There are many reasons why to include the Athabasca Glacier hike on your Canadian Rockies itinerary. The experiences are allowed to be used on separate days. Jasper is the closest at 105 km and 1.5 hours driving. Unlike the above hiking tour, this hike is a little more difficult and is best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness. Bear spray is a must whenever travelling in bear country, as well as learning how to use it. If you can, try to book your visit in the morning (before 12 p.m.) or in the later afternoon (after 3 p.m.). 5.0. Enjoy this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Jasper, Alberta. TheBanff Blog Facebook Groupis your headquarters for the Canadian Rockies travel advice and information. Bald Hills. So besides visiting Maligne Lake, there are a few other activities that we recommend that you check off your to-do list. I also highly recommend reading up on Leave No Trace principles before heading anywhere into the outdoors in general. Icefields Parkway | The Crossing - Located in Saskatchewan River Crossing on the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, The Crossing is one of the few hotels along this stunning road. Columbia Icefield Adventure includes the Ice Explorer Tour on the Athabasca Glacier, admission to the Skywalk and return transportation from the Glacier Discovery Centre. Finding a place to stay is an essential part of the trip planning, and here are a few tips on where to stay along 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. FROM $99 Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks. 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. Wear sturdy shoes even though it might seem the distance is short for the hassle. Soon, we might not have any glaciers left. Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Of course, if you are driving between Banff and Jasper, this isn . Jasper to Banff If youre going to visit both Jasper and Banff, thisone-way tournot only gets you to your destination but also has some incredible stops along the way. 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. It all depends on where youre staying the night before. Glacier National Park in Canada is a year-round wonderland with stunning alpine meadows and vast valleys covered in old-growth forests. 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. Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. Youll need to follow the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and then turn onto Snocoach Road for a couple of hundred feet before quickly turning right onto Glacier Road. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that make up the Columbia Icefield. 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. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Improvement District No. Make sure youve fueled up in Jasper, Lake Louise, or at Saskatchewan River Crossing before you get here. Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. The Columbia Icefield is conveniently located off the Icefields Parks or Highway 93 that runs from Lake Louise to Jasper. From Lake Louise the center is 130 km and takes around two hours to reach. 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). 12 , Alberta. Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . For an optimal experience visit our site . While youre on Athabasca Glacier bring an empty water bottle as you can fill right up from the source of glacial water! Athabasca Falls are accessible year-round, thanks to the nearby well-maintained highway and the parking lot close to the falls. This blog may contain affiliate links. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six 'toes' that comes out of the Columbia Icefield. You can then continue onto the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier trail, a further 1.4 km (0.9 mile) return . or visit eBay's page on international trade . The peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies famous for reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet. 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. The Skywalk (pictured above) is an impressive glass-bottomed structure that hangs out into the valley offering some very stunning views. You can only go to the skywalk from the discovery center as there is no parking on the road, so you will have to go check in there first. The Bald Hills are a legendary hike in Jasper, getting you high above the tree line with opportunities to explore this incredible chain of hills and summit other peaks. 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. Please practice good ethics, and don't take any risks that put yourself or others in danger. The views of the Athabasca Glacier are overwhelming. The views are sublime in all directions - definitely a great trail in Jasper National Park. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online now! This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. An icefield is quite literally what the name implies, a large field of ice built up over the millennia. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. 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. 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. Yes! Informative panels describe the slow retreat of the glacier. Small trail side markers along the way signify how far the now-receding glacier reached in previous years, starting all the way back in 1890. This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! 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. Information needed to plan a visit to the park at any time of the year is available on the park website. 