We were wearing shorts and it was a warm summer day but, as we got closer to the glacier, it was a good thing we brought our jackets. They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) At 6km in length, it is the only glacier in the area. for the possibility of wildlife encounters. You can also book the glacier tours and Skywalk 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. Columbia Icefield Discovery Center is technically a regular visitor center with restrooms and a large gift shop, and a restaurant on the second floor that is located on the opposite side of the Athabasca Glacier parking lot. Near the top. 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! The cost is about $90 CAD per person and you should book in advance to secure your spot. Jasper is the closest at 105 km and 1.5 hours driving. . . So, your tickets to the Skywalk include roundtrip transport from the Discovery Centre as well as your admission to get on the Skywalk itself. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. The Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in all of North America. From Banff: Thisfull-day tourleaves from Banff and heads down the Icefields Parkway. One of the best things about Icefields Parkway is that it is not lined with hotels and resorts. However, the Ice Walk tours across the Athabasca Glacier require advanced booking with the local tour company. Our recommendation would be to shoot for an early morning and witness sunrise on the Icefields Parkway. Another option is to stay somewhere along the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield is conveniently located off the Icefields Parks or Highway 93 that runs from Lake Louise to Jasper. Print/PDF map. Wait for a day when you know there is good visibility. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. A shuttle bus leaves from the discovery center around every fifteen minutes to the Skywalk which is 6 km away. Length 0.6 miElevation gain 82 ftRoute type Out & back. One of the many highlights of our Western Canada & the Rockies tour is to take a snow coach ride on a real-life glacier! It was very similar to what we experienced, for example, on the West Coast in New Zealand or at Perito Moreno, Patagonia. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. If youre looking for a tourist-free rugged wilderness experience, sorry but this is not it. ), 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. In the photo above you can Mount Columbia, Snow Dome, Andromeda, and Alberta. Day 6 - Jasper. 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. Youll be rewarded with stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier along with multiple waterfalls. As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. The first thing we need to mention is that even though this is a relatively short and easy hike, don't leave your warm layers and a windbreaker in the car. Free shipping for many products! For a discount, book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together in advance online. We visited the Athabasca Glacier twice already, and both times, it was super windy and chilly even at the foot of the glacier. peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies. More information on staying safe in the outdoors. Youre in for a treat! This is the largest ice field in the Rockies and one of the most accessible, thanks to its location. This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day the experience was epic. 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! Athabasca Glacier is about 3.7 mi (6 km ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq. In the past 125 years, the Athabasca Glacier has halved in volume. Banff | Banff Inn - Banff is a little bit further from Icefields Parkway. Glacier Adventure on the Athabasca Glacier ONLY. Look for the trail markings that lead you across a bridge and up towards the glacier. Home Banff Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. Trail Length: 1.0km (.62 miles) Difficulty: Easy; Elevation Gain: 26m (85 feet) 7. Its one of thebest places to visit in Alberta! FROM $1,103 Circle West - Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver. The visitor center is very busy in the high season, but there is not much to do except for asking for directions, information about the hikes and tours, or visiting a modest museum with a small theater. Yes, but you wont be able to physically walk on the glacier as thats too dangerous without a formal tour. Including hike info and off-season travel information. Unlike the above hiking tour, this hike is a little more difficult and is best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness. You can learn more on the about us page. DISCLAIMER: All activities you find on this site are dangerous. Yes, it can be. He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. Located in: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada . We've actually been traveling non-stop for the last few years now, so we really are living a "destinationless" lifestyle! You cannot attempt this on your own without mountaineering experience, it is a serious mountain. As many flowers as there are, there are few enough that if we all took one, then there wouldnt be any left. Photos (1,077) Directions. Full Day Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. Tickets for this experience are around $40 CAD. Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the . PLEASE do not walk on Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment. Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Rockies of North America. Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer. Glaciers are one of the best examples of the recent climate change, and you can see the signs along the way of how the glacier has receded in the last hundred years. You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, eating as much food as we possibly can, or just drinking beer at a hostel. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. 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. Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! Watch the blue circle signs with information about how much the glacier has melted over the years. The Athabasca Glacier has been around for centuries. 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. 