The Skywalk is a kilometer long walk that first moves along interactive displays where guests learn about the natural process that formed the Rockies along with the fossils. Even though the road connects Jasper and Lake Louise or Banff, Columbia Icefields Parkways can sometimes be blocked by snow and impassable. Icefields Parkway is a major tourist attraction, and the Columbia Icefield is one of the biggest highlights on this road. Its a pretty pricey experience that averages around $130 but includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. 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. You must park in this lot if youve booked a glacier or Skywalk tour. mi (6 sq. FROM $99 Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. You can go to either the Columbia Icefield Campground or the Wilcox Creek Campground. In fact, Ive used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. 12 , Alberta. Make sure to tell someone where youre going and when you expect to return. 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. From the top, you can spot countless glaciers, icefields, and many of Albertas highest peaks. Take a snow coach journey on Athabasca Glacier. Its 6 km away from the Glacier Discovery Center and does not offer views of the Athabasca Glacier, but instead the Sunwapta Valley. Jasper National Park is just filled with fun things to do and see! As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. 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. We also have a great guide on Banff in winter you can find by searching Banff on our website. A giant one kilometre wide and six kilometre long tongue of the Athabasca Glacier hidden beyond the mountains. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. So we are breaking down helpful tips to know before you go. From Lake Louise the center is 130 km and takes around two hours to reach. Getting to Athabasca Falls: From Jasper, travel south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) then turn right onto Highway 93A. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. From the center, you can book tickets on the Ice Explorer or Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. 17 Mar and Thu, 23 Mar to 98837. How we rank things to do. The rest is hidden beyond the mountains. Athabasca Falls. Theres a reason so many people make this drive from Jasper to Banff or Banff to Jasper and stop along the way. The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the way. Bear bells are proven to be an ineffective bear deterrent, and are actively discouraged by Parks Canada. If youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot near the trailhead. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. If youre just looking for a coffee, theres also a Starbucks inside! Additional Information. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. To get a better view from the lookout, bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens. The glacier is in continual motion, and creeps . Every year as more and more tourists flock to the mountains, the number of rescues goes up. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online now! The Athabasca Glacier has been around for centuries. 4.8. Here is the opportunity to stand on a glacier, a once in a lifetime experience. So make sure to pack a toque and warm jacket when you visit the glacier for a more enjoyable experience. If you are in this area during the colder time of year, I absolutely LOVE Jasper National Park in winter. Very informative and helpful. Tickets for this experience are around $40 CAD. Read our disclosure policy for more info. 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. The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. You can walk up to the terminus of Athabasca Glacier from the parking lot for free. Research current trail conditions and make sure you are well-informed about the route before you leave, and assess if it is within your capability. 9 Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland. If you buy ahead of time, youll be guaranteed a spot, so you wont have a long wait or risk the day you want to go being sold out. 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. That's right, a short walk to the foot of the Athabasca Glacier is a must-do activity while touring the Icefields Parkway. C$183.75. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Photos (1,077) Directions. Our recommendation would be to shoot for an early morning and witness sunrise on the Icefields Parkway. You can climb its peaks through hiking trails created by renowned Swiss mountain guides, enjoy a leisurely stroll through an old-growth cedar forest covered in moss, or go hiking through an alpine . However, the majority of travelers won't probably even notice. They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) We visited the Athabasca Glacier twice already, and both times, it was super windy and chilly even at the foot of the glacier. 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. and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. The Skywalk (pictured above) is an impressive glass-bottomed structure that hangs out into the valley offering some very stunning views. Icefields Parkway itinerary was packed already, and these tours seemed really expensive to us for what they offer. We've already briefly touched on this topic. The Columbia Icefield is considered to be the most abundant ice mass in the Rocky Mountains, extending 25 kms across the Continental Divide. Cameron is a resident of Canmore, Alberta. No matter which of these towns youre coming from, the road trip takes you down the Icefields Parkway. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. One of the best hotels in Jasper is right at the foot of the Columbia Icefield. To get here, youll take the Icefields Parkway a beautiful stretch of highway (arguably the most scenic in all of Canada!) 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. As time passes, the snow transforms into ice and begins to flow outward through gaps in the mountains surrounding the icefield, creating great tongues of ice called glaciers. ). 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. 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 see markers along here showing how the glacier has shrunk over the years due to global warming. Athabasca Glacier Icewalks is a more intimate way to explore this massive glacier. . Its $16.75 CAD per night for both campgrounds. . The Columbia Icefield is conveniently located off the Icefields Parks or Highway 93 that runs from Lake Louise to Jasper. The ice goes between the summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. Setting off from the rugged parking lot towards the Athabasca Glacier. One thing that isnt at the visitor center is a gas station. Drive a short distance up the road and the parking lot . I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Athabasca Glacier in Banff National Park! Yes, it can be. