Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience
Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience
Facing the Columbia Icefield Visitors' Centre lies the Athabasca Glacier - a tongue of ice 6 kilometres long and one kilometre wide. Take time for Brewster's Ice Age Adventure, a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Brewster Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5 kilometre round trip journey. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in safety and comfort. At the mid-point, you will have the option of stepping out onto ice formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago.
Enjoy this activity as a self drive (with an in car guide - GyPSy) starting from Banff or Jasper, or take a guided sightseeing day tour from Banff - Discover the Glacier Trail.
Your adventure begins with a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier in an all-terrain Ice Explorer—a massive vehicle specially designed for glacier travel. On this thrilling trip, an experienced driver-guide will share a wealth of fascinating information about glaciers and their impact on our environment.
You’ll stop, step onto the glacier and let the moment take hold. It’s the perfect time to take photos in this breathtaking setting.
The grand finale to this experience is a stroll on the Glacier Skywalk: a cliff-edged walkway where giant glaciers perch above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spreads out below.
The Glacier Skywalk experience features waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and more on an exciting 1-kilometre walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918-foot drop. The walk is presented in an interpretive storytelling format that will leave you feeling connected to a natural world that few travelers experience.
Please note: Weather conditions can change rapidly. We recommend all guests dress accordingly (closed toe shoes /boots with a good grip; jacket / sweater). In more severe weather conditions access from the Ice Explorer out onto to the glacier surface may be inaccessible (i.e. thunderstorm, etc.)
The Glacier Adventure is now closed for winter and will reopen April 19, 2019.*
We look forward to welcoming you to the Canadian Rockies next year!
Please see 2019 rates below and check back in spring for more information.
2019 SEASONAL RATES
SAVE 10% WHEN YOU BOOK IN ADVANCE**
| ADULT | CHILD | ||
| Glacier Adventure Admission | $99 $109 |
$49 $55 |
Advanced** Regular |
BUNDLE & SAVE WITH PACKAGES AND COMBOS |
|||
| Ultimate Explorer Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Classic Cruise & Glacier Adventure |
$192 $204 |
$96 $102 |
Advanced** Regular |
| Columbia Icefield Sightseeing Tour Brewster Sightseeing tour with Glacier Adventure from Banff or Jasper |
$221 | $111 | |
- *Weather dependent
- **Advanced Booking is 48 hrs+ before arrival. Some restrictions may apply.
- Children age 5 and under ride for free when sharing a seat with an adult
- Rates are subject to GST and are quoted in Canadian funds
- Attraction tickets are non-refundable
- All prices are subject to change at any time without notice
Getting to the Glacier Adventure
The Glacier Adventure departs from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, located on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N)—1 hour south of Jasper and 2.5 hours north of Banff. The Icefields Parkway has been recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world, with over 100 visible glaciers, turquoise lakes, rushing waterfalls and numerous hiking trails, picnic spots and campgrounds.
Parking
All vehicles must park at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre when visiting the Glacier Adventure and Glacier Skywalk.
Schedule
Tours depart every 15 to 30 minutes from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Tour times fill quickly and do sell out on some days. We strongly recommend booking your ticket and reserving a tour time before you visit.
No car? No worries! Brewster Sightseeing tours provide tours from Calgary, Banff & Jasper that include the Glacier Adventure. We offer pick-up & drop-off service at most of the major hotels in downtown Calgary & Banff.
Dining at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre
Indulge in a delicious meal, sip cocktails overlooking the famous Athabasca Glacier, or fuel up for your mountain adventures with two all-new great dining options at the Columbia Icefield. Remember your experience with great finds at the Curio Shop, plus take home the perfect picture from the interactive photo shop.
Chalet celebrates the heritage of the original red-roofed Columbia Icefield Chalet, and the stories of the explorers that have enjoyed this destination over the years. The exceptional menu of freshly prepared hot items and casual self-serve concept provides the perfect location to refuel for your next mountain adventure.
Open Daily: 9 AM to 6 PM
Columbia Icefield Gift Shop
The Columbia Icefield Gift Shop is located on the first floor of the Glacier Discovery Centre opposite the Parks Canada Information Desk. Open from 9 AM to 6 PM, the Gift Shop offers souvenirs, clothing and postcards; something to suit every tourist.
