Columbia Icefield, Canada
An Epic Adventure on Ancient Ice
An Epic Adventure on Ancient Ice
4.9/5 ⭐Google 660+ Reviews | A+ Better Business Bureau
Overview
The Columbia Icefield, a massive expanse of glacial ice straddling the Continental Divide in the Canadian Rockies, is a must-see inland destination for any visitor to Western Canada. Located along the stunning Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper National Parks, it is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world and one of the most accessible. Its most famous outflow is the Athabasca Glacier, a magnificent, constantly shifting sheet of ice that is thousands of years old.
A visit to the Columbia Icefield is an otherworldly experience, offering a rare opportunity to walk on and touch ancient ice. Beyond the glaciers themselves, the area is home to breathtaking alpine scenery, including towering mountain peaks, dramatic valleys, and the innovative, glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk. This unique blend of natural wonder and thrilling adventure makes it a profound and unforgettable stop on any Canadian Rockies land tour.
Embark on the iconic Ice Explorer adventure, a ride on a massive. You will disembark and have the opportunity to walk on and feel the 10,000-year-old ice beneath your feet.
Tip: The temperature on the glacier can be much colder than at the base.
Step out onto the Skywalk, a cliff-edge glass-floored platform suspended 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley. This adrenaline-pumping walk offers jaw-dropping, unobstructed views of the glacier-formed valley, waterfalls, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Tip: Take your time on the Skywalk to fully appreciate the views.
Make the Discovery Centre your hub for the day. This facility is the starting point for the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours. It also houses interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and dining options.
Tip: Allow extra time at the Discovery Centre to browse the exhibits that explain the geology.
For a self-guided experience, take the short, well-marked hiking trail to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. This allows you to get a perspective of the glacier's terminus and witness its retreat over the years.
Tip: Stay on the marked path on the hike to the toe of the glacier.
The drive to and from the Icefield along the Icefields Parkway is an excursion in itself. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even bears (from a safe distance).
Tip: Use the designated pull-offs for scenic views and wildlife spotting; do not stop on the main road.
Take in the surrounding alpine vistas and pristine glacial lakes. The Icefields Parkway is dotted with incredible sights like Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. Even a short excursion offers a taste of this breathtaking wilderness.
Tip: Alpine views here are weather-dependent, so check conditions before you go.
Our expert consultants and customer service teams are standing by to help with all of your cruising needs.
[Our Cruise Expert] and his team were absolutely amazing to work with! Our original trip was unexpectedly canceled by the airline, so we decided at the last minute to go on a cruis...
Julia K.
I've booked several cruises with [Our Cruise Expert] in the past 15 years and continue to book with her for my family of five. We just returned from a Western Caribbean cruise on...
John C.
Friendly and professional attention by my senior cruise consultant. Perfect assistance. Thank you
Jose M.
I was having some trouble finding the right cruise for the right price as a single traveler, but thanks to [our Cruise Expert] I was able to find it with Cruise Web. Thank you very...
Camille G.
We have worked with [our Cruise Expert] several times and she makes it so easy and a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable.
Linda F.
[Our Cruise Expert] was informative and very pleasant to work with. I'm not familiar with booking travel online and he made my experience pleasant.
Sharon E.
I am working with [our Cruise Expert] as my travel agent...he has been very helpful...he is very informative and knowledgeable about the places that I want to go on my Cruise....I...
Priscilla B.
[Our Cruise Expert] does an exceptional job of planning (with you) and coordinating a trip of your dreams! I can't wait to get started on the next one.
Sheralyn H.
Great working with [our Cruise Expert]! He was a tremendous help and steered us in the right direction every time! Helped us make memories for a lifetime!
Wendy F.
[Our Cruise Expert] always works hard to secure the bookings we have chosen and guides us through the process. She is always available to help and her advise is spot on.
James C.
