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. Following these important principles basically means doing your best to leave beautiful places like the Athabasca Glacier as good (if not better) than you found them, both for their preservation and for the enjoyment of other visitors. 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. Athabasca Glacier lies on the Columbia Icefields Parkway midway between the Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. You can also watch the award-winning film Through Ice and Time, which was specifically created for this gallery. While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies and one of the most accessible, thanks to its location. I also highly recommend reading up on Leave No Trace principles before heading anywhere into the outdoors in general. For campers, there are two nearby campgrounds. 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. Athabasca River is 1231 kilometers long river that originates in Jasper National Park at the end of Columbia Glacier and runs across the province of Alberta into enormous Lake Athabasca, spreading across the borders between Alberta and Saskatchewan. Many visitors book their stay at least several months in advance, and bookings made even more than six months upfront are common. 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. Be aware of what time it gets dark and check the weather forecast. 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. This brings us to the next thing we need to mention. Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) We also have a great guide on Banff in winter you can find by searching Banff on our website. While were more mixed on the Discovery Center experiences both the Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake cruise are worth a visit for most. C$183.75. Instead, theres a short Athabasca Glacier hike that will give you some impressive views of the icefield for free. 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. 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. Near the top. Youll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. One of the best things about Icefields Parkway is that it is not lined with hotels and resorts. Print/PDF map. This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. Due to winter road conditions, your plans might have to change. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. If youre traveling during these uncertain times, be sure that you have travel insurance! 12 , Alberta. Travelingfrom Banff in the direction of Jasper, it will take you around 2.5 hours to get the 187 kilometers (116 miles) to the glacier. One thing that isnt at the visitor center is a gas station. Another great alternative is Viator. If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. 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. Wilcox Creek Campground has first come, first served sites, and it's an excellent choice for all visitors who don't want to spend a fortune on accommodation and want to stay close to the Athabasca Glacier, Wilcox Pass, and other points of interest. or visit eBay's page on international trade . 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! Save yourself the stress of worrying about getting on a tour or the long wait for an open spot by booking ahead of time. Jasper Inn & Suites offers good value for money. Traditionally the Ice Explorer is included in a Glacier Adventure ticket with the Glacier Skywalk. See our complete Alberta packing list here. As we still had plenty of time, we hiked to Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge Trail. A great place to try this is Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park. Wait for a day when you know there is good visibility. We take guests on a journey deep into the wonders of this magical place, sharing our expert knowledge while prioritizing preservation through responsible exploration. 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. All the bookings are done by timeslot and fill up quickly in the summer months. If you can, book your tour in the morning or late afternoon to avoid that peak of 12-3 p.m. when most people are out on tours. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. So make sure to pack a toque and warm jacket when you visit the glacier for a more enjoyable experience. Information is also available at 406-888-7800. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The daily rate for these passes is $10.50 CAD per adult, $21 CAD per family, and free for all kids 17 and under. In the photo above you can Mount Columbia, Snow Dome, Andromeda, and Alberta. Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Toe of the Athabasca Glacier. So, your tickets to the Skywalk include roundtrip transport from the Discovery Centre as well as your admission to get on the Skywalk itself. There are some interpretative storytelling boards about the history on the walkway that will take you to the lookout. Hot Tip: Although more expensive up front, if you plan on spending more than 7 days in different parks in Canada within a 12-month period, then the Discovery Pass is actually the better deal! In fact, it's astounding just how much is packed into this route! We highly recommend including one of those great hikes on your itinerary as well. Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops. Its also a great introduction for those interested in mountaineering. The driving distance to the Icefields Discovery Center is 195 km and takes just under three hours from Downtown Banff. Its a pretty pricey experience that averages around $130 but includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Extra $550 per person from Perth. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. To help you make the most of your visit to this incredible place, Ive put together this complete guide to help. We've already briefly touched on this topic. Athabasca Falls were formed as the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National Park. A reservation is not required unless you have a large group. 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. Hard. This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. We personally wouldn't buy this tour as it does not seem exactly environmentally friendly. Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer. 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. The Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in all of North America. Athabasca Glacier. Open directions in Google Maps Thank you. There are a number of facilities at the Discovery Center. The Cycling House crew's home base is Big Sky Country, and guides know where to find the best off-the-beaten-path backroads. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. A short straightforward walk is all takes to get up to the rocky plateau looking out at the glacier. Bald Hills. Yes! It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for one day. To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. Although only about 1.5 hours in length, it is a good experience and one you can easily work into your day driving the Icefields Parkway. To reach the summit requires a long hike to a technical glacier crossing and then up an exposed face or col. Absolutely. For a discount, book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together in advance online. It will be quieter here in the winter, so you wont be dealing with a crowd. Its quite large, and you should be able to find a spot here. The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. Athabasca Glacier is about 3.7 mi (6 km ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq. Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! ), 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. Youll also get a pair of micro-spikes (crampons) included with these tours, which are necessary for extra grip while youre walking on the glacier. If youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot near the trailhead. Of course, very few will drive the parkway in that amount of time as there are a plethora of worthy stops along the way. 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. PLEASE do not walk on Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment. Honestly, the views from the cafeteria and restaurant of the Discovery Center are fantastic for free. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs or support us directly here. 5.0. mi (6 sq. Saskatchewan Glacier is the largest outflow glacier out of the Columbia Icefield. Glacier hiking tours start at $105 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. We suggest picking up a packed lunch in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. Bring a jacket (even in the summer!) Its a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. If you book online, these are the rates you will pay, otherwise the "regular" rate should you purchase on-site will be 10% extra! These months inevitably collide with the holiday season, but there's not much you can do about it but plan your trip for the shoulder season months, such as late May and October. The Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on the British ColumbiaAlberta border in Canada. All rights reserved. Glacier Adventure on the Athabasca Glacier ONLY. Trail Length: 1.0km (.62 miles) Difficulty: Easy; Elevation Gain: 26m (85 feet) 7. July and August offer the best weather, but that's also the most crowded time of year. You can book ahalf-day tour like this onewhere youll spend 3 hours hiking on Athabasca Glacier with an experienced guide. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. 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). Situated across from the Icefield Centre, its ice is in continuous motion, creeping forward at . The Wilcox Pass trailhead is right nearby and will lead you to amazing views of Athabasca Glacier, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda. The main parking lot here is at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin . But there are a few other options if you have time to burn and very deep pockets. However, you can still come in winter to hike theToe of the Athabasca Glacier TrailI previously mentioned. The views of the Athabasca Glacier are overwhelming. 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. Learn More. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. The ice in the center of this glacier is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall! We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. 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. The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. 4.8. Extra $300 per person from Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. Its a bit steep to start but is still rated as an easy hike. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Postcard - Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park - Alberta, Canada at the best online prices at eBay! Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. Please practice good ethics, and don't take any risks that put yourself or others in danger. The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. Dome Glacier, Stutfield Glacier and . Jasper | Jasper Inn and Suites - When traveling north, Jasper is the best place to end your Icefields Parkway road trip. 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. A Columbia Icefield Tour of the glacier in a snowcoach starts at $99 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six foremost 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, situated in the Canadian Rockies. Situated between Jasper and Banff, this is a spot you dont want to miss if you have the chance. The Icefields Parkwaya scenic drive over Lake Louise and Jaspercuts across the Columbia Icefield with amazing views of the Athabasca Glacier at its finest. 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. You will notice several warning signs along the trail, and we highly recommend you to read the interpretative boards that explain more. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. 17. Although many high passes remain blocked until the summer, this month marks the beginning of the transition to peak season. 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. 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! There are not many options for food along the Icefields Parkway. With approximately 200,000 km2 of glacier coverage in the Arctic and the West . DISCLAIMER: All activities you find on this site are dangerous. That's right, a short walk to the foot of the Athabasca Glacier is a must-do activity while touring the Icefields Parkway. Be sure to check out some of related blogs including: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What can I do in and around Banff in two days, Nov 24-26? We quickly realized that some of the activities are out of our budget, so it was easy to rule them out, but there were also too many things we wanted to see and too many photogenic places we did not want to miss, so the decision process was often quite heartbreaking. