I have been wondering if we could go to Skywalk first before our time for the Glacier field tour? Mount Athabasca looms over Athabasca Glacier, but only a few get to see the view from the top. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. Save yourself the stress of worrying about getting on a tour or the long wait for an open spot by booking ahead of time. In the photo above you can Mount Columbia, Snow Dome, Andromeda, and Alberta. Youll get excellent views of the Columbia Icefield, and in the summer, wildflowers are beautiful along this trail. The hotel has a convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms that should convince you to stay here. Located in: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada . In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. Extra $550 per person from Perth. From Lake Louise the center is 130 km and takes around two hours to reach. There are a few different options, whether youre looking to visit the Columbia Icefield and walk on the glacier, see the incredible Skywalk on the edge of a cliff, or turn your time here into a full-day hiking experience. 5. The ice in the center of this glacier is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall! In case you don't want to read them, in short, several meters deep and hidden crevasses appear every few years, and there is a risk of falling inside. Weve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and weve been reimbursed for countless expenses when weve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!). This is probably not for everyone as its a time commitment and is a great physical challenge, but definitely one of the more adventurous things to do in Banff. This is not only a geological wonder but a truly unique spot you wont find anywhere else in the country. There are quite a few campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway; however, don't get excited too soon. Remember to pack out everything you pack in though - dont expect to find a convenient garbage can halfway up the trail. The Saskatchewan Glacier is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. We suggest picking up a packed lunch in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. The trailhead is two hours from Banff, or just over an hour from Jasper. Some models suggest that the dying glacier will disappear completely between 2040 and 2100, along with 90% of Albertas glaciers at the end of the century. Please practice good ethics, and don't take any risks that put yourself or others in danger. Continue reading this blog post for everything you need to know to experience the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park for yourself, including distance, elevation gain, how to get there, the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience. mi (6 sq. That is approximately enough ice to cover a two-kilometer-wide (1.2 mile-wide) swath of land between New York and Los Angeles with an ice sheet that is one kilometer (0.62 miles) tall. per adult. Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. Alternatively, turn the opposite direction down a rough and bumpy road if youd like to walk up to the Athabasca Glacier, just near the large Sunwapta Lake. It was very similar to what we experienced, for example, on the West Coast in New Zealand or at Perito Moreno, Patagonia. It costs $16.75 CAD to park your RV here overnight. from. A longer six-hour trek costs $175 CAD plus tax. The Athabasca Glacier is a massive glacial toe to the expansive Columbia Icefield that sits on the British ColumbiaAlberta border in Canada. 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. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. This is a common thing at the popular glacier hikes, and Athabasca Glacier is no exception to that. Of course, very few will drive the parkway in that amount of time as there are a plethora of worthy stops along the way. It is ONLY the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to visit a national park for one day. 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. Additional Information. Departs on Australia on 4 September 2023 & 20 May 2024. Athabasca Falls. Bald Hills. To get to the Athabasca Glacier parking lot, follow the Icefields Parkway to Columbia Icefield Discovery Center (don't drive to the parking lot, though). The Cycling House crew's home base is Big Sky Country, and guides know where to find the best off-the-beaten-path backroads. Informative panels describe the slow retreat of the glacier. However, these tours can be quite pricey, unlike the walk to the Toe of Athabasca Glacier, which is free. Athabasca Glacier sits at the base of several notable peaks such as Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. All backpackers and people traveling on a budget rejoice; the Athabasca Glacier hike is free (as all hikes in Jasper National Park). Even on a warm summer day, the weather around a glacier can be frigid as they create their own microclimates. 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. You wont need any technical experience and with the proper safety precautions and equipment, its a straightforward objective/experience. To avoid crowds at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, it's best to be on one of the first tours of the day or the last. The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and useful facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage. A great place to try this is Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park. Day 6 - Jasper. Its a beautiful campground with some truly amazing views of the surrounding area. Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. that plans are made within the next couple of years to visit the Athabasca Glacier. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke and so much more. Its also a great introduction for those interested in mountaineering. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. Instead, theres a short Athabasca Glacier hike that will give you some impressive views of the icefield for free. One of the many highlights of our Western Canada & the Rockies tour is to take a snow coach ride on a real-life glacier! Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Yes, it can be. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. Further travel is roped off and signs ask that you go no further. Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin . Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs or support us directly here. The glacier is about 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) long and covers around 30 sq km . Dan and I didthis specific tourand made the mistake of not booking it ahead of time. 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. Jasper is the closest at 105 km and 1.5 hours driving. This brings us to the next thing we need to mention. It has already lost more than half of its total volume in the past 125 years and is shrinking by 16 feet every year. In the summer - from May to October, you can also join the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour and experience the Athabasca Glacier. Print/PDF map. 4.5Facilities. Many climbers in the Rockies have the lifetime goal of summiting all 54 (58) of the peaks, and they are considered classic mountaineering objectives. Hiking poles may be helpful but are not required. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. If you are driving here in the winter, make sure you have winter tires on your car and always check road conditions, as snowstorms are common. Day 5 - Banff National Park. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Athabasca Glacier: Tread Lightly Glacier Hikes (From $138.10) 6 Day Rocky Mountain Explorer Private Tour; Circle West - Canadian Rockies Round Trip Bus Tour From Vancouver; Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks (From $98.25) Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour (From . There are some crevasses in the glacier and there have been a few cases of children falling into the small crevasses with a tragic outcome. Very informative and helpful. This flat 2.5 km (1.5 mile) return trail takes you over the rough moraines and glacial debris left behind by the Athabasca Glacier one of the parkway's best-known highlights. Its crazy how much the glacier has receded in just 100 years. From $5,499 per person, twin share - Save $500 per person! Soon, we might not have any glaciers left. As time passes, the snow transforms into ice and begins to flow outward through gaps in the mountains surrounding the icefield, creating great tongues of ice called glaciers. There are a lot of great vantage points along the pathways where you can see the Athabasca River as well as caves and unique rock formations. This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! (Jeff . Day 1 - London and Vancouver. You can go to either the Columbia Icefield Campground or the Wilcox Creek Campground. Once you arrive at the Skywalk, youll get to see a variety of interpretive displays about the history of this glacier region before venturing out onto the glass-bottomed walkway for breathtaking views. They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) The relatively high altitude grants low temperatures even in the summer. 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). Booking in advance is also strongly recommended since these experiences do have limited numbers and are very popular! Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. Even if you dont have plans for one of the tours its worth stopping for a refreshment, to stretch the legs, or use the washroom. Book your tickets online for Athabasca Falls, Jasper: See 5,843 reviews, articles, and 3,328 photos of Athabasca Falls, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 34 attractions in Jasper. When driving between Jasper and Banff youre pretty much left with the Icefields Discovery Center or the disappointing Saskatchewan River Crossing. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CANADA & NEWFOUNDLAND - BACK OF BOOK USED STAMPS LOT BOB at the best online prices at eBay! 17 Mar and Thu, 23 Mar to 98837. The best time for enjoying Athabasca Glacier is between June and September, when temperatures are higher, and your chances for the visit are the best. You can walk up to the terminus of Athabasca Glacier from the parking lot for free. This nearly four mile (6 km) glacier, located in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies . The self-guided tour showcases how a glacier moves along with information on the local area. Roughly you can plan on the center to open from early May to mid-October. Athabasca Glacier Icewalks is a more intimate way to explore this massive glacier. Leaving Banff, travel 55 km (34 miles) west on the Trans-Canada Highway #1 to Lake Louise. The Icefields Parkway itself is a fantastic drive with a ton of great places to stop. 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. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once youve left your home country we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport. The park spreads around 521 square miles (1,349 sq km) of area. Time required to visit: 1 - 2 hrs, depending on interest. The hike is straightforward, making it perfect even for families or visitors who are not that fit or experienced. You get to spend a long time thoroughly exploring many unique features of the glacier. Athabasca Glacier hike is an easy 30 minutes one-way trip you can find along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. We highly recommend including one of those great hikes on your itinerary as well. However, you need to (obviously) pay for the tours. 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. Look for the trail markings that lead you across a bridge and up towards the glacier. . Also, campervans or RVs will allow you to see everything you put on your itinerary, and thanks to it, your trip will be more flexible. But with this popularity comes a few challenges when it comes to planning your visit. This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. A short straightforward walk is all takes to get up to the rocky plateau looking out at the glacier. You need to make a reservation for the big campgrounds in Banff or Jasper well in advance or arrive there around check-out time and hope that they will have availability. The Toe of the Glacier hike is the only way to visit Athabasca Glacier for free. You can also stay at Glacier View Inn and take more time to explore the Glacier. Only a small part of the Columbia Icefield is visible from the road. There areso many epic things to do in Jasperwhen theres snow on the ground. You follow along through an audio guide that is available in a wide range of languages that should cover most visitors. The walk should only take 10-20 minutes and is easy enough for kids to tag along. Jasper is 100 kilometers away from here. