”. 

The visual retreat of the Athabasca Glacier over time is a powerful illustration of the effects of climate change on glaciers. The exposed bedrock and lateral moraines left behind as the glacier recedes contrast with the surrounding landscape.

Distinct moraine deposits left by the Athabasca Glacier add to its unique features. These moraines create visible ridges and mounds surrounding the glacier’s edge . 

The Athabasca Glacier display stunning blue ice formations . The densely packed ice crystals absorb and scatter light, producing vibrant blue hues. Seeing this glacial blue ice is captivating and enhances the glacier’s beauty.

Crevasses and Seracs

Crevasses and seracs are glacial features that you can find on the Athabasca Glacier.

Crevasses are deep cracks or fractures that form on the surface of a glacier. They typically occur where the glacier flows over uneven terrain or encounters obstacles like steep slopes or underlying bedrock irregularities. 

The formation of crevasses results from the differential movement within a glacier . The central portion of the glacier flows faster than the edges due to gravity. This creates tension and stress within the ice, leading to crevasses’ development.

Crevasses can vary in size, width, and depth . They range from small, narrow cracks to more extensive, wider crevasses extending several meters deep. Due to the absorption and scattering of light within the dense ice, crevasses often exhibit a distinct blue color. 

However, they can also be hazards for climbers and hikers on glaciers . Crevasses can be hidden beneath snow bridges or obscured by fresh snowfall. Therefore, it is crucial to be careful, use proper equipment like ropes and harnesses, and have the necessary training and expertise when stepping onto a glacier like the Athabasca Glacier.

Seracs are large, blocky, or column-like formations of ice found on the surface or along the edges of glaciers. They often result from the fracturing and collapse of crevasses. They form towering ice structures. 

Seracs form in areas where crevasses intersect or converge . This causes the ice to break into large blocks or towers. These distinctive formations can range from a few meters to tens of meters in height and width. 

Seracs can come in various shapes, including jagged spires, massive ice towers, or chaotic ice blocks. Seracs can change over time due to the glacier’s movement. They may collapse, topple, or shift position, potentially creating new hazards.

Moraines and Other Geological Formations

Moraines and other geological formations are prominent features surrounding the Athabasca Glacier.

Moraines are accumulations of rock debris, sediment, and till carried and deposited by a glacier. There are different types of moraines:

• Lateral Moraines form along the glacier’s sides, composed of material scraped and plucked from the valley walls as the glacier moves. They consist of rocks, boulders, sand, and fine sediment.
• Medial Moraines occur when two glaciers merge, combining the debris from both glaciers in the center. They appear as long, dark lines running down the middle of the glacier.
• Terminal Moraines are formed at the farthest point of glacier advance. They mark the end of the glacier’s previous extent and often appear as crescent-shaped mounds of sediment and rocks.

Moraines provide geological evidence of the past behavior and extent of glaciers . Studying moraines allows scientists to reconstruct the history and dynamics of the Athabasca Glacier, gaining insights into its retreat and advance over time.

Erratics are large rocks or boulders that are transported and deposited by glaciers. They differ from the surrounding bedrock, indicating that the glacier’s movement brought them from a different location. 

Glaciers carry erratics as they slide over the landscape, picking up rocks and boulders. When the glacier melts or retreats, it leaves behind these transported rocks. Erratics provide evidence of past glacial movement and contribute to the unique scenery around the Athabasca Glacier.

U-shaped valleys , also known as glacial valleys, are distinctive landforms shaped by the erosive action of glaciers. They have a characteristic U-shaped cross-section with steep sides and a flat bottom. As glaciers advance and retreat, they erode the surrounding bedrock through abrasion and plucking. 

The movement of the glacier carves and deepens the valley, transforming a V-shaped river valley into a U-shaped glacial valley. 

Flora and Fauna Around the Athabasca Glacier

The flora and fauna around the Athabasca Glacier are adapted to the challenging environment of the Canadian Rockies. 

Flora:  The high-altitude and harsh conditions around the Athabasca Glacier limit the types of plants that can live here. Alpine plants dominate the area, characterized by hardy and low-growing plant species adapted to cold temperatures, strong winds, and short growing seasons.

Alpine plants include dwarf willows, mosses, lichens, sedges, alpine buttercups, alpine asters, mountain avens, and wildflowers . These plants often grow in patches or cushion-like formations to protect themselves from harsh conditions.

As the elevation decreases from the glacier, subalpine forests become more prevalent. These forests consist of coniferous trees such as Englemann spruce, subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine . They provide habitat and shelter for various animal species.

You can find riparian vegetation along the banks of rivers and streams influenced by the glacier’s meltwater. These areas support a mix of shrubs, grasses, and herbaceous plants adapted to the moist and fertile conditions of the glacial water.

Fauna:  Mountain goats are a common sight in the region around the Athabasca Glacier. These sure-footed animals are adapted to steep and rocky terrain. With their shaggy white coat, sharp hooves, and curved horns, they easily navigate the mountainous landscape.

