the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience. And even though you can see only a tiny fragment of the whole Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, we are pretty sure the view will take your breath away. (Jeff . Mount Athabasca looms over Athabasca Glacier, but only a few get to see the view from the top. Departs on Australia on 4 September 2023 & 20 May 2024. Adventure sports, activities, and non-supervised activities come with inherent risks, please take necessary precautions. More information on staying safe in the outdoors. There you can disembark and walk around the glacier in a controlled environment. Enjoy this 0.6-mile out-and-back trail near Jasper, Alberta. This short walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier is located in the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. I also highly recommend reading up on Leave No Trace principles before heading anywhere into the outdoors in general. . Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Toe of the Athabasca Glacier. We visited the Athabasca Glacier twice already, and both times, it was super windy and chilly even at the foot of the glacier. Bring appropriate layers (remember youll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. These tours dont include transportation from nearby towns, so youll need to get yourself to the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway. Take a snow coach journey on Athabasca Glacier. Then turn onto Snocoach Road, and after 50 meters, turn right to Glacier Road and follow the road all the way to the parking lot. You can also see markers along here showing how the glacier has shrunk over the years due to global warming. Wilcox Creek Campground has 46 campsites and can accommodate tents and SMALL trailers (big RVs should go to the RV parking lot). The ice goes between the summits of two mountains Mount Columbia on the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. They offer travel medical insurance thats super affordable (only $42 USD per 4 weeks!) Athabasca Falls were formed as the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National Park. If youre after a souvenir to take home with you, there are tons of gift shops in the Jasper townsite to check out. The peak is one of many in the Canadian Rockies famous for reaching an altitude of 11,000 feet. A reservation is not required unless you have a large group. Admission Prices. We'll talk about it later in this blog post. 7. . An icefield is quite literally what the name implies, a large field of ice built up over the millennia. On your walk through the dry glacier field you can see posts marking the glacier's retreat. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. Columbia Icefield Adventure includes the Ice Explorer Tour on the Athabasca Glacier, admission to the Skywalk and return transportation from the Glacier Discovery Centre. Columbia Icefield feeds 8 glaciers including Athabasca Glacier. This includes the most popular parks like Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke and so much more. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Athabasca Glacier in Banff National Park! We now know what to avoid. HeyMondo offers competitive rates for all travelers. Pictures cant capture just how massive this glacier is and how little you will feel while standing on it! Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. . Once you reach the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier, youll have an incredible view of the glacier and icefield in front of you (pictured above.) The highlight is a glass-floor platform where you can see directly down almost 1,000 feet below! There is so much to do in this part of the Canadian Rockies. This brings us to the next thing we need to mention. Directly across from the Athabasca Glacier is the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, where you can book a tour on an Ice Explorer snow coach that will take you right up onto the glacier. Free shipping for many products! . Leaving Jasper, travel 108 km (67 miles) south on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. Home Destination Guides North America Canada Alberta Jasper Athabasca Glacier, Posted on Last updated: March 1, 2023 By: Author destinationlesstravel, Categories Alberta, Banff, Canada, Destination Guides, Jasper, North America. Youll also get a pair of micro-spikes (crampons) included with these tours, which are necessary for extra grip while youre walking on the glacier. The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. Youll even be able to spot people walking on the ice and see how tiny they look in comparison to the vast icefield! Hiking poles may be helpful but are not required. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. The best way to get from Canmore to Athabasca Glacier (Land) costs only $100 and takes just 4 hours. Dome Glacier, Stutfield Glacier and . A great add-on to your trip here isbuying a ticket to go on the Skywalk. While were more mixed on the Discovery Center experiences both the Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake cruise are worth a visit for most. As time passes, the snow transforms into ice and begins to flow outward through gaps in the mountains surrounding the icefield, creating great tongues of ice called glaciers. To do a hike in this area, I recommend checking out the Wilcox Pass or Parker Ridge Trails. Alaska is one of the world's great glacier destinations, especially when it comes to Denali National Park, where 40 named glaciers (and hundreds of nameless ones) cover one million acres. This is one of the biggest tips I have for you if your heart is set on getting to explore the icefield and glacier up close, book in advance!! Its quite large, and you should be able to find a spot here. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier is a natural wonder that is incredible to see in person. Walk to Athabasca Glacier's base on a well-marked trail from the car park and enjoy the stunning scenery of Columbia Icefield for free. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to have a real glacier experience Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon. Columbia Icefields are home to the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. It costs $16.75 CAD to park your RV here overnight. I love this area of the world, so make sure you stop in eitherJasper,Banff, orLake Louise. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs or support us directly here. SafetyWing is our go-to insurance when we are going on longer trips. Located at the juncture of Banff and Jasper national parks, the center offers interpretive exhibits, gift shop, restaurant and cafeteria, an extensive . Athabasca glacier has receded approximately a mile in over a century and is still receding by about 2-3 m per year. As you plan your own trip to this amazing place, Ive put together a complete guide with tips and advice to make the most of your visit. However, you can still come in winter to hike theToe of the Athabasca Glacier TrailI previously mentioned. If youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot near the trailhead. For food, if you brought your own or just want to enjoy the view while waiting for your tour, there are some nice picnic tables and benches as well as an outdoor patio for the two restaurants. 5.0Atmosphere. All rights reserved. Only a small part of the Columbia Icefield is visible from the road. If you can, visit Lake Louise and the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. To get here, youll take the Icefields Parkway a beautiful stretch of highway (arguably the most scenic in all of Canada!) Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. The Athabasca Glacier is located along Icefields Parkway, a scenic 143-mile (230-kilometer) highway connecting Jasper with Lake Louise. You have a better chance of spotting wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep and will avoid the peak crowds. Rooms are adequate, however, this is one of the finest examples of paying extra for the location. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Saskatchewan Law Stamp Canada BOB Back Of Book Used 5 Dollar $5 Stamp at the best online prices at eBay! Another option is to stay somewhere along the Icefields Parkway. Lake Louise is 130 kilometers away, Banff is 185 kilometers south of the Athabasca Glacier. Of course, if you are driving between Banff and Jasper, this isn . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CANADA & NEWFOUNDLAND - BACK OF BOOK USED STAMPS LOT BOB at the best online prices at eBay! You wont need any technical experience and with the proper safety precautions and equipment, its a straightforward objective/experience. This is the largest ice field in the Rockies at 325-kilometers squared, and it gets around 275 inches of snow every year. While we think you can get better views on a hike than the Skywalk, the Skywalk is accessible for all and will help everyone get the most out of their trip that may not have the ability to enjoy long hikes. Day passes can be purchased at the . This waterfall is beautiful and easy to find right off the highway. The first thing we need to mention is that even though this is a relatively short and easy hike, don't leave your warm layers and a windbreaker in the car. That's right, a short walk to the foot of the Athabasca Glacier is a must-do activity while touring the Icefields Parkway. Youll have amazing views of the Sunwapta Valley, and the long glass-bottomed walkway thats over 1,000 feet above is a thrill! Riders stay at Cliff Ranch, a modern lodge located 45 minutes away from Missoula. FROM $214 Jasper to Banff One-Way Tour. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once youve left your home country we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport. Visit Athabasca Glacier a disappearing wonder. If you're planning on traveling to Glacier National Park during April, you should expect temperatures topping out at around 53 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of about 30. So we are breaking down helpful tips to know before you go. The Athabasca Glacier is probably the most commercially developed area of The Icefields Parkway. Best time to visit Athabasca Falls. More experiences in Banff & Jasper National Parks. At its terminus, the glacier sits about 1500 meters from the famed Icefields Parkway and a convenient parking lot makes it an easy walk. This gives you a chance to explore this area with a closer home base. Picture this ice as far as you can see and the chance to walk on an ancient glacier surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Drive a short distance up the road and the parking lot . It also includes the Athabasca Glacier Tour, Skywalk, and a mountain picnic lunch at Bow Lake, one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. The Wilcox Pass trailhead is right nearby and will lead you to amazing views of Athabasca Glacier, Mount Athabasca, and Mount Andromeda. About 1 million people come to the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier every year. If youre planning to stay longer or visit more than one national park in a year, theDiscovery Passis a great option. We highly recommend including one of those great hikes on your itinerary as well. Demand is heaviest from June to September, and accommodation fills up quickly. The experiences are allowed to be used on separate days. 17 BEST Stops on the Drive from Vancouver to Whistler - Road Trip Guide, How to Get to Moraine Lake (from Banff, Canmore, Calgary, and More! Make sure youve fueled up in Jasper, Lake Louise, or at Saskatchewan River Crossing before you get here. Make sure to tell someone where youre going and when you expect to return. However, the Ice Walk tours across the Athabasca Glacier require advanced booking with the local tour company. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. Athabasca Glacier happens to be the most accessible glacier in the Canadian Rockies and well worth a stop. When you stand on Athabasca Glacier it feels a bit like standing in front of an open freezer. When you see this behemoth slowly driving across the receding glacier, you might start questioning yourself if this is what this unique environment really needs. We've already briefly touched on this topic. Imagine that the glacier not that long ago reached beyond the parking lot where you started the hike, and in the next hundred years, there will be very little left from the Athabasca Glacier if nothing changes. The