From Banff: Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Day Trip

Nestled within the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Day Trip from Banff offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Travelers embark on a scenic journey along the Icefields Parkway, witnessing the awe-inspiring landscapes of the region. The highlight of the tour, however, lies in the chance to venture onto the ancient ice itself, where visitors can touch and feel the frozen wonders that have captivated explorers for centuries. But the adventure doesn’t end there, as the Glacier Skywalk provides a unique perspective on the grandeur of the Athabasca Glacier and the surrounding peaks.

Key Points

• Guided tour from Banff along the scenic Icefields Parkway, offering stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
• Opportunity to explore the ancient Athabasca Glacier by boarding the Ice Explorer vehicle.
• Experience the exhilarating Glacier Skywalk, with a glass-floored observation platform overlooking the Sunwapta Valley.
• Learn about the glacier’s retreat and the effects of climate change from a knowledgeable guide.
• Enjoy a packed lunch amid the breathtaking scenery of the Columbia Icefield.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield day trip offers visitors a chance to discover the ancient Athabasca Glacier on a guided tour from Banff.

Travelers will journey along the scenic Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most stunning drives. The highlight is climbing aboard the Ice Explorer vehicle to explore the Athabasca Glacier up close.

Visitors can also experience the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk, which offers unparalleled views of the Sunwapta Valley.

Throughout the tour, guests will see iconic Rocky Mountain landmarks like Bow Lake and the headwaters of the Bow River, as well as numerous peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes.

The tour provides a hassle-free way to witness these natural wonders without having to navigate or watch the road.

Journey on the Icefields Parkway

Along the Icefields Parkway, travelers will witness some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Canadian Rockies, including iconic landmarks like Bow Lake and the headwaters of the Bow River.

This scenic drive offers stunning views of numerous peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. The journey along the Parkway is a highlight of the tour, as guests don’t have to navigate or watch the road, allowing them to fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader, guests can learn about the history and natural wonders of the region as they make their way towards the Athabasca Glacier.

Exploring the Athabasca Glacier

Upon reaching the vast Columbia Icefield, guests board the specialized Ice Explorer vehicle to venture onto the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. This all-terrain bus takes them directly onto the glacier’s icy expanse, allowing for an up-close encounter with the slowly moving river of ice.

As they disembark, visitors can take in the sheer scale and grandeur of this natural wonder, marveling at its millennia-old formation and the power of the glacial forces that continue to shape the landscape.

The Athabasca Glacier experience offers:

• Informative commentary from a knowledgeable guide
• Breathtaking views of the glacier and surrounding peaks
• An opportunity to touch and feel the ancient ice
• Insights into the glacier’s retreat and the effects of climate change
• Unforgettable memories of standing on a majestic natural wonder.

Glacier Skywalk Experience

After exploring the depths of the Athabasca Glacier, visitors can now embark on the Glacier Skywalk – an exhilarating experience that offers unparalleled views of the Sunwapta Valley.

The Glacier Skywalk is a 1-kilometer walkway with a glass-floored observation platform that extends out over the valley. As you cautiously step onto the transparent floor, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.

The experience provides a unique perspective on the power and grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. With safety rails and sturdy construction, the Glacier Skywalk allows visitors to safely enjoy this stunning natural environment.

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Highlights of the Tour

Traversing the scenic Icefields Parkway, travelers on this tour will encounter an array of iconic Rocky Mountain landmarks, including the pristine Bow Lake and the headwaters of the Bow River.

Along the way, they’ll pass by numerous peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the region.

The tour’s highlights include:

• Boarding the Ice Explorer vehicle to explore the ancient Athabasca Glacier
• Learning about the glacier’s history and taking in the stunning views
• Following the 1-kilometer Glacier Skywalk for unparalleled views of the Sunwapta Valley
• Benefiting from a guided tour that handles the navigation and driving
• Enjoying a packed lunch amid the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies

Guided Tour Activities

The centerpiece of this guided tour is the adventure aboard the Ice Explorer, which takes visitors right onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier. During this experience, the tour guide provides insights into the glacier’s history and gives guests ample time to soak up the breathtaking views. After the Ice Explorer, participants can venture out onto the Glacier Skywalk, a 1-kilometer walkway with a glass-floor platform that offers unparalleled perspectives of the surrounding landscape. This immersive experience allows travelers to truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Columbia Icefield.

Feature	Description
Ice Explorer	Specialty vehicle that transports guests directly onto the Athabasca Glacier
Glacier Skywalk	Suspended glass-floor walkway providing sweeping views of the Sunwapta Valley
Guide Expertise	Tour leaders share insights into the glacier’s formation and history
Exploration Time	Ample opportunity to wander and appreciate the glacier up-close

What’s Included

This guided tour includes round-trip transportation from the starting point, as well as the services of a knowledgeable tour guide.

Travelers can enjoy the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, which encompasses a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle and access to the Glacier Skywalk.

A packed lunch is also provided as part of the tour.

The tour includes:

• Round-trip transportation
• Guided tour with an expert guide
• Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
• Access to the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk
• A packed lunch to enjoy during the excursion

Important Considerations

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing for this tour, as the conditions can be chilly near the glaciers.

Early and late season road or trail closures may limit access to certain areas.

Groups of 9 or more guests operate under a 7-day cancellation policy.

No large bags or luggage are allowed on the tour.

These important considerations help ensure a smooth and comfortable experience exploring the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield.

Guests should also be prepared for the physical demands of the Glacier Skywalk and navigating the Ice Explorer on the glacier’s surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum age requirement, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants of all ages can enjoy the scenic drive and activities on this glacier exploration excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a packed lunch, but travelers may prefer to bring additional snacks or beverages to enjoy during the day’s activities.

Is Photography Allowed During the Glacier and Skywalk Experiences?

Photography is allowed during the glacier and skywalk experiences. Guests are encouraged to capture the stunning views and landscapes. However, tripods and selfie sticks may not be permitted for safety reasons.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Attraction on the Tour?

Visitors typically spend around 1 hour exploring the Athabasca Glacier aboard the Ice Explorer and an additional 30-45 minutes on the Glacier Skywalk, taking in the stunning views. The exact time at each attraction may vary based on the tour schedule.

Is There an Option to Upgrade or Customize the Tour Package?

The tour package doesn’t offer any upgrades or customization options. It’s a standard day trip that covers the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. Travelers can’t add or remove activities from the set itinerary.

Recap

The Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield Day Trip from Banff offers an unforgettable adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Travelers can explore the ancient glaciers, witness breathtaking landscapes, and gain a unique perspective on the region’s natural wonders.

With the Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk, visitors can get up close and personal with the ice, creating lasting memories of this awe-inspiring experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: