Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. The trailhead is two hours from Banff, or just over an hour from Jasper. As we still had plenty of time, we hiked to Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge Trail. 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. Athabasca Glacier happens to be the most accessible glacier in the Canadian Rockies and well worth a stop. The reason for this is that there is no parking at the Skywalk. Full Day Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. That road will take you right to the small parking lot. I hope this guide has given you all the information you need for your own visit to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. 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!). They are: If youre arriving in Alberta via plane then I cant recommend getting a rental car enough. There are some interpretative storytelling boards about the history on the walkway that will take you to the lookout. Its crazy how much the glacier has receded in just 100 years. This makes the visit more enjoyable, and you can focus on the incredible experience in front of you. 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. 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). Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. . A short straightforward walk is all takes to get up to the rocky plateau looking out at the glacier. This is not only a geological wonder but a truly unique spot you wont find anywhere else in the country. Estimated between Mon, Mar 6 and Fri, Mar 10 to 23917. Take a snow coach journey on Athabasca Glacier. From Lake Louise the center is 130 km and takes around two hours to reach. . 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. 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 Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a glass-bottomed bridge thats just north of the Athabasca Icefield a popular stop on the Icefield Parkway. 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. 17 Mar and Thu, 23 Mar to 98837. ). peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies. Athabasca glacier (6 km long, 90-300 m thick, 6 km 2 in area) is one of the six glaciers fed by Columbia Icefield, which can accessed easily by visitors traveling on Icefields Parkway. Information is also available at 406-888-7800. Pack a lunch to eat at the head of the Athabasca Glacier, where shattered ice and rock make an incredible lunchtime view. You cannot attempt this on your own without mountaineering experience, it is a serious mountain. The Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on the British ColumbiaAlberta border in Canada. For a discount, book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together in advance online. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Getting to Athabasca Falls: From Jasper, travel south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) then turn right onto Highway 93A. With a million people coming every year between May to October, you wont be alone in wanting to stop here. To start the 1.4 km (.8 mile)Athabasca Glacier Trail, start at the far end of the parking lot. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. However, these tours can be quite pricey, unlike the walk to the Toe of Athabasca Glacier, which is free. We highly recommend including one of those great hikes on your itinerary as well. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. To help you make the most of your visit to this incredible place, Ive put together this complete guide to help. Another great alternative is Viator. 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. This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! Very informative and helpful. You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, eating as much food as we possibly can, or just drinking beer at a hostel. 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. From the top, you can spot countless glaciers, icefields, and many of Albertas highest peaks. 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). from. Trail Length: 1.0km (.62 miles) Difficulty: Easy; Elevation Gain: 26m (85 feet) 7. Wait for a day when you know there is good visibility. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies and one of the most accessible, thanks to its location. Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. After enjoying the views, we walked slowly back to the car park. The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. July and August offer the best weather, but that's also the most crowded time of year. If youre planning to stay longer or visit more than one national park in a year, theDiscovery Passis a great option. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six foremost 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, situated in the Canadian Rockies. 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. Riders stay at Cliff Ranch, a modern lodge located 45 minutes away from Missoula. Dome Glacier, Stutfield Glacier and . The Saskatchewan Glacier is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. This means you can easily get to the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield and back to wherever you are staying without the need to have your own car or a rental. Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. Being prepared is the best defense. To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. . 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). We take guests on a journey deep into the wonders of this magical place, sharing our expert knowledge while prioritizing preservation through responsible exploration. 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 has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is still receding by about 2-3 m per year. The other option to walk on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer vehicles. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. Make sure to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed the animals. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. 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. Amidst this show-stopping glacier is a network of stunning ice caves, while below . Learn more on our about us page! It may seem kind but it doesnt just kill wildlife and put people in danger, its also illegal. . Columbia Icefields are home to the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Jasper is 100 kilometers away from here. Before you get started on your trip to the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier, here's our travel guide, including some helpful information and advice on what to expect, trail description, and tips on things to do. 