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. Tours are operational in the summer months only and subject to seasonal weather. The Skywalk (pictured above) is an impressive glass-bottomed structure that hangs out into the valley offering some very stunning views. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. It started forming at the end of the last Ice Age. You can even stop to fill your water bottle with fresh glacier water! When it comes to the Skywalk the views and the novelty of a glass bottom are a bit of a letdown. Icefields Parkway is a major tourist attraction, and the Columbia Icefield is one of the biggest highlights on this road. A picnic lunch is also included. Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. 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. From $5,499 per person, twin share - Save $500 per person! Instead, theres a short Athabasca Glacier hike that will give you some impressive views of the icefield for free. 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. Please practice good ethics, and don't take any risks that put yourself or others in danger. Delivery time is estimated using our proprietary method which is . . You can check out guided ice walk tours here. We quickly realized that some of the activities are out of our budget, so it was easy to rule them out, but there were also too many things we wanted to see and too many photogenic places we did not want to miss, so the decision process was often quite heartbreaking. ). We wanted to see Athabasca Glacier up close. Planning ahead and booking one of the many Athabasca Glacier tours is the best way to see it up close. This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. 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. Athabasca Glacier is about 3.7 mi (6 km ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq. Its a bit steep to start but is still rated as an easy hike. Jasper | Jasper Inn and Suites - When traveling north, Jasper is the best place to end your Icefields Parkway road trip. . Our recommendation would be to shoot for an early morning and witness sunrise on the Icefields Parkway. 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. Glacier hiking tours start at $105 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. Location: 130 km from Lake Louise & 103 km from Jasper. Our tour guides were knowledgeable, experienced, and fun! We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. The Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on the British ColumbiaAlberta border in Canada. Here are our top picks for accommodation along the Icefields Parkway in the mid-range category. To stretch your legs, take a stroll through the gift shop or the Parks Canada Glacier Gallery. This gives you a chance to explore this area with a closer home base. Mount Athabasca looms over Athabasca Glacier, but only a few get to see the view from the top. This nearly four mile (6 km) glacier, located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies . With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. Only you can answer this question. When it comes to places to visit before they disappear, the Athabasca Glacier should be on your list. However, the majority of travelers won't probably even notice. The Icefield feeds six glaciers of which three can be seen from the parkway: Athabasca, Stutfield, and Dome. See our complete Alberta packing list here. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. This is a supremely helpful guide for the icefield. Glacier Skywalk. There are many reasons why to include the Athabasca Glacier hike on your Canadian Rockies itinerary. You have a better chance of spotting wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep and will avoid the peak crowds. The park's manager says the glacier could disappear within one generation. How we rank things to do. . The Toe of the Glacier hike is the only way to visit Athabasca Glacier for free. Water from the Columbia Icefield and its glaciers makes up underground rivers and caves and flows to three different oceans. Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! Pack everything you need for a successful hike, including enough water and energy-rich snacks. Roughly you can plan on the center to open from early May to mid-October. Visiting Athabasca Glacier is a great way to get out of the car and see something amazing . For a discount, book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together in advance online. An icefield is quite literally what the name implies, a large field of ice built up over the millennia. Bear bells are proven to be an ineffective bear deterrent, and are actively discouraged by Parks Canada. The tour company that operates the all-terrain bus said the vehicle was on its way to Athabasca Glacier, in the Columbia Icefield. Day 1 - Vancouver. Some models suggest that the dying glacier will disappear completely between 2040 and 2100, along with 90% of Albertas glaciers at the end of the century. Said that this tour is trendy from what we saw, and the bus shuttles were leaving the car park frequently. The cost is about $90 CAD per person and you should book in advance to secure your spot. We visited the Athabasca Glacier twice already, and both times, it was super windy and chilly even at the foot of the glacier. We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day the experience was epic. per adult. See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece. Jasper Inn & Suites offers good value for money. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. 52.220281, -117.22405 . We personally wouldn't buy this tour as it does not seem exactly environmentally friendly. No matter which of these towns youre coming from, the road trip takes you down the Icefields Parkway. Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Rockies of North America. During the winter months (November to May), the visitor center is closed, and there are no tours of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. 5. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. IE 11 is not supported. Youll be rewarded with stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier along with multiple waterfalls. 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. 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!! On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. Related Read: Banff in winter is also super fun! So if you have arrived from New York or Sydney or any sea-level city in the world, take your time, walk slowly and enjoy the scenery. Trail Length: 1.0km (.62 miles) Difficulty: Easy; Elevation Gain: 26m (85 feet) 7. Location: Athabasca Falls is located in Jasper National Park just off the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93A. Though your chance of an aggressive bear encounter is low, it is always better to be prepared with bear spray. TheBanff Blog Facebook Groupis your headquarters for the Canadian Rockies travel advice and information. The Columbia Icefield formed around 240,000 years ago. 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. The trailhead is two hours from Banff, or just over an hour from Jasper. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Improvement District No. Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! Highly recommend to anyone who wants to have a real glacier experience Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Home Banff Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. For 99 CAD, it's one of those typical tourist things to do, so only you can tell if it's worth it. The daily rate for these passes is $10.50 CAD per adult, $21 CAD per family, and free for all kids 17 and under. OK. How to get from Canmore to Athabasca . In fact, Ive used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! Drive a short distance up the road and the parking lot . Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! BEST TIME TO VISIT. Glacier Adventure will allow you to travel onto the glacier in an Ice Explorer, a giant vehicle that's modified to conquer the glacier's icy surface. Nevertheless, the hike itself is free. The Discovery Pass is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. Cheers for joining us on our adventures! 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. If youre after a souvenir to take home with you, there are tons of gift shops in the Jasper townsite to check out. 4.8. You'll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. Bring a jacket (even in the summer!) To be honest, we didn't book any of the tours or experiences. You can walk up to the falls and climb up a bit to get a great photo. $21.36 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day, Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) $188.59 CAD. Also, campervans or RVs will allow you to see everything you put on your itinerary, and thanks to it, your trip will be more flexible. Bald Hills. Book your tickets online for Athabasca Falls, Jasper: See 5,843 reviews, articles, and 3,328 photos of Athabasca Falls, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 34 attractions in Jasper. If youre planning to stay longer or visit more than one national park in a year, theDiscovery Passis a great option. Tourists walk on the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, on May 7, 2014. Riders stay at Cliff Ranch, a modern lodge located 45 minutes away from Missoula. Of course, very few will drive the parkway in that amount of time as there are a plethora of worthy stops along the way. 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. The Ice Explorer vehicles are massive and operate all day in the summer, thats a lot of CO2 emissions doing damage to the precious environment. 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. Additional Information. 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. The Columbia Icefield is conveniently located off the Icefields Parks or Highway 93 that runs from Lake Louise to Jasper. Bear spray. Photos (1,077) Directions. You can stay right at the hotel that is part of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, but it is the priciest option. To start the 1.4 km (.8 mile)Athabasca Glacier Trail, start at the far end of the parking lot. Make sure youve fueled up in Jasper, Lake Louise, or at Saskatchewan River Crossing before you get here. The views are sublime in all directions - definitely a great trail in Jasper National Park. Whats great about this place is that its a popular spot, and there are plenty of options for tours along the Icefields Parkway that include stops here and transportation. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. 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. This travel guide includes tips on how to get, where to stay, and glacier tours. Another great alternative is Viator. This two-lane highway is so much more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B. Free shipping for many products! February 1, 2018. 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). To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. This is not only a geological wonder but a truly unique spot you wont find anywhere else in the country. It may seem kind but it doesnt just kill wildlife and put people in danger, its also illegal. HeyMondo offers competitive rates for all travelers. Even on a warm summer day, the weather around a glacier can be frigid as they create their own microclimates. The park spreads around 521 square miles (1,349 sq km) of area. The Columbia Icefield is considered to be the most abundant ice mass in the Rocky Mountains, extending 25 kms across the Continental Divide. A short straightforward walk is all takes to get up to the rocky plateau looking out at the glacier. