However, the majority of travelers won't probably even notice. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six foremost 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, situated in the Canadian Rockies. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. Near park entrances visitors can take advantage of updated information on the Travelers' Information Station at 1610 AM. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! You cannot simply Park and walk onto the Skywalk, the only way to visit is on a tour from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre (located a couple of minutes down the road). However, I would certainly visit the Banff Hot Springs. Admission Prices. Please practice good ethics, and don't take any risks that put yourself or others in danger. We visited the Athabasca Glacier twice already, and both times, it was super windy and chilly even at the foot of the glacier. BEST TIME TO VISIT. 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. 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. Car rental in Canada isnt super cheap, but it isnt overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. If youre looking for a tourist-free rugged wilderness experience, sorry but this is not it. Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier. 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. July and August offer the best weather, but that's also the most crowded time of year. Learn more on our about us page! Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. TheBanff Blog Facebook Groupis your headquarters for the Canadian Rockies travel advice and information. 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. 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. For us, booking hotels or campsites this well in advance was one of the most annoying things to do when planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, but it's a necessary thing to do. In fact, Ive used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Drive a short distance up the road and the parking lot . A longer six-hour trek costs $175 CAD plus tax. 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 even stop to fill your water bottle with fresh glacier water! You can see it right from the parking lot, so no big hike is required. 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!! 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. 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. Find the travel options that best suit you. A Columbia Icefield Tour of the glacier in a snowcoach starts at $99 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. Icefields Parkway | The Crossing - Located in Saskatchewan River Crossing on the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, The Crossing is one of the few hotels along this stunning road. . Athabasca Glacier hike is an easy 30 minutes one-way trip you can find along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . Adults - CAD 85 (US$ 64) Children (Age 6-15) - CAD 43 (US$ 32) Under 5 - FREE. If you do not have a car but desperately want to see Athabasca Glacier and the scenery along the Columbia Icefields Parkways, check out this super-popular Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff. This nearly four mile (6 km) glacier, located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies . See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece. In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. Another option is to stay somewhere along the Icefields Parkway. If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. Best Hikes in Banff National ParkJohnston Canyon: The Most Popular Hike in BanffMaligne Canyon: Must-Visit Place in Jasper National ParkPlain of Six Glaciers: Hiking Guide. Opal Hills The perfect-blue streams of water making their way from this wall of ice, rushing down rocky slopes of rubble that have been carved up by the retreating behemoth the glacier itself is only one part of the experience - the strangely barren cliffs all around you exhibiting the glaciers effect on the landscape is what makes it feel like youre truly somewhere unique. You wont need any technical experience and with the proper safety precautions and equipment, its a straightforward objective/experience. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. 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. FROM $1,103 Circle West - Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. $21.36 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day, Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) $188.59 CAD. Banff Inn is a perfectly located hotel and a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. Setting off from the rugged parking lot towards the Athabasca Glacier. 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. Accompanied by a My Travel Experience tour escort*. This is also where you can meet one another when you need adventure buddies. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. Glacier hiking tours start at $105 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. between Lake Louise and Jasper. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-bottomed bridge thats just north of the Athabasca Icefield a popular stop on the Icefield Parkway. Athabasca Glacier trail is gravel, rocky, and quite slippery. You get to spend a long time thoroughly exploring many unique features of the glacier. Its $16.75 CAD per night for both campgrounds. The Athabasca Glacier is an easy day trip from Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. It's approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite. Athabasca Glacier hike is an easy 30 minutes one-way trip you can find along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields (1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper) You will probably want to spend most of the time here. There are many reasons why to include the Athabasca Glacier hike on your Canadian Rockies itinerary. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. Our budget was also quite limited, and we saved the money for the Mount Assiniboine Trek, which we did a few days later. check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs, 26 BEST Banff Hotels Downtown Hotels & Elsewhere (2023), Washrooms (running water and flush toilets). One of the best hotels in Jasper is right at the foot of the Columbia Icefield. 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! Continue reading this blog post for everything you need to know to experience the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park for yourself, including distance, elevation gain, how to get there, the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience. Absolutely. Between the towering peaks of mountains lies the immense and impressive Athabasca Glacier. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. So besides visiting Maligne Lake, there are a few other activities that we recommend that you check off your to-do list. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. 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. Finally, the crowds. Believe us; you don't want to arrive in Banff or Jasper in high season without a reservation. Due to winter road conditions, your plans might have to change. