Athabasca Glacier
North America's most visited glacier, offering unique Ice Explorer rides and guided hikes onto ancient ice.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Athabasca Glacier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
North America's most visited glacier, offering unique Ice Explorer rides and guided hikes onto ancient ice.
"An unforgettable experience walking on ancient ice, a must-do in the Canadian Rockies!"
Book Tours in Advance
Secure your Athabasca Glacier tour tickets online to guarantee your spot and avoid long queues. :admission_tickets:
Wear Warm Layers
It's cold on the glacier! Pack waterproofs, gloves, and a hat, even in summer. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ice Explorer Ride
Athabasca Glacier
Ride a massive, specially designed bus onto the ancient ice of the Athabasca Glacier. An unforgettable experience!
Glacier Skywalk
Columbia Icefield
Walk on a glass-floored observation platform suspended over the Sunwapta Valley. Breathtaking panoramic views!
Guided Glacier Hike
Athabasca Glacier
Embark on an Athabasca Glacier hike with a guide to truly explore the ice formations and learn about its history.
Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail
Athabasca Glacier
A shorter, accessible trail leading to the glacier's edge, offering impressive views and a chance to see its recession.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Glacier Adventure Early
Dress for the Cold, Even in Summer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours in Advance
Secure your Athabasca Glacier tour tickets online to guarantee your spot and avoid long queues. :admission_tickets:
Wear Warm Layers
It's cold on the glacier! Pack waterproofs, gloves, and a hat, even in summer. :cloud:
Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Essential for walking on the ice. Hiking boots are highly recommended for your Athabasca Glacier hike. :athletic_shoe:
Drink Glacial Water
Bring a reusable bottle to taste pure, fresh water straight from the glacier. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours in Advance
Secure your Athabasca Glacier tour tickets online to guarantee your spot and avoid long queues. :admission_tickets:
Wear Warm Layers
It's cold on the glacier! Pack waterproofs, gloves, and a hat, even in summer. :cloud:
Sturdy Footwear is a Must
Essential for walking on the ice. Hiking boots are highly recommended for your Athabasca Glacier hike. :athletic_shoe:
Drink Glacial Water
Bring a reusable bottle to taste pure, fresh water straight from the glacier. :droplet:
Consider Guided Hikes
For a deeper experience, opt for a guided glacier hike on the Athabasca with Icewalks Athabasca Glacier. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Athabasca Glacier as an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, highlighting the thrill of riding the Ice Explorer and the sheer scale of the glacier. The educational aspect of witnessing its recession is also frequently mentioned. Some find it crowded, and others suggest prioritizing guided hikes over bus tours for a more authentic experience.
"We didn't go into the Glacier on this trip but we plan to next time. We enjoyed wandering through the Discovery Centre and then going abroad the highway to hike to the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier. You can see the people on the Glacier who are on the Glacier tour. There is a fence at the end of the trail but everyone was pushing it down and stepping over to go all the way out to the water. So sad that no one follows the signs. I stopped at the fence. It was beautiful up there. The Skywalk is part of the tour. We also ate lunch in their cafe. The portions were big, so we shared. The parking lot was packed and there were people everywhere. It was crowded but worth visiting."
Donna Smith
"I would highly recommend it to everyone who's ever wanted to visit a glacier. Please visit this once in your lifetime, as the glacier is receding and might not be there in the next 50 years at all. The experience of taking the special red bus is worth it within itself."
Nick
"I had a lot of fun here riding the bus and walking on the glacier. I really enjoyed it glad I was also well dressed with boots and a light down jacket. It was cold. But loved the experience."
Alexander Yu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Athabasca Glacier location is part of the Columbia Icefield, situated on the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. Many visitors take a day trip from Banff, which is about a 3-hour drive one way. You can drive yourself, rent a car, or join a guided tour that includes transportation. Some tours offer pick-up from Banff, making the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier accessible without your own vehicle.
Driving the Icefields Parkway is a scenic experience in itself. If you're not driving, consider organized tours from Banff or Jasper. These tours often combine the Athabasca Glacier tour with stops at other viewpoints. Some Reddit users suggest looking into tour operators beyond the most common ones for potentially better value or unique experiences.
Yes, there is a large parking lot at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, which serves as the base for Athabasca Glacier tours and the Glacier Skywalk. Parking can fill up quickly during peak times, so arriving early is advisable.
You can drive to the Athabasca Glacier location and visit the Discovery Centre. To walk on the glacier itself or access the Skywalk, you will need to purchase tickets for the Ice Explorer Glacier Tour and Glacier Skywalk or a guided Athabasca Glacier hike.
The Athabasca Glacier address is approximately 105 km (65 miles) north of Lake Louise and about 230 km (143 miles) south of Jasper. The drive along the Icefields Parkway is renowned for its stunning scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Athabasca Glacier tickets for the Ice Explorer bus and Skywalk combination online through the official Columbia Icefield Adventure website or through authorized third-party tour operators. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for the Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier.
Ticket prices for the Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer and Skywalk typically range from CAD $60-$100 per person, depending on the package and season. Guided Athabasca Glacier hike tours with companies like Icewalks Athabasca Glacier may have different pricing structures. Check official websites for current rates.