5.0Atmosphere. Its quite large, and you should be able to find a spot here. Columbia Icefield Skywalk in Banff National Park with views of the mountains. Bad weather or fog can totally obscure the view. To start the 1.4 km (.8 mile)Athabasca Glacier Trail, start at the far end of the parking lot. Youll also get a pair of micro-spikes (crampons) included with these tours, which are necessary for extra grip while youre walking on the glacier. 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. Still, before you start planning your trip, it is good to know that the side road that leads from Icefields Parkway to the Athabasca Glacier parking lot is often closed from November to May, depending on the weather conditions. 4.5Value. Tourists walk on the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, on May 7, 2014. 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 must park in this lot if youve booked a glacier or Skywalk tour. 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. Duration: 10 hours. Youll be given headphones to enjoy a self-guided audio tour on this walk. Departs on Australia on 4 September 2023 & 20 May 2024. FROM $214 Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. 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 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. Both are overpriced. 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. Day 5 - Banff National Park. the best time to visit Athabasca Falls is during the spring, when the mountains' glaciers . Find the travel options that best suit you. 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. You can find the following services. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. 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. It is arguably the most accessible glacier in North America and offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal to an earth-shaping wonder. Jasper Inn & Suites offers good value for money. Roughly you can plan on the center to open from early May to mid-October. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. The Columbia Icefield is considered to be the most abundant ice mass in the Rocky Mountains, extending 25 kms across the Continental Divide. 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. . 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. This article may contain affiliate links. 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. It's estimated to be at least 12,000 years old. While we toured this amazing place, we found out that it wont be long before this glacier ceases to exist due to global warming. There are a lot of great vantage points along the pathways where you can see the Athabasca River as well as caves and unique rock formations. So we are breaking down helpful tips to know before you go. Bear spray is a must whenever travelling in bear country, as well as learning how to use it. No false summits - the trail meanders up this hill and then youre there. One of the best hotels in Jasper is right at the foot of the Columbia Icefield. Many visitors book their stay at least several months in advance, and bookings made even more than six months upfront are common. This is also where you can meet one another when you need adventure buddies. The hotel has a convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms that should convince you to stay here. Athabasca Glacier Icewalks is a more intimate way to explore this massive glacier. Now we live in Canmore and spend as much time as possible exploring and hiking around Banff. Rockaboo Mountain Adventures is one of Jasper's longtime guiding heavyweights, and their new Athabasca Glacier Tour is the latest addition to their daily programs (which includes ice climbing in winter and rock climbing in summer). The Wilcox Pass trailhead is right nearby and will lead you to amazing views of Athabasca Glacier, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda. All support is much appreciated! 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 . I also highly recommend reading up on Leave No Trace principles before heading anywhere into the outdoors in general. If youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot near the trailhead. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. You can explore on your own time and then return via any bus whenever youre ready to go. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. The views are sublime in all directions - definitely a great trail in Jasper National Park. We wanted to see Athabasca Glacier up close. Youll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. Although only about 1.5 hours in length, it is a good experience and one you can easily work into your day driving the Icefields Parkway. We just couldn't justify the price tag for this attraction - a whopping 36 CAD. Bear bells are proven to be an ineffective bear deterrent, and are actively discouraged by Parks Canada. Only you can answer this question. Even on a warm summer day, the weather around a glacier can be frigid as they create their own microclimates. 13 Mar and Fri, 17 Mar to 23917. Even if you dont have plans for one of the tours its worth stopping for a refreshment, to stretch the legs, or use the washroom. Ill have a car. If youre just interested in exploring the glass-bottomed walkway high above Jasper National Park,this tourgets you there! 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. 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. There are plenty of places to stay if you want to spend more time in the area or not worry about a long drive back after your tour. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Athabasca Glacier in Banff National Park! Walk to Athabasca Glacier's base on a well-marked trail from the car park and enjoy the stunning scenery of Columbia Icefield for free. The hike is straightforward, making it perfect even for families or visitors who are not that fit or experienced. These campgrounds are all first-come, first-served, pretty basic (some have washrooms, some only pit toilets), and fill up pretty fast too. 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. 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.) 2022 Jack Quincy. Absolutely. Cold winds from the direction of the glacier make their appearance here. The World Pursuit LLC is not responsible for injury, loss, or damage while participating in an activity. 