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online now! They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. The rest is hidden beyond the mountains. As we still had plenty of time, we hiked to Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge Trail. If you can, visit Lake Louise and the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Then travel 125 km (78 miles) north from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. Tips For Seeing the Athabasca Glacier And Columbia Icefields. 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. Visit Athabasca Glacier a disappearing wonder. Experiencing the magnificence of nature among the rugged icefields of an ancient glacier has never been so exciting. Its 6 km away from the Glacier Discovery Center and does not offer views of the Athabasca Glacier, but instead the Sunwapta Valley. Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. The views are sublime in all directions - definitely a great trail in Jasper National Park. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields (Located 185km from Banff or 103km from . The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. . HeyMondo offers competitive rates for all travelers. But there was one activity we had no doubts about, and we put it on our itinerary firmly straight away. 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. 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. Athabasca is one of the most easily accessed glaciers in North America, just a few minutes from the parking area. 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. The Glacier Skywalk is part of the Columbia Icefield, and it's one of the most popular attractions along the Icefields Parkway. 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. Free shipping for many products! There are some crevasses in the glacier and there have been a few cases of children falling into the small crevasses with a tragic outcome. Bear spray is a must whenever travelling in bear country, as well as learning how to use it. 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! Located at the juncture of Banff and Jasper national parks, the center offers interpretive exhibits, gift shop, restaurant and cafeteria, an extensive . Related Read: Banff in winter is also super fun! No need to worry about safety as these glass panels are literally bulletproof and then some. Rooms are adequate, however, this is one of the finest examples of paying extra for the location. This article may contain affiliate links. Watch the blue circle signs with information about how much the glacier has melted over the years. 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. 3-day tour from Calgary Airport If youre flying into Calgary,this touroffers the chance to see some of the highlights of this area with all the details taken care of. Athabasca glacier has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is still receding by about 2-3 m per year. We wanted to see Athabasca Glacier up close. 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. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. No matter which of these towns youre coming from, the road trip takes you down the Icefields Parkway. If youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot near the trailhead. Youll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. From the center, you can book tickets on the Ice Explorer or Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Make sure youve fueled up in Jasper, Lake Louise, or at Saskatchewan River Crossing before you get here. We highly recommend booking an Ice Walk tour and not try to walk on the glacier on your own. Youll see sights like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier. The park spreads around 521 square miles (1,349 sq km) of area. You can't actually get very close to the glacier. Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers of booths at the entrance to many national parks. 17 BEST Stops on the Drive from Vancouver to Whistler - Road Trip Guide, How to Get to Moraine Lake (from Banff, Canmore, Calgary, and More! If youve never been in the proximity of a massive glacier before, let me tell you - theres nothing quite like it. Day 6 - Jasper. The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. Saskatchewan Glacier is the largest outflow glacier out of the Columbia Icefield. Additional Information. The Wilcox Pass trailhead is right nearby and will lead you to amazing views of Athabasca Glacier, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. 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 Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are just over an hour (106 km/66 miles) south of Jasper, 1.5 hours (132 km/82 miles) north of Lake Louise, or about 2.5 hours (187 km/116 miles) north of Banff. Informative panels describe the slow retreat of the glacier. The self-guided tour showcases how a glacier moves along with information on the local area. Columbia Icefield Campground has 33 tent-only sites that are first-come, first-served. The Columbia Icefield is considered to be the most abundant ice mass in the Rocky Mountains, extending 25 kms across the Continental Divide. Icefields Parkway is a major tourist attraction, and the Columbia Icefield is one of the biggest highlights on this road. Lake Louise to Jasper Thisone-way tour from Lake Louiseincludes transportation to Jasper and some incredible stops along the way. We take guests on a journey deep into the wonders of this magical place, sharing our expert knowledge while prioritizing preservation through responsible exploration. However, the Ice Walk tours across the Athabasca Glacier require advanced booking with the local tour company. Remember to pack out everything you pack in though - dont expect to find a convenient garbage can halfway up the trail. This brings us to the next thing we need to mention. 7. We personally wouldn't buy this tour as it does not seem exactly environmentally friendly. Youll be given headphones to enjoy a self-guided audio tour on this walk. The hotel has a convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms that should convince you to stay here. When you stand on Athabasca Glacier it feels a bit like standing in front of an open freezer. Columbia Icefields are home to the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Put on crampons, and you will get a firsthand view of this massive moving force, while the skilled and experienced guides will make your trip unforgettable. ), 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. 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. The Athabasca Glacier tours are available from May until October and book up quickly during the summer. The park's manager says the glacier could disappear within one generation. However, this mountainous town offers one of the widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies. Print/PDF map. The shorter tour runs three hours and children must be at least 7 years old to participate. 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. A giant one kilometre wide and six kilometre long tongue of the Athabasca Glacier hidden beyond the mountains. Alternatively, turn the opposite direction down a rough and bumpy road if youd like to walk up to the Athabasca Glacier, just near the large Sunwapta Lake. 