The Ultimate Glacier Experience

It’s the adventure of a lifetime at the Columbia Icefield. Ancient stories, astounding scenery and a deep sense of wonder are at the heart of this unforgettable experience.

You’ll explore the ancient Athabasca Glacier on a giant Ice Explorer, discovering glaciology and stepping right on to the glacier itself. Then, history comes alive as you walk out on the glass-bottomed Skywalk. Starting and ending at the Glacier Discovery Centre, the entire experience is a seamless journey of wonder.

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!

Journey back in time.
Feel the power of the present.

Visiting the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Valley is like peering into the heart of the planet. Geologically, time moves incredibly slow here. And yet, we can see change happening right in front of our eyes.

Though apparently tranquil, the Columbia Icefield is a powerful, dynamic force, constantly shaping the regional landscape. Located in Jasper National Park, glaciers here endlessly advance and retreat in an ancient elemental dance. This is a place where time is measured in millennia and yet the present moment is incredibly powerful.

Your exciting adventure at the Columbia Icefield awaits

Leave Discovery Centre, travel to the Glacier	Travel time: 30 minutes
Arrive on the Glacier	Free time: 20 – 25 minutes
Depart Glacier, travel to Skywalk	Travel time: 40 minutes
Arrive at Skywalk	Free time: recommended 1 hour
Depart Skywalk for Discovery Centre	Shuttle bus departs: every 15 minutes

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Peace and Wonder at the Icefield

Why not stay the night?

Top off your incredible Athabasca Glacier experience with a night at the newly-elevated Glacier View Lodge. Enjoy an exclusive evening Columbia Icefield Adventure tour, gourmet dining and a spectacular stargazing experience amidst a Dark Sky Preserve.

A morning private guided tour of the Columbia Icefield Skywalk takes you high above the Sunwapta Valley for a peaceful start to the day.

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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

The Columbia Icefield Adventure is accessible for guests requiring wheelchair access, making it an incredibly unique perspective for getting up close with spectacular natural wonders.

Two Ice Explorers are equipped with wheelchair lifts to bring guests out onto the glacier. Accessible vans are available to transport guests to the Ice Explorer, and then on 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

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".