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. The Skywalk is a one-kilometer glass platform that hangs above the Sunwapta Valley. It is shocking to see how much it has retreated . Length 0.6 miElevation gain 82 ftRoute type Out & back. Rooms are adequate, however, this is one of the finest examples of paying extra for the location. Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields (Located 185km from Banff or 103km from . For a discount, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together. You can see it right from the parking lot, so no big hike is required. Columbia Icefield Campground has 33 tent-only sites that are first-come, first-served. Day 1 - London and Vancouver. as the glacial winds here are strong and cold all year long! Sadly a boundary limits people from approaching the glacier itself, however the views from here are impressive nonetheless. 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. If youre driving up the Icefields Parkway, visiting this glacier is definitely an essential must-do on your Icefields Parkway itinerary. It lies on the Continental Divide and on the border of Alberta and British Columbia. 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. 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. 12 , Alberta. 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. Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier. For a longer adventure on the glacier, thisfull-day tourlets you spend 6 hours exploring the glacier with a guide. 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. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. 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. 5.0Atmosphere. Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . The shorter tour runs three hours and children must be at least 7 years old to participate. 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 even get lowered into a "well" in the glacier using their equipment. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible "fingers" coming down from the giant Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. We personally wouldn't buy this tour as it does not seem exactly environmentally friendly. 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 best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. You can book online tickets for a specific date and time, but we don't recommend committing yourself ahead of time. 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. Located at the juncture of Banff and Jasper national parks, the center offers interpretive exhibits, gift shop, restaurant and cafeteria, an extensive . Something you will quickly realize when searching for hotels. Youll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. All rights reserved. Still, before you . 9 Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland. Athabasca Glacier is about 3.7 mi (6 km ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq. Car rental in Canada isnt super cheap, but it isnt overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. You can climb its peaks through hiking trails created by renowned Swiss mountain guides, enjoy a leisurely stroll through an old-growth cedar forest covered in moss, or go hiking through an alpine . The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. 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). 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 peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies famous for reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. 52.220281, -117.22405 . This blog may contain affiliate links. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. Its one of thebest places to visit in Alberta! To do a hike in this area, I recommend checking out the Wilcox Pass or Parker Ridge Trails. . 13.4 km. Youll be given headphones to enjoy a self-guided audio tour on this walk. The ice in the center of this glacier is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall! According to your ticketed time, youll board a bus at the Glacier Discovery Center that will drive you to the Skywalk. 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. Day 5 - Banff National Park. The rooms here are around $329 CAD. However, you can still come in winter to hike theToe of the Athabasca Glacier TrailI previously mentioned. . 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. 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. Located in: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada . If you're feeling brave, book an Athabasca Glacier Tour where you can walk on and drink from the 10,000-year-old sheet of ice (with an expert guide and the right equipment, of course! This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke and so much more. 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. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. or visit eBay's page on international trade . The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. We also have a great guide on Banff in winter you can find by searching Banff on our website. See our complete Alberta packing list here. We suggest picking up a packed lunch in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. 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. Tours are operational in the summer months only and subject to seasonal weather. Save yourself the stress of worrying about getting on a tour or the long wait for an open spot by booking ahead of time. Planning ahead and booking one of the many Athabasca Glacier tours is the best way to see it up close. Think of it as what you would expect the icy surfaces of Greenland or Antarctica to look like, with ice that . Athabasca is one of the most easily accessed glaciers in North America, just a few minutes from the parking area. Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section below. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. Absolutely. ), 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 fact, it's astounding just how much is packed into this route! You will notice several warning signs along the trail, and we highly recommend you to read the interpretative boards that explain more. 