All support is much appreciated! If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. Picture this ice as far as you can see and the chance to walk on an ancient glacier surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The Icefields Parkwaya scenic drive over Lake Louise and Jaspercuts across the Columbia Icefield with amazing views of the Athabasca Glacier at its finest. 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. Saskatchewan Glacier is the largest outflow glacier out of the Columbia Icefield. With approximately 200,000 km2 of glacier coverage in the Arctic and the West . Near park entrances visitors can take advantage of updated information on the Travelers' Information Station at 1610 AM. The Saskatchewan Glacier is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . The ice in the center of this glacier is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall! 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. How much will it cost to visit Glacier Skywalk? 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. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. Soon, we might not have any glaciers left. . Situated between Jasper and Banff, this is a spot you dont want to miss if you have the chance. The Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on the British ColumbiaAlberta border in Canada. for the possibility of wildlife encounters. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. The Columbia Icefield is conveniently located off the Icefields Parks or Highway 93 that runs from Lake Louise to Jasper. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Improvement District No. Bear spray. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. For a discount, book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together in advance online. or visit eBay's page on international trade . 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). From Lake Louise the center is 130 km and takes around two hours to reach. The best way to let bears know youre around is simply to use your voice. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, calgary guide, day trip, museum, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, best things to do, north america, british columbia, road trip, Johnston Canyon: The Most Popular Hike in Banff, Maligne Canyon: Must-Visit Place in Jasper National Park, Best Things to Do in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide, A Guide to Johnston Canyon Hike in Banff National Park, Where to Stay in Banff: The Best Hotels & Travel Tips, A Complete Guide to Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Athabasca Glacier: Tread Lightly Glacier Hikes (From $138.10) 6 Day Rocky Mountain Explorer Private Tour; Circle West - Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver; Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks (From $98.25) Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour (From . It lies on the Continental Divide and on the border of Alberta and British Columbia. 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 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. There are also restaurants, washrooms, a gift shop, and interpretive displays inside. Tours from $214 . 697 m. 4.5-6h. These tours are VERY popular and often book out in advance. The Skywalk is a one-kilometer glass platform that hangs above the Sunwapta Valley. Its a beautiful campground with some truly amazing views of the surrounding area. 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. 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. Information needed to plan a visit to the park at any time of the year is available on the park website. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. The Icefield feeds six glaciers of which three can be seen from the parkway: Athabasca, Stutfield, and Dome. The rest is hidden beyond the mountains. Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section below. It was very similar to what we experienced, for example, on the West Coast in New Zealand or at Perito Moreno, Patagonia. Enjoy this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Jasper, Alberta. Visit Athabasca Glacier a disappearing wonder. Take a snow coach journey on Athabasca Glacier. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. Yes! (Jeff . km). Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre . . The Icefields Parkway is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. So, yes, there are people everywhere, though it wasn't that bad as we expected or experienced in some other top locations, for example, in the Yellowstone National Park. The trail is well-marked, and it's almost impossible to get lost here. Please do not use my photos or trip reports without receiving permission. If the budget is not a concern, you can join a guided tour that will safely introduce you to this natural sight. 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. That road will take you right to the small parking lot. Including hike info and off-season travel information. 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. Lake Louise to Jasper Thisone-way tour from Lake Louiseincludes transportation to Jasper and some incredible stops along the way. Hard. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. from. Its also a great introduction for those interested in mountaineering. Before visiting Jasper National Park its essential to read up on the Parks Canada rules that must be followed to avoid tickets and/or fines. A reservation is not required unless you have a large group. Icefields Parkway Weather (Best Time to Visit) Just like Banff and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway drive is fairly mild and warm in the summer months and very cold in the winter. 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. In fact, it's astounding just how much is packed into this route! *Its important to note this Jasper hotel is closed in the winter and books up quickly in the summer. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible "fingers" coming down from the giant Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and useful facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage. When it comes to places to visit before they disappear, the Athabasca Glacier should be on your list. The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Unlike the above hiking tour, this hike is a little more difficult and is best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness. I hope this guide has given you all the information you need for your own visit to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. Location: Athabasca Falls is located in Jasper National Park just off the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93A. No matter which of these towns youre coming from, the road trip takes you down the Icefields Parkway. Its $16.75 CAD per night for both campgrounds. Setting off from the rugged parking lot towards the Athabasca Glacier. With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. For an optimal experience visit our site . Renting a car is an essential thing to do if you want to get the most of your trip to the Canadian Rockies. Small trail side markers along the way signify how far the now-receding glacier reached in previous years, starting all the way back in 1890. While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! 17. This is probably not for everyone as its a time commitment and is a great physical challenge, but definitely one of the more adventurous things to do in Banff. Mount Athabasca looms over Athabasca Glacier, but only a few get to see the view from the top. Athabasca Glacier lies on the Columbia Icefields Parkway midway between the Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. Athabasca Glacier sits at the base of several notable peaks such as Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. We wanted to see Athabasca Glacier up close. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. If you are driving here in the winter, make sure you have winter tires on your car and always check road conditions, as snowstorms are common. Car rental in Canada isnt super cheap, but it isnt overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. Tips For Seeing the Athabasca Glacier And Columbia Icefields. That is approximately enough ice to cover a two-kilometer-wide (1.2 mile-wide) swath of land between New York and Los Angeles with an ice sheet that is one kilometer (0.62 miles) tall. As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. 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. 13.4 km. Length 0.6 miElevation gain 82 ftRoute type Out & back. But there are a few other options if you have time to burn and very deep pockets. Tourists walk on the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, on May 7, 2014. 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. 