Athabasca Glacier

Athabasca Glacier

Athabasca Glacier: Our most recommended tours and activities

Jasper: Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Ice Explorer Ticket

Jasper: Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Ice Explorer Ticket

Enjoy an adventure at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center. Get a guided tour around the Athabasca Glacier on Ice Explorer, admire the stunning mountains and glaciers and listen as your guide informs you of all the facts and history. Meet your guide, who will take you to the Athabasca Glacier. At the scheduled time, board your Ice Explorer, a massive vehicle designed explicitly for glacial travel, and set off on an exciting ride. During your ride, hear stories and facts about the Columbia Icefield and the glaciers around you. Once on the Glacier, hop off the vehicle to walk on the thick, 25,000-year-old ice and drink cold, pure water from the glacier itself. This is an experience you will never forget. Then, take a short ride to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Heighten your senses by walking on a platform where only glass separates you from a 918-foot (279-meter) drop. Marvel at the spectacular views of the mountains, glaciers, and the Sunwapta River with its waterfalls.

From Banff: Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Day Trip

From Banff: Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Day Trip

Discover the Athabasca Glacier on a guided tour from Banff. Journey along the scenic Icefields Parkway and climb into an Ice Explorer vehicle to explore the awesome glacier. Experience breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley as you step across the Glacier Skywalk. Get picked up from your Banff hotel in a modern mini bus by your friendly guide. Departing from Banff, your guide will welcome you on the tour with an overview of where you'll be headed as you sit back and enjoy the ride along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most stunning scenic drives. Benefit from a tour where you don’t have to navigate or watch the road. Sit back, relax, and focus on the amphitheater of mountains towering above as you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at the edges of the forest. Stop at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and board an Ice Explorer vehicle. Drive onto the Athabasca Glacier, learn about its history, and take some free time to soak up the views. Touch this ancient sheet of ice and even drink pure, cold water straight from the glacier. Head to the nearby glass floor Glacier Skywalk and follow the 1-kilometer walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918-foot drop. Witness the giant glaciers perched above you and admire the views of the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spread out below. Enjoy a scenic stop for a hearty packed lunch of a sandwich, juice, fruit, chips, and brownies. Visit iconic landmarks along the Icefields Parkway such as Bow Lake, the headwaters of the mighty Bow River before heading back to Banff.

Icefields Parkway: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour

Icefields Parkway: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour

Discover the incredible Icefields Parkway with this smartphone audio tour between Lake Louise and Jasper. Let your audio guide transform this beautiful scenic drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure. With your phone as your guide, start from either Jasper or Lake Louise, and end at the other. Enjoy the same tour experience in either direction. Your audio guide will point out must-see sights, attractions, breathtaking mountains, and glaciers that you pass along the journey. Learn about the area's early pioneers, animals, geography, and the historical events that led to the highway’s creation. Take in the panoramic views of Lake Hector and Bow Lake, and stop for easy trails in Banff National Park. Explore the famous Columbia Icefields and the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center. See the majestic Dolomite and Bow Peaks, Mount Amery, Mount Murchison, and Mount Wilson. Take in the gorgeous Sunwapta Falls where the water flows from the melting Athabasca Glacier. Hear about the people and events that made the area famous like Mary Shaffer Warren, Bill Peyto, George Simpson, and the Palliser Expedition. Easily navigate your tour and enjoy entertainment suitable for all ages. Stay laughing and engaged with your friends or family along the way with trivia fun. Hear fun audio clips that play automatically as you drive using a live GPS map. Try out multiple-choice trivia questions about the sights at each point of interest you pass. With no time constraints, enjoy the freedom to stop anywhere and take your time exploring.