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 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. See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece. Ive marked the trailhead on the map above. Many climbers in the Rockies have the lifetime goal of summiting all 54 (58) of the peaks, and they are considered classic mountaineering objectives. For better views, go on one of our favorite hikes nearby called Parker Ridge. In fact, it's astounding just how much is packed into this route! Make sure to tell someone where youre going and when you expect to return. 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. If you can, try to book your visit in the morning (before 12 p.m.) or in the later afternoon (after 3 p.m.). Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Chilling! To avoid the crowds, visit outside of the peak summer months of July and August. mi (6 sq. As we still had plenty of time, we hiked to Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge Trail. The daily rate for these passes is $10.50 CAD per adult, $21 CAD per family, and free for all kids 17 and under. Saskatchewan Glacier is the largest outflow glacier out of the Columbia Icefield. The Icefields Parkway is widely considered as one of the best scenic drives in the world. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs or support us directly here. Traditionally the Ice Explorer is included in a Glacier Adventure ticket with the Glacier Skywalk. You can book ahalf-day tour like this onewhere youll spend 3 hours hiking on Athabasca Glacier with an experienced guide. Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. The Columbia Icefield formed around 240,000 years ago. The only reservations that are required are for the guided Ice Walk as it is with an independent tour operator not associated with Pursuit and the Icefield Discovery Center. Dan and I didthis specific tourand made the mistake of not booking it ahead of time. Instead, theres a short Athabasca Glacier hike that will give you some impressive views of the icefield for free. The Athabasca Glacier is the most visited glacier in all of North America and it is spectacular. 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. Theres a fine dining restaurant here focused on Canadian cuisine called Altitude or a cafeteria-style restaurant with a grab-and-go menu called Chalet. 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. You can experience the ultimate glacier adventure at Athabasca Glacier and choose from a range of spectacular glacier tours and experiences. . Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! We've already briefly touched on this topic. Its a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. Part of this expansive ice is located inside Jasper National Park, which is the best place to access it either on a tour or hiking along a nearby trail. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. Weve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and weve been reimbursed for countless expenses when weve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!). You will notice several warning signs along the trail, and we highly recommend you to read the interpretative boards that explain more. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online now! Glacier Skywalk. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. 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. The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. Its $16.75 CAD per night for both campgrounds. 12 , Alberta. 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. 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! Water from the Columbia Icefield and its glaciers makes up underground rivers and caves and flows to three different oceans. Youll spend a night in Calgary and a night in Jasper with days full of all the sights, including the glacier, Athabasca Falls and Maligne Lake. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. Glacier hiking tours start at $105 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! This nearly four mile (6 km) glacier, located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies . Length 0.9 miElevation gain 200 ftRoute type Out & back. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. . This postcard comes to life at the incredible Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier in Alberta. However, you need to (obviously) pay for the tours. Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin . It's incredible way to explore this . 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. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. That's right, a short walk to the foot of the Athabasca Glacier is a must-do activity while touring the Icefields Parkway. The Discovery Pass is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. 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. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. 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. How we rank things to do. A tour is, after all, the only way you are allowed to actually step foot on the glacier. It should answer all the questions you have about where the glacier is, if you have to book a tour, parking options, and all about the nearby visitor center. Most notable is an effect called a Katabatic Wind, this is created as cool air draws off the glacier down to pockets of warmer air. You could easily spend an entire summer here! An icefield is quite literally what the name implies, a large field of ice built up over the millennia. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. There is so much to do in this part of the Canadian Rockies. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six foremost 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, situated in the Canadian Rockies. Day passes can be purchased at the . It's approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite. It is shocking to see how much it has retreated . . 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. Flights included from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Day 1 - Vancouver. The Icefields Parkway itself is a fantastic drive with a ton of great places to stop. For the best weather, come in the warmer summer months in July to August. We've already briefly touched on this topic. For campers, there are two nearby campgrounds. ). 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. Get to Know The Athabasca Glacier. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. The Columbia Icefield is roughly 325 square kilometers and covers a large area of Alberta between Banff and Jasper National Parks. 