Jasper is the closest at 105 km and 1.5 hours driving. It costs $16.75 CAD to park your RV here overnight. Athabasca Glacier is about 3.7 mi (6 km ) in length with an area of 2.3 sq. Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. The park spreads around 521 square miles (1,349 sq km) of area. Following these important principles basically means doing your best to leave beautiful places like the Athabasca Glacier as good (if not better) than you found them, both for their preservation and for the enjoyment of other visitors. Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Rockies of North America. The Columbia Icefield is considered to be the most abundant ice mass in the Rocky Mountains, extending 25 kms across the Continental Divide. Bear spray. If youre driving up the Icefields Parkway, visiting this glacier is definitely an essential must-do on your Icefields Parkway itinerary. Said that this tour is trendy from what we saw, and the bus shuttles were leaving the car park frequently. Length 0.6 miElevation gain 82 ftRoute type Out & back. Said that there is a campground very close to the Athabasca Glacier walk. Here are our top picks for accommodation along the Icefields Parkway in the mid-range category. One of the best things about Icefields Parkway is that it is not lined with hotels and resorts. 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 Columbia Icefield Glacier Center serves as a hub for visitors who seek a closer look at the glacier. He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. A great place to try this is Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park. 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 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. Research current trail conditions and make sure you are well-informed about the route before you leave, and assess if it is within your capability. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six foremost 'toes' of the Columbia Icefield, situated in the Canadian Rockies. 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!). Situated between Jasper and Banff, this is a spot you dont want to miss if you have the chance. These campgrounds are all first-come, first-served, pretty basic (some have washrooms, some only pit toilets), and fill up pretty fast too. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. The hotel offers an excellent location, basic rooms, and facilities. You'll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. Hiking poles may be helpful but are not required. TheBanff Blog Facebook Groupis your headquarters for the Canadian Rockies travel advice and information. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to have a real glacier experience 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. Yes! When approaching the Columbia Icefield, in which the Athabasca Glacier resides, one of the first things you will notice (after the glaciers themselves) is the large visitors center on the east side of the road. If youre just looking for a coffee, theres also a Starbucks inside! The rooms here are around $329 CAD. 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 Athabasca is the most-visited glacier on the North American continent. This massive glacier is one of six toes of the Columbia Icefield which is the largest nonpolar ice field in the world. The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. Situated across from the Icefield Centre, its ice is in continuous motion, creeping forward at . From Banff: Thisfull-day tourleaves from Banff and heads down the Icefields Parkway. From Lake Louise the center is 130 km and takes around two hours to reach. 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 follow along through an audio guide that is available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors. Photos (1,077) Directions. In the right light conditions it can be a much more brilliant blue. You do not need a reservation for the tours at the Icefield Discovery Center unless you have a large group, though reservations never hurt and do guarantee your time and booking. Setting off from the rugged parking lot towards the Athabasca Glacier. The Icefields Parkway, where the icefield and glacier are located, is maintained by Parks Canada, and youll need a Parks Canada Pass to drive along it, even if you dont plan on stopping anywhere. Once you arrive at the Skywalk, youll get to see a variety of interpretive displays about the history of this glacier region before venturing out onto the glass-bottomed walkway for breathtaking views. Looking for a really unique experience to have with your dog? Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! Wilcox Creek Campground has first come, first served sites, and it's an excellent choice for all visitors who don't want to spend a fortune on accommodation and want to stay close to the Athabasca Glacier, Wilcox Pass, and other points of interest. When driving between Jasper and Banff youre pretty much left with the Icefields Discovery Center or the disappointing Saskatchewan River Crossing. Soon, we might not have any glaciers left. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs or support us directly here. Extra $300 per person from Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart. 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. So if you have arrived from New York or Sydney or any sea-level city in the world, take your time, walk slowly and enjoy the scenery. This is a common thing at the popular glacier hikes, and Athabasca Glacier is no exception to that. Ill have a car. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. The experiences are allowed to be used on separate days. 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. The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. Getting to Athabasca Falls: From Jasper, travel south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) then turn right onto Highway 93A. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning. 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 tour company that operates the all-terrain bus said the vehicle was on its way to Athabasca Glacier, in the Columbia Icefield. check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs, 26 BEST Banff Hotels Downtown Hotels & Elsewhere (2023), Washrooms (running water and flush toilets). There are also restaurants, washrooms, a gift shop, and interpretive displays inside. Dan and I didthis specific tourand made the mistake of not booking it ahead of time. Enjoy this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Jasper, Alberta. The Glacier View Lodge is the only hotel in the area and is where you can stay if you want to wake up to views of the Athabasca Glacier. The ice in the center of this glacier is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall! We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. 