Alberta Residents Rate
Overview
Embark on an epic adventure thousands of years in the making.
On our classic tour, you’ll travel on an all-terrain Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier, a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice. Then, you’ll head to the glass-floored Skywalk for a jaw-dropping stroll beyond the cliff’s edge.
Alberta Residents Rate: Save on adventures in your backyard with our Alberta Residents Rate. Proof of residency may be requested on-site.
Included
- Ride a Massive Ice Explorer
- Explore the Athabasca Glacier on Foot
- Step onto the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Important information
How do I get to the Columbia Icefield?
The Columbia Icefield is located on the Icefields Parkway, approximately two hours and 30 minutes north of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway, and one hour south from the town of Jasper. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is only accessible by a free shuttle from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.
Leaving Banff, travel 55 km (34 miles) west on the Trans-Canada Highway #1 to Lake Louise. Then travel 125 km (78 miles) north from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield.
Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield.
Leaving Banff, travel 55 km (34 miles) west on the Trans-Canada Highway #1 to Lake Louise. Then travel 125 km (78 miles) north from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield.
Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield.
Where do tours leave from?
The shuttle buses for the Columbia Icefield Adventure, Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Ice Odyssey all depart from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Those who have purchased the Columbia Icefield Adventure will depart for the Skywalk directly from the transfer bays when arriving back from the Glacier.
Ice Odyssey guests park and check in at the upper parking lot (Banff side), where tours also depart from.
Ice Odyssey guests park and check in at the upper parking lot (Banff side), where tours also depart from.
Is the Columbia Icefield pet-friendly?
No, pets are unfortunately not allowed on the Columbia Icefield Adventure, Skywalk or Ice Odyssey, with the exceptions of service animals*. The buses that transport guests are enclosed and we need to consider guests with allergies. While we trust that our guests are responsible pet owners with wonderful, friendly pets, we would like to avoid the risk of a panicked animal endangering itself or other guests.
For the safety of your pets and our visitors, we ask that you leave your pets at home.
*Appropriate accreditation per the Alberta Service Dogs Act must be presented on site. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
For the safety of your pets and our visitors, we ask that you leave your pets at home.
*Appropriate accreditation per the Alberta Service Dogs Act must be presented on site. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
What should I wear or bring to the Columbia Icefield?
Make sure you to wear layers and flat, comfortable, closed-toe shoes with grippy soles (e.g. sneakers, hiking boots). Don't forget to bring sunscreen! If you have a purse or a backpack, you can bring that along too.
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Discovery Trail should not be slippery. In the event of poor weather conditions, our staff will be working to keep it clear of snow and ice. However, we are at the will of nature and therefore appropriate closed-toe footwear is recommend.
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Discovery Trail should not be slippery. In the event of poor weather conditions, our staff will be working to keep it clear of snow and ice. However, we are at the will of nature and therefore appropriate closed-toe footwear is recommend.
Is the Columbia Icefield wheelchair accessible?
Columbia Icefield Adventure is accessible for guests who use a wheelchair, making it an incredibly unique perspective for getting up close with spectacular natural wonders.
Two Ice Explorers are equipped with wheelchair lifts to bring guests out onto the glacier. Accessible vans are available to transport guests to the Ice Explorer, and then on to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk afterwards. At the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, the entire 800-metre flat circumference is designed as a fully accessible attraction for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers.
Wheelchair accessible tours are offered at specific times and require at least 72 hours of advanced notice to book. Please call 1.866.506.0515 to inquire. Accessible parking is found in our upper parking lot.
Two Ice Explorers are equipped with wheelchair lifts to bring guests out onto the glacier. Accessible vans are available to transport guests to the Ice Explorer, and then on to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk afterwards. At the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, the entire 800-metre flat circumference is designed as a fully accessible attraction for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers.
Wheelchair accessible tours are offered at specific times and require at least 72 hours of advanced notice to book. Please call 1.866.506.0515 to inquire. Accessible parking is found in our upper parking lot.
What time should I arrive for my Columbia Icefield Adventure?
You must arrive with your ticket at the boarding hall no later than 15 minutes before your departure time for check in. However, we recommend arriving at the Glacier Discover Centre 30 minutes early to find parking, use the restroom and prepare for your tour.
Is it possible to possible to walk on the glacier during the Columbia Icefield Adventure?
Yes! Halfway through the tour, you will be able to step out onto the ancient ice of the Athabasca Glacier. We ask that visitors stay within the clearly marked area as this section is regularly maintained and has been deemed safe.
How long will I stay on the Athabasca Glacier?
Guests are permitted to stay on the glacier for 15-25 minutes which will be determined upon arrival on the glacier. During that time, we encourage all guests to be safe and stay within the designated areas.