Yes, there are several options. The most popular is the Ice Explorer Athabasca Glacier tour, which takes you onto the ice. For a more immersive experience, consider a guided glacier hike on the Athabasca with Icewalks. You can also combine the Ice Explorer with the Glacier Skywalk.
The standard Ice Explorer Glacier Tour includes transportation onto the glacier via the large Ice Explorer vehicles and time to walk on the ice. The combo ticket usually includes access to the Glacier Skywalk as well. Guided hikes offer more in-depth exploration and safety instruction.
While you can walk to the 'Toe of the Athabasca Glacier' trail without a tour, venturing onto the main glacier requires a guided tour or the Ice Explorer bus for safety and preservation reasons. Unauthorized access can be dangerous and harmful to the glacier.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Dress in warm layers! Even in summer, temperatures on the Athabasca Glacier can be near freezing. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, warm hat, gloves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots. Many visitors recommend waterproof boots.
The Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier and time on the ice typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, including travel time. If you opt for the combo with the Skywalk, budget an additional hour. Guided Athabasca Glacier walking tours can vary in length.
The Athabasca Glacier Skywalk offers stunning, unobstructed views of the surrounding icefields and valleys. Many visitors find the unique perspective and the thrill of walking on the glass floor to be a memorable part of their Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier visit.
Yes! Many visitors report drinking pure glacial water directly from the source on the Athabasca Glacier. It's a unique and refreshing experience, so bring a reusable water bottle.
The 'Toe of the Athabasca Glacier' trail is an accessible path leading to the very edge of the glacier. It's a great option for those who want to see the glacier up close without taking a guided tour or the Ice Explorer bus. You can see markers indicating how much the glacier has receded.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre has a cafe and restaurant offering meals and snacks. Portions are often described as generous, so sharing might be an option. It's a convenient place to refuel after your Athabasca Glacier experience.
The cafe typically offers a range of options from sandwiches and salads to hot meals. It's a good spot for a quick bite or a more substantial lunch while visiting the Columbia Icefield Athabasca Glacier.
While there are dining facilities, bringing your own snacks or a packed lunch is also a good idea, especially if you're on a budget or have specific dietary needs. There are often picnic areas available.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier offers unique perspectives. The Glacier Skywalk provides panoramic vistas. Don't miss the 'Toe of the Athabasca Glacier' trail for close-ups of the ice and meltwater. The drive along the Icefields Parkway itself is also incredibly photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the glacier and surrounding mountains. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant wildlife or details. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blue hues of the ice and reduce glare.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh, but the sheer scale of the glacier is still impressive.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and sensitive ecological areas like the Athabasca Glacier. Always check the latest regulations with Parks Canada before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for interactive exhibits that can engage children. While the Glacier Skywalk offers amazing views, ensure your children are comfortable with heights. For younger children, the Ice Explorer tour might be more manageable than a full guided glacier hike.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own lunch and snacks is a great way to cut down on food costs at the Discovery Centre. Look for deals or package options that might bundle the Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk if you decide to do both. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower accommodation prices if staying nearby.
🚶 Adventure Seekers
Combine your glacier visit with other activities along the Icefields Parkway, such as hiking to viewpoints or exploring nearby waterfalls. The Athabasca Glacier adventure can be the centerpiece of a larger exploration of the Canadian Rockies' rugged beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Athabasca Glacier's Recession
When you visit, you'll see the dramatic difference between where the glacier once was and its current position. Guides on the Athabasca Glacier tour and guided glacier hikes often share detailed information about the glacier's history, its formation, and the scientific data tracking its retreat. This context adds a profound layer to the experience, making it more than just a scenic visit.
Many visitors express a sense of awe and concern after witnessing this firsthand. The Athabasca Glacier experience serves as a potent call to action, encouraging reflection on our impact on the planet. It's a chance to connect with nature on a grand scale and understand the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Choosing Your Glacier Adventure: Ice Explorer vs. Guided Hike
For those seeking a more intimate and educational encounter, a guided glacier hike on the Athabasca with Icewalks or similar operators is highly recommended. These tours involve strapping on crampons and hiking across the glacier's surface with experienced guides. This allows for a deeper exploration of ice formations, crevasses (from a safe distance), and a more hands-on understanding of glacial dynamics. It's often described as a more authentic and rewarding experience by those who prefer active exploration.
Both options offer unique perspectives. The Ice Explorer is efficient and provides a thrilling ride, while a guided hike offers a more profound connection with the glacier's environment. Consider your fitness level, desired level of engagement, and what you hope to gain from your Athabasca Glacier walk when making your choice.
The Icefields Parkway: A Scenic Journey
Along the Parkway, you'll encounter numerous viewpoints and short hikes, such as Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Athabasca Falls. It’s advisable to allow ample time to stop and soak in the scenery. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are a major highlight, but the entire drive offers unparalleled natural beauty.
Plan your drive to coincide with daylight hours to fully appreciate the landscapes. Services like gas stations and restaurants are limited, so it’s wise to fill up your tank and pack snacks before you set off. The Parkway is a gateway to incredible Canadian Rockies experiences, with the Athabasca Glacier being a crowning jewel.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit