| Objective: Ice Walk on Athabasca Glacier in Jasper Location: Columbia Icefield, Jasper, Alberta, Canada Trip Length: 2-3 hours Time on Glacier: 25 minutes |
In the Canadian Rocky Mountains, you can explore a frosty snowflake kingdom via an extremely exclusive mode of transportation. To walk on Athabasca Glacier, catch a ride with the Ice Explorer. This giant snow coach drives right onto this impressive glacier at the edge of Jasper National Park in Alberta.
| Athabasca Glacier | Driving on the Columbia Icefield | Columbia Icefield Adventure | Plan Your Visit |
Athabasca Glacier
From the toe of the glacier by Sunwapta Lake, you begin hiking on the Athabasca Glacier Trail. It is a short yet steep hike to the windy plateau. After the hike, a shuttle transports you to the Columbian Icefield.
Driving on the Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies spanning the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. It covers 125 square miles in the Canadian wilderness. This giant frozen reservoir sits above the mountains and has six “toes” or glaciers that slowly spill down below. Athabasca Glacier is one of these toes. If an icefield is like a lake, a glacier is more like a river of ice.
The Ice Explorer takes you to the glacier in true style. This gargantuan snow coach has five-foot wheels almost as tall as a person. The all-terrain low-pressure tires are extra grippy to manage the icy conditions. During a ride on a steep gravel road, the massive six-wheel beast travels slowly downhill a bit. Upon arrival at the glacier, the bus gets to work and gains traction on the slippery ice and snow. From its large panoramic windows, you have unforgettable views of the stark mountain landscape. At last, you reach a flat section of the glacier where you will begin your glacier ice walk.
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Imagine stepping foot on a glacier of ancient ice. These are the same awe-inspiring views that early humans would have seen during the last Ice Age. Would they have been afraid of how bleak the conditions were? Or would they have been excited to view this incredible spectacle like modern visitors?
The alpine glacier flows from Mount Athabasca, Mount Andromeda, and Snow Dome into the Sunwapta Valley below. At the top of the world, this inhospitable landscape contains crevasses and streams. The glacier is constantly moving, melting, and receding at a lethargic imperceptible pace.
The walk is invigorating and thrilling because of the risks associated with the glacial ice. You see moulins, where the water drops down to inconceivable depths, all the way to the bottom of the glacier. At one of the meltwater streams, the glacier has trapped water for over 10,000 years. Take a sip of the crisp, clean, and pure glacial water. On this patch of white snow and ice in every direction, it feels like you are cloud walking. In a way, you are. You are floating on a giant white puffy expanse of frozen water.
Plan Your Visit
| Vendor: Columbia Icefield Adventure Bring: Warm layers, closed-toe shoes with grippy soles (e.g., sneakers, hiking boots), sunscreen, empty water bottle, camera Meet at: Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre When: Mid-April to mid-October |
Other Glacial Adventures
Now that you have an idea of what glaciers are like, check out the following glacial adventures in Patagonia.