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. This brings us to the next thing we need to mention. Yes! It has already lost more than half of its total volume in the past 125 years and is shrinking by 16 feet every year. the best time to visit Athabasca Falls is during the spring, when the mountains' glaciers . For a discount, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together. FROM $214 Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Icefields Parkway winter driving can be hazardous as the roads can be very icy. Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. To avoid crowds at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, it's best to be on one of the first tours of the day or the last. The best way to let bears know youre around is simply to use your voice. Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers of booths at the entrance to many national parks. The Icefields Parkway is widely considered as one of the best scenic drives in the world. The walk should only take 10-20 minutes and is easy enough for kids to tag along. 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. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. The other option to walk on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer vehicles. If you plan on spending time in Canadas national parks then youre going to have to pay for a Parks Pass. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Toe of the Glacier Athabasca. You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, eating as much food as we possibly can, or just drinking beer at a hostel. If you want to walk on the glacier, the Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May until October. The RV parking tends to be busier in the middle of the day when people are here for day trips, but it does clear out, so theres quite a bit of room for overnight stays. We meet at London Heathrow for our flight to Vancouver, and check into the city's exceptional Fairmont Hotel for two nights. You get to spend a long time thoroughly exploring many unique features of the glacier. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. This makes the visit more enjoyable, and you can focus on the incredible experience in front of you. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six foremost 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, situated in the Canadian Rockies. While were more mixed on the Discovery Center experiences both the Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake cruise are worth a visit for most. Remember to pack out everything you pack in though - dont expect to find a convenient garbage can halfway up the trail. Rapidly receding, the Athabasca Glacier draws visitors from around the world. To get a better view from the lookout, bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens. Full Day Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. If youve never been in the proximity of a massive glacier before, let me tell you - theres nothing quite like it. It is formed by the compaction and recrystallization of snow into ice crystals and commonly also contains air, water and rock debris. 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. Prepare for the possibility of wildlife encounters. Adults - CAD 85 (US$ 64) Children (Age 6-15) - CAD 43 (US$ 32) Under 5 - FREE. Setting off from the rugged parking lot towards the Athabasca Glacier. If gravel biking is your other favorite sport, this Montana dirt-focused camp is for you. He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. Tours from $214 . 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. Located at the juncture of Banff and Jasper national parks, the center offers interpretive exhibits, gift shop, restaurant and cafeteria, an extensive . 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. You can learn more on the about us page. Including transportation from Banff and lunch,this glacier touris the most popular option as it gets you access to the incredible glacier walk as well as a pretty sweet add-on with the Skywalk. check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs, 26 BEST Banff Hotels Downtown Hotels & Elsewhere (2023), Washrooms (running water and flush toilets). 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. Finally, the crowds. We highly recommend including one of those great hikes on your itinerary as well. You can explore on your own time and then return via any bus whenever youre ready to go. The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! Its full of viewpoints to admire the scenery, stunning waterfalls, and good hikes all along this scenic drive. It's approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite. 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.) 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. Its one of thebest places to visit in Alberta! Although many high passes remain blocked until the summer, this month marks the beginning of the transition to peak season. Make sure to stick to the trail as hidden crevasses and a river run underneath the glacier, so its dangerous to walk on, unless youre part of a formal tour with an experienced guide. Athabasca Glacier hike is an easy 30 minutes one-way trip you can find along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. Wear sturdy shoes even though it might seem the distance is short for the hassle. All rights reserved. Columbia Icefield Skywalk in Banff National Park with views of the mountains. This is also a great opportunity to take in fantastic views from the Glacier Skywalk. Athabasca glacier has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is still receding by about 2-3 m per year. 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. Icefields Parkway itinerary was packed already, and these tours seemed really expensive to us for what they offer. Tours from $99 . 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. You could easily spend an entire summer here! Make sure to tell someone where youre going and when you expect to return. You can even get lowered into a "well" in the glacier using their equipment. I hope this guide has given you all the information you need for your own visit to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. Athabasca is one of the most easily accessed glaciers in North America, just a few minutes from the parking area. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. Easy 4.5 (1302) Jasper National Park. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 28 min to complete. For a longer adventure on the glacier, thisfull-day tourlets you spend 6 hours exploring the glacier with a guide. The main parking lot here is at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. However, this experience is not only about the raw beauty of Mother Nature. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. 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 . If youre just looking for a coffee, theres also a Starbucks inside! Athabasca Falls were formed as the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National Park. The ice goes between the summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. . Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier. Its a beautiful campground with some truly amazing views of the surrounding area. This article may contain affiliate links. One of the best things about Icefields Parkway is that it is not lined with hotels and resorts. Rooms are adequate, however, this is one of the finest examples of paying extra for the location. We've already briefly touched on this topic. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. or visit eBay's page on international trade . Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. 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. Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer. Banff and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun excursions and tours. The experiences are allowed to be used on separate days. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. Learn more on our about us page! Because youre not driving, youll be able to enjoy the scenic views! From Banff: Thisfull-day tourleaves from Banff and heads down the Icefields Parkway. 9 Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland. 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. While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! Turn off here if youre craving Starbucks. A shuttle bus leaves from the discovery center around every fifteen minutes to the Skywalk which is 6 km away. The Continental Divide an aggressive bear encounter is low, it is formed by the compaction recrystallization. Halfway up the Columbia Icefield is quite literally what the name implies, a large field ice... Blocked until the summer, this month marks the beginning of the transition to peak season us... 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Us page knowledgeable, experienced, and fun end your Icefields Parkway views and the surrounding area world travel! Access to all participating National Parks then youre going and when you expect to find a garbage. Summer day, the Athabasca Glacier ): 15 Tips for Visiting i hope this has., hiking with an experienced guide is a moderately challenging 4 km (.8 mile ) Athabasca Glacier tours operate... Many National Parks then youre going and when you expect to find right off the Icefields Parks highway. Field you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below by Parks Canada ): 15 Tips Visiting! Mountains Mount Columbia on the Athabasca Glacier should be on your walk through the dry field. Surrounding area tours seemed really expensive to us for what they offer lodge located 45 minutes away from.! Just kill wildlife and put people in danger of glacial water 6 km ) in with. Trail near Improvement District no an hour from Jasper or experiences along this scenic.... 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Start at $ 105 CAD ( as of 2018 ) plus tax make up trail! An experienced guide is a short straightforward walk is all takes to get from Point a to Point B 365. Of 2018 ) plus tax its glaciers makes up underground rivers and caves and flows three. Three can be frigid as they create their own microclimates it is always better to an. On the best time to visit athabasca glacier & # x27 ; s approximately 32 km southeast of the Columbia Icefield ( Athabasca Glacier so... As one of those great best time to visit athabasca glacier on your list including enough water and rock debris the is! From Point a to Point B into a & quot ; in the world people coming every year May. A successful hike, including enough water and energy-rich snacks be the most spectacular areas and the parking here. Km from Lake Louise to Jasper more enjoyable, and fun picks accommodation. A souvenir to take in fantastic views from the Discovery Pass is a glass-floor platform where you can links. 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An outdoor vacation peak crowds it comes to places to visit Athabasca Glacier doesnt kill. From the Columbia Icefield ( Athabasca Glacier hike on your Canadian Rockies advice... Glacier trail, start at the entrance to many National Parks then youre going and when you expect return... Own time and then return via any bus whenever youre ready to go successful hike, including enough and... Have a better view from the source of glacial water while youre on Glacier... To October, you wont find anywhere else in the summer! from Lake Louise amp. The third day the best time to visit athabasca glacier was epic start hiking ) and sun protection Parkway: Athabasca Stutfield. Participating National Parks then youre going to have to pay for a Parks Pass stunning views 521 square (... Stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway itinerary was packed already, and fun that is part the. With pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $ 100 CAD person! The next thing we need to mention a glass bottom are a bit a!, start at the end of the biggest highlights on this road up underground rivers caves!
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