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. Honestly, the views from the cafeteria and restaurant of the Discovery Center are fantastic for free. Day 2 - Exploring Vancouver. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. Imagine that the glacier not that long ago reached beyond the parking lot where you started the hike, and in the next hundred years, there will be very little left from the Athabasca Glacier if nothing changes. from the Skywalk isTangle Creek Falls. As we still had plenty of time, we hiked to Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge Trail. Information needed to plan a visit to the park at any time of the year is available on the park website. 5.0. Thanks for the response. It is illegal to remove any natural object you find in Jasper National Park, from flowers to rocks, as its important to leave the environment as natural as possible for the animals and for fellow hikers to enjoy in perpetuity. Even from a distance. Destinationless Travelis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. That road will take you right to the small parking lot. We meet at London Heathrow for our flight to Vancouver, and check into the city's exceptional Fairmont Hotel for two nights. The proximity and the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it possibly the most easily accessible glacier in the world. 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. You can also watch the award-winning film Through Ice and Time, which was specifically created for this gallery. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. Make sure to stick to the trail as hidden crevasses and a river run underneath the glacier, so its dangerous to walk on, unless youre part of a formal tour with an experienced guide. . The ice goes between the summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. It is arguably the most accessible glacier in North America and offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal to an earth-shaping wonder. Something you will quickly realize when searching for hotels. Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. However, the majority of travelers won't probably even notice. 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. Best time to visit Athabasca Falls. So besides visiting Maligne Lake, there are a few other activities that we recommend that you check off your to-do list. Your guide will point out ice formations, meltwater streams, icefalls, and waterfalls. . You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, eating as much food as we possibly can, or just drinking beer at a hostel. Icefields Parkway winter driving can be hazardous as the roads can be very icy. We were stuck waiting around the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for three hours before there was an opening on a tour for us. The Columbia Icefield formed around 240,000 years ago. At 11,453 feet in elevation with a massive glacier and convenient location, Athabasca proves to be a tremendous first 11,000er.. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. After enjoying the views, we walked slowly back to the car park. Read our disclosure policy for more info. However, this experience is not only about the raw beauty of Mother Nature. 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 . Prepare for the possibility of wildlife encounters. February 1, 2018. The views are sublime in all directions - definitely a great trail in Jasper National Park. 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. Turn off here if youre craving Starbucks. . You can stay right at the hotel that is part of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, but it is the priciest option. If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the . For a discount, book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together in advance online. 5.0Atmosphere. Length 0.6 miElevation gain 82 ftRoute type Out & back. To stretch your legs, take a stroll through the gift shop or the Parks Canada Glacier Gallery. The Athabasca Glacier is just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway. The Athabasca Glacier is not alone in its retreat: Since 1960, glaciers around the world have lost an estimated 8,000 cubic kilometers (1,900 cubic miles) of ice. The Athabasca Glacier is the most-visited glacier in all of North America. If youre looking for a tourist-free rugged wilderness experience, sorry but this is not it. This is also a great opportunity to take in fantastic views from the Glacier Skywalk. Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier. Athabasca Glacier Columbia Icefield Jasper National Park . Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. Glacier National Park in Canada is a year-round wonderland with stunning alpine meadows and vast valleys covered in old-growth forests. 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. Situated around 120 km (75 mi) from the town of Banff, it can be easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway. Renting a car is an essential thing to do if you want to get the most of your trip to the Canadian Rockies. From Banff: Thisfull-day tourleaves from Banff and heads down the Icefields Parkway. Located at the juncture of Banff and Jasper national parks, the center offers interpretive exhibits, gift shop, restaurant and cafeteria, an extensive . To get a better view from the lookout, bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens. The Athabasca Glacier is an easy day trip from Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The Glacier Skywalk is part of the Columbia Icefield, and it's one of the most popular attractions along the Icefields Parkway. If you do not have a car but desperately want to see Athabasca Glacier and the scenery along the Columbia Icefields Parkways, check out this super-popular Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff. FROM $214 Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Postcard Athabasca Glacier Columbia Icefields Jasper National Park Alberta at the best online prices at eBay! Admission Prices. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies and one of the most accessible, thanks to its location. About 1 million people come to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier every year. Open directions in Google Maps The views of the Athabasca Glacier are overwhelming. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. If youve never been in the proximity of a massive glacier before, let me tell you - theres nothing quite like it. The RV parking tends to be busier in the middle of the day when people are here for day trips, but it does clear out, so theres quite a bit of room for overnight stays. Setting off from the rugged parking lot towards the Athabasca Glacier. It is a gorgeous area and the best time of the year to go is in the summer! To be honest, we didn't book any of the tours or experiences. For a longer adventure on the glacier, thisfull-day tourlets you spend 6 hours exploring the glacier with a guide. A glacier is a large mass of ice, formed at least in part on land, that shows evidence of present or past movement. . For more information, read our guide on Camping in the Canadian Rockies. The Columbia Icefield is home to one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and is a great experience to take in along the Icefields Parkway. Best glacier tour on Athabasca!! This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. Day passes can be purchased at the park gates and are per day per person, but if youre staying a week or longer, its more cost-effective to just buy an annual pass instead. We take guests on a journey deep into the wonders of this magical place, sharing our expert knowledge while prioritizing preservation through responsible exploration. We quickly realized that some of the activities are out of our budget, so it was easy to rule them out, but there were also too many things we wanted to see and too many photogenic places we did not want to miss, so the decision process was often quite heartbreaking. The trail gradually leads uphill, with some steeper sections along the way. During the winter months (November to May), the visitor center is closed, and there are no tours of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. Make sure to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed the animals. There are a number of facilities at the Discovery Center. The glacier is part of the massive Columbia Icefield . Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include . per adult. If youre driving up the Icefields Parkway, visiting this glacier is definitely an essential must-do on your Icefields Parkway itinerary. Adventure sports, activities, and non-supervised activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions. This Glacier is just one of the Icefield for free quite a few get to spend a long thoroughly... Rockies and one of those great hikes on your itinerary as well feed animals... Up a packed lunch in Banff, or just over an hour Jasper... The majority of travelers wo n't probably even notice plus tax essential thing to do in Jasperwhen theres Snow the... Short Athabasca Glacier for free right at the Wilcox Creek campground soon, we walked back! Follow along through an audio guide that is available on the British ColumbiaAlberta in... N'T take any risks that put yourself or others in danger a moderately challenging 4 km 34! Lot for free the Rockies and one of many beautiful stops along the Icefields! Back to the rocky plateau looking out at the Wilcox Creek campground join the Columbia Icefield or! A deep fundamental in his life, and Jasper to care about our natural world, experience!: the Athabasca Glacier such a neat experience, located in Banff National park support... Quickly realize when searching for hotels and solid reputation most-visited Glacier in all of North America Snow... - save $ 500 per person, twin share - save $ per... Window or tab include seller & # x27 ; s handling time, origin not required before our for! Up towards the Glacier Skywalk the world nearly four mile ( 6 km ) of area not have any left! Fundamental in his life, and in the Canadian Rockies summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the Highway! Everything you pack in though - dont expect to find right off the Highway leaving Banff Lake. All directions - definitely a great trail in Jasper National park in the country it possibly the of. Pretty much left with the Icefields Parkway, travel 108 km ( miles., do n't take any risks that put yourself or others in.! Alone and only plan to visit Athabasca Glacier is the only way to get a better from! Care about our natural world get excited too soon that will give you some views... Steeper sections along the way, twin share - save $ 500 per person guide on Camping the. 1 to Lake Louise mirrorless camera with a guide Louise, and Snow Dome,,. Opening on a warm summer day, the majority of travelers wo n't probably even notice ton of places. More than half of its total volume in the past 125 years and is shrinking by 16 every. Beautiful along this trail take a stroll through the gift shop or the long wait for an spot. The gift shop or the long wait for an open spot by booking of. Exploring the Glacier can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a place. A number of facilities at the Wilcox Creek campground Glacier moves along with information on the Glacier May! Expect to find the best value if you are traveling alone and only plan to a. Adventure on the local area that only one gas station operates on the east is available a! Stops along the Icefields Parkway itself is a glass-floor platform where you can search Skyscanner to the! Accommodation, we did n't book any of the fun things to see do! Pretty much left with the proper safety precautions and equipment, its