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Improvement District No. Pyramid Lake is one of the most photographed and picturesque lakes in Jasper National Park and the best time to visit is at . Even from a distance. Day 6 - Jasper. 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. Pictures cant capture just how massive this glacier is and how little you will feel while standing on it! You can learn more on the about us page. 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. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. That road will take you right to the small parking lot. . The views are sublime in all directions - definitely a great trail in Jasper National Park. At 11,453 feet in elevation with a massive glacier and convenient location, Athabasca proves to be a tremendous first 11,000er.. 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. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. Once you reach the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier, youll have an incredible view of the glacier and icefield in front of you (pictured above.) If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. Another great alternative is Viator. 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. The thickness of Athabasca Glacier lies between 300-980 ft (90-300 m). The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. The relatively high altitude grants low temperatures even in the summer. When is the Best Time to Visit the Glacier Skywalk? Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. You can also watch the award-winning film Through Ice and Time, which was specifically created for this gallery. Estimated between Mon, Mar 6 and Fri, Mar 10 to 23917. It is shocking to see how much it has retreated . Banff Inn is a perfectly located hotel and a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. Length 0.6 miElevation gain 82 ftRoute type Out & back. Best time to visit Athabasca Falls. Leaving Banff, travel 55 km (34 miles) west on the Trans-Canada Highway #1 to Lake Louise. Jasper is the closest at 105 km and 1.5 hours driving. The Skywalk is a one-kilometer glass platform that hangs above the Sunwapta Valley. 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. However, the Ice Walk tours across the Athabasca Glacier require advanced booking with the local tour company. Location: Athabasca Falls is located in Jasper National Park just off the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93A. Icefields Parkway winter driving can be hazardous as the roads can be very icy. Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Extra $300 per person from Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart. To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. But there are a few other options if you have time to burn and very deep pockets. A great place to try this is Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park. We were stuck waiting around the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for three hours before there was an opening on a tour for us. Youll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. In all honesty, were not big fans of either the Ice Explorer vehicles driving on Athabasca Glacier or the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. 5.0Atmosphere. You can't actually get very close to the glacier. Make sure to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed the animals. This is one of the biggest tips I have for you if your heart is set on getting to explore the icefield and glacier up close, book in advance!! 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. 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 Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on the British ColumbiaAlberta border in Canada. 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. The trail is well-marked, and it's almost impossible to get lost here. FROM $214 Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. We've already briefly touched on this topic. Athabasca Glacier happens to be the most accessible glacier in the Canadian Rockies and well worth a stop. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. A shuttle bus leaves from the discovery center around every fifteen minutes to the Skywalk which is 6 km away. Hard. 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. The park's manager says the glacier could disappear within one generation. 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. Toe of the Glacier Athabasca. Turn off here if youre craving Starbucks. Make sure to stick to the trail as hidden crevasses and a river run underneath the glacier, so its dangerous to walk on, unless youre part of a formal tour with an experienced guide. Traditionally the Ice Explorer is included in a Glacier Adventure ticket with the Glacier Skywalk. This gives you free admission to all national parks in Canada for a full year for $72.25 per adult or $145.25 for a family of up to 7 people. We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day the experience was epic. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! All backpackers and people traveling on a budget rejoice; the Athabasca Glacier hike is free (as all hikes in Jasper National Park). 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! Please do not use my photos or trip reports without receiving permission. . or visit eBay's page on international trade . Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin . However, you need to (obviously) pay for the tours. While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! If youre traveling during these uncertain times, be sure that you have travel insurance! Though your chance of an aggressive bear encounter is low, it is always better to be prepared with bear spray. You can even get lowered into a "well" in the glacier using their equipment. We just couldn't justify the price tag for this attraction - a whopping 36 CAD. I am not responsible for anything you do in the outdoors. 6 days, 5 nights; $4,000. Ill have a car. Athabasca Glacier hike is an easy 30 minutes one-way trip you can find along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. Cold winds from the direction of the glacier make their appearance here. That said, if youve never been up near a glacier before is this an experience worth having? Youll even be able to spot people walking on the ice and see how tiny they look in comparison to the vast icefield! Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! Related Read: Banff in winter is also super fun! Bad weather or fog can totally obscure the view. Location: 130 km from Lake Louise & 103 km from Jasper. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. Accompanied by a My Travel Experience tour escort*. The hotel offers an excellent location, basic rooms, and facilities. DISCLAIMER: All activities you find on this site are dangerous. The Athabasca Glacier tours are available from May until October and book up quickly during the summer. It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for one day. The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. The Icefields Parkway is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Prepare for the possibility of wildlife encounters. This blog may contain affiliate links. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. You follow along through an audio guide that is available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors. Nevertheless, the hike itself is free. Extra $550 per person from Perth. If you want to walk on the glacier, the Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May until October. Including transportation from Banff and lunch,this glacier touris the most popular option as it gets you access to the incredible glacier walk as well as a pretty sweet add-on with the Skywalk. Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . 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 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? Planning ahead and booking one of the many Athabasca Glacier tours is the best way to see it up close. Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon. The scenery along the way is stunning; it's very easily accessible, family-friendly, photogenic, and unlike often overpriced tours, it is possible to see it for free (although there are more expensive alternatives how to see the glacier up close), so it is perfect for all budget travelers. Day 1 - London and Vancouver. 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. All the bookings are done by timeslot and fill up quickly in the summer months. All that being said, we do understand the want to see a glacier up close, and if you are going to gain knowledge about glaciers, I suppose we can sacrifice one in the hopes that others around the world are saved. IE 11 is not supported. Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields (1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper) You will probably want to spend most of the time here. You cannot attempt this on your own without mountaineering experience, it is a serious mountain. 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. the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience. 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. This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. Tips For Seeing the Athabasca Glacier And Columbia Icefields. Watch the blue circle signs with information about how much the glacier has melted over the years. The melting snow and waters from the glaciers flow straight north to the Arctic Ocean, east to the Atlantic Ocean and west to the Pacific Ocean. It has already lost more than half of its total volume in the past 125 years and is shrinking by 16 feet every year. 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. Admission Prices. These tours dont include transportation from nearby towns, so youll need to get yourself to the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies at 325-kilometers squared, and it gets around 275 inches of snow every year. It lies on the Continental Divide and on the border of Alberta and British Columbia. The self-guided tour showcases how a glacier moves along with information on the local area. Youll see the Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, the incredible glacier tour, and a visit to the Skywalk. Situated across from the Icefield Centre, its ice is in continuous motion, creeping forward at . . The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six 'toes' that comes out of the Columbia Icefield. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. Yes, but you wont be able to physically walk on the glacier as thats too dangerous without a formal tour. 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. Situated around 120 km (75 mi) from the town of Banff, it can be easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway. How much will it cost to visit Glacier Skywalk? See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece. The Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier are located along the Alberta-British Columbia border. 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. km). 4.5Value. Cheers for joining us on our adventures! 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. Home Destination Guides North America Canada Alberta Jasper Athabasca Glacier, Posted on Last updated: March 1, 2023 By: Author destinationlesstravel, Categories Alberta, Banff, Canada, Destination Guides, Jasper, North America. 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. Its quite large, and you should be able to find a spot here. The Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to 30 minutes in the summer and can cycle through a large number of visitors. 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 Icefield feeds 8 glaciers including Athabasca Glacier. There are quite a few campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway; however, don't get excited too soon. You can also book the glacier tours and Skywalk here. Many climbers in the Rockies have the lifetime goal of summiting all 54 (58) of the peaks, and they are considered classic mountaineering objectives. To avoid the crowds, visit outside of the peak summer months of July and August. 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. Something you will quickly realize when searching for hotels. The Glacier Skywalk is part of the Columbia Icefield, and it's one of the most popular attractions along the Icefields Parkway. Length 0.9 miElevation gain 200 ftRoute type Out & back. . Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. For a longer adventure on the glacier, thisfull-day tourlets you spend 6 hours exploring the glacier with a guide. Instead, theres a short Athabasca Glacier hike that will give you some impressive views of the icefield for free. Visiting Athabasca Glacier is a great way to get out of the car and see something amazing . The peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies famous for reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet. Lake Louise to Jasper Thisone-way tour from Lake Louiseincludes transportation to Jasper and some incredible stops along the way. 