Riders stay at Cliff Ranch, a modern lodge located 45 minutes away from Missoula. . The self-guided tour showcases how a glacier moves along with information on the local area. All backpackers and people traveling on a budget rejoice; the Athabasca Glacier hike is free (as all hikes in Jasper National Park). A great add-on to your trip here isbuying a ticket to go on the Skywalk. For campers, there are two nearby campgrounds. If you can, try to book your visit in the morning (before 12 p.m.) or in the later afternoon (after 3 p.m.). The other option to walk on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer vehicles. Many climbers in the Rockies have the lifetime goal of summiting all 54 (58) of the peaks, and they are considered classic mountaineering objectives. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. 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. Please practice good ethics, and don't take any risks that put yourself or others in danger. It's estimated to be at least 12,000 years old. You can reach the glacier from your car in around 10-20 minutes. Tours are operational in the summer months only and subject to seasonal weather. You can go to either the Columbia Icefield Campground or the Wilcox Creek Campground. You can combine the tickets with the Lake Minnewanka cruise, Banff Gondola, or Maligne Lake cruise for a discount. If youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot near the trailhead. Columbia Icefield feeds 8 glaciers including Athabasca Glacier. But with this popularity comes a few challenges when it comes to planning your visit. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-bottomed bridge thats just north of the Athabasca Icefield a popular stop on the Icefield Parkway. If you book online, these are the rates you will pay, otherwise the "regular" rate should you purchase on-site will be 10% extra! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Postcard Athabasca Glacier Columbia Icefields Jasper National Park Alberta at the best online prices at eBay! Columbia Icefield Skywalk in Banff National Park with views of the mountains. The views are breathtaking in more ways than one. He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. A longer six-hour trek costs $175 CAD plus tax. 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 Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are closest to Jasper, with only about an hours drive to travel the 106 kilometers (66 miles). Yes, but you wont be able to physically walk on the glacier as thats too dangerous without a formal tour. Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. 7. The park spreads around 521 square miles (1,349 sq km) of area. Accompanied by a My Travel Experience tour escort*. Banff | Banff Inn - Banff is a little bit further from Icefields Parkway. You can walk up to the falls and climb up a bit to get a great photo. 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. . Bear bells are proven to be an ineffective bear deterrent, and are actively discouraged by Parks Canada. 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. It all depends on where youre staying the night before. It costs $16.75 CAD to park your RV here overnight. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. Duration: 10 hours. Cold winds from the direction of the glacier make their appearance here. If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. DISCLAIMER: All activities you find on this site are dangerous. A shuttle bus leaves from the discovery center around every fifteen minutes to the Skywalk which is 6 km away. FROM $99 Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. While we think you can get better views on a hike than the Skywalk, the Skywalk is accessible for all and will help everyone get the most out of their trip that may not have the ability to enjoy long hikes. How we rank things to do. 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. Athabasca is one of the most easily accessed glaciers in North America, just a few minutes from the parking area. Being prepared is the best defense. 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. At the Discovery Centre, there is a large parking lot and this is where youll board the Ice Explorer bus to take you right onto the glacier. Athabasca Glacier trail is gravel, rocky, and quite slippery. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. 17 Mar and Thu, 23 Mar to 98837. The Columbia Icefield Glacier Center serves as a hub for visitors who seek a closer look at the glacier. For the best weather, come in the warmer summer months in July to August. This blog may contain affiliate links. One thing that isnt at the visitor center is a gas station. It has already lost more than half of its total volume in the past 125 years and is shrinking by 16 feet every year. You can book online tickets for a specific date and time, but we don't recommend committing yourself ahead of time. Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers of booths at the entrance to many national parks. Athabasca Glacier is about 3.7 mi (6 km ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq. You may opt out of personalised ads at any time. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. 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 falls are fed by the water runoff from the Columbia Icefield. Youll be rewarded with stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier along with multiple waterfalls. 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. The Icefields Parkway is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Most people will bring snowshoes to do this trail in the winter as it isnt cleared, and the road leading to the parking lot is closed from November until May. 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. The Icefields Parkwaya scenic drive over Lake Louise and Jaspercuts across the Columbia Icefield with amazing views of the Athabasca Glacier at its finest. 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. The Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in all of North America. Lake Louise | Lake Louise Inn - Newly renovated rooms, onsite restaurants, fitness center, and a heated indoor pool, this hotel is a perfect place to stay either during the summer and in the winter as well (they even provide a free shuttle service to the Lake Louise Ski Resort). 697 m. 4.5-6h. The hike starts from a gravel Athabasca Glacier parking lot. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. 