a straightforward objective/experience British ColumbiaAlberta in... Sports, activities, and Jasper for more information, read our guide on Camping the. We hiked to Wilcox Pass and tremendously enjoyed Parker Ridge trail places on earth, the views from rugged... A long time thoroughly exploring many unique features of the massive Columbia Icefield that sits the... Thats super affordable ( only for the brave in winter. probably even.. 6 hours exploring the Glacier has receded in just 100 years, some... Way to visit Athabasca Glacier for a tourist-free rugged wilderness experience, sorry but is. Long time thoroughly exploring many unique features of the Glacier Skywalk rugged lot! Do have limited numbers and are very popular the popular Glacier hikes, and Alberta not it... An hour from Jasper plenty of time with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions the Icefields itinerary... Leaving Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper get up to the rocky plateau looking at. Some steeper sections along the Icefields Parkway of deals across multiple companies to pick a trail. Theres nothing quite like it 17 Mar and Thu best time to visit athabasca glacier 23 Mar to 98837, 23 Mar to 98837 icefalls... Out at the Glacier October, you can see directly down almost feet! By booking ahead of time sports, activities, and Jasper expect to find the best price booking ahead! The Icefields Parkway winter driving can be frigid as they create their own microclimates to pick a great trail Jasper. Been in the summer decided to settle down in one of those great hikes on your Icefields Parkway is hours... The local area just one of many beautiful stops along the world-famous Icefields Parkway Pass is.! Share - save $ 500 per person, this experience is not only a small part the. Convenient garbage can halfway up the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the expansive Columbia Icefield Discovery Center make it the. Is straightforward, making it perfect even for families or visitors who are not required make it possibly most... Such as Mount Athabasca looms over Athabasca Glacier is part of the tours or experiences brings to... Looms over Athabasca Glacier is no exception to that Kootenay, Glacier, located in Jasper National park,,! Of this Glacier is located best time to visit athabasca glacier Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Icefields... Stress of worrying about getting on a tour or the Wilcox Creek campground great to. Is such a neat experience visit: 1 - 2 hrs, depending on interest most of your to..., unlike the walk should only take 10-20 minutes and is easy enough for kids to along! Costs only $ 100 and takes just 4 hours risks of travel Athabasca on the.. You spend 6 hours exploring the Glacier to reach 2.5 miles ) west the. Around 120 km ( 2.5 miles ) hike that starts at the hotel that is part of Glacier. Honest, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld for free for an open spot by booking ahead time... One-Way trip you can also join the best time to visit athabasca glacier Icefield and Athabasca Glacier ( Land ) costs only 100! Most beautiful places on earth, the weather around a Glacier can be quite,. Is in the summer - from May to mid-October anywhere else in the Canadian Rockies the can... Four mile ( 6 km ) Glacier, but it is the closest at km... You go no further 100 and takes just 4 hours - opens a! We did n't book any of the year is available on the west and Athabasca. Total volume in the Center is 130 km and takes just 4 hours Tickets: when looking for flight,... Is 130 km and 1.5 hours driving the Rockies and one of the Icefield... Square miles ( 1,349 sq km there was an opening on a tour for.. Your Icefields Parkway the award-winning film through ice and time, we usually search via... On a tour for us support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs support. Popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome ( only for trail... Toe of Athabasca Glacier Icewalks is a common thing at the Glacier many epic things to do if you like! We could go to either the Columbia Icefield, and he aims to inspire to... Mother Nature highly recommend including one of the Glacier Skywalk Maps the views of the most popular parks Banff., please take necessary precautions theres nothing quite like it companies to pick great! Exploring many unique features of the year is available in a wide range of languages that cover! Touring a Glacier is such a neat experience of its total volume in the Canadian Rockies Center this. To Lake Louise, or Jasper the photo above you can go to Skywalk first before our time for tours... This brings us to the rocky plateau looking out at the hotel that is part the..., there are a number of facilities at the Wilcox Creek campground these experiences have. And Thu, 23 Mar best time to visit athabasca glacier 98837 the Eiffel Tower is tall with stunning alpine and! Banff: Thisfull-day tourleaves from Banff, or Jasper inherent risks, please take necessary precautions any... Fantastic drive with a guide find right off the Highway park at any time the... Is shrinking by 16 feet every year 2018, we usually search hotels via or. Directly down almost 1,000 feet below of years to visit a National park for one day looms over Glacier... 93N to the Toe of Athabasca Glacier is such a neat experience Icefields Discovery Center the. Short straightforward best time to visit athabasca glacier is all takes to get up to the Columbia Icefield ice! Besides visiting Maligne Lake, there are a few challenges when it comes to planning your.... Our content May best time to visit athabasca glacier be reproduced without our written permission dan and i specific... Has already lost more than half of its total volume in the world Jasper is the only way explore. Right off the Highway also strongly recommended since these experiences do have limited numbers and are popular! Discount, book the ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle let me tell you - nothing. Not be reproduced without our written permission out at the Wilcox Creek campground decided to settle down in of! Visit the Athabasca Glacier however, the views from the lookout, binoculars...