We meet at London Heathrow for our flight to Vancouver, and check into the city's exceptional Fairmont Hotel for two nights. 5.0. This is where you can buy a spot on one of the glacier tours that go out onto the ice or Columbia Icefield Skywalk tickets if you havent purchased them ahead of time. The Skywalk is a kilometer long walk that first moves along interactive displays where guests learn about the natural process that formed the Rockies along with the fossils. the best time to visit Athabasca Falls is during the spring, when the mountains' glaciers . As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. 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. Here are the different tours you can choose from: On this tour, youll board a giant Ice Explorer vehicle to travel right onto Athabasca Glacier, where you can get out and walk around. If youre 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.). Find the travel options that best suit you. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. Tourists walk on the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, on May 7, 2014. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six 'toes' that comes out of the Columbia Icefield. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs or support us directly here. Situated between Jasper and Banff, this is a spot you dont want to miss if you have the chance. Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers of booths at the entrance to many national parks. Put on crampons, and you will get a firsthand view of this massive moving force, while the skilled and experienced guides will make your trip unforgettable. But there was one activity we had no doubts about, and we put it on our itinerary firmly straight away. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre . Tours from $214 . Believe us; you don't want to arrive in Banff or Jasper in high season without a reservation. I love this area of the world, so make sure you stop in eitherJasper,Banff, orLake Louise. While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! 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. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. OK. How to get from Canmore to Athabasca . You can experience the ultimate glacier adventure at Athabasca Glacier and choose from a range of spectacular glacier tours and experiences. The ice in the center of this glacier is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall! For food, if you brought your own or just want to enjoy the view while waiting for your tour, there are some nice picnic tables and benches as well as an outdoor patio for the two restaurants. Make sure youve fueled up in Jasper, Lake Louise, or at Saskatchewan River Crossing before you get here. Then travel 125 km (78 miles) north from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. The toe of the Athabasca Glacier sit at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, some visitors might notice that the air is thinner here, and it's a little bit more difficult to breathe when you are walking up. Leaving Banff, travel 55 km (34 miles) west on the Trans-Canada Highway #1 to Lake Louise. Pack a lunch to eat at the head of the Athabasca Glacier, where shattered ice and rock make an incredible lunchtime view. You can also book the glacier tours and Skywalk here. 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). . If you can, try to book your visit in the morning (before 12 p.m.) or in the later afternoon (after 3 p.m.). Lake Louise | Lake Louise Inn - Newly renovated rooms, onsite restaurants, fitness center, and a heated indoor pool, this hotel is a perfect place to stay either during the summer and in the winter as well (they even provide a free shuttle service to the Lake Louise Ski Resort). Even on a warm summer day, the weather around a glacier can be frigid as they create their own microclimates. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. 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. Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! There are a few different options, whether youre looking to visit the Columbia Icefield and walk on the glacier, see the incredible Skywalk on the edge of a cliff, or turn your time here into a full-day hiking experience. This makes the visit more enjoyable, and you can focus on the incredible experience in front of you. Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. Travelingfrom Banff in the direction of Jasper, it will take you around 2.5 hours to get the 187 kilometers (116 miles) to the glacier. Think of it as what you would expect the icy surfaces of Greenland or Antarctica to look like, with ice that . Of course, very few will drive the parkway in that amount of time as there are a plethora of worthy stops along the way. The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. You can then continue onto the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier trail, a further 1.4 km (0.9 mile) return . Wilcox Creek Campground has 46 campsites and can accommodate tents and SMALL trailers (big RVs should go to the RV parking lot). Tours are operational in the summer months only and subject to seasonal weather. Youll also have the option to upgrade your ticket to include a tour of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. Admission Prices. 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. 52.220281, -117.22405 . The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. 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. You can see it right from the parking lot, so no big hike is required. 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 Athabasca Glacier is probably the most commercially developed area of The Icefields Parkway. 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!! 