Banff: Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Parkway, Bow & Peyto Lake

Banff: Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Parkway, Bow & Peyto Lake

Journey along one of the world's most scenic drives, Icefields Parkway or Hwy 93, on a full-day tour from Calgary. Accompanied by a local guide, uncover hidden gems waiting to be explored in Banff. As you set out to discover the wonders of the Canadian Rockies, take a trip to the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in North America's Rocky Mountains. Ride aboard a rugged Ice Explorer (at additional cost), designed for glacial travel to bring you close to the Athabasca Glacier, one of the six main "toes" of the Columbia Icefield. (visit Columbia Icefield & Ice Explorer from Early May to Mid-October only, Winter alternatives are Lake Louise & Marble Canyon) Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacier-fed Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, each offering breathtaking vistas and serene tranquility in the Canadian Rockies.

From Banff/Lake Louise: 1-Way Sightseeing Tour to Jasper

From Banff/Lake Louise: 1-Way Sightseeing Tour to Jasper

Your mountain adventure starts when your driver guide meets you at your accommodation. Your journey through two of Canada's most renowned national parks: Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, starts with incredible views surrounding the town of Banff and a stop at shimmering Lake Louise. After departing Lake Louise, you will travel the Columbia Icefields Parkway, truly one of the most scenic roadways in the world. Take the magnificent scenery and make several stops along the route to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the region.  Highlights include Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Petyo Lake, Saskatchewan Crossing, the Weeping wall, the Columbia Icefield, and the Athabasca Falls. During this journey, you will also partake in a delicious picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint. At the Columbia Icefields you will take part in a Glacier adventure to Athabasca Glacier as well as experience the Glacier Skywalk for vistas over the Sunwapta Valley. This tour is designed to provide the optimum guide and passenger interaction. Small vehicles and group sizes are assured to make your journey in this stunning environment memorable. Have your camera ready, as this remote region of the world provides you with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Columbia Icefield Day Trip from Calgary or Banff

Columbia Icefield Day Trip from Calgary or Banff

Meet your tour at the designated meeting point in Banff or Calgary and drive to Jasper National Park, the biggest National Park in Canada. Sit back and relax as you enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Pass through the Icefield Parkway, one of Canada's natural treasures. Gaze out onto a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers, and broad sweeping valleys. Next, stop at Bow Lake, the most visited lake on the Icefield Parkway. Catch the reflection of the Crowfoot Mountain Range on the lake's mirror-like surface and take in the serene and enchanting atmosphere. Then, head to the Columbia Icefield, where you can take about 2.5 hours to explore. Get a sense of awe for nature as you stand on this massive ice sheet. Take an optional journey aboard the Ice Explorer, a specialized coach that allows you to further explore the glacier (not included). After your glacier visit, stop at Peyto Lake to take in the picturesque scenery. Marvel at how the glacial minerals in the water make the lake appear as if the waves are frozen at the edge. Finish your tour with a stop at the Crowfoot Glacier, which resembles the claws of a crow. Find out how climate change has altered the shape of this glacier over the years. Get dropped off back at the meeting point in Banff or Calgary at the end of your tour.

Jasper: Transfer to Banff/Lake Louise w/ Columbia Icefields

Jasper: Transfer to Banff/Lake Louise w/ Columbia Icefields

Your journey through two of Canada's most renowned national parks: Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, commences the moment your friendly driver/guide meets you at your hotel or approved accommodation. Departing the picturesque mountain town of Jasper, you will travel the Columbia Icefields Parkway, truly one of the most scenic roadways in the world. Take in the magnificent scenery and make several stops along the route to appreciate the region's breathtaking beauty. Along the way, highlights include Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefields, the Weeping wall, Petyo Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Saskatchewan Crossing and Lake Louise. You will also partake in a delicious picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint during this journey. At the Columbia Icefields you will take part in a Glacier adventure to Athabasca Glacier as well as experience the Glacier Skywalk for vistas over the Sunwapta Valley. This interpretive tour is designed to provide the optimum in guide and passenger interaction. Small vehicles and group sizes are guaranteed in order to make your journey in this stunning environment memorable. Have your camera ready, as this remote region of the world provides you with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

