Columbia Icefield
Highway 93, Improvement District No. 12, Banff, AB, AB T1L 1J3
It’s easy to imagine what it was like during the last ice age when you step out onto the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield. Located midway along the scenic Icefields Parkway that connects Canada’s Banff and Jasper national parks, the Columbia Icefield—and the on-site Glacier Discovery Centre—gives you a chance to experience how the landscape likely looked when glaciers covered the land.
The Basics
The opportunities to explore the Columbia Icefield on your own are limited, but with a guided tour—or even a helicopter trip—you can see more of the vast fields of ice, which stretch for miles. Day tours from Jasper, Banff, or Lake Louise generally include a stop at the Icefields Discovery Centre, a ride on a specially equipped Ice Explorer out onto the glacier, and a walk on the Glacier Skywalk. The Skywalk gives brave visitors the chance to venture out 918 feet (280 meters) above the Sunwapta Valley on a glass-bottom walkway.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Columbia Icefield is a must for nature enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Banff or Jasper.
Bring closed-toe shoes with a solid grip for walking on the ice.
Tote a jacket or sweater, as it can be chilly, even in the summer.
The Icefields Discovery Centre and the Skywalk are fully accessible. Book a wheelchair-accessible shuttle in advance.
How to Get There
The Columbia Icefield is on Alberta’s Icefields Parkway, 82 miles (132 kilometers) north of Lake Louise and 66 miles (106 kilometers) south of Jasper. The parkway can be treacherous in winter and may close due to snowstorms. Taking a tour that includes transportation enables you to enjoy the stunning scenery without the worry of driving.
When to Get There
The attractions at the Columbia Icefield are open from June until October. During the summer, afternoons are the busiest periods, particularly on weekends. Quieter times are in the morning and after 3pm. Check opening hours, as they vary throughout the season.
Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier
Columbia is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and comprises eight major glaciers, the most accessible (and most visited) of which is the Athabasca Glacier. It is the tongue of the Athabasca Glacier that you can see from the Discovery Centre. The Columbia Icefield sits on the Continental Divide and is called the “mother of rivers,” as the meltwaters from the Athabasca and Saskatchewan glaciers flow north, west, and east into major Canadian rivers.
Ways to explore
The opportunities to explore the Columbia Icefield independently are limited, but with a guided tour—or a helicopter trip—you can see more of the vast fields of ice. Seasonal day tours from Jasper, Banff, or Lake Louise generally include a stop at the Glacier Discovery Centre, a ride on a specially equipped Ice Explorer out onto the glacier, and a walk on the Glacier Skywalk. The Skywalk gives brave visitors the chance to venture out 918 feet (280 meters) above the Sunwapta Valley on a glass-bottom walkway. Get a timed tour ticket to take the center’s Icefield Adventure.
Accessibility
The Glacier Skywalk is accessible to people using wheelchairs, but walking out onto the glacier itself (part of Icefields Adventure tours) is not.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, camera, snacks, and extra layers as temps shift
What to wear
Warm jacket, long pants, closed-toe shoes with good traction
Not allowed
Drones, damaging the ice, wandering off designated paths and trails
Amenities
Discovery center exhibits, restrooms, parking, on-site lodge with restaurant and gift shop
Address
The Columbia Icefield is located along the Icefields Parkway (aka Highway 93) between Jasper and Banff, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of Jasper and 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Lake Louise. The Glacier Discovery Centre serves as the main hub for tours and visitor services.
Driving
From Jasper, take Highway 93 south; from Lake Louise, drive Highway 93 north—expect to be in the car about 75–90 minutes. Free parking is available.
Public transportation
Brewster Sightseeing offers round-trip shuttle services from Banff, Jasper, Calgary, Canmore, and Lake Louise. Otherwise, book a tour with transportation.
Best times to visit
In summer, arrive mid-morning or late afternoon (after 3pm) to avoid peak crowds.
Best days to visit
Expect weekends to be more crowded than weekdays, especially in July and August.
Best months to visit
You can access the Glacier Discovery Centre and Icefield Adventure tours from early May through mid-October; however, July and August offer the warmest weather.
Special events
The icefield itself doesn’t hold any events, but the on-site discovery center runs occasional promotions.
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