Full Day Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks
This tour departs at 9:30 in the morning. The 6 hour tour is a classic on the Icefields Parkway where you get to spend the whole day exploring the Athabasca Glacier. Bring your own lunch and enjoy it among the icefalls at the head of the glacier. It is a hike of moderate difficulty requiring no technical skills. We supply all the gear required to comfortably explore the glacier. IceWalks' guides are ACMG certified. Your friendly and informative guide will explain the natural history of the area, guide you safely through the icefalls, and show you the many ice formations on the glacier.
Options
Full Day Glacier Hike
What's included in Full Day Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Athabasca Glacier
IceWalks' ACMG certified guides will meet you in the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre parking lot and gear you up for your adventure. You will be shuttled a short distance to the trailhead. This 10 km roundtrip walking tour will take you to the incredible icefalls at the head of the Athabasca Glacier where you will enjoy your lunch (bring you own) against the backdrop of shattered ice and rock. You will learn the natural history of the area and you will be immersed in the glaciated landscape, you'll see: crevasses, mill wells (waterfalls into the depths of the ice), meltwater streams, and icefalls. This will be the highlight of your trip on the Icefields Parkway. The pictures you take will capture the memories of a lifetime. No technical climbing experience required! The 6 hour tour is moderate in difficulty, suitable for active people with no health concerns or mobility/balance issues. Children aged 7 and up should be strong hikers and seniors who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Inclusions
- You will be provided micro-spikes (crampons for added traction on the ice) If you don't have your own: Rain gear, hiking boots, gloves, and hat
- Warm layers - bring your own insulating layer
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Arrive 20 minutes prior to your departure. Meet in the West parking lot of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Look for the white vans with IceWalks logo as you pull off the highway. From there you will be shuttled a short distance to the trailhead.
