.png)
Our Columbia Icefield Adventure – Exploring the Athabasca Glacier
- Jenn & Leon
- May 16, 2022
- 8 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Ever wondered what it would be like to be on a genuine ice glacier that has existed for thousands of years?
Well, if you have, then consider heading to the epic Columbia Icefield Athabasca Glacier in Jasper, Alberta, Canada!
This is an absolute gem of a place you must surely visit if you can. If ever you were looking for a bucket list adventure, this is it!
When you think of an ice glacier, do you immediately think of Antarctica? The North Pole? Polar Ice Caps?
That may be the case for many; indeed, the thought of exploring one may even feel impossible. Super cold or inaccessible, it may be feasible to suggest that seeing one of nature's most epic feats is beyond your reach.
But we can tell you it is not! Especially if you live in Canada or are travelling to the stunning area of Banff or Jasper in Alberta.
Read on for our Athabasca Glacier highlights, some history, facts, how to get to the Columbia Icefield, and where we stayed here.
Want more? Grab our FREE comprehensive Canada Travel Guide, packed with travel essentials, resources, top destinations, and all of our latest blog posts.
In This Post...
See More...
Travel Resources
Our Highlights from the Athabasca Glacier
The Columbia Icefield has no less than six 'toes' — spots where the glaciers reach ground level.
The toe of the Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible in the world, and we were lucky enough to step onto it during a guided tour in 2020, with barely another soul in sight.
This particular glacier is almost 4 miles long and, in some places, up to 300 meters thick. Standing on it, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, really is something else.
There’s nothing quite like feeling the crunch of ancient ice beneath your feet.
One of our favorite moments? Bottling some of the freshest water we’ve ever tasted—straight from the glacier itself!
Stepping onto the Ice: The Snow Coach Experience
Accessing the glacier isn’t easy, but it is thrilling. To get there, you board a specially-designed $1 million Snow Coach, part of a fleet of just eight in the world.
These all-terrain giants drive along Snocoach Road, a steep incline with a gradient of 6% and an elevation change of 135 meters — the steepest road in North America!
The ride alone was a highlight: steep enough that we found ourselves looking through the roof window to see where we were headed.
It felt like we were on a futuristic expedition!
A Glimpse into History
The Athabasca Glacier forms part of the Columbia Icefield, which straddles the Continental Divide between Alberta and British Columbia.
The glacier was first recorded by European explorers in the late 1700s, although it has existed for over 12,000 years.
It was named after the nearby Athabasca River, which itself derives from the Cree word "aðapaskāw," meaning “there are plants one after another,” likely referring to the riverbanks.
Over the past 125 years, the glacier has lost over half its volume and continues to recede by more than 16 feet per year due to climate change.
While sobering, this reality makes witnessing it firsthand even more important — and unforgettable.
Dangerous Beauty: The Wells and Moulins
One of the most fascinating and terrifying features of the glacier is the presence of wells, also known as moulins (from the French word for “mill”).
These deep, vertical shafts are created by meltwater carving tunnels and caves through the glacier ice.
They're stunning to see but highly dangerous — we were only allowed to get within a couple of meters.
The ice is extra slippery near the moulins, and people have lost their lives falling into them. Our guide told us of one lucky person who survived a fall, but not all are as fortunate.
Practical Advice (From Experience!)
Be warned: good footwear is essential. We had winter jackets, but our choice of shoes left a lot to be desired!
Hiking boots are a must—don’t make our mistake and wear running shoes on solid ice.
We visited in the pandemic year of 2020 and were lucky enough to share the entire glacier with just one other couple.
Normally, up to 5,000 people visit each day during the peak season (mid-April to mid-October), so our experience felt extra special.
⪢ Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing
To ensure peace of mind while traveling or living abroad, we recommend getting health insurance.
SafetyWing's Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies with options for adventure sports and electronics theft.
Their Complete Plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits.
Extra Adventure: The Jasper Skywalk
While you're in the area, don't miss the Columbia Icefield Skywalk — a glass-bottomed observation platform suspended 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. It’s an incredible way to view the grandeur of the surrounding landscape from a whole new angle.
