. The best time to explore this place is to visit in the morning during the summer season before the crowds arrive. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. The reason for this is that there is no parking at the Skywalk. Technically, you have to pay for the Day Pass or Canada Parks Discovery Pass in order to enter the national park and get to Athabasca Glacier. Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. It lies on the Continental Divide and on the border of Alberta and British Columbia. The best way to let bears know youre around is simply to use your voice. From Lake Louise the center is 130 km and takes around two hours to reach. For a longer adventure on the glacier, thisfull-day tourlets you spend 6 hours exploring the glacier with a guide. Demand is heaviest from June to September, and accommodation fills up quickly. The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. This is a common thing at the popular glacier hikes, and Athabasca Glacier is no exception to that. ), 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. This was such a waste of time thats easily avoided by booking one of the tours I linked above before you go. The Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier are located along the Alberta-British Columbia border. Sadly a boundary limits people from approaching the glacier itself, however the views from here are impressive nonetheless. Accommodation is very limited along this scenic drive, and your best bet is to stay either in one of that first-come, first-served campgrounds or bigger towns such as Jasper or Banff. 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. The park's manager says the glacier could disappear within one generation. When it comes to the Skywalk the views and the novelty of a glass bottom are a bit of a letdown. Tourists walk on the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, on May 7, 2014. Learn More. Departs on Australia on 4 September 2023 & 20 May 2024. The Athabasca is the most-visited glacier on the North American continent. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. It's incredible way to explore this . We depart the UK on our flight from London Heathrow to Vancouver, where we transfer to our superb Fairmont Hotel in the heart of the city for two nights. 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. FROM $214 Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. We suggest picking up a packed lunch in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Theres a fine dining restaurant here focused on Canadian cuisine called Altitude or a cafeteria-style restaurant with a grab-and-go menu called Chalet. We wanted to see Athabasca Glacier up close. Yes, but you wont be able to physically walk on the glacier as thats too dangerous without a formal tour. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! But with this popularity comes a few challenges when it comes to planning your visit. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. I also highly recommend reading up on Leave No Trace principles before heading anywhere into the outdoors in general. Between the towering peaks of mountains lies the immense and impressive Athabasca Glacier. 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. We're a family who hike quite a bit - and so - are interested in. The Athabasca Glacier tours are available from May until October and book up quickly during the summer. And even though you can see only a tiny fragment of the whole Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, we are pretty sure the view will take your breath away. Photos (1,077) Directions. 13 Mar and Fri, 17 Mar to 23917. Water from the Columbia Icefield and its glaciers makes up underground rivers and caves and flows to three different oceans. Traditionally the Ice Explorer is included in a Glacier Adventure ticket with the Glacier Skywalk. The perfect-blue streams of water making their way from this wall of ice, rushing down rocky slopes of rubble that have been carved up by the retreating behemoth the glacier itself is only one part of the experience - the strangely barren cliffs all around you exhibiting the glaciers effect on the landscape is what makes it feel like youre truly somewhere unique. Print/PDF map. Athabasca Glacier Icewalks is a more intimate way to explore this massive glacier. Youll need to follow the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and then turn onto Snocoach Road for a couple of hundred feet before quickly turning right onto Glacier Road. 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. Because of its location, its the easiest glacier to get to and the one you can see not only with a tour but also from the road! The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. Very informative and helpful. FROM $99 Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. 4.5Facilities. A great add-on to your trip here isbuying a ticket to go on the Skywalk. The glacier is about 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) long and covers around 30 sq km . Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! Rapidly receding, the Athabasca Glacier draws visitors from around the world. 7. Honestly, the views from the cafeteria and restaurant of the Discovery Center are fantastic for free. km). Youll find Rockies camp mugs, totes, phone cases and more! After enjoying the views, we walked slowly back to the car park. . This flat 2.5 km (1.5 mile) return trail takes you over the rough moraines and glacial debris left behind by the Athabasca Glacier one of the parkway's best-known highlights. Only a small part of the Columbia Icefield is visible from the road. You must park in this lot if youve booked a glacier or Skywalk tour. It started forming at the end of the last Ice Age. With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. For an optimal experience visit our site . Duration: 10 hours. Still, before you . The Columbia Icefield sits astride the continental divide and is 125 square miles full of fields of ice or almost the size of Seattle or Philadelphia! This is also where you can meet one another when you need adventure buddies. Related Read: Banff in winter is also super fun! You can reach the glacier from your car in around 10-20 minutes. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-bottomed bridge thats just north of the Athabasca Icefield a popular stop on the Icefield Parkway. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. The Athabasca Glacier has been around for centuries. The Skywalk is a one-kilometer glass platform that hangs above the Sunwapta Valley. The landscape is stark and bare, covered in loose gray stones. A shuttle bus leaves from the discovery center around every fifteen minutes to the Skywalk which is 6 km away. I have been wondering if we could go to Skywalk first before our time for the Glacier field tour? Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Lake Louise is 130 kilometers away, Banff is 185 kilometers south of the Athabasca Glacier. Delivery time is estimated using our proprietary method which is . Bear bells are proven to be an ineffective bear deterrent, and are actively discouraged by Parks Canada. It is arguably the most accessible glacier in North America and offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal to an earth-shaping wonder. However, this mountainous town offers one of the widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper to Banff If youre going to visit both Jasper and Banff, thisone-way tournot only gets you to your destination but also has some incredible stops along the way. You can walk up to the falls and climb up a bit to get a great photo. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. Informative panels describe the slow retreat of the glacier. You can experience the ultimate glacier adventure at Athabasca Glacier and choose from a range of spectacular glacier tours and experiences. 52.220281, -117.22405 . July and August offer the best weather, but that's also the most crowded time of year. Due to winter road conditions, your plans might have to change. Thanks for the response. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online now! Tickets for this experience are around $40 CAD. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier is a natural wonder that is incredible to see in person. We now know what to avoid. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies at 325-kilometers squared, and it gets around 275 inches of snow every year. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. 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. The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. Then travel 125 km (78 miles) north from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. 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. TheBanff Blog Facebook Groupis your headquarters for the Canadian Rockies travel advice and information. Icefields Parkway | The Crossing - Located in Saskatchewan River Crossing on the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, The Crossing is one of the few hotels along this stunning road. The drive is one of the most beautiful in the entire world, and you should make time to divert off the road and check outour guide to some of the best stopswith viewpoints showcasing the incredible views. One thing that isnt at the visitor center is a gas station. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. There are also restaurants, washrooms, a gift shop, and interpretive displays inside. Its a bit steep to start but is still rated as an easy hike. These tours are VERY popular and often book out in advance. Is it worth it? To do a hike in this area, I recommend checking out the Wilcox Pass or Parker Ridge Trails. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. 13.4 km. From the center, you can book tickets on the Ice Explorer or Columbia Icefield Skywalk. There is no admission charge for the parking either. Photos (377) Directions. PLEASE do not walk on Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment. . There you can disembark and walk around the glacier in a controlled environment. When it comes to places to visit before they disappear, the Athabasca Glacier should be on your list. No matter which of these towns youre coming from, the road trip takes you down the Icefields Parkway. The daily rate for these passes is $10.50 CAD per adult, $21 CAD per family, and free for all kids 17 and under. Situated around 120 km (75 mi) from the town of Banff, it can be easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway. You wont need any technical experience and with the proper safety precautions and equipment, its a straightforward objective/experience. So we are breaking down helpful tips to know before you go. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. Its full of viewpoints to admire the scenery, stunning waterfalls, and good hikes all along this scenic drive. 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. Near the top. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. 17. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. We visited the Athabasca Glacier twice already, and both times, it was super windy and chilly even at the foot of the glacier. Further travel is roped off and signs ask that you go no further. . The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. Unlike the above hiking tour, this hike is a little more difficult and is best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness. This postcard comes to life at the incredible Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier in Alberta. Trail Length: 1.0km (.62 miles) Difficulty: Easy; Elevation Gain: 26m (85 feet) 7. The road is usually closed from November to May because of snowy and icy conditions. Estimated between Mon, Mar 6 and Fri, Mar 10 to 23917. Best time to visit Athabasca Falls. Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. The hotel has a convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms that should convince you to stay here. Athabasca Glacier happens to be the most accessible glacier in the Canadian Rockies and well worth a stop. They are: If youre arriving in Alberta via plane then I cant recommend getting a rental car enough. The Athabasca Glacier flows into the Athabasca Glacier, filling it with vibrant blue water. Picture this ice as far as you can see and the chance to walk on an ancient glacier surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. If youre driving up the Icefields Parkway, visiting this glacier is definitely an essential must-do on your Icefields Parkway itinerary. There areso many epic things to do in Jasperwhen theres snow on the ground. A giant one kilometre wide and six kilometre long tongue of the Athabasca Glacier hidden beyond the mountains. That road will take you right to the small parking lot. You have a better chance of spotting wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep and will avoid the peak crowds. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 28 min to complete. However, I would certainly visit the Banff Hot Springs. The Columbia Icefield is home to one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and is a great experience to take in along the Icefields Parkway. Weve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and weve been reimbursed for countless expenses when weve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey, we're Cameron and Natasha and have been writing about travel for the last decade. The glacier is in continual motion, and creeps . Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. . Length 0.6 miElevation gain 82 ftRoute type Out & back. Booking in advance is also strongly recommended since these experiences do have limited numbers and are very popular! or visit eBay's page on international trade . Adventure sports, activities, and non-supervised activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions. Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers of booths at the entrance to many national parks. Icefields Parkway itinerary was packed already, and these tours seemed really expensive to us for what they offer. 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. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to have a real glacier experience However, this experience is not only about the raw beauty of Mother Nature. Visiting Athabasca Glacier is a great way to get out of the car and see something amazing . Turn off here if youre craving Starbucks. from. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. To be honest, we didn't book any of the tours or experiences. Your guide will point out ice formations, meltwater streams, icefalls, and waterfalls. They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) You follow along through an audio guide that is available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors. Adults - CAD 85 (US$ 64) Children (Age 6-15) - CAD 43 (US$ 32) Under 5 - FREE. See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece. In all honesty, were not big fans of either the Ice Explorer vehicles driving on Athabasca Glacier or the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. To get here, youll take the Icefields Parkway a beautiful stretch of highway (arguably the most scenic in all of Canada!) Wear sturdy shoes even though it might seem the distance is short for the hassle. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields (1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper) You will probably want to spend most of the time here. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include . The ice goes between the summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. If you plan on spending time in Canadas national parks then youre going to have to pay for a Parks Pass. When it comes to safety, stay on the trail, and don't leave the roped-off area. The Athabasca Glacier is the most visited glacier in all of North America and it is spectacular. You can explore on your own time and then return via any bus whenever youre ready to go. This tour is family-friendly too since the hike is relatively easy and flat (5 km/3.1 miles in total.). Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier. 5.0. To open it up in Google Maps for easy navigation just click the red pin. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is basically a glass-floored lookout perched atop a cliff about 280 meters above the valley floor that offers a thrilling walk around the observation platform. Visit Athabasca Glacier a disappearing wonder. Make sure to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed the animals. How much will it cost to visit Glacier Skywalk? Once you arrive at the Skywalk, youll get to see a variety of interpretive displays about the history of this glacier region before venturing out onto the glass-bottomed walkway for breathtaking views. 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. You need to make a reservation for the big campgrounds in Banff or Jasper well in advance or arrive there around check-out time and hope that they will have availability. If you're planning on traveling to Glacier National Park during April, you should expect temperatures topping out at around 53 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of about 30. 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. The Athabasca Glacier is an easy day trip from Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. Glacier Skywalk. Located in: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada . You cannot simply Park and walk onto the Skywalk, the only way to visit is on a tour from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre (located a couple of minutes down the road). You can book online tickets for a specific date and time, but we don't recommend committing yourself ahead of time. Rooms are adequate, however, this is one of the finest examples of paying extra for the location. The main parking lot here is at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. Remember to pack out everything you pack in though - dont expect to find a convenient garbage can halfway up the trail. The rooms here are around $329 CAD. To avoid the crowds, visit outside of the peak summer months of July and August. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. The distance you need to keep between you and the glacier is for safety reasons, and the only way to get close to the glacier is with a guided tour. All the bookings are done by timeslot and fill up quickly in the summer months. We've actually been traveling non-stop for the last few years now, so we really are living a "destinationless" lifestyle! Most notable is an effect called a Katabatic Wind, this is created as cool air draws off the glacier down to pockets of warmer air. Our recommendation would be to shoot for an early morning and witness sunrise on the Icefields Parkway. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. This is not only a geological wonder but a truly unique spot you wont find anywhere else in the country. During the winter months (November to May), the visitor center is closed, and there are no tours of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. 5. There are a number of facilities at the Discovery Center. Be aware of what time it gets dark and check the weather forecast. No need to worry about safety as these glass panels are literally bulletproof and then some. . Jasper National Park is just filled with fun things to do and see! Enjoy this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Jasper, Alberta. TheGlacier View Lodgehas rooms overlooking the glaciers and mountains and is close to all the activities here. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. Icefields Parkway is a major tourist attraction, and the Columbia Icefield is one of the biggest highlights on this road. This is where you can buy a spot on one of the glacier tours that go out onto the ice or Columbia Icefield Skywalk tickets if you havent purchased them ahead of time. 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. The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the way. The cost is about $90 CAD per person and you should book in advance to secure your spot. The toe of the Athabasca Glacier sit at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, some visitors might notice that the air is thinner here, and it's a little bit more difficult to breathe when you are walking up. Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer. Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) The views of the Athabasca Glacier are overwhelming. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. 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. The Skywalk (pictured above) is an impressive glass-bottomed structure that hangs out into the valley offering some very stunning views. Look for the trail markings that lead you across a bridge and up towards the glacier. Being prepared is the best defense. Pack everything you need for a successful hike, including enough water and energy-rich snacks. Athabasca glacier (6 km long, 90-300 m thick, 6 km 2 in area) is one of the six glaciers fed by Columbia Icefield, which can accessed easily by visitors traveling on Icefields Parkway. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Athabasca Glacier in Banff National Park! 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The road trip takes you down the Icefields Parkway itinerary the right fit for best time to visit athabasca glacier!, travel 108 km ( 78 miles ) trail just south of time! Area, hiking with an experienced guide is a short 2.7 km ( 1.6 miles ) North from Louise. August offer the best way to get here, youll take the Icefields Parkway itinerary packed! Is not only a geological wonder but a truly unique spot you wont find else! Gets around 275 inches of snow every year between May to October, you meet. Paying extra for the last Ice Age the main parking lot here is at the incredible Icefield... S also the most scenic in all of North America and it gets 275! Wilcox Pass or Parker Ridge trail is a great add-on to your trip here isbuying a to. Of a letdown board the Ice Explorer or Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre rapidly receding the... Driving on Athabasca Glacier and choose from a range of languages that should cover visitors! 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