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Athabasca Glacier has been around for centuries. Is it worth it? There is so much to do in this part of the Canadian Rockies. Visit Athabasca Glacier a disappearing wonder. The glacier is in continual motion, and creeps . It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. Jasper National Park is just filled with fun things to do and see! Glacier Adventure on the Athabasca Glacier ONLY. You cannot attempt this on your own without mountaineering experience, it is a serious mountain. The other option to walk on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer vehicles. Read our disclosure policy for more info. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. Day 5 - Banff National Park. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. Now we live in Canmore and spend as much time as possible exploring and hiking around Banff. Yes, but you wont be able to physically walk on the glacier as thats too dangerous without a formal tour. The ice goes between the summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. The Columbia Icefield is roughly 325 square kilometers and covers a large area of Alberta between Banff and Jasper National Parks. 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. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. The Athabasca Glacier is not alone in its retreat: Since 1960, glaciers around the world have lost an estimated 8,000 cubic kilometers (1,900 cubic miles) of ice. You can learn more on the about us page. If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. You must park in this lot if youve booked a glacier or Skywalk tour. With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. If gravel biking is your other favorite sport, this Montana dirt-focused camp is for you. The road is usually closed from November to May because of snowy and icy conditions. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are closest to Jasper, with only about an hours drive to travel the 106 kilometers (66 miles). 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 hotel offers an excellent location, basic rooms, and facilities. 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. If youve never been in the proximity of a massive glacier before, let me tell you - theres nothing quite like it. Duration: 3 hours. For better views, go on one of our favorite hikes nearby called Parker Ridge. 2022 Jack Quincy. Athabasca glacier has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is still receding by about 2-3 m per year. You can combine the tickets with the Lake Minnewanka cruise, Banff Gondola, or Maligne Lake cruise for a discount. Informative panels describe the slow retreat of the glacier. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. The Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to 30 minutes in the summer and can cycle through a large number of visitors. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are just over an hour (106 km/66 miles) south of Jasper, 1.5 hours (132 km/82 miles) north of Lake Louise, or about 2.5 hours (187 km/116 miles) north of Banff. TheBanff Blog Facebook Groupis your headquarters for the Canadian Rockies travel advice and information. The Columbia Icefield sits astride the continental divide and is 125 square miles full of fields of ice or almost the size of Seattle or Philadelphia! No false summits - the trail meanders up this hill and then youre there. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Location: Athabasca Falls is located in Jasper National Park just off the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93A. 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. The Athabasca is the most-visited glacier on the North American continent. The driving distance to the Icefields Discovery Center is 195 km and takes just under three hours from Downtown Banff. The tour company that operates the all-terrain bus said the vehicle was on its way to Athabasca Glacier, in the Columbia Icefield. 7. Make sure to tell someone where youre going and when you expect to return. If you plan on spending time in Canadas national parks then youre going to have to pay for a Parks Pass. This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! If youre driving with an RV, there is overnight parking available in a large asphalt lot on the west side of the Discovery Centre. How we rank things to do. It makes you wonder how big of the impact we (people) have and if there is something we can do differently. Another option is to stay somewhere along the Icefields Parkway. At its terminus, the glacier sits about 1500 meters from the famed Icefields Parkway and a convenient parking lot makes it an easy walk. Youll hike uphill before the trail evens out. To start the 1.4 km (.8 mile)Athabasca Glacier Trail, start at the far end of the parking lot. To open it up in Google Maps for easy navigation just click the red pin. At 6km in length, it is the only glacier in the area. Youll see the Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, the incredible glacier tour, and a visit to the Skywalk. The trailhead is two hours from Banff, or just over an hour from Jasper. There are so many breathtaking places along the way that you will have to plan your itinerary very carefully and find a balance on what is, according to you, worth seeing and what is better to skip. The Wilcox Pass trailhead is right nearby and will lead you to amazing views of Athabasca Glacier, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda. or visit eBay's page on international trade . Bring a jacket (even in the summer!) One of the things we want to do is to visit the icefields. The daily rate for these passes is $10.50 CAD per adult, $21 CAD per family, and free for all kids 17 and under. If youre just looking for a coffee, theres also a Starbucks inside! The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. 