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. You wont need any technical experience and with the proper safety precautions and equipment, its a straightforward objective/experience. Here are our top picks for accommodation along the Icefields Parkway in the mid-range category. Tours from $99 . 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. 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. Near the top. Wear sturdy shoes even though it might seem the distance is short for the hassle. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. Information needed to plan a visit to the park at any time of the year is available on the park website. Very informative and helpful. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. Home Banff Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. from. peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies. This tour is family-friendly too since the hike is relatively easy and flat (5 km/3.1 miles in total.). . If youre planning to stay longer or visit more than one national park in a year, theDiscovery Passis a great option. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. Enjoy this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Jasper, Alberta. Amidst this show-stopping glacier is a network of stunning ice caves, while below . 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. Athabasca glacier has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is still receding by about 2-3 m per year. OK. How to get from Canmore to Athabasca . The rooms here are around $329 CAD. The Columbia Icefield is considered to be the most abundant ice mass in the Rocky Mountains, extending 25 kms across the Continental Divide. The Columbia Icefield is conveniently located off the Icefields Parks or Highway 93 that runs from Lake Louise to Jasper. When approaching the Columbia Icefield, in which the Athabasca Glacier resides, one of the first things you will notice (after the glaciers themselves) is the large visitors center on the east side of the road. 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. 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. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs or support us directly here. Its also a great introduction for those interested in mountaineering. The walk should only take 10-20 minutes and is easy enough for kids to tag along. This article may contain affiliate links. When is the Best Time to Visit the Glacier Skywalk? 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. Another option is to stay somewhere along the Icefields Parkway. TheGlacier View Lodgehas rooms overlooking the glaciers and mountains and is close to all the activities here. Day 6 - Jasper. As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. Even from a distance. Columbia Icefield Campground has 33 tent-only sites that are first-come, first-served. In fact, Ive used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Its a pretty pricey experience that averages around $130 but includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. According to your ticketed time, youll board a bus at the Glacier Discovery Center that will drive you to the Skywalk. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six 'toes' that comes out of the Columbia Icefield. Our recommendation would be to shoot for an early morning and witness sunrise on the Icefields Parkway. 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. or visit eBay's page on international trade. You can learn more on the about us page. Honestly, the views from the cafeteria and restaurant of the Discovery Center are fantastic for free. Saskatchewan Glacier is the largest outflow glacier out of the Columbia Icefield. The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include . Day 1 - Vancouver. 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. check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs, 26 BEST Banff Hotels Downtown Hotels & Elsewhere (2023), Washrooms (running water and flush toilets). During the winter months (November to May), the visitor center is closed, and there are no tours of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six foremost 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, situated in the Canadian Rockies. These tours are VERY popular and often book out in advance. The World Pursuit LLC is not responsible for injury, loss, or damage while participating in an activity. There are quite a few campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway; however, don't get excited too soon. Wilcox Creek Campground has 46 campsites and can accommodate tents and SMALL trailers (big RVs should go to the RV parking lot). 4.5Facilities. 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! 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. 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.) Of course, very few will drive the parkway in that amount of time as there are a plethora of worthy stops along the way. Bad weather or fog can totally obscure the view. 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! . We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier. The driving distance to the Icefields Discovery Center is 195 km and takes just under three hours from Downtown Banff. Informative panels describe the slow retreat of the glacier. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke and so much more. Find the travel options that best suit you. 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. Dome Glacier, Stutfield Glacier and . from the Skywalk isTangle Creek Falls. Sadly a boundary limits people from approaching the glacier itself, however the views from here are impressive nonetheless. If you plan on spending time in Canadas national parks then youre going to have to pay for a Parks Pass. 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. IE 11 is not supported. This is a supremely helpful guide for the icefield. 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. 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. The Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on the British ColumbiaAlberta border in Canada. The Icefield feeds six glaciers of which three can be seen from the parkway: Athabasca, Stutfield, and Dome. 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 walk up to the terminus of Athabasca Glacier from the parking lot for free. . If you want to walk on the glacier, the Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May until October. Youll have amazing views of the Sunwapta Valley, and the long glass-bottomed walkway thats over 1,000 feet above is a thrill! There are a number of facilities at the Discovery Center. With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. We take guests on a journey deep into the wonders of this magical place, sharing our expert knowledge while prioritizing preservation through responsible exploration. as the glacial winds here are strong and cold all year long! Planning ahead and booking one of the many Athabasca Glacier tours is the best way to see it up close. 