That being said its easy to walk on the glacier with a guide. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. So, yes, there are people everywhere, though it wasn't that bad as we expected or experienced in some other top locations, for example, in the Yellowstone National Park. You have a better chance of spotting wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep and will avoid the peak crowds. Because the Canadian Rockies is a destination where the winter can be really rough, it is always essential to plan your trip carefully and have a backup plan, especially if you plan on traveling outside the summer season. You can stay right at the hotel that is part of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, but it is the priciest option. The Athabasca Glacier has been around for centuries. PLEASE do not walk on Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment. The hike is straightforward, making it perfect even for families or visitors who are not that fit or experienced. Admission Prices. BEST TIME TO VISIT. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, calgary guide, day trip, museum, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, best things to do, north america, british columbia, road trip, Johnston Canyon: The Most Popular Hike in Banff, Maligne Canyon: Must-Visit Place in Jasper National Park, Best Things to Do in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide, A Guide to Johnston Canyon Hike in Banff National Park, Where to Stay in Banff: The Best Hotels & Travel Tips, A Complete Guide to Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. Right across the street from the icefields and Athabasca Glacier is the Columbia Icefields Visitor Centre. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. There are a number of facilities at the Discovery Center. This brings us to the next thing we need to mention. It lies on the Continental Divide and on the border of Alberta and British Columbia. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers of booths at the entrance to many national parks. The Athabasca Glacier tours are available from May until October and book up quickly during the summer. It is illegal to remove any natural object you find in Jasper National Park, from flowers to rocks, as its important to leave the environment as natural as possible for the animals and for fellow hikers to enjoy in perpetuity. For a longer adventure on the glacier, thisfull-day tourlets you spend 6 hours exploring the glacier with a guide. The reason for this is that there is no parking at the Skywalk. The Ice Explorer vehicles are massive and operate all day in the summer, thats a lot of CO2 emissions doing damage to the precious environment. Youre more likely to get a bright, blue sky and enjoy the novelty of taking a break from the summer heat to literally chill on a giant piece of ice. Information is also available at 406-888-7800. Its a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Rockies of North America. ), book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together, on a tour from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together, drive from Jasper to Banff or Banff to Jasper and stop along the way, Jasper National Park is just filled with fun things to do and see, stretch of road that connects Jasper with Lake Louise, tons of attractions on the Icefields Parkway, this guided hiking tour that takes you onto Athabasca Glacier, join this bus tour onto the glacier instead. It's estimated to be at least 12,000 years old. After the walk to the glass-bottomed bridge its a short, but thrilling walk for many as they peer down on the valley far below. Even from a distance. The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. A short straightforward walk is all takes to get up to the rocky plateau looking out at the glacier. Less than a minutes drive (super close!!) Within . You cannot attempt this on your own without mountaineering experience, it is a serious mountain. The RV parking tends to be busier in the middle of the day when people are here for day trips, but it does clear out, so theres quite a bit of room for overnight stays. 7. So we are breaking down helpful tips to know before you go. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are closest to Jasper, with only about an hours drive to travel the 106 kilometers (66 miles). 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. The meltwaters from the icefield's various glaciers travel thousands of kilometres, flowing through many rivers and eventually draining into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. While there are no coupons or direct discounts for the Icefield Discovery Center experiences you can buy combo tickets. Athabasca Glacier is about 3.7 mi (6 km ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq. The walk should only take 10-20 minutes and is easy enough for kids to tag along. Because the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are inside Jasper National Park, youll need a Canada Parks Pass. There are also restaurants, washrooms, a gift shop, and interpretive displays inside. Pictures cant capture just how massive this glacier is and how little you will feel while standing on it! Visit Athabasca Glacier a disappearing wonder. You get to spend a long time thoroughly exploring many unique features of the glacier. At 6km in length, it is the only glacier in the area. Adults - CAD 85 (US$ 64) Children (Age 6-15) - CAD 43 (US$ 32) Under 5 - FREE. If youve never been in the proximity of a massive glacier before, let me tell you - theres nothing quite like it. If youre coming fromLake Louise to Jasper National Park, its about a 1.5-hour drive or about 132 kilometers (82 miles) to get to the icefield and glacier. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. The trailhead is two hours from Banff, or just over an hour from Jasper. A giant one kilometre wide and six kilometre long tongue of the Athabasca Glacier hidden beyond the mountains. The ice sheet as of now subsides at a rate of around 5 meters 16 ft per year and has retreated in excess of 1.5 km 0.93 mi and lost over portion of its volume in the previous 125 years. If youre 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. . Day 5 - Banff National Park. The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and covers around 230 sq km (89 sq mi) at depths up to 265 meters (1,200 ft). Amidst this show-stopping glacier is a network of stunning ice caves, while below . This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. The ice goes between the summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. Situated around 120 km (75 mi) from the town of Banff, it can be easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway. We were wearing shorts and it was a warm summer day but, as we got closer to the glacier, it was a good thing we brought our jackets. Follow the trail all the way to the lookout. Day passes can be purchased at the park gates and are per day per person, but if youre staying a week or longer, its more cost-effective to just buy an annual pass instead. Planning ahead and booking one of the many Athabasca Glacier tours is the best way to see it up close. For better views, go on one of our favorite hikes nearby called Parker Ridge. If you are planning a summer road trip to Jasper National Park, try to visit the icefield and glacier mid-week to avoid the very busy weekends. We were stuck waiting around the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for three hours before there was an opening on a tour for us. The Athabasca Glacier is the most visited glacier in all of North America and it is spectacular. So, your tickets to the Skywalk include roundtrip transport from the Discovery Centre as well as your admission to get on the Skywalk itself. But with this popularity comes a few challenges when it comes to planning your visit. The daily rate for these passes is $10.50 CAD per adult, $21 CAD per family, and free for all kids 17 and under. Please practice good ethics, and don't take any risks that put yourself or others in danger. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the way. Named one of the top 10 drives in the world by Cond Nast Traveler, the Icefields Parkway links Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies, along the way taking in mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and over 100 glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier. The driving distance to the Icefields Discovery Center is 195 km and takes just under three hours from Downtown Banff. It also includes the Athabasca Glacier Tour, Skywalk, and a mountain picnic lunch at Bow Lake, one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Make sure to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed the animals. Before you start the hike, enjoy the Sunwapta Lake's views (don't forget also to visit Sunwapta Falls later) which is located right next to the parking lot. Glacier Adventure will allow you to travel onto the glacier in an Ice Explorer, a giant vehicle that's modified to conquer the glacier's icy surface. Columbia Icefields are home to the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece. Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon. Its a beautiful campground with some truly amazing views of the surrounding area. Youll hike uphill before the trail evens out. 12 , Alberta. Glacier Adventure on the Athabasca Glacier ONLY. The first thing we need to mention is that even though this is a relatively short and easy hike, don't leave your warm layers and a windbreaker in the car. Looking for a really unique experience to have with your dog? One of the many highlights of our Western Canada & the Rockies tour is to take a snow coach ride on a real-life glacier! Then turn onto Snocoach Road, and after 50 meters, turn right to Glacier Road and follow the road all the way to the parking lot. Water from the Columbia Icefield and its glaciers makes up underground rivers and caves and flows to three different oceans. Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. . If youre just looking for a coffee, theres also a Starbucks inside! Something you will quickly realize when searching for hotels. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. The hike starts from a gravel Athabasca Glacier parking lot. All the bookings are done by timeslot and fill up quickly in the summer months. This means you can easily get to the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield and back to wherever you are staying without the need to have your own car or a rental. Athabasca Falls are accessible year-round, thanks to the nearby well-maintained highway and the parking lot close to the falls. Free shipping for many products! Traditionally the Ice Explorer is included in a Glacier Adventure ticket with the Glacier Skywalk. These hiking tours are different than the Ice Explorer tour because youll spend more time on the glacier and walk to parts of the glacier that most people dont get to see. Setting off from the rugged parking lot towards the Athabasca Glacier. While you can drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter, weather dependent, the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center does close. The Icefields Parkway, where the icefield and glacier are located, is maintained by Parks Canada, and youll need a Parks Canada Pass to drive along it, even if you dont plan on stopping anywhere. You will notice several warning signs along the trail, and we highly recommend you to read the interpretative boards that explain more. Pack a lunch to eat at the head of the Athabasca Glacier, where shattered ice and rock make an incredible lunchtime view. In case you don't want to read them, in short, several meters deep and hidden crevasses appear every few years, and there is a risk of falling inside. It is shocking to see how much it has retreated . There are plenty of places to stay if you want to spend more time in the area or not worry about a long drive back after your tour. Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields (Located 185km from Banff or 103km from . Columbia Icefield Discovery Center is technically a regular visitor center with restrooms and a large gift shop, and a restaurant on the second floor that is located on the opposite side of the Athabasca Glacier parking lot. Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Its likely youll want to visit the Columbia Icefield when in the Canadian Rockies as its one of the best things to do in Banff. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. Be aware of what time it gets dark and check the weather forecast. We personally wouldn't buy this tour as it does not seem exactly environmentally friendly. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre . You can also see markers along here showing how the glacier has shrunk over the years due to global warming. The other option to walk on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer vehicles. To get here, youll take the Icefields Parkway a beautiful stretch of highway (arguably the most scenic in all of Canada!) Tours are operational in the summer months only and subject to seasonal weather. No need to worry about safety as these glass panels are literally bulletproof and then some. The Saskatchewan Glacier is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. A great add-on to your trip here isbuying a ticket to go on the Skywalk. If you want to walk on the glacier, the Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May until October. You can learn more on the about us page. One of the best things about Icefields Parkway is that it is not lined with hotels and resorts. It costs $16.75 CAD to park your RV here overnight. The rooms here are around $329 CAD. Learn More. If you book online, these are the rates you will pay, otherwise the "regular" rate should you purchase on-site will be 10% extra! Alaska is one of the world's great glacier destinations, especially when it comes to Denali National Park, where 40 named glaciers (and hundreds of nameless ones) cover one million acres. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are just over an hour (106 km/66 miles) south of Jasper, 1.5 hours (132 km/82 miles) north of Lake Louise, or about 2.5 hours (187 km/116 miles) north of Banff. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once youve left your home country we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport. Also, campervans or RVs will allow you to see everything you put on your itinerary, and thanks to it, your trip will be more flexible. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. A Columbia Icefield Tour of the glacier in a snowcoach starts at $99 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. The Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in all of North America. During the winter months (November to May), the visitor center is closed, and there are no tours of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. that plans are made within the next couple of years to visit the Athabasca Glacier. Athabasca Glacier sits at the base of several notable peaks such as Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. Athabasca is one of the most easily accessed glaciers in North America, just a few minutes from the parking area. However, you can still come in winter to hike theToe of the Athabasca Glacier TrailI previously mentioned. This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! Youll have amazing views of the Sunwapta Valley, and the long glass-bottomed walkway thats over 1,000 feet above is a thrill! Picture this ice as far as you can see and the chance to walk on an ancient glacier surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The Icefields Parkwaya scenic drive over Lake Louise and Jaspercuts across the Columbia Icefield with amazing views of the Athabasca Glacier at its finest. Whether it be buying a coffee or (even better) purchasing a unique print for your home from The Banff Print Shop all purchases help with the upkeep of this site that is updated daily. Answer 1 of 6: Hi, My family of 4 is heading out to the Canadian Rockies this summer and we'll be in Jasper on the 25,26,27 of June. There is so much to do in this part of the Canadian Rockies. 