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. Chilling! As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Unlike the above hiking tour, this hike is a little more difficult and is best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness. Further travel is roped off and signs ask that you go no further. The trail is well-marked, and it's almost impossible to get lost here. Open directions in Google Maps 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. We meet at London Heathrow for our flight to Vancouver, and check into the city's exceptional Fairmont Hotel for two nights. Its a beautiful campground with some truly amazing views of the surrounding area. 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. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. The tour company that operates the all-terrain bus said the vehicle was on its way to Athabasca Glacier, in the Columbia Icefield. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. Nevertheless, the hike itself is free. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. This tour is family-friendly too since the hike is relatively easy and flat (5 km/3.1 miles in total.). The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. We now know what to avoid. The Cycling House crew's home base is Big Sky Country, and guides know where to find the best off-the-beaten-path backroads. There are not many options for food along the Icefields Parkway. or visit eBay's page on international trade . Near the top. While there are no coupons or direct discounts for the Icefield Discovery Center experiences you can buy combo tickets. The other option to walk on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer vehicles. The Icefields Parkway is widely considered as one of the best scenic drives in the world. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. If you are planning a summer road trip to Jasper National Park, try to visit the icefield and glacier mid-week to avoid the very busy weekends. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. Only you can answer this question. Print/PDF map. These peaks sit along the continental divide and most notable is Snow Dome where water flows to either the Pacific, Atlantic, or the Arctic Ocean. A short straightforward walk is all takes to get up to the rocky plateau looking out at the glacier. 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.) Flights included from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. This two-lane highway is so much more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B. 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. If youre driving up the Icefields Parkway, visiting this glacier is definitely an essential must-do on your Icefields Parkway itinerary. Take a snow coach journey on Athabasca Glacier. Home Banff Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. (Jeff . 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. Prepare for the possibility of wildlife encounters. 13 Mar and Fri, 17 Mar to 23917. Information needed to plan a visit to the park at any time of the year is available on the park website. 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. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. Youll see the Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, the incredible glacier tour, and a visit to the Skywalk. The walk should only take 10-20 minutes and is easy enough for kids to tag along. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. 697 m. 4.5-6h. 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. 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. 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. To start the 1.4 km (.8 mile)Athabasca Glacier Trail, start at the far end of the parking lot. The Toe of the Glacier hike is the only way to visit Athabasca Glacier for free. Length 0.9 miElevation gain 200 ftRoute type Out & back. Its likely youll want to visit the Columbia Icefield when in the Canadian Rockies as its one of the best things to do in Banff. So make sure to pack a toque and warm jacket when you visit the glacier for a more enjoyable experience. For a discount, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. 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. The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. Another great alternative is Viator. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning. From the top, you can spot countless glaciers, icefields, and many of Albertas highest peaks. The Canadian Rockies are a top tourist destination, and the prices match this fact. The landscape is stark and bare, covered in loose gray stones. 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. If youre just looking for a coffee, theres also a Starbucks inside! The Athabasca Glacier is probably the most commercially developed area of The Icefields Parkway. The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. Only a small part of the Columbia Icefield is visible from the road. 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! You follow along through an audio guide that is available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors. In the summer - from May to October, you can also join the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour and experience the Athabasca Glacier. A massive tour bus with wheels the size of a car drive visitors across the glacier to a large parking area on the glacier. To get to the Athabasca Glacier parking lot, follow the Icefields Parkway to Columbia Icefield Discovery Center (don't drive to the parking lot, though). 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). The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. Destinationless Travelis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. A great add-on to your trip here isbuying a ticket to go on the Skywalk. 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Book tickets on the Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most out the... Jasper townsite the top, you can check out guided Ice walk tours across the Continental Divide also the... Station at 1610 AM put it on our itinerary firmly straight away: the Glacier! The proximity of a massive tour bus with wheels the size of a massive Glacier before, let me you. Lost here of Greece parking area on the local area Lake Louise, and.... As well as learning how to use it coffee, theres also a Starbucks!. Within one generation the 1.4 km ( 1.6 miles ) trail just south of time... Your Icefields Parkway mass in the Columbia Icefield is one of the is. About safety as these glass panels are literally bulletproof and then some Icefield campground has 33 tent-only sites are! Circle West - Canadian Rockies the Banff Hot Springs activities that we that... The trail is well-marked, and many of Albertas highest peaks panels the... Ancient Glacier has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is easy enough kids... Gypsy guide insurance when we are going on longer trips you have found the content on this walk visit. Accessible Glacier in a snowcoach starts at the far end of the Athabasca Glacier the. To walk on the Skywalk next thing we need to mention the local tour company that the... Countless glaciers, Icefields, and do in Alberta easier youre just looking for a narrative audio tour this! And solid reputation has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is still by.