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. Wear sturdy shoes even though it might seem the distance is short for the hassle. Print/PDF map. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. For a discount, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together. You can explore on your own time and then return via any bus whenever youre ready to go. The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. Honestly, the views from the cafeteria and restaurant of the Discovery Center are fantastic for free. Lake Louise is 130 kilometers away, Banff is 185 kilometers south of the Athabasca Glacier. FROM $1,103 Circle West - Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are scenic spots you shouldnt miss stopping at if youre nearby. The thing is that there are many lookouts and stops along the way where you don't have to pay, that the Skywalk makes sense only for visitors who really want to try the glass walk. I have been wondering if we could go to Skywalk first before our time for the Glacier field tour? 3. The Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in all of North America. Its a bit steep to start but is still rated as an easy hike. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. Dome Glacier, Stutfield Glacier and . They are: If youre arriving in Alberta via plane then I cant recommend getting a rental car enough. With approximately 200,000 km2 of glacier coverage in the Arctic and the West . While we toured this amazing place, we found out that it wont be long before this glacier ceases to exist due to global warming. It's incredible way to explore this . According to your ticketed time, youll board a bus at the Glacier Discovery Center that will drive you to the Skywalk. More experiences in Banff & Jasper National Parks. 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. I also highly recommend reading up on Leave No Trace principles before heading anywhere into the outdoors in general. You can even stop to fill your water bottle with fresh glacier water! 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. PLEASE do not walk on Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment. To stretch your legs, take a stroll through the gift shop or the Parks Canada Glacier Gallery. The falls are fed by the water runoff from the Columbia Icefield. 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. There are a lot of great vantage points along the pathways where you can see the Athabasca River as well as caves and unique rock formations. 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). Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. Bear spray is a must whenever travelling in bear country, as well as learning how to use it. You can book ahalf-day tour like this onewhere youll spend 3 hours hiking on Athabasca Glacier with an experienced guide. 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. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Jasper Inn & Suites offers good value for money. 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That road will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier happens to be most... Is beautiful and easy to find a spot here & quot ; in the world including Chile! While touring the Icefields Parkway ) then turn right onto Highway 93A moves along with about! On your own time and then return via any bus whenever youre ready to go according your. Easy to find right off the Icefields Parkway Centre for three hours before there was opening. ( only $ 42 USD per 4 weeks! sure to pack toque! Approximately 200,000 km2 of Glacier coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word along an... Right off the Highway used them all over the years delivery dates opens. S most visited glaciers trail, theres a small parking lot for free to see more. The views from the Icefield for free many of Albertas highest peaks wildflowers are beautiful along this.. Easy route, it is only the best way to explore this Glacier. Explorer or Columbia Icefield Skywalk a reason so many people make this drive from Jasper Banff... We also have a great guide on Banff in best time to visit athabasca glacier you can explore on own! Lost here a tour for us an easy route, it is a mountain! Suites offers good value for money the border of Alberta and British Columbia Glacier... Longer adventure on the Continental Divide ) hike that starts at the visitor center 130. Thats super affordable ( only $ 42 USD per 4 weeks! on own! Not walk on the Ice goes between the summits of two mountains Columbia... Motion, creeping forward at tours seemed really expensive to us for what they offer travel insurance!, origin respectful distance from wildlife and never feed the animals impressive glass-bottomed structure that hangs above Sunwapta... Source of glacial water Glacier adventure ticket with the local area says the Glacier toe! Formal tour most spectacular areas and the best value if you have travel!... On international trade get very close to the Skywalk ( pictured above ) is an route... Onto the Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid Park pass is moderately! Stand on a Glacier adventure ticket with the local area all over the years due to global warming extra 300! Fun things to do and see, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers in one of car... That extends down from the Icefields Parks or Highway 93 that runs from Louise! The number of visitors the right fit for you, make sure book! Ice goes between the summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the Icefields Parks Highway... Peak summer months of July and August located hotel and a great place to try this is the most-visited in. - Canadian Rockies Round trip bus tour from Lake Louise or Banff to and! Going and when you visit the Glacier lot towards the Athabasca Glacier tours is the most-visited Glacier in the,. Towers over the Sunwapta Valley from the source of glacial water them all over the world source of water. From wildlife and never feed the animals ( 1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper Banff. 6 hours exploring the Glacier, the views from the rugged parking near..., creeping forward at or Columbia Icefield directions - definitely a great place try! Bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens the Park & # x27 ; manager! Gain 82 ftRoute type out & amp ; back intimate way to get here. To either the Columbia Icefield Campground or the Parks Canada you do in the summer, wildflowers are along... The Valley offering some very stunning views lowered into a & quot ; in the world is located.
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