Columbia Icefield

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.

Can you go on the Columbia Icefield without a tour?

While you can admire the icefield from afar without a tour, you can only explore the Columbia Icefield on a proper tour. Many tour options—such as glacier hikes, the Glacier Skywalk, and all-terrain Ice Explorer tours—allow you to get a closer look.

How long do you need at Columbia Icefield?

Depending on your interests and available time, there are many activities to enjoy at the Columbia Icefield. Guided walks on the vast Athabasca Glacier can last 3–6 hours, or you can opt for a full day of exploration with a combination of walking and all-terrain vehicles.

Is the Columbia Icefield wheelchair accessible?

Yes, everyone can enjoy the magic of the icefield. Accessible vehicles, including lifts and ramps, can easily transport guests to the glacier. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is entirely flat and designed as a fully accessible attraction for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers.

Is the Columbia Icefield pet-friendly?

No, the Columbia Icefield is not pet-friendly. While some hiking trails in the area allow dogs, the Glacier Skywalk and other tours of the icefield do not allow pets for the safety of other people and the animals themselves, as glaciers are ever-moving landscapes.

What will the weather be like at the Columbia Icefield?

The weather in the mountains is constantly changing. Come prepared for all different conditions, with layers that can be added or removed. It's also important to know that the temperature on the icefield is relatively colder than on the ground, so bring good, sturdy shoes.

Can I bring my camera on the Columbia Icefield?

Yes, you can bring your camera on the Columbia Icefield. From the sparkling blue hue of the ice to the towering, snow-capped peaks surrounding you, there is no shortage of photo ops at one of Canada's most awe-inspiring natural wonders.