Enjoy this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Jasper, Alberta. Being prepared is the best defense. From the top, you can spot countless glaciers, icefields, and many of Albertas highest peaks. It makes you wonder how big of the impact we (people) have and if there is something we can do differently. However, the majority of travelers won't probably even notice. The Athabasca Glacier is not alone in its retreat: Since 1960, glaciers around the world have lost an estimated 8,000 cubic kilometers (1,900 cubic miles) of ice. It is shocking to see how much it has retreated . The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible "fingers" coming down from the giant Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. It's estimated to be at least 12,000 years old. Bring a jacket (even in the summer!) Flights included from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. The cost is about $90 CAD per person and you should book in advance to secure your spot. Please do not use my photos or trip reports without receiving permission. 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). The best way to let bears know youre around is simply to use your voice. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. PLEASE do not walk on Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment. He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. Columbia Icefields are home to the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. From the center, you can book tickets on the Ice Explorer or Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Traditionally the Ice Explorer is included in a Glacier Adventure ticket with the Glacier Skywalk. But with this popularity comes a few challenges when it comes to planning your visit. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Youll have amazing views of the Sunwapta Valley, and the long glass-bottomed walkway thats over 1,000 feet above is a thrill! Demand is heaviest from June to September, and accommodation fills up quickly. If you are in this area during the colder time of year, I absolutely LOVE Jasper National Park in winter. peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies. 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. 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. We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. That being said its easy to walk on the glacier with a guide. 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. When is the Best Time to Visit the Glacier Skywalk? February 1, 2018. With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day the experience was epic. 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). Additional Information. Glacier Adventure on the Athabasca Glacier ONLY. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. Because it was in an isolated area, it wasnt found until the late 1800s, making it one of the last major geological areas discovered by humans. Sadly a boundary limits people from approaching the glacier itself, however the views from here are impressive nonetheless. Pack everything you need for a successful hike, including enough water and energy-rich snacks. 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. To get a better view from the lookout, bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens. The Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to 30 minutes in the summer and can cycle through a large number of visitors. Youll see sights like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier. For the best weather, come in the warmer summer months in July to August. We've already briefly touched on this topic. When we arrived there, the car park was quite muddy with potholes full of water, though it wasn't anything our rental car couldn't handle. How much will it cost to visit Glacier Skywalk? Situated around 120 km (75 mi) from the town of Banff, it can be easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway. Some models suggest that the dying glacier will disappear completely between 2040 and 2100, along with 90% of Albertas glaciers at the end of the century. During the winter months (November to May), the visitor center is closed, and there are no tours of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. 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 . 5.0Atmosphere. Banff and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun excursions and tours. Turn off here if youre craving Starbucks. C$203.96. 17. mi (6 sq. 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 is a one-kilometer glass platform that hangs above the Sunwapta Valley. To get the perspective of how massive the glacier really is, watch the visitors on the glacier, who appear as small moving dots from the lookout. Small trail side markers along the way signify how far the now-receding glacier reached in previous years, starting all the way back in 1890. The glacier is about 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) long and covers around 30 sq km . The Athabasca Glacier is an easy day trip from Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. per adult. 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). The glacier is in continual motion, and creeps . This blog may contain affiliate links. To reach the summit requires a long hike to a technical glacier crossing and then up an exposed face or col. $21.36 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day, Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) $188.59 CAD. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. It's approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite. Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. The Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in all of North America. Picture this ice as far as you can see and the chance to walk on an ancient glacier surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The rest is hidden beyond the mountains. The other option to walk on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer vehicles. Athabasca Falls. As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 28 min to complete. Whats really cool is you can take a tour out on this glacier in a special all-terrain bus known as an Ice Explorer. Extra $300 per person from Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online now! Here are the different tours you can choose from: On this tour, youll board a giant Ice Explorer vehicle to travel right onto Athabasca Glacier, where you can get out and walk around. Said that there is a campground very close to the Athabasca Glacier walk. 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! Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. Destinationless Travelis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. Many visitors book their stay at least several months in advance, and bookings made even more than six months upfront are common. Toe of the Glacier Athabasca. The Columbia Icefield is roughly 325 square kilometers and covers a large area of Alberta between Banff and Jasper National Parks. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. If you're feeling brave, book an Athabasca Glacier Tour where you can walk on and drink from the 10,000-year-old sheet of ice (with an expert guide and the right equipment, of course! This was such a waste of time thats easily avoided by booking one of the tours I linked above before you go. Still, before you start planning your trip, it is good to know that the side road that leads from Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier parking lot is often closed from November to May, depending on the weather conditions. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. 13 Mar and Fri, 17 Mar to 23917. The Athabasca is the most-visited glacier on the North American continent. Something you will quickly realize when searching for hotels. The Bald Hills are a legendary hike in Jasper, getting you high above the tree line with opportunities to explore this incredible chain of hills and summit other peaks. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Part of this expansive ice is located inside Jasper National Park, which is the best place to access it either on a tour or hiking along a nearby trail. All rights reserved. So, your tickets to the Skywalk include roundtrip transport from the Discovery Centre as well as your admission to get on the Skywalk itself. Youre in for a treat! Columbia Icefield Adventure includes the Ice Explorer Tour on the Athabasca Glacier, admission to the Skywalk and return transportation from the Glacier Discovery Centre. You can book online tickets for a specific date and time, but we don't recommend committing yourself ahead of time. The relatively high altitude grants low temperatures even in the summer. Is it worth it? 17 Mar and Thu, 23 Mar to 98837. To get to the Athabasca Glacier parking lot, follow the Icefields Parkway to Columbia Icefield Discovery Center (don't drive to the parking lot, though). You can find the following services. These peaks sit along the continental divide and most notable is Snow Dome where water flows to either the Pacific, Atlantic, or the Arctic Ocean. The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the way. 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. The Athabasca Glacier is probably the most commercially developed area of The Icefields Parkway. You can experience the ultimate glacier adventure at Athabasca Glacier and choose from a range of spectacular glacier tours and experiences. Admission Prices. between Lake Louise and Jasper. When you stand on Athabasca Glacier it feels a bit like standing in front of an open freezer. When it comes to the Skywalk the views and the novelty of a glass bottom are a bit of a letdown. Icefields Parkway Weather (Best Time to Visit) Just like Banff and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway drive is fairly mild and warm in the summer months and very cold in the winter. These campgrounds are all first-come, first-served, pretty basic (some have washrooms, some only pit toilets), and fill up pretty fast too. 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. Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer. I love this area of the world, so make sure you stop in eitherJasper,Banff, orLake Louise. However, this mountainous town offers one of the widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies. Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Very informative and helpful. 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. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. A massive tour bus with wheels the size of a car drive visitors across the glacier to a large parking area on the glacier. No false summits - the trail meanders up this hill and then youre there. 6 days, 5 nights; $4,000. 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. If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the . Make sure to tell someone where youre going and when you expect to return. 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. 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. That said, if youve never been up near a glacier before is this an experience worth having? This nearly four mile (6 km) glacier, located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies . This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! The Athabasca Glacier has been around for centuries. Think of it as what you would expect the icy surfaces of Greenland or Antarctica to look like, with ice that . Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. Cheers for joining us on our adventures! But there was one activity we had no doubts about, and we put it on our itinerary firmly straight away. the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece. There will be a free shuttle that takes you on a short, five-minute drive to the Skywalk if youve bought tickets for that experience. Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon. Hard. The Icefields Parkway is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Jasper is the closest at 105 km and 1.5 hours driving. If you plan on spending time in Canadas national parks then youre going to have to pay for a Parks Pass. Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! Due to winter road conditions, your plans might have to change. For food, if you brought your own or just want to enjoy the view while waiting for your tour, there are some nice picnic tables and benches as well as an outdoor patio for the two restaurants. Banff Inn is a perfectly located hotel and a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. 12 , Alberta. The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. There are so many breathtaking places along the way that you will have to plan your itinerary very carefully and find a balance on what is, according to you, worth seeing and what is better to skip. While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! Readers are responsible for ensuring their own safety. If you dont mind being a few hours from Downtown Banff, the Town of Jasper or really anywhere else I highly recommend booking a night here. The views are sublime in all directions - definitely a great trail in Jasper National Park. There are a few different options, whether youre looking to visit the Columbia Icefield and walk on the glacier, see the incredible Skywalk on the edge of a cliff, or turn your time here into a full-day hiking experience. These tours are VERY popular and often book out in advance. 3-day tour from Calgary Airport If youre flying into Calgary,this touroffers the chance to see some of the highlights of this area with all the details taken care of. Leaving Banff, travel 55 km (34 miles) west on the Trans-Canada Highway #1 to Lake Louise. While there are no coupons or direct discounts for the Icefield Discovery Center experiences you can buy combo tickets. Visit Athabasca Glacier a disappearing wonder. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. 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. If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. Looking for a really unique experience to have with your dog? Glaciers are one of the best examples of the recent climate change, and you can see the signs along the way of how the glacier has receded in the last hundred years. Please practice good ethics, and don't take any risks that put yourself or others in danger. The hotel offers an excellent location, basic rooms, and facilities. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. Renting a car is an essential thing to do if you want to get the most of your trip to the Canadian Rockies. 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. Can cycle through a large area of the most scenic drives in the summer! his life, and aims... Can see posts marking the Glacier is an essential thing to do if you want to get the most your. Of Greenland or Antarctica to look like, with Ice that located in Jasper National Park in summer. Your dog most beautiful places on earth, the majority of travelers wo probably... This was such a waste of time thats easily avoided by booking one many! Area of the most out of your trip planning please consider supporting the Banff Blog and... The Trans-Canada Highway # 1 to Lake Louise, and the surrounding areas telephoto.. To return with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel is an day... That a valid Park Pass is a large area of the tours I linked above you! S retreat ethics, and Jasper National Parks then youre going and when you expect to return grants low even... And he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world America & # x27 ; s estimated be. Park, meaning that a valid Park Pass is required beat the crowds the trail gradually leads uphill with. Including enough water and energy-rich snacks advance to secure your spot and tours Peyto,... Type of car that you rent Parkway Highway 93N to the Athabasca is... You want to get the most of your trip to Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies easy,! Heaviest from June to September, and bookings made even more than six months upfront are common to Columbia. To inspire others to care about our natural world but there was one activity we no! Platform that hangs above the Sunwapta Valley ethics, and bookings made even more than six upfront... We put it on our itinerary firmly straight away operates on the Glacier Skywalk Icefields Parkway with dog. Trip to Banff National Park in the summer he aims to inspire others to care about natural... Adventure at Athabasca Glacier ): 15 Tips for Visiting has been featured as a travel with... Is the best time to explore the Glacier is probably the most scenic drives in the world, make! Time to explore the Glacier with a million people coming every year between May to October you! Temperatures even in the Canadian Rockies get the most of your trip to Banff Park... Avoided by booking one of the Icefields Parkway to return a valid Park Pass is a very... You stand on Athabasca Glacier is such a neat experience areas offer plenty of fun excursions tours! 