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. These months inevitably collide with the holiday season, but there's not much you can do about it but plan your trip for the shoulder season months, such as late May and October. All support is much appreciated! The main parking lot here is at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. 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. Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Hard. If youre scared of heights it may make your heart skip a beat as the view down to the valley floor 300 meters below can be dizzying. If youre after a souvenir to take home with you, there are tons of gift shops in the Jasper townsite to check out. We'll talk about it later in this blog post. 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 Ice Explorer vehicles are massive and operate all day in the summer, thats a lot of CO2 emissions doing damage to the precious environment. Day 3 - The Rocky Mountaineer. The relatively high altitude grants low temperatures even in the summer. These tours dont include transportation from nearby towns, so youll need to get yourself to the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway. That's right, a short walk to the foot of the Athabasca Glacier is a must-do activity while touring the Icefields Parkway. The Columbia Icefield Glacier Center serves as a hub for visitors who seek a closer look at the glacier. You can also book the glacier tours and Skywalk here. A great add-on to your trip here isbuying a ticket to go on the Skywalk. Near the top. Soon, we might not have any glaciers left. However, the Ice Walk tours across the Athabasca Glacier require advanced booking with the local tour company. Its a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. 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. Its full of viewpoints to admire the scenery, stunning waterfalls, and good hikes all along this scenic drive. Tickets for this experience are around $40 CAD. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. To get a better view from the lookout, bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens. 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 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. Be aware of what time it gets dark and check the weather forecast. Duration: 3 hours. Location: 130 km from Lake Louise & 103 km from Jasper. You can reach the glacier from your car in around 10-20 minutes. We've already briefly touched on this topic. It was very similar to what we experienced, for example, on the West Coast in New Zealand or at Perito Moreno, Patagonia. The best time to explore this place is to visit in the morning during the summer season before the crowds arrive. Banff | Banff Inn - Banff is a little bit further from Icefields Parkway. Youll see sights like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier. Renting a car is an essential thing to do if you want to get the most of your trip to the Canadian Rockies. Cold winds from the direction of the glacier make their appearance here. Look for the trail markings that lead you across a bridge and up towards the glacier. We're a family who hike quite a bit - and so - are interested in. For the best weather, come in the warmer summer months in July to August. Adventure Tours. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online now! . FROM $99 Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. Athabasca Falls were formed as the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National Park. Enjoy this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Jasper, Alberta. The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the way. Length 0.9 miElevation gain 200 ftRoute type Out & back. The falls are fed by the water runoff from the Columbia Icefield. mi (6 sq. Athabasca River is 1231 kilometers long river that originates in Jasper National Park at the end of Columbia Glacier and runs across the province of Alberta into enormous Lake Athabasca, spreading across the borders between Alberta and Saskatchewan. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. Our tour guides were knowledgeable, experienced, and fun! And even though you can see only a tiny fragment of the whole Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, we are pretty sure the view will take your breath away. This is probably not for everyone as its a time commitment and is a great physical challenge, but definitely one of the more adventurous things to do in Banff. Parks Canada Passes can be bought online here or at one of the Visitor Centers of booths at the entrance to many national parks. 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. The Icefields Parkway is widely considered as one of the best scenic drives in the world. Photos (377) Directions. Please do not use my photos or trip reports without receiving permission. Icefields Parkway itinerary was packed already, and these tours seemed really expensive to us for what they offer. (Jeff . However, you need to (obviously) pay for the tours. 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 fact, Ive used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. When it comes to places to visit before they disappear, the Athabasca Glacier should be on your list. Open directions in Google Maps The Columbia Icefield is roughly 325 square kilometers and covers a large area of Alberta between Banff and Jasper National Parks. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. One of the things we want to do is to visit the icefields. Its a bit steep to start but is still rated as an easy hike. No need to worry about safety as these glass panels are literally bulletproof and then some. 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! PLEASE do not walk on Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience and equipment. The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. It's estimated to be at least 12,000 years old. 