Athabasca Glacier

Most visitors begin their Athabasca explorations at the Icefield Centre, where interpretive displays and a Parks Canada kiosk provide information on the glacier. Across from the center is the 2.2-mile (3.6-kilometer) Forefield Trail, which crosses over a boulder-scattered area once covered by the glacial ice, and the 1.1-mile (1.8-kilometer) Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail, which leads right to the glacier’s edge. To venture farther out on the 10,000-year-old glacier, join a tour on the Ice Explorer, a purpose-built all-terrain vehicle. Or opt for a hiking tour led by alpine guides. Organized day trips depart from Jasper and Banff, and most incorporate other Canadian Rockies highlights, such as Lake Louise, the Glacier Skywalk, and Crowfoot Glacier.

• It can be cold and windy near the glacier, so wear warm layers.

• Pay heed to warning tape, which is designed to keep visitors away from dangerous crevasses.

• Bring an empty bottle or cup to fill up with fresh, glacial water.

• The Icefield Centre is accessible to wheelchair users, and the Ice Explorer fleet includes vehicles equipped to carry wheelchairs.

The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. The Icefield Centre is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) from Jasper and 53 miles (185 kilometers) from Banff. If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the summer season.

Glacier tours are weather-dependent and usually run from around mid-April to mid-October. Avoid the winter months, when the Icefield Centre is closed and conditions can sometimes render the Icefields Parkway impassable. Go before lunchtime or after 3pm to avoid peak visiting hours.

The Athabasca Glacier is just one of eight major glaciers that make up the 125-square-mile (325-square-kilometer) Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest masses of snow and ice south of the Arctic Circle. The glacier lies on the Continental Divide, with all of its meltwater eventually ending up in one of three places: the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, or the Atlantic Ocean.

While you can explore Athabasca Glacier alone, there are some limitations. Independent travelers can't walk on the glacier—they can only admire it from the hiking trail or the road. However, you can walk on the glacier on a tour with a guide and the right equipment.

On the Athabasca Glacier tour, wear layers that can be easily removed or added in case the weather changes and sturdy boots that will keep your feet dry and warm. Don’t forget a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the ice and sunscreen to protect your skin.

Visiting Athabasca Glacier in the summer months between June and August is recommended. With warmer temperatures and longer days, you will have more time to marvel at the landscape. However, tours quickly book out in these months, so also consider May or September for a quieter option.

A tour of Athabasca Glacier typically lasts around 3 hours, enough to get a taste of what walking on the ice is like. However, depending on your desired level of involvement and exploration, you can book full-day tours with up to 6 hours of glacier walking.

Yes. It's wise to book an Athabasca Glacier tour in advance, especially in the summer months. Not only does pre-booking ensure your spot, but it also saves time and ensures you receive the best possible experience. After all, this breathtaking natural wonder may not be around forever.

While you can hike up to the glacier's edge independently on the Athabasca Glacier Trail, you can only hike onto the glacier with a guide. The glacier is a constantly evolving landscape, requiring a certain level of physical and mental stamina and the right equipment to tackle it safely.