Where We Stayed: The Perfect Base for Glacier Adventures
We stayed just a short drive from the glacier, which gave us the flexibility to explore the Columbia Icefield at our own pace.
The location was ideal — remote enough to feel like we were in the wild, but still within easy reach of the main attractions.
Our accommodation, the Columbia Icefield Glacier View Lodge, had stunning views and all the cozy touches you need after a day on the ice. Think warm showers, hearty meals, and a seriously peaceful night’s sleep.
We even caught a glimpse of the stars on a clear night — no light pollution here!
If you're planning a visit, we’d highly recommend staying here. It makes all the difference to wake up surrounded by the Rockies and be among the first on the glacier in the morning.
How to Get to the Athabasca Glacier Adventure
The Athabasca Glacier is part of the vast Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, Alberta, and is one of the most accessible glaciers in North America.
The Glacier Adventure tour departs from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, which sits along the legendary Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).
By Car (Self-Drive)
● From Jasper: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (105 km) south on Highway 93
● From Lake Louise: Approx. 2 hours (125 km) north via Highway 93
The drive is incredibly scenic, with frequent wildlife sightings and panoramic views.
Look for the signs for the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where you’ll park and check in for your tour.
By Shuttle (Skywalk & Glacier Combo)
By Tour
⪢ Contact Information for Columbia Icefield Skywalk
● Address: Highway 93, 93 Icefields Pkwy Highway, Improvement District No. 12, AB T1L 1J3, Canada
● Phone: +1 866 606 6700
● Website: banffjaspercollection.com
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Jasper and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Jasper hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit
⪢ Ticket Prices (2024) – Glacier Adventure
The Glacier Adventure includes a ride on the massive Ice Explorer vehicle onto the Athabasca Glacier, plus time to explore on foot.
● Adults (18–64): CAD 76
● Seniors (65+): CAD 69
● Youth (6–17): CAD 50
● Children under 5: Free (but must sit on an adult’s lap)
● Family Pass (2 adults + 2 youth): From CAD 199
● Combo Ticket (Glacier Adventure + Skywalk): From CAD 94 for adults
Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during summer.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Combo tickets offer better value if you’re also planning to visit the Skywalk.
Prices are correct at the time of writing (May 2025). Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
All prices are in Canadian Dollars. Convert your currency here.
⪢ Opening Times
● Season: Mid-April to Mid-October (weather dependent)
● Daily Departures: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tours depart every 15–30 minutes from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
(Last departure may vary based on conditions and daylight)
⪢ Best Time to Visit
● Late June to early September offers the most stable weather and clearest glacier access
● Morning tours (before 11 AM) provide crisper light and fewer crowds
● Avoid the midday rush (12–2 PM), especially in July and August when tour buses arrive
● Spring and early fall are quieter but may have limited visibility due to weather—check conditions ahead
Final Thoughts: A Place Unlike Any Other
The Athabasca Glacier might be disappearing, but it remains one of the most striking places we've ever visited.
Set within the stunning Jasper National Park, it feels like another planet — one where humans aren’t supposed to be, yet here we are, standing on millennia-old ice.
We left with cold toes, full hearts, and a bottle of crystal-clear glacier water. Trust us — it really is the freshest water you’ll ever drink.
Must-See Places Near the Athabasca Glacier
Jasper
Skywalk
Lake
Louise
Lake
Moraine
Book Transport
Taxis, Trains, Planes, Buses & Ferries in Advance
Interactive Map
Canada
Closer Lives Travel Hub
Destinations, Tips & Essentials
Head over to our Travel Hub – it’s packed with free country guides, helpful travel blogs, videos from the road, and tips to help you travel smarter (and cheaper!).
Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already out exploring, we've got resources to help you every step of the way.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
.png)
.png)
Looks like you were both dressed for the occasion - even the paper masks would be useful up there! 😎
Unforgettable experience! 🇨🇦🍁🇨🇦