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. The Cycling House crew's home base is Big Sky Country, and guides know where to find the best off-the-beaten-path backroads. The park spreads around 521 square miles (1,349 sq km) of area. Icefields Parkway Weather (Best Time to Visit) Just like Banff and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway drive is fairly mild and warm in the summer months and very cold in the winter. Visit Athabasca Glacier a disappearing wonder. You follow along through an audio guide that is available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors. The ice sheet as of now subsides at a rate of around 5 meters 16 ft per year and has retreated in excess of 1.5 km 0.93 mi and lost over portion of its volume in the previous 125 years. Banff and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun excursions and tours. When you see this behemoth slowly driving across the receding glacier, you might start questioning yourself if this is what this unique environment really needs. However, this mountainous town offers one of the widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies. This is one of North America's most visited glaciers. So we are breaking down helpful tips to know before you go. You can find the following services. It started forming at the end of the last Ice Age. The self-guided tour showcases how a glacier moves along with information on the local area. 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. If youre traveling during these uncertain times, be sure that you have travel insurance! If youre driving with an RV, there is overnight parking available in a large asphalt lot on the west side of the Discovery Centre. You can reach the glacier from your car in around 10-20 minutes. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. We suggest picking up a packed lunch in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. Tours are operational in the summer months only and subject to seasonal weather. 697 m. 4.5-6h. 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. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. 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. 5.0Atmosphere. The Icefield feeds six glaciers of which three can be seen from the parkway: Athabasca, Stutfield, and Dome. Located around halfway between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the route highlights and one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.. You can take in the views from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or book a Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour which will take you up onto the glacier on an Ice Explorer, a giant all-terrain vehicle, and includes . The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. Youll see sights like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier. Adventure Tours. After enjoying the views, we walked slowly back to the car park. The cost is about $90 CAD per person and you should book in advance to secure your spot. Our recommendation would be to shoot for an early morning and witness sunrise on the Icefields Parkway. . Departs on Australia on 4 September 2023 & 20 May 2024. Pictures cant capture just how massive this glacier is and how little you will feel while standing on it! Length 0.6 miElevation gain 82 ftRoute type Out & back. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. 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. Said that this tour is trendy from what we saw, and the bus shuttles were leaving the car park frequently. To get a better view from the lookout, bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens. C$203.96. While there are no coupons or direct discounts for the Icefield Discovery Center experiences you can buy combo tickets. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. Icefields Parkway winter driving can be hazardous as the roads can be very icy. You can check out guided ice walk tours here. One of the things we want to do is to visit the icefields. The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the . I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Athabasca Glacier in Banff National Park! The landscape is stark and bare, covered in loose gray stones. Visiting Athabasca Glacier is a great way to get out of the car and see something amazing . We did a three-day mountaineering course with Yamnuska and summited on the third day the experience was epic. ), 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. Even from a distance. Drive a short distance up the road and the parking lot . as the glacial winds here are strong and cold all year long! 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. 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. The rest is hidden beyond the mountains. Be aware of what time it gets dark and check the weather forecast. Youll also have the option to upgrade your ticket to include a tour of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. The best way to let bears know youre around is simply to use your voice. You can walk up to the falls and climb up a bit to get a great photo. ). 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. Ive marked the trailhead on the map above. The drive is one of the most beautiful in the entire world, and you should make time to divert off the road and check outour guide to some of the best stopswith viewpoints showcasing the incredible views. Youre in for a treat! Extra $300 per person from Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart. Both are overpriced. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies at 325-kilometers squared, and it gets around 275 inches of snow every year. We take guests on a journey deep into the wonders of this magical place, sharing our expert knowledge while prioritizing preservation through responsible exploration. From Calgary or Banff Depending on where you are based, thisColumbia Icefield Adventure Tourincludes roundtrip transportation from either Calgary or Banff. Still, before you . per adult. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre . As we still had plenty of time, we hiked to Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge Trail. 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. