Step Out and Experience the Cliff's Edge

Feed your adrenaline and step into a breathtaking world where glaciers rest above and birds soar below. Experience waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and more on an exciting cliff-edge walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918 foot drop.

Starting and ending at the Glacier Discovery Centre, your guide will introduce you to this special area through an interpretive story-telling format that’ll connect you on a deeper level with the natural world. It's flat. out. awesome!

Dig Deeper: Interpretive Experiences

The Columbia Icefield is a rich in stories. From the moment you arrive, we bring the past, present and future to life through engaging interpretive learning experiences that’ll enrich your experience, your understanding and your sense of wonder.

A story as old as time

Through our team of interpreters, you’ll connect with and explore this place in a deep and meaningful way.

Educating and inspiring

Your experience is holistic. Get hands-on with interactive and exciting knowledge.

Ancient sheets of ice

Glaciers are rivers of ice that move at an incredibly slow pace. They tell us much about the past and the future.

Cliff-climbing wildlife

Spot mountain goats in their natural habitat, seemingly clinging to a cliff high above the valley. Their agility is a thrill to see.

The distant horizon

High above the Athabasca Glacier are tall peaks, cornices, further icefields and massive valleys. Don’t forget to look far, far away!

A darkness that shines

Come evening, this place becomes a world-class destination for dark sky watching, star-gazing and astronomy. There as much wonder after dark as during the day!

Stewardship

For centuries, the Columbia Icefield has been the defining geological heart of this staggeringly beautiful place. It’s a fragile place that is ever-changing. We study it, observe it, explore it and work with leaders and experts to help mitigate our activities. We take our role as stewards very seriously.

Accessible Adventure: Welcoming all abilities

Accessible vans are available to transport guests to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk afterwards. At the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, the entire 800-metre flat circumference is designed as a fully-accessible attraction for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers.

Seventy-two hours’ notice of arrival is required, ensuring ample time and to accommodate the schedules of guests with accessibility needs. Please check-in at least 30 minutes before your tour starts.

More information about accessibility across Pursuit

Stories from the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Videos Only

Inside the Columbia Icefields Glacier Discovery Centre

Parks Canada Information Desk

In a unique partnership, Parks Canada provides information to visitors on local campgrounds, weather and things to do in the area. They can also issue park passes, backcountry passes and is a checkpoint for climbers ascending Mount Athabasca. The Parks Canada desk is located on the main level of the Glacier Discovery Centre across from the Gift Shop.

Parks Canada Glacier Gallery

Come and witness incredible displays and visually exciting exhibits about the Columbia Icefield area and its impact on the regional environment. This self-guided tour takes you back in time to discover how a glacier moves, the importance of icefields in climate research, plus information about the area and local wildlife. Catch the international award-winning new film created for the Glacier Gallery — "Through Ice and Time".