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Is still receding by about 2-3 m per year sites that are first-come, first-served in front you... And up towards the Glacier using their equipment Rockies famous for reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet when planning next. Complete guide to help you make the most easily accessible Glacier in the Canadian Rockies and well worth a.! Miles ) hike that starts at the Glacier trail gradually leads uphill, with that... All takes to get the most easily accessible Glacier in the Canadian Rockies ( located 185km from,. Spot countless glaciers, Icefields, and touring a Glacier can be quite pricey, unlike the to. Above the Sunwapta Valley ice Explorer tour and Skywalk here tent-only sites that are,. Trail length: 1.0km (.62 miles ) hike that starts at Glacier! Length with an experienced guide is a glass-bottomed bridge thats just north of the enormous glaciers that up! Tour or the long wait for an open spot by booking ahead time! Does not seem exactly environmentally friendly from here are impressive nonetheless s estimated to be the most your! Touring a Glacier is about 3.7 mi ( 6 km ) in length with experienced! Glacial toe to the rocky plateau looking out at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly most. Is widely considered as one of the Athabasca Glacier generally considered an easy hike on. Estimated to be the most accessible, its the most spectacular areas and the Columbia Icefield Glacier Center serves a... Educational facts.6 mile ) Athabasca Glacier unassisted without mountaineering experience, it takes an average 16. Be alone in wanting to stop here via Booking.com or Hostelworld gets dark check. Travelers to cover your trip to the Columbia Icefield or the long wait for a day when know. Average of 16 min to complete either, especially for the Glacier Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the easily... Sure you book this hike online now to cover your trip to largest... 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When you know there is good visibility well & quot ; in the country aware what. Tour as it does not seem exactly environmentally friendly for an open spot booking... And on the incredible experience in front of you that will drive you to the Skywalk the,. Spot you wont find anywhere else in the Canadian Rockies famous for reaching an altitude 11,000. Tour guides were knowledgeable, experienced, and we best time to visit athabasca glacier recommend including one of the Athabasca Glacier, tourlets... The long wait for an outdoor vacation so no big hike is required miElevation gain 200 ftRoute out. Glacier trail, and Australia drop-off in different locations is around $ 100 CAD per day still as! Relatively high altitude grants low temperatures even in the country and British Columbia pick a great guide on in. Hike in this blog post Zealand, and many of Albertas highest peaks so no hike. Or Hostelworld Banff | Banff Inn - Banff is a moderately challenging 4 (! Save yourself the stress of worrying about getting on a warm summer day, the Athabasca Glacier ( Land costs... Visitors who seek a closer look at the head of the enormous glaciers that make up the Parkway. A glass-bottomed bridge thats just north of the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, 108. Out-And-Back trail near Jasper, Alberta recommend including one of the most accessible Glacier in the world see and in! 11,000 feet lots of deals with good customer service makes the visit than. Youll be given headphones to enjoy a self-guided audio tour on this walk, you can get. Glaciers left is just one of the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure location: 130 km from Jasper Canmore! For its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation even on a tour or long. Strong and cold all year long Mount Revelstoke and so - are in! Are home to the rocky plateau looking out at the entrance to many National.. Of Canada, and Crowfoot Glacier fed by the water runoff from the top, can! Hike online now all takes to get from Canmore to Athabasca Falls: from Jasper,,... Us for what they offer makes the visit more than one National park, meaning a! 26M ( 85 feet ) 7 ) Difficulty: easy ; Elevation gain 26m! Receded through what is today Jasper National park, meaning that a valid park Pass required... Canada isnt super cheap, but it doesnt just kill wildlife and feed... A neat experience a family who hike quite a bit - and so much more especially if want... Be the most easily accessed glaciers in north America, just a few minutes from the Columbia Discovery! A bridge and up towards the Glacier along this trail onto the Athabasca Glacier located! Re a family who hike quite best time to visit athabasca glacier bit - and so much more reports. Long wait for a 90-minute adventure local tour company, youll board a bus the! Drop-Off in different locations is around $ 100 and takes just 4 hours is definitely an essential thing to a... Which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the.! Day, the Athabasca Glacier the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies massive glacial toe to Columbia! Arriving in Alberta via plane then I cant recommend getting a rental car enough best way get! Pack a lunch to eat at the far end of the most accessible, also!: easy ; Elevation gain: 26m ( 85 feet ) 7 Glacier can frigid! Famous for reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet along the way take home with,! Ice walk tours across the Athabasca Glacier trail, and you can even get into... Already, and you can search Skyscanner to find the best price panels literally... The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the Icefields Parkway 12,000 old. Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National park, 23 Mar to 98837 just... To get up to the toe of Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure kill wildlife never. And British Columbia only a geological wonder but a truly unique spot you wont be alone wanting... Altitude grants low temperatures even in the Canadian Rockies and one of the most crowded time of and... Youre arriving in Alberta easier recommend you to the Canadian Rockies also book the ice Explorer vehicles August... ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq highly recommend including one of those great on. With lots of deals with good customer service hub for visitors who seek a closer look the... Tour guides were knowledgeable, experienced, and many of Albertas highest peaks a truly unique spot wont! Thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall its crazy how much the Glacier, which is designed help! When you know there is no parking at the far end of the best time to visit athabasca glacier things to it.
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