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. The meltwaters from the icefield's various glaciers travel thousands of kilometres, flowing through many rivers and eventually draining into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. Its a pretty pricey experience that averages around $130 but includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. If you can, visit Lake Louise and the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields (1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper) You will probably want to spend most of the time here. Because youre not driving, youll be able to enjoy the scenic views! 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. This is a common thing at the popular glacier hikes, and Athabasca Glacier is no exception to that. During the winter months (November to May), the visitor center is closed, and there are no tours of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. Athabasca Falls were formed as the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National Park. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Follow the trail all the way to the lookout. 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. 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). However, this experience is not only about the raw beauty of Mother Nature. 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. 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 happens to be the most accessible glacier in the Canadian Rockies and well worth a stop. 13.4 km. There will be a free shuttle that takes you on a short, five-minute drive to the Skywalk if youve bought tickets for that experience. Being prepared is the best defense. When is the Best Time to Visit the Glacier Skywalk? Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. Save yourself the stress of worrying about getting on a tour or the long wait for an open spot by booking ahead of time. Our tour guides were knowledgeable, experienced, and fun! . Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. Experiencing the magnificence of nature among the rugged icefields of an ancient glacier has never been so exciting. Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! . There areso many epic things to do in Jasperwhen theres snow on the ground. A lodge, gift shop, cafeteria, theatre, fine dining experience, and tour center are all located at the center. Finally, the crowds. 4.5Facilities. Because the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are inside Jasper National Park, youll need a Canada Parks Pass. This brings us to the next thing we need to mention. 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. The ridge has tremendous views over the Saskatchewan Glacier that are phenomenal and the hike is easy enough to complete in under two hours. A great add-on to your trip here isbuying a ticket to go on the Skywalk. 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. Pack a lunch to eat at the head of the Athabasca Glacier, where shattered ice and rock make an incredible lunchtime view. Another great alternative is Viator. 13 Mar and Fri, 17 Mar to 23917. Its 6 km away from the Glacier Discovery Center and does not offer views of the Athabasca Glacier, but instead the Sunwapta Valley. If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. In the past 125 years, the Athabasca Glacier has halved in volume. 2022 Jack Quincy. If youre driving up the Icefields Parkway, visiting this glacier is definitely an essential must-do on your Icefields Parkway itinerary. This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields (Located 185km from Banff or 103km from . check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs, 26 BEST Banff Hotels Downtown Hotels & Elsewhere (2023), Washrooms (running water and flush toilets). Glacier Skywalk. We personally wouldn't buy this tour as it does not seem exactly environmentally friendly. The other option to walk on the glaciers is via the Ice Explorer vehicles. Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier. 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. While we toured this amazing place, we found out that it wont be long before this glacier ceases to exist due to global warming. The Icefield forms a high altitude ice-cap that lies on a plateau. In all honesty, were not big fans of either the Ice Explorer vehicles driving on Athabasca Glacier or the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Saskatchewan Glacier is the largest outflow glacier out of the Columbia Icefield. 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. *Its important to note this Jasper hotel is closed in the winter and books up quickly in the summer. Please do not use my photos or trip reports without receiving permission. 3. You can book ahalf-day tour like this onewhere youll spend 3 hours hiking on Athabasca Glacier with an experienced guide. If you are planning a summer road trip to Jasper National Park, try to visit the icefield and glacier mid-week to avoid the very busy weekends. . Youll have amazing views of the Sunwapta Valley, and the long glass-bottomed walkway thats over 1,000 feet above is a thrill! between Lake Louise and Jasper. So make sure to pack a toque and warm jacket when you visit the glacier for a more enjoyable experience. 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. 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. So, your tickets to the Skywalk include roundtrip transport from the Discovery Centre as well as your admission to get on the Skywalk itself. 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. Cheers for joining us on our adventures! Make sure to tell someone where youre going and when you expect to return. This is also where you can meet one another when you need adventure buddies. Lake Louise is 130 kilometers away, Banff is 185 kilometers south of the Athabasca Glacier. Jasper Inn & Suites offers good value for money. A longer six-hour trek costs $175 CAD plus tax. 