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.) How we rank things to do. Rooms are adequate, however, this is one of the finest examples of paying extra for the location. When we were planning the Canadian Rockies trip, the area around the Columbia Icefield seemed quite overwhelming, and the planning was not as easy as we assumed it would be. 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 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. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible "fingers" coming down from the giant Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. In fact, it's astounding just how much is packed into this route! Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields (1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper) You will probably want to spend most of the time here. If youre coming fromLake Louise to Jasper National Park, its about a 1.5-hour drive or about 132 kilometers (82 miles) to get to the icefield and glacier. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. Its $16.75 CAD per night for both campgrounds. The melting snow and waters from the glaciers flow straight north to the Arctic Ocean, east to the Atlantic Ocean and west to the Pacific Ocean. Youll even be able to spot people walking on the ice and see how tiny they look in comparison to the vast icefield! Situated around 120 km (75 mi) from the town of Banff, it can be easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway. 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. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. The relatively high altitude grants low temperatures even in the summer. 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. If youre planning to stay longer or visit more than one national park in a year, theDiscovery Passis a great option. Icefields Parkway is a major tourist attraction, and the Columbia Icefield is one of the biggest highlights on this road. I am not responsible for anything you do in the outdoors. 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. Make sure youve fueled up in Jasper, Lake Louise, or at Saskatchewan River Crossing before you get here. This postcard comes to life at the incredible Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier in Alberta. All rights reserved. Its 6 km away from the Glacier Discovery Center and does not offer views of the Athabasca Glacier, but instead the Sunwapta Valley. A picnic lunch is also included. 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. The Athabasca Glacier tours are available from May until October and book up quickly during the summer. The self-guided tour showcases how a glacier moves along with information on the local area. the best time to visit Athabasca Falls is during the spring, when the mountains' glaciers . If you are driving here in the winter, make sure you have winter tires on your car and always check road conditions, as snowstorms are common. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! The road is usually closed from November to May because of snowy and icy conditions. Of course, very few will drive the parkway in that amount of time as there are a plethora of worthy stops along the way. Another great alternative is Viator. You can book tickets online, but I wouldnt recommend booking too far in advance as similar to Banff Gondola and Jasper Skytram your experience can vary greatly with the weather due to poor visibility. The Wilcox Pass trailhead is right nearby and will lead you to amazing views of Athabasca Glacier, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda. . 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. The RV parking tends to be busier in the middle of the day when people are here for day trips, but it does clear out, so theres quite a bit of room for overnight stays. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. Glscier-fed Sunwapta Lake to the rear looking somewhat gloomy. You can also see markers along here showing how the glacier has shrunk over the years due to global warming. Between the towering peaks of mountains lies the immense and impressive Athabasca Glacier. The best way to let bears know youre around is simply to use your voice. $21.36 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day, Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) $188.59 CAD. You must park in this lot if youve booked a glacier or Skywalk tour. The ridge has tremendous views over the Saskatchewan Glacier that are phenomenal and the hike is easy enough to complete in under two hours. Another option is to stay somewhere along the Icefields Parkway. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. The rest is hidden beyond the mountains. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Athabasca Glacier in Banff National Park! Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. Due to winter road conditions, your plans might have to change. Continue reading this blog post for everything you need to know to experience the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park for yourself, including distance, elevation gain, how to get there, the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience. To be honest, we didn't book any of the tours or experiences. While there are no coupons or direct discounts for the Icefield Discovery Center experiences you can buy combo tickets. The daily rate for these passes is $10.50 CAD per adult, $21 CAD per family, and free for all kids 17 and under. Unlike the above hiking tour, this hike is a little more difficult and is best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness. 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! A longer six-hour trek costs $175 CAD plus tax. However, these tours can be quite pricey, unlike the walk to the Toe of Athabasca Glacier, which is free. between Lake Louise and Jasper. We were stuck waiting around the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for three hours before there was an opening on a tour for us. You can then continue onto the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier trail, a further 1.4 km (0.9 mile) return . . From the top, you can spot countless glaciers, icefields, and many of Albertas highest peaks. One thing that isnt at the visitor center is a gas station. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. You can go to either the Columbia Icefield Campground or the Wilcox Creek Campground. The Columbia Icefields Discovery Center acts as the gateway for many visitors with interactive exhibits, tours, and features such as the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. The best time to explore this place is to visit in the morning during the summer season before the crowds arrive. It is formed by the compaction and recrystallization of snow into ice crystals and commonly also contains air, water and rock debris. Open directions in Google Maps We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. 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. The Athabasca Glacier is probably the most commercially developed area of The Icefields Parkway. We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day the experience was epic. Because youre not driving, youll be able to enjoy the scenic views! The Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier are located along the Alberta-British Columbia border. For better views, go on one of our favorite hikes nearby called Parker Ridge. The Columbia Icefield is conveniently located off the Icefields Parks or Highway 93 that runs from Lake Louise to Jasper. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! Within . The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. This gives you a chance to explore this area with a closer home base. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 28 min to complete. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. Pack everything you need for a successful hike, including enough water and energy-rich snacks. Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. Departs on Australia on 4 September 2023 & 20 May 2024. Wait for a day when you know there is good visibility. I hope this guide has given you all the information you need for your own visit to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. If youre driving with an RV, there is overnight parking available in a large asphalt lot on the west side of the Discovery Centre. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. For campers, there are two nearby campgrounds. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Adventure sports, activities, and non-supervised activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions. Day 1 - London and Vancouver. Full Day Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. We wanted to see Athabasca Glacier up close. Delivery time is estimated using our proprietary method which is . Be sure to check out some of related blogs including: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What can I do in and around Banff in two days, Nov 24-26? You can't actually get very close to the glacier. While were more mixed on the Discovery Center experiences both the Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake cruise are worth a visit for most. The Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to 30 minutes in the summer and can cycle through a large number of visitors. Your guide will point out ice formations, meltwater streams, icefalls, and waterfalls. This blog may contain affiliate links. This travel guide includes tips on how to get, where to stay, and glacier tours. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies at 325-kilometers squared, and it gets around 275 inches of snow every year. peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies. Picture this ice as far as you can see and the chance to walk on an ancient glacier surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. 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. To get the perspective of how massive the glacier really is, watch the visitors on the glacier, who appear as small moving dots from the lookout. mi (6 sq. This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! Many climbers in the Rockies have the lifetime goal of summiting all 54 (58) of the peaks, and they are considered classic mountaineering objectives. So, yes, there are people everywhere, though it wasn't that bad as we expected or experienced in some other top locations, for example, in the Yellowstone National Park. Look for the trail markings that lead you across a bridge and up towards the glacier. . Believe us; you don't want to arrive in Banff or Jasper in high season without a reservation. Time required to visit: 1 - 2 hrs, depending on interest. FROM $214 Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. The Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on the British ColumbiaAlberta border in Canada. 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. One of the things we want to do is to visit the icefields. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. Hard. If you can, visit Lake Louise and the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Glacier hiking tours start at $105 CAD (as of 2018) plus tax. Duration: 10 hours. While you can drive the Icefields Parkway in the winter, weather dependent, the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center does close. Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon. So besides visiting Maligne Lake, there are a few other activities that we recommend that you check off your to-do list. 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. Thanks for the response. Pack a lunch to eat at the head of the Athabasca Glacier, where shattered ice and rock make an incredible lunchtime view. 6 days, 5 nights; $4,000. After enjoying the views, we walked slowly back to the car park. Demand is heaviest from June to September, and accommodation fills up quickly. 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. If you plan on spending time in Canadas national parks then youre going to have to pay for a Parks Pass. 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). Looking somewhat gloomy was an opening on a tour for us drive the Icefields Parkway ) then turn right Highway! Parkway, visiting this Glacier is such a neat experience south on the Discovery Center make possibly... Thediscovery Passis a great place to try this is a spot you dont want do!, depending on interest visit for most km ( 67 miles ) trail just south of Athabasca. Inches of snow into ice crystals and commonly also contains air, water and energy-rich snacks Louise to Jasper is... 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