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. You can reach the glacier from your car in around 10-20 minutes. 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. You can park by the Glacier Discovery Centre, located across the parkway close to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier, where you can also browse through shops and visit two restaurants. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. Because the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are inside Jasper National Park, youll need a Canada Parks Pass. DISCLAIMER: All activities you find on this site are dangerous. To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. or visit eBay's page on international trade . Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. Chilling! The Bald Hills are a legendary hike in Jasper, getting you high above the tree line with opportunities to explore this incredible chain of hills and summit other peaks. 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. When it comes to places to visit before they disappear, the Athabasca Glacier should be on your list. In the photo above you can Mount Columbia, Snow Dome, Andromeda, and Alberta. From Banff: Thisfull-day tourleaves from Banff and heads down the Icefields Parkway. If youre traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.). We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day the experience was epic. . 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. Length 0.9 miElevation gain 200 ftRoute type Out & back. Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. Then turn onto Snocoach Road, and after 50 meters, turn right to Glacier Road and follow the road all the way to the parking lot. You follow along through an audio guide that is available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors. The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. The thickness of Athabasca Glacier lies between 300-980 ft (90-300 m). The Athabasca Glacier has been around for centuries. 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. Theres a reason so many people make this drive from Jasper to Banff or Banff to Jasper and stop along the way. The hike is straightforward, making it perfect even for families or visitors who are not that fit or experienced. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning. Every year as more and more tourists flock to the mountains, the number of rescues goes up. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. In case you don't want to read them, in short, several meters deep and hidden crevasses appear every few years, and there is a risk of falling inside. In all honesty, were not big fans of either the Ice Explorer vehicles driving on Athabasca Glacier or the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Answer 1 of 6: Hi, My family of 4 is heading out to the Canadian Rockies this summer and we'll be in Jasper on the 25,26,27 of June. 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. The Athabasca is the most-visited glacier on the North American continent. Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Postcard - Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park - Alberta, Canada at the best online prices at eBay! You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. If you can, book your tour in the morning or late afternoon to avoid that peak of 12-3 p.m. when most people are out on tours. The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the way. Make sure to tell someone where youre going and when you expect to return. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Accommodation is very limited along this scenic drive, and your best bet is to stay either in one of that first-come, first-served campgrounds or bigger towns such as Jasper or Banff. While you can drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter, weather dependent, the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center does close. This nearly four mile (6 km) glacier, located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies . 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. Athabasca Glacier Icewalks is a more intimate way to explore this massive glacier. Tours from $99 . One of the many highlights of our Western Canada & the Rockies tour is to take a snow coach ride on a real-life glacier! The Canadian Rockies are a top tourist destination, and the prices match this fact. 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. Absolutely. You must park in this lot if youve booked a glacier or Skywalk tour. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six foremost 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, situated in the Canadian Rockies. 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. We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. ), 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. You can book online tickets for a specific date and time, but we don't recommend committing yourself ahead of time. If you dont mind being a few hours from Downtown Banff, the Town of Jasper or really anywhere else I highly recommend booking a night here. Admission Prices. However, the majority of travelers won't probably even notice. 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. There are about 100 sites here. I am not responsible for anything you do in the outdoors. 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. While there are no coupons or direct discounts for the Icefield Discovery Center experiences you can buy combo tickets. Pack a lunch to eat at the head of the Athabasca Glacier, where shattered ice and rock make an incredible lunchtime view. 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. Youre in for a treat! Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! The hike starts from a gravel Athabasca Glacier parking lot. Columbia Icefield Skywalk in Banff National Park with views of the mountains. Opal Hills 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. However, this mountainous town offers one of the widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies. Finally, the crowds. There is no admission charge for the parking either. . The driving distance to the Icefields Discovery Center is 195 km and takes just under three hours from Downtown Banff. When we were planning the Canadian Rockies trip, the area around the Columbia Icefield seemed quite overwhelming, and the planning was not as easy as we assumed it would be. It is formed by the compaction and recrystallization of snow into ice crystals and commonly also contains air, water and rock debris. . This is the largest ice field in the Rockies and one of the most accessible, thanks to its location. Learn more on our about us page! If you can, try to book your visit in the morning (before 12 p.m.) or in the later afternoon (after 3 p.m.). This is the largest ice field in the Rockies at 325-kilometers squared, and it gets around 275 inches of snow every year. In fact, Ive used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. You can walk up to the falls and climb up a bit to get a great photo. Between the towering peaks of mountains lies the immense and impressive Athabasca Glacier. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. Another great alternative is Viator. To start the 1.4 km (.8 mile)Athabasca Glacier Trail, start at the far end of the parking lot. Banff | Banff Inn - Banff is a little bit further from Icefields Parkway. Wait for a day when you know there is good visibility. Banff Inn is a perfectly located hotel and a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. Athabasca Glacier hike is an easy 30 minutes one-way trip you can find along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. 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 can go to either the Columbia Icefield Campground or the Wilcox Creek Campground. Your guide will point out ice formations, meltwater streams, icefalls, and waterfalls. Adventure Tours. Location: 130 km from Lake Louise & 103 km from Jasper. Flights included from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. 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. Athabasca Glacier happens to be the most accessible glacier in the Canadian Rockies and well worth a stop. However, these tours can be quite pricey, unlike the walk to the Toe of Athabasca Glacier, which is free. When you see this behemoth slowly driving across the receding glacier, you might start questioning yourself if this is what this unique environment really needs. You can book ahalf-day tour like this onewhere youll spend 3 hours hiking on Athabasca Glacier with an experienced guide. There are some interpretative storytelling boards about the history on the walkway that will take you to the lookout. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. 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