Bighorn sheep also live in the area, often on rugged slopes and cliffs. They graze on grasses and other vegetation. Male bighorn sheep, or rams, are known for their large curled horns and impressive displays during mating season.

Marmots are social rodents well-adapted to the alpine environment of the Columbia Icefield. They live in burrows and hibernate during the winter months. Yellow-bellied marmots are commonly found in the region and are known for their distinctive chirping calls.

The area around the Athabasca Glacier is also home to various bird species . If you’re lucky, you can spot raptors like golden eagles and peregrine falcons and songbirds like white-crowned sparrows, pine grosbeaks, and gray jays. You can also see waterfowl near glacial-fed lakes and ponds.

Despite the challenging conditions, insects and arachnids live in the region. Butterflies, moths, beetles, spiders, and ground-dwelling insects contribute to the ecosystem as pollinators and food sources for other animals.

Human Interaction and Impact

Human interaction and its impact on the Athabasca Glacier directly and indirectly affect its ecosystem and long-term sustainability.

Tourism and Recreation:  The Athabasca Glacier attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts yearly.

However, high visitor numbers can lead to environmental degradation. Foot traffic and vehicle access can cause soil erosion, damage vegetation, and disturb wildlife habitats.

Climate Change and Carbon Footprint:  Climate change, primarily driven by human activities, has played a significant role in the recession of the Athabasca Glacier. The emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, has increased global temperatures, accelerating glacier melting and retreat.

Research and Monitoring:  Scientific research and monitoring are crucial in understanding the behavior, retreat patterns, and overall health of the Athabasca Glacier. Responsible practices are essential for researchers and scientists to minimize their ecological footprint. 

This includes only working in designated research areas, minimizing waste, and respecting wildlife habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about the Athabasca Glacier? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to enhance your understanding and prepare you for an incredible visit:

What is the Athabasca Glacier Known for?

The Athabasca Glacier is renowned for its stunning beauty, impressive ice formations, and its role as a tangible example of climate change. It provides a unique opportunity to witness the impact of environmental challenges on our planet.

What is the Best Way to Experience the Athabasca Glacier?

Guided tours and excursions offer the best way to experience the glacier safely. Led by guides, these tours provide valuable insights into the glacier’s history, geology, and the environmental issues it faces.

Is it Safe to Walk on the Athabasca Glacier?

Walking directly on the Athabasca Glacier without proper equipment, experience, and guidance is prohibited. The glacier’s surface can be unstable and dangerous, with hidden crevasses and other hazards. You need to take a guided tour on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a safe opportunity to explore the glacier.

Is the Athabasca Glacier Tour worth it?

Absolutely! The Athabasca Glacier tour is a unique adventure. It’s your opportunity to witness a remarkable natural wonder and learn about glacial processes.

What is the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre?

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is the starting point for your Athabasca Glacier adventure. It provides visitor information, exhibits, and amenities, like a gift shop and restaurants.

What Are the Highlights of the Ice Explorer Glacier Tour?

The Ice Explorer Glacier Tour offers a variety of highlights that make it an unforgettable experience. Stepping onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier itself is a remarkable moment.

READ MORE: 7 glaciers tours in Banff and Jasper National Park

As a former Banffite, I love writing about my favorite part of the world. I keep coming back to enjoy the park's mesmerising beauty. It never fails to impress me. With my extensive knowledge of the area, I aim to provide you with the best information on Banff that you can find on the internet.

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Thank you very much, Dan. I appreciate your knowledge over the beauties of Banff and the writing as well.

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Walking On The Athabasca Glacier In The Canadian Rockies

Last Updated on March 25, 2021

Visiting the Athabasca Glacier is a Canadian Rockies MUST DO .

The road to the Columbia Icefields, one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle, is said to be one of the world’s greatest mountain drives, and one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Expect incredible scenic views around each bend, that even when shrouded in clouds, could not contain the power and grandeur of the snow-capped mountains and pristine blue lakes.

The drive through the Icefields Parkway runs between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. Driving this road will also take you right to the Glacier Discovery Centre, where you can walk on the Athabasca Glacier. You cannot miss it.

Standing on a glacier is a once in a lifetime experience!

The Icefield Interpretive Centre

Upon arrival at the Athabasca Glacier, you will have to park at the Icefield Interpretive Center. They have a huge parking lot opposite the glacier.

At the Icefield Interpretive Centre you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat, visit the gift shop, and buy a ticket to walk on the glacier. The best way to see the Glacier is to get on one of the huge Brewster busses, that will drive right onto the glacier. The Brewster busses are massive 6-wheeled all-terrain vehicles.

Make sure you arrive early to the Glacier Discovery Centre, where you get set up with your tour tickets. You will want to arrive early to purchase or pickup your tickets as it was incredibly busy when we arrived. You do not need a reservation, but if you know you can be there by a certain time, making a reservation will guarantee your time slot so you can get more exploring done in your day.

From the center, you can also book your adventure to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk .

The Athabasca Glacier

The Columbia Icefield covers around 230 sq km, with depths up to 1,200ft. It is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies.