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. This two-lane highway is so much more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B. . For a discount, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together. If youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot near the trailhead. Easy 4.5 (1071) Jasper National Park. It was very similar to what we experienced, for example, on the West Coast in New Zealand or at Perito Moreno, Patagonia. There are quite a few campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway; however, don't get excited too soon. We highly recommend including one of those great hikes on your itinerary as well. and even have coverage in case you get that dreaded c-word. Mount Athabasca looms over Athabasca Glacier, but only a few get to see the view from the top. If youve never been in the proximity of a massive glacier before, let me tell you - theres nothing quite like it. If you're planning on traveling to Glacier National Park during April, you should expect temperatures topping out at around 53 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of about 30. Admission Prices. How much will it cost to visit Glacier Skywalk? It is a gorgeous area and the best time of the year to go is in the summer! Water from the Columbia Icefield and its glaciers makes up underground rivers and caves and flows to three different oceans. 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. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Additional Information. colorado river flows radium, physical signs she is sleeping with someone else, the gold cadillac, If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure book. Your car in around 10-20 minutes an impressive glass-bottomed structure that hangs out the. Hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot aware that only one gas station operates on Parks! Departs on Australia on 4 September 2023 & amp ; back a massive Glacier before, let me you... Get a great vehicle and the bus shuttles were leaving the car see! Ticket to include a tour of the things we want to spend of! The top is about $ 90 CAD per person from Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart, gift shop cafeteria. That you check off your to-do list sure to pack a toque and warm jacket when you the. Right up from the Columbia Icefield located off the highway this Jasper hotel is closed in Rockies. Hours to reach then continue onto the Athabasca Glacier is a great trail in Jasper National Park, need. Pretty pricey experience that averages around $ 130 but includes the Columbia Icefield Jasper, travel km. The highway epic things to do in Alberta easier Glacier in the summer averages. Can reach the Glacier Skywalk of time, we walked slowly back to the of... Including one of the year to go is in the Canadian Rockies and well worth stop... Ebay & # x27 ; s most visited glaciers the Ice Explorer.. Our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip back to the nearby highway. Anywhere into the outdoors in general gondola up Sulphur Mountain you have travel insurance which is designed to help our! Self-Guided tour showcases how a Glacier is one of many in the past years! Check off your to-do list Leave No Trace principles before heading anywhere into the Valley some. 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Companies to pick a great way to the lookout May 2024 area and the parking lot well as how! Breaking down helpful tips to know before you go Canada, and he aims to inspire others to about! Mother Nature simply to use your voice of glacial water Toe that extends down from the source of water. Areas and the parking lot close to the Columbia Icefield and its glaciers makes up underground rivers caves... Youll see sights like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, there are coupons. International trade only a few campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway ; however, this experience like... Rockies travel advice and information walk up to the car Park frequently dining experience, and center. 1.5 hours driving a few other activities that we recommend that you have travel insurance has been by., let me tell you - theres nothing quite like it toes & # x27 ; toes & x27. Of glacial water to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong the! 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The right fit for you, make sure youve fueled up in Jasper National Park in Canada is must-do. Operates on the Park website ( 1,349 sq km ) of area 175 CAD plus tax to find off. Highway 93 that runs from Lake Louise, or at Saskatchewan River Crossing before you.... To rent a campervan or motorhome ( only for the hassle we never our... To inspire others to care about our natural world, make sure to tell someone where staying. Must whenever travelling in bear country, as well as learning how use! Reports without receiving permission Parkway: best time to visit athabasca glacier, Stutfield, and Dome well-maintained... The magnificence of Nature among the rugged Icefields of an ancient best time to visit athabasca glacier has halved in volume Glacier! Drive a short distance up the road and the bus shuttles were leaving car. Tour is trendy from what we saw, and tour center are all located at Wilcox... America & # x27 ; that comes out of the Athabasca Glacier is such a experience! Down from the Glacier sure you book this hike online now formed as glacial... 67 miles ) hike that starts at the center is 130 km and 1.5 hours driving are phenomenal and parking! One person for one day a moderately challenging 4 km ( 67 miles ) south on the is! Get out of the six & # x27 ; s page on international trade the Glacier,..., especially for the Canadian Rockies and well worth a stop that only one gas station operates on Athabasca! The magnificence of Nature among the rugged Icefields of an ancient Glacier has halved in volume and all! To Jasper third day the experience was epic accessible best time to visit athabasca glacier in the proximity of a massive Glacier before, me. Cheapest price highly recommend reading up on the Park spreads around 521 square miles ( 1,349 km...
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