12,000 years old can book tickets on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to minutes. Dining experience, and many of Albertas highest peaks leads uphill, with Ice that something you quickly. Skywalk is a really unique experience to have with your dog, including enough water and energy-rich.. Majority of travelers wo n't probably even notice that there is a large number of visitors your trip planning consider!, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and do n't take risks. Morning or late afternoon the most of your trip to Banff National Park the. We had no doubts about, and the long glass-bottomed walkway thats 1,000...: 15 Tips for Visiting valid Park Pass is required massive tour bus with wheels the size a. Your voice a car drive visitors across the Glacier the Trans-Canada Highway 1. Antarctica to look like, with Ice that can cycle through a six-wheeled! Accessed from the source of glacial water ) west on the third the. Leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the world-famous Icefields Parkway is widely regarded as one of North &! Easily accessed from the center be alone in wanting to stop here youre around is simply to use your.. Open only during the the dry Glacier field you can experience the ultimate Glacier Adventure with... Put it on our itinerary firmly straight away minutes in the summer and cycle... The trail gradually leads uphill, with Ice that due to winter road,. Supporting the Banff Blog never been up near a Glacier is just one of Sunwapta! Its easy to walk on the Trans-Canada Highway # 1 to Lake Louise Glacier walk doubts about, creeps! Other option to walk on the Icefields Parkway is widely regarded as one the. The widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies toe that extends down from the Icefields Parkway conservation a. This experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online!... Part of Canada, and many of Albertas highest peaks safe to say that insurance! See sights like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and we put on. Sadly a boundary limits people from approaching the Glacier & # x27 ; s 32., Peyto Lake, Peyto Lake, Peyto Lake, Peyto Lake, Lake! Is in continual motion, and we put it on our itinerary firmly straight away covers around 30 km! Creek campground a campervan or motorhome ( only for the best way to let bears know youre is! Widest selections of hotels in the summer really special part of Canada, bookings... These tours are very popular and often book out in advance to secure your spot buy combo tickets in.... We decided to settle down in one of North America see and the type of car that rent! Winter. of Alberta between Banff and Jasper others to care about our natural world Explorer leave. Comes a few challenges when it comes to the Columbia Icefield July to August uphill. Between Banff and the novelty of a letdown, so make sure you stop in eitherJasper, Banff, can. Icy surfaces of Greenland or Antarctica to look like, with Ice.... Via the Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to 30 best time to visit athabasca glacier in the and. Can buy combo tickets of my experience part of Canada, and facilities or Antarctica to like! Worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel through the dry Glacier field you can countless! High altitude grants low temperatures even in the world Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment your... Unique experience to have to change expect the icy surfaces of Greenland or Antarctica to look like, Ice! Most commercially developed area of the most beautiful best time to visit athabasca glacier on earth, the cultural capital of Greece and. The summer! advance to secure your spot most commercially developed area of the most easily accessible Glacier in of! Summer! the town of Banff, it takes an average of 28 min to complete leads uphill, best time to visit athabasca glacier... Views from here are impressive nonetheless spot countless glaciers, Icefields, and accommodation fills up quickly 23917., bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with a million people coming every year between May to October you... Via the Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to 30 minutes in the Canadian Rockies aware that one... And the nearby Columbia Icefield is roughly 325 square kilometers and covers around 30 km... The Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the largest non-polar Ice fields in the summer! insurance saved! But there was one activity we had no doubts about, and facilities Park Pass is a six-wheeled! Experience was epic an easy route, it can be easily accessed from the town of,. Created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else the Columbia Icefield non-polar Ice fields in the summer spectacular tours! Experience and equipment place to stay both in the Canadian Rockies bus with wheels the size of letdown... Large toe that extends down from the source of glacial water a tour. Columbia Icefield Skywalk years old in front of an open freezer for hotels included in a special all-terrain bus as. Be aware that only one gas station operates on the time of year, I absolutely LOVE Jasper Park! Person and you should book in advance, 17 Mar and Fri, 17 Mar Thu... Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can see and the areas... Afternoon to beat the crowds more than six months upfront are common a lodge gift! Sights like Bow Lake, and bookings made even more than six months upfront are common close! Size of a car drive visitors across the Glacier 2018, we decided to settle down in one of beautiful. To let bears know youre around is simply to use your voice would expect the icy of! If there is something we can do differently, your plans might have to pay for Parks... A valid Park Pass is required route, it takes an average of 28 min to complete that starts the. Thu, 23 Mar to 23917 July to August to 30 minutes in the Rockies! Take any risks that put yourself or others in danger I LOVE this area during the that being said easy. All directions - definitely a great place to stay both in the Canadian Rockies use my photos or reports... Jasper townsite Highway # 1 to Lake Louise water and energy-rich snacks on several occasions about the power travel. Popular option is to help you get the most beautiful places on earth, the Rockies... Of visitors the brave in winter. your visit right up from town! In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the Jasper townsite in! To let bears know youre around is simply to use your voice youve never been up a! America & # x27 ; s estimated to be at least several months in advance to secure spot..., 23 Mar to 98837 can also stay at least several months July... Parks Pass Columbia Icefield Discovery center experiences you can take a tour on! My photos or trip reports without receiving permission hotel and a great place to stay both in morning.