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six ‘toes’ that comes out of the Columbia Icefield. The glacier is losing depth at a rate of 16 feet per year (5 meters), and has receded over 1.5km, and has lost half of its volume, in the past 125 years. At 6km in length, it is the only glacier in the area. The glacier is in continual motion, and creeps forward several centimeters each day. As this happens, rocky giant piles of rocks and debris,  otherwise known as rocky moraines, are left behind.

The Athabasca is the most-visited glacier on the North American continent. It is also arguably one of the most accessible glaciers in North America and the world.

Also, the Athabasca Glacier sits at the base of several remarkable peaks. You can see three from the parkway: Dome, Stutfield and Athabasca. From the Snow Dome, water flows to either the Pacific, Atlantic, or Arctic Ocean! How cool is that?! The Athabasca Glacier is one of only two places in the world that forms a triple continental divide.

What you can see from the road is only a small part of the Columbia Icefield.

The Ice Explorer

From the Icefield Interpretive Center, you will board a tour bus that takes you to the bottom of the Athabasca Glacier, where you switch at a bus stop like platform onto the Ice Explorers. The tour itself is well-timed. It did not feel like there were too many Ice Explorers arriving with more tourists. Everyone able to get the photos you wanted and even with two little kids, we had plenty of time to do as we pleased during our 90-minute tour. The weather was all over the place on our trip, but we were so fortunate that the sun came out and the sky started to clear before our adventure, allowing us to snap these gorgeous photos.

Traveling in a huge Ice Explorer to the glacier was a highlight for the kids. The ride is about 5 kilometers, round trip. During your ride, you’ll climb some massive hills. At times it even feels like you are almost completely vertical. Once you reach the glacier, you can get off the Ice Explorer and onto the ice. Take time for some fun photos and to taste some of the delicious and ice-COLD glacier water. That water was so refreshing and delicious. The Ice Explorers travel in all weather conditions.

Our driver was a business student in Alberta working for the summer and he was fabulous. It is always nice to see someone so passionate about what he is doing, and someone that speaks so highly of the company he is working for,  Brewster Travel , and his summer experience learning all he can about the amazing glacier. He had much insight into the interesting geological features, with a few fun jokes thrown in for good measure.

Our driver mentioned that the Ice Explorers pass through a river before going onto the glacier. Doing this helps to remove dirt from the explorer so that dirt is not being brought onto the glacier. This helps to lessen the impact of the speed of the glacial melt.

Ice Explorer Tour – Cost

A ticket to take part in a 90-minute Ice Explorer tour is CA$87.00 (adult) and $43.50 (child). Of the 90-minute tour, you have roughly 20 minutes on the glacier.

Your ticket also includes entry to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, where you walk along a cliff-edged walkway for stunning views of the Sunwapta Valley, while suspended 918 feet from the floor of the valley.

How Slippery Is The Glacier?

As long as you take it slowly and don’t make it a race, you will be completely fine. We had running shoes on and did not have any problems.

Respect The Boundaries

You are only allowed access to the area that is roped off. Do not cross over the boundaries as it is extremely dangerous. The area that you are permitted to be in is inspected and safe. Since the glacier is always shifting and moving, it creates a lot of danger when you do not know what you are doing. It makes you vulnerable to find a hidden crevasse that could swallow you up.

Know Before You Go:

• Tours depart every 15-30 minutes from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway.
• If you do not make a reservation, and buy a walk-up ticket, you can have better control over picking a day that has optimal visibility. However, the tour company does recommend that guests book in advance. If you are needing to visit on a specific day, you would not want to arrive and find tickets are sold out.
• It will be a lot colder on the glacier than at the Discover Centre. Dress warm and wear a good pair closed toed shoes. It can also be slippery.
• Bring a water bottle to fill up with glacier water. We did not bring one, so we used our hands to take a sip. It was cold, cold, cold. Do not do it our way.
• Pack a lunch. You can get a bite to eat at the Icefields Center Café. However, it is quite pricy.
• Bring a camera.
• Bring sunglasses because the reflection off the glacier may hurt your eyes.

Athabasca Glacier Hike – Another Perspective

If you are looking for a different perspective of the Athabasca Glacier, you can take the short hike from the Interpretive Center for some outstanding views. The walk only takes around 15 minutes and is an easy trail. Do not attempt to get onto the Glacier without a guide . Several deaths have happened as a result of people attempting to do so.

You will be absolutely speechless by your surroundings and the power of mother nature. We had never walked on a glacier, so we could definitely not pass this experience up.

We also took in the beautiful views at the Glacier Skywalk . You can pair the two experiences together and you are transported on a tour bus between the two experiences. The transportation was seamless.

Pin it for later! 

Have you ever been able to step foot on a Glacier? Share your experiences below! 

There was a tragic accident, closing the tours for the 2020 – 2021 season. The tours are resuming in May 2021.

Our experience was sponsored by Brewster Travel, but as always, our opinions are our own. 

Last updated March 2021.

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