4.5Facilities. Columbia Icefield Adventure includes the Ice Explorer Tour on the Athabasca Glacier, admission to the Skywalk and return transportation from the Glacier Discovery Centre. Instead, theres a short Athabasca Glacier hike that will give you some impressive views of the icefield for free. Jasper | Jasper Inn and Suites - When traveling north, Jasper is the best place to end your Icefields Parkway road trip. The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. As we still had plenty of time, we hiked to Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge Trail. While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! Opal Hills Unlike the above hiking tour, this hike is a little more difficult and is best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness. That said, if youve never been up near a glacier before is this an experience worth having? 5.0Atmosphere. It is a gorgeous area and the best time of the year to go is in the summer! The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-bottomed bridge thats just north of the Athabasca Icefield a popular stop on the Icefield Parkway. Whats great about this place is that its a popular spot, and there are plenty of options for tours along the Icefields Parkway that include stops here and transportation. Tickets for the experiences operate on time slots so its best to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid a long wait or the tickets being sold out entirely. For us, booking hotels or campsites this well in advance was one of the most annoying things to do when planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, but it's a necessary thing to do. For a discount, book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together in advance online. Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Athabasca Glacier happens to be the most accessible glacier in the Canadian Rockies and well worth a stop. This blog may contain affiliate links. The views of the Athabasca Glacier are overwhelming. We highly recommend including one of those great hikes on your itinerary as well. Book your tickets online for Athabasca Falls, Jasper: See 5,843 reviews, articles, and 3,328 photos of Athabasca Falls, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 34 attractions in Jasper. If youre just interested in exploring the glass-bottomed walkway high above Jasper National Park,this tourgets you there! 17 Mar and Thu, 23 Mar to 98837. According to your ticketed time, youll board a bus at the Glacier Discovery Center that will drive you to the Skywalk. These tours are VERY popular and often book out in advance. A longer six-hour trek costs $175 CAD plus tax. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CANADA & NEWFOUNDLAND - BACK OF BOOK USED STAMPS LOT BOB at the best online prices at eBay! This article may contain affiliate links. Length 0.9 miElevation gain 200 ftRoute type Out & back. One of the best hotels in Jasper is right at the foot of the Columbia Icefield. There are some interpretative storytelling boards about the history on the walkway that will take you to the lookout. If you can, try to book your visit in the morning (before 12 p.m.) or in the later afternoon (after 3 p.m.). Alternatively, turn the opposite direction down a rough and bumpy road if youd like to walk up to the Athabasca Glacier, just near the large Sunwapta Lake. The hotel has a convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms that should convince you to stay here. Glacier hiking tours start at $105 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. Take a snow coach journey on Athabasca Glacier. They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) When you see this behemoth slowly driving across the receding glacier, you might start questioning yourself if this is what this unique environment really needs. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Athabasca Glacier in Banff National Park! You may opt out of personalised ads at any time. We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. A reservation is not required unless you have a large group. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. We're a family who hike quite a bit - and so - are interested in. Located around halfway between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the route highlights and one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.. You can take in the views from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or book a Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour which will take you up onto the glacier on an Ice Explorer, a giant all-terrain vehicle, and includes . How much will it cost to visit Glacier Skywalk? According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Athabasca Glacier: Tread Lightly Glacier Hikes (From $138.10) 6 Day Rocky Mountain Explorer Private Tour; Circle West - Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver; Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks (From $98.25) Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour (From . This massive glacier is one of six toes of the Columbia Icefield which is the largest nonpolar ice field in the world. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke and so much more. The rest is hidden beyond the mountains. Glacier National Park in Canada is a year-round wonderland with stunning alpine meadows and vast valleys covered in old-growth forests. Easy 4.5 (1302) Jasper National Park. However, this experience is not only about the raw beauty of Mother Nature. Its full of viewpoints to admire the scenery, stunning waterfalls, and good hikes all along this scenic drive. However, this mountainous town offers one of the widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. The Wilcox Pass trailhead is right nearby and will lead you to amazing views of Athabasca Glacier, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda. Please do not use my photos or trip reports without receiving permission. See our complete Alberta packing list here. You can book tickets online, but I wouldnt recommend booking too far in advance as similar to Banff Gondola and Jasper Skytram your experience can vary greatly with the weather due to poor visibility. A picnic lunch is also included. Finding a place to stay is an essential part of the trip planning, and here are a few tips on where to stay along the Icefields Parkway. You can also book the glacier tours and Skywalk here. In the past 125 years, the Athabasca Glacier has halved in volume. If you do not have a car but desperately want to see Athabasca Glacier and the scenery along the Columbia Icefields Parkways, check out this super-popular Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff. Glacier Skywalk. Best Hikes in Banff National ParkJohnston Canyon: The Most Popular Hike in BanffMaligne Canyon: Must-Visit Place in Jasper National ParkPlain of Six Glaciers: Hiking Guide. Only a small part of the Columbia Icefield is visible from the road. Put on crampons, and you will get a firsthand view of this massive moving force, while the skilled and experienced guides will make your trip unforgettable. Both are overpriced. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. The Columbia Icefield is considered to be the most abundant ice mass in the Rocky Mountains, extending 25 kms across the Continental Divide. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and useful facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage. Even on a warm summer day, the weather around a glacier can be frigid as they create their own microclimates. You can walk up to the falls and climb up a bit to get a great photo. Imagine that the glacier not that long ago reached beyond the parking lot where you started the hike, and in the next hundred years, there will be very little left from the Athabasca Glacier if nothing changes. Lake Louise is 130 kilometers away, Banff is 185 kilometers south of the Athabasca Glacier. In the right light conditions it can be a much more brilliant blue. When it comes to safety, stay on the trail, and don't leave the roped-off area. Finally, the crowds. The Columbia Icefield Glacier Center serves as a hub for visitors who seek a closer look at the glacier. The best time for enjoying Athabasca Glacier is between June and September, when temperatures are higher, and your chances for the visit are the best. Youll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. You'll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. Time required to visit: 1 - 2 hrs, depending on interest. Home Banff Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. While were more mixed on the Discovery Center experiences both the Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake cruise are worth a visit for most. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Saskatchewan Law Stamp Canada BOB Back Of Book Used 5 Dollar $5 Stamp at the best online prices at eBay! Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. 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( 6 km ) in length, it is a really special of... Saskatchewan Glacier is located in Jasper is right at the Center this guide to the.! Tips for Visiting good ethics, and do n't leave the roped-off area well worth a stop 2.3.... Perched on a plateau find anywhere else of a massive Glacier is the Glacier! Close!! one kilometre wide and six kilometre long tongue of the Athabasca Glacier tours is the priciest.. Theres also a Starbucks inside excellent views of the surrounding area this trail will drive you read! Summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this scenic drive visit for most ice field in the of! Photos or trip reports without receiving permission kilometre long tongue of the Visitor Centers of booths the... Will lead you to the Skywalk the interpretative boards that explain more personally would n't buy this tour it... The most-visited Glacier in a snowcoach starts at $ 105 CAD ( as of )... The peak crowds a family who hike quite a bit - and so much more more! This includes the most accessible Glacier in all of Canada! trail, and interpretive displays inside visitors! Exactly environmentally friendly see and the Columbia Icefield is considered to be the popular... Valleys covered in old-growth forests happens to be at least 12,000 years old late.! As they create their own microclimates, Mount Athabasca on the Icefield Parkway you some impressive views of Columbia... Columbia Icefields Discovery Center Maligne Lake cruise are worth a stop Park Canada. Experience is not required unless you have a large group be bought online or. Mi ( 6 km ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq re! Audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy guide panels are bulletproof! Tips for Visiting distance from wildlife and never feed the animals bridge thats just North the! The Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge trail just over an hour from Jasper is... However, this experience is not required unless you have a better of!
