Columbia Icefield: Guided Glacier Hike

Top rated
4.9615383 out of 5 stars
5
4.9615383 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Columbia Icefield: Guided Glacier Hike
Top rated
4.9615383 out of 5 stars
5
4.9615383 out of 5 stars
26 reviews

Explore the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, on foot and learn about the wonders of this mountain environment. Be led by an ACMG-certified guide to navigate safely around crevasses.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

T
Tracy – United States

Rupert was great. He encouraged questions, kept the pace comfortable, made the whole experience wonderful.

G
Greg – United States

Larry was incredibly knowledgable and interesting. We highly recommend this tour over the big buses.

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    95446QCC+5Q3

  • Van

    (5 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Columbia Icefield

    Guided tour (3 hours)

  • Van

    (5 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    95446QCC+5Q3

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Peer into deep crevasses and witness the meltwater water pouring over the edge
  • Receive all necessary equipment to comfortably and safely explore the glacier
  • Walk onto the Athabasca Glacier, a principal part of the Columbia Icefield Area
  • Explore the glacier on foot and enjoy iconic views of the Rockies' highest peaks
  • Learn about of this unique mountain landscape through an interpretive program

Full description

Join a guided tour of moderate difficulty to explore the Columbia Icefield. Get all the gear required to comfortably explore the glacier. From the meeting point, be shuttled a short distance to the trailhead.

Embark on a 5 km roundtrip walking tour with a 200m elevation gain that will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, and into the incredible landscape that is the Canadian Rockies.

Learn the rich history of the glacier and soak in spectacular views of the surrounding ice-covered peaks. Explore the many incredible ice formations on the glacier, including crevasses, mill wells (waterfalls into the depths of the ice), meltwater streams, and icefalls (from a safe distance).

Includes

  • Guide
  • Micro-spikes (crampons for added traction on the ice)
  • Rain gear, hiking poles, hiking boots, gloves, and hats (if you don't have your own)
  • Transport from the meeting location to the trailhead
  • Warm layers (sweaters and pants)
  • Transportation to the meeting location

Not suitable for

  • Children under 7 years
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • People with a cold
  • People over 75 years
  • People with pre-existing medical conditions
  • People with low level of fitness

Meeting point

From HWY 93 turn into the Icefield Information Centre and Glacier Gallery parking lot. Look for a black trailer and white vans with the IceWalks logo at the T-Junction between the overflow RV parking and visitor parking. The parking lot is on the north side of the highway (opposite the glacier). Please do not go into the building or park in the Glacier View Hotel Parking lot.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Snacks
  • Thermal clothing

Know before you go

  • The tour is moderate in difficulty and suitable for young children (ages 7-16) who enjoy hiking and active seniors.
  • The tour operates at 2000m, some guests experience shortness of breath due to the elevation
  • No technical climbing experience is required

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 26 reviews

Review summary

  • Value for money
    4.9/5

Customer photos

Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
+9
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
Recommended
T
Tracy – United StatesJuly 12, 2024 – Verified booking
Rupert was great. He encouraged questions, kept the pace comfortable, made the whole experience wonderful.
G
Greg – United StatesSeptember 22, 2024 – Verified booking
Larry was incredibly knowledgable and interesting. We highly recommend this tour over the big buses.
G
Greg – United StatesJuly 12, 2024 – Verified booking
Really enjoyed learning about the glacier and being able to be out on the glacier. Our guide Ann was super knowledgeable and thoughtful.

Product ID: 667800

Activity provider:Icewalks

Top Attractions in Alberta

Experiences in Alberta

Tours in Canada

Things to do in Canada

Top destinations

Top attraction categories

Popular Attractions