From Canmore/Banff: Icefields Parkway Experience

From Canmore/Banff: Icefields Parkway Experience

Explore the Icefields Parkway on this unforgettable adventure. Our expert tour guides will kickstart your day with a stress-free pick-up. You'll travel in style and comfort in our spacious vans, as we navigate the breathtaking Icefields Parkway – hailed as one of the most scenic drives in the world. With the ever-changing mountain conditions, our expert guides curate a dynamic itinerary, visiting up to 7 incredible locations along the way! Revel in phenomenal mountain vistas, majestic glaciers, amazing waterfalls, and captivating lake views. Guaranteed stops include the iconic Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Glacier, while additional surprises are meticulously chosen by your guide to craft the perfect Icefields Parkway experience. Spend the day exploring alongside newfound friends and uncover the magic of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey – join us for an day of unforgettable memories! *Note that this tour does not include, nor have time for the Pursuit Ice Explorer or Skywalk activities. If you wish to include this as part of your tour, please enquire about adding this to your exclusive private tour!

Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting in Jasper

Sunwapta Challenge Whitewater Rafting in Jasper

A 45-minute bus journey brings you to the arrival point where you will be given all the necessary equipment and will change into your wetsuit. You will be given an in-depth briefing on all rafting procedures and safety precautions before getting wet and wild on this turbulent ride. ‘Sunwapta’ is the Stoney Indian term for ‘turbulent river’ and this river lives up to its name. Traveling in 6 passenger self-bailing rafts, your expert guide will maneuver your group skillfully down the 13 kilometre stretch of river punching through a consistent flow of Class 2 rapids in between several sections of Class 3 whitewater. Set in a pristine wilderness area of Jasper National Park, the Sunwapta is a low volume, technical river that follows the Endless Chain Mountain Range from its source at the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. You will be surrounded by spectacular Canadian Rockies scenery in a prime wildlife habitat, giving you the opportunity to spot elusive native wildlife from the raft or during the scenic bus ride. All technical equipment will be supplied including paddles, wetsuits, long sleeve neoprene shirts, neoprene booties, paddle jackets and helmets. You will need to wear a swimsuit or a t-shirt and shorts under your casual clothes and be prepared to get wet. Bring dry clothes, a towel and on cooler days, wool socks to wear inside the booties, a fleece or wool sweater to wear under the splash jacket and a warm jacket to put on afterward. We recommend you bring snacks and water to enjoy on the bus to and from the river.

Banff: Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Crowfoot Glacier & Lakes

Banff: Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Crowfoot Glacier & Lakes

Begin your journey with the thrilling Columbia Icefield Adventure, where you’ll step onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier aboard a specially designed Ice Explorer. Feel the excitement as you walk on the glacier and sip pure glacial water. Next, experience the awe-inspiring Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway offering spectacular views of the rugged peaks and valleys below. Continue to the serene Lake Louise, known for its turquoise waters and majestic mountain backdrop. Visit the stunning Bow Lake, framed by cascading glaciers, followed by the vibrant, wolf-shaped Peyto Lake. Explore the peaceful Herbert Lake, a hidden gem perfect for tranquil moments, and end your adventure at the pristine Waterfowl Lake, a haven for photographers. This tour immerses you in the Rockies' unparalleled beauty, combining adventure, serenity, and unforgettable vistas.

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What people are saying about Athabasca Glacier

Overall rating

4.6
(525 reviews)

The tour guides were amazing and gave a really extensive rundown of the Canadian rockies, Calgary and basically all the places we’ve passed through. The sites were also fantastic offering spectacular views of the different mountain ranges and alps in the Canadian Rockies and the cascades range! Will definitely recommend joining the tour especially for this price!

The driver is helpful and nice to take lots of photos for us! He is caring about you and helping you to plan the route and bring you to the attractions.

Amazing experience and loved all the additional stops on the way. Guide was super knowledgeable and helped with great recommendations too!

Really easy to set up and excellent information as we were driving along to keep things interesting

Tim was very knowledgeable and friendly, thank you for a great day.