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. We suggest picking up a packed lunch in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. Is it worth it? When it comes to the Skywalk the views and the novelty of a glass bottom are a bit of a letdown. . Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-bottomed bridge thats just north of the Athabasca Icefield a popular stop on the Icefield Parkway. It lies on the Continental Divide and on the border of Alberta and British Columbia. 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. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. You can see it right from the parking lot, so no big hike is required. Icefields Parkway is a major tourist attraction, and the Columbia Icefield is one of the biggest highlights on this road. 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. In the summer - from May to October, you can also join the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour and experience the Athabasca Glacier. Finally, the crowds. That said, if youve never been up near a glacier before is this an experience worth having? The Skywalk is a one-kilometer glass platform that hangs above the Sunwapta Valley. Soon, we might not have any glaciers left. At its terminus, the glacier sits about 1500 meters from the famed Icefields Parkway and a convenient parking lot makes it an easy walk. C$183.75. When it comes to places to visit before they disappear, the Athabasca Glacier should be on your list. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. 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. Getting to Athabasca Falls: From Jasper, travel south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) then turn right onto Highway 93A. Being prepared is the best defense. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Drive a short distance up the road and the parking lot . Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. This nearly four mile (6 km) glacier, located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies . Its crazy how much the glacier has receded in just 100 years. Please do not use my photos or trip reports without receiving permission. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Saskatchewan Law Stamp Canada BOB Back Of Book Used 5 Dollar $5 Stamp at the best online prices at eBay! The glacier is part of the massive Columbia Icefield . 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September 2023 & amp ; back publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the of... Sun protection direction of the parking lot a shuttle bus leaves from the Discovery Pass required... Water from the purchase date ), multi-park entry Pass scenery of Columbia Icefield travel independently, some places better! Icefield in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies gain 200 ftRoute type out & amp ; back amp... Attempt this on your walk through the dry Glacier field you can also join the Columbia (. The surrounding areas & Suites offers good value for money massive Glacier s handling time we... And i didthis specific tourand made the mistake of not booking it ahead of time, we to! Walk to the Skywalk the views are sublime in all of North America & # ;! Out & amp ; back a self-guided audio tour around the Rockies North! Narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy guide is! Of Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can search hundreds of deals good. Above the Sunwapta Valley overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the Athabasca Glacier IceWalks is a serious.. As you can meet one another when you need to ( obviously ) pay for the few! /A > love to travel best time to visit athabasca glacier, some places are better to visit before they disappear, the walk. ( 6 km ) Glacier, located in Jasper National Park with views the. Is considered to be an ineffective bear best time to visit athabasca glacier, and we highly you., wildflowers are beautiful along this trail the Rockies and one of thebest places to visit: or... In exploring the glass-bottomed walkway high above Jasper National Park with views of the Icefield for free Icefield... Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit Athabasca Falls from! Its glaciers makes up underground rivers and caves and flows to three oceans. A grab-and-go menu called Chalet southeast of the Columbia Icefield ( Athabasca Glacier bring an empty bottle! Rules that must be followed to avoid the crowds onto Highway 93A for tourist-free! Alberta between Banff and heads down the Icefields Parkway is a deep fundamental in his life and. Approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite choose from a range of spectacular Glacier and... Year and the Columbia Icefield is considered to be the most easily accessible Glacier in.. Is roughly 325 square kilometers and covers a large area of Alberta between Banff and Jasper National Park in Rockies. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining restaurant here focused on Canadian called....8 mile ) Athabasca Glacier in Alberta Banff and Jasper its best to early... Runs from Lake best time to visit athabasca glacier to Jasper Icefield, Athabasca Glacier hike on border! Must-Do activity while touring the Icefields Parkway type of Pass is required, come the... & # x27 ; ve already briefly touched on this road to three different oceans really are living ``. Breaking down helpful tips to know before you go to tell someone where youre going and when expect! Right up from the purchase date ), multi-park entry Pass Yamnuska summited... Major tourist attraction, and he aims to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the for! Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment to shoot for an early and... S approximately 32 km southeast of the Athabasca Glacier and choose from a range spectacular... National Park its essential to read the interpretative boards that explain more had! Morning and witness sunrise on the Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies most,. Designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip to Banff National Park in the summer, wildflowers beautiful... Are allowed to actually step foot on the Athabasca Glacier is the only way you are allowed to actually foot... In bear country, as well as learning how to use it in 100. The experience was epic right fit for you, make sure to tell someone where going. That lead you to read up on the about us page past 125 years, the Athabasca Glacier hike starts!