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. If youre driving with an RV, there is overnight parking available in a large asphalt lot on the west side of the Discovery Centre. Location: 130 km from Lake Louise & 103 km from Jasper. At its terminus, the glacier sits about 1500 meters from the famed Icefields Parkway and a convenient parking lot makes it an easy walk. To avoid the crowds, visit outside of the peak summer months of July and August. 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. The walk should only take 10-20 minutes and is easy enough for kids to tag along. Athabasca Falls are accessible year-round, thanks to the nearby well-maintained highway and the parking lot close to the falls. With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. Situated around 120 km (75 mi) from the town of Banff, it can be easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway. The World Pursuit LLC is not responsible for injury, loss, or damage while participating in an activity. Because the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are inside Jasper National Park, youll need a Canada Parks Pass. Additional Information. From Calgary or Banff Depending on where you are based, thisColumbia Icefield Adventure Tourincludes roundtrip transportation from either Calgary or Banff. 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!). 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. Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. To open it up in Google Maps for easy navigation just click the red pin. Being prepared is the best defense. Athabasca Glacier sits at the base of several notable peaks such as Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. You wont need any technical experience and with the proper safety precautions and equipment, its a straightforward objective/experience. The Athabasca Glacier is the most visited glacier in all of North America and it is spectacular. The tour company that operates the all-terrain bus said the vehicle was on its way to Athabasca Glacier, in the Columbia Icefield. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. Tours from $99 . Duration: 10 hours. A massive tour bus with wheels the size of a car drive visitors across the glacier to a large parking area on the glacier. The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! Jasper is 100 kilometers away from here. We just couldn't justify the price tag for this attraction - a whopping 36 CAD. 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. Athabasca glacier has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is still receding by about 2-3 m per year. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. Walk to Athabasca Glacier's base on a well-marked trail from the car park and enjoy the stunning scenery of Columbia Icefield for free. If you are driving here in the winter, make sure you have winter tires on your car and always check road conditions, as snowstorms are common. The only reservations that are required are for the guided Ice Walk as it is with an independent tour operator not associated with Pursuit and the Icefield Discovery Center. 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. Departs on Australia on 4 September 2023 & 20 May 2024. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. As you plan your own trip to this amazing place, Ive put together a complete guide with tips and advice to make the most of your visit. Nevertheless, the hike itself is free. This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! ). 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. This is not only a geological wonder but a truly unique spot you wont find anywhere else in the country. If you want to walk on the glacier, the Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May until October. peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies. 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. We now know what to avoid. The experiences are allowed to be used on separate days. Believe us; you don't want to arrive in Banff or Jasper in high season without a reservation. from the Skywalk isTangle Creek Falls. To be honest, we didn't book any of the tours or experiences. Athabasca Glacier hike is an easy 30 minutes one-way trip you can find along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. However, these tours can be quite pricey, unlike the walk to the Toe of Athabasca Glacier, which is free. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to have a real glacier experience 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. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. You must park in this lot if youve booked a glacier or Skywalk tour. The Icefield feeds six glaciers of which three can be seen from the parkway: Athabasca, Stutfield, and Dome. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. Visiting this unique spot is like stepping back in time in fact, some of the ice at the end of the Athabasca Glacier was snow that fell on the icefield some 400 years ago! Jasper is the closest at 105 km and 1.5 hours driving. Located at the juncture of Banff and Jasper national parks, the center offers interpretive exhibits, gift shop, restaurant and cafeteria, an extensive . This two-lane highway is so much more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B. The glacier is part of the massive Columbia Icefield . If you are in this area during the colder time of year, I absolutely LOVE Jasper National Park in winter. 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. Youll have amazing views of the Sunwapta Valley, and the long glass-bottomed walkway thats over 1,000 feet above is a thrill! as the glacial winds here are strong and cold all year long! 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. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. When we were planning the Canadian Rockies trip, the area around the Columbia Icefield seemed quite overwhelming, and the planning was not as easy as we assumed it would be. 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. Booking in advance is also strongly recommended since these experiences do have limited numbers and are very popular! The rooms here are around $329 CAD. Visiting Athabasca Glacier is a great way to get out of the car and see something amazing . Youll spend an entire day sightseeing, including an Athabasca Glacier tour, Skywalk adventure, a visit to the Weeping Wall, and Athabasca Falls. Both are overpriced. Glacier Skywalk. 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