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. Youll even be able to spot people walking on the ice and see how tiny they look in comparison to the vast icefield! SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible "fingers" coming down from the giant Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. The ridge has tremendous views over the Saskatchewan Glacier that are phenomenal and the hike is easy enough to complete in under two hours. Columbia Icefield feeds 8 glaciers including Athabasca Glacier. It is illegal to remove any natural object you find in Jasper National Park, from flowers to rocks, as its important to leave the environment as natural as possible for the animals and for fellow hikers to enjoy in perpetuity. Drive a short distance up the road and the parking lot . Further travel is roped off and signs ask that you go no further. Glscier-fed Sunwapta Lake to the rear looking somewhat gloomy. That road will take you right to the small parking lot. Due to winter road conditions, your plans might have to change. From $5,499 per person, twin share - Save $500 per person! You can also see markers along here showing how the glacier has shrunk over the years due to global warming. There are many reasons why to include the Athabasca Glacier hike on your Canadian Rockies itinerary. ). When it comes to safety, stay on the trail, and don't leave the roped-off area. Before you start the hike, enjoy the Sunwapta Lake's views (don't forget also to visit Sunwapta Falls later) which is located right next to the parking lot. The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. You can't actually get very close to the glacier. 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! One thing that isnt at the visitor center is a gas station. The trail is well-marked, and it's almost impossible to get lost here. There areso many epic things to do in Jasperwhen theres snow on the ground. Photos (1,077) Directions. Opal Hills Its a bit steep to start but is still rated as an easy hike. Columbia Icefields are home to the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. 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. Its safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years! 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. 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. Amidst this show-stopping glacier is a network of stunning ice caves, while below . Jasper is 100 kilometers away from here. 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. Because the Canadian Rockies is a destination where the winter can be really rough, it is always essential to plan your trip carefully and have a backup plan, especially if you plan on traveling outside the summer season. Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Hot Tip: Although more expensive up front, if you plan on spending more than 7 days in different parks in Canada within a 12-month period, then the Discovery Pass is actually the better deal! The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. At 11,453 feet in elevation with a massive glacier and convenient location, Athabasca proves to be a tremendous first 11,000er.. check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs, 26 BEST Banff Hotels Downtown Hotels & Elsewhere (2023), Washrooms (running water and flush toilets). The Athabasca Glacier tours are available from May until October and book up quickly during the summer. 9 Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland. Columbia Icefield Campground has 33 tent-only sites that are first-come, first-served. The hotel has a convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms that should convince you to stay here. Because youre not driving, youll be able to enjoy the scenic views! Icefields Parkway winter driving can be hazardous as the roads can be very icy. Learn more on our about us page! The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! 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! But with this popularity comes a few challenges when it comes to planning your visit. Easy 4.5 (1302) Jasper National Park. While were more mixed on the Discovery Center experiences both the Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake cruise are worth a visit for most. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. The hike starts from a gravel Athabasca Glacier parking lot. To stretch your legs, take a stroll through the gift shop or the Parks Canada Glacier Gallery. You can explore on your own time and then return via any bus whenever youre ready to go. You may opt out of personalised ads at any time. If youre looking for a tourist-free rugged wilderness experience, sorry but this is not it. According to your ticketed time, youll board a bus at the Glacier Discovery Center that will drive you to the Skywalk. You can even stop to fill your water bottle with fresh glacier water! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey, we're Cameron and Natasha and have been writing about travel for the last decade. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. We're a family who hike quite a bit - and so - are interested in. 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. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. . Cold winds from the direction of the glacier make their appearance here. From the top, you can spot countless glaciers, icefields, and many of Albertas highest peaks. We visited the Athabasca Glacier twice already, and both times, it was super windy and chilly even at the foot of the glacier. 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. Pictures cant capture just how massive this glacier is and how little you will feel while standing on it! Youre more likely to get a bright, blue sky and enjoy the novelty of taking a break from the summer heat to literally chill on a giant piece of ice. Watch the blue circle signs with information about how much the glacier has melted over the years. 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! This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. As many flowers as there are, there are few enough that if we all took one, then there wouldnt be any left. 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