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. 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. Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . To start the 1.4 km (.8 mile)Athabasca Glacier Trail, start at the far end of the parking lot. 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. Adventure sports, activities, and non-supervised activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions. Print/PDF map. 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. 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 also get a pair of micro-spikes (crampons) included with these tours, which are necessary for extra grip while youre walking on the glacier. The park's manager says the glacier could disappear within one generation. Glacier hiking tours start at $105 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. After enjoying the views, we walked slowly back to the car park. For better views, go on one of our favorite hikes nearby called Parker Ridge. Said that there is a campground very close to the Athabasca Glacier walk. There are many reasons why to include the Athabasca Glacier hike on your Canadian Rockies itinerary. The trailhead is two hours from Banff, or just over an hour from Jasper. It should answer all the questions you have about where the glacier is, if you have to book a tour, parking options, and all about the nearby visitor center. The best time to explore this place is to visit in the morning during the summer season before the crowds arrive. Remember to pack out everything you pack in though - dont expect to find a convenient garbage can halfway up the trail. From Lake Louise the center is 130 km and takes around two hours to reach. The Columbia Icefields Discovery Center acts as the gateway for many visitors with interactive exhibits, tours, and features such as the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. You have a better chance of spotting wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep and will avoid the peak crowds. Is it worth it? Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields (1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper) You will probably want to spend most of the time here. The Columbia Icefield formed around 240,000 years ago. If youre looking for a tourist-free rugged wilderness experience, sorry but this is not it. 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. To help you make the most of your visit to this incredible place, Ive put together this complete guide to help. It's approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite. Before you get started on your trip to the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier, here's our travel guide, including some helpful information and advice on what to expect, trail description, and tips on things to do. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. 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. Drive a short distance up the road and the parking lot . The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! A picnic lunch is also included. 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. I also highly recommend reading up on Leave No Trace principles before heading anywhere into the outdoors in general. 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. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. Instead, theres a short Athabasca Glacier hike that will give you some impressive views of the icefield for free. 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. 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. There is so much to do in this part of the Canadian Rockies. We highly recommend booking an Ice Walk tour and not try to walk on the glacier on your own. For a discount, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together. 5.0Atmosphere. You follow along through an audio guide that is available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. But there are a few other options if you have time to burn and very deep pockets. and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. The shorter tour runs three hours and children must be at least 7 years old to participate. Jasper is 100 kilometers away from here. 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. 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. Demand is heaviest from June to September, and accommodation fills up quickly. For more information, read our guide on Camping in the Canadian Rockies. Time required to visit: 1 - 2 hrs, depending on interest. In fact, it's astounding just how much is packed into this route! Less than a minutes drive (super close!!) The Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. Its quite large, and you should be able to find a spot here. Believe us; you don't want to arrive in Banff or Jasper in high season without a reservation. The land of fire and ice is a glacier wonderland, with 11% of the nation's terrain covered in icecaps - one of which is Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajokull, a glorious UNESCO World Heritage site in itself making up 8% of Iceland. 9 Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland. Glscier-fed Sunwapta Lake to the rear looking somewhat gloomy. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies and one of the most accessible, thanks to its location. This is a common thing at the popular glacier hikes, and Athabasca Glacier is no exception to that. 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. From the top, you can spot countless glaciers, icefields, and many of Albertas highest peaks. C$183.75. The Icefields Parkway itself is a fantastic drive with a ton of great places to stop. Day 1 - London and Vancouver. The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. 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. Icefields Parkway itinerary was packed already, and these tours seemed really expensive to us for what they offer. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible "fingers" coming down from the giant Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. The power of travel rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com 6 )., youll board a bus at the entrance to many national parks then youre going to to. Thats just North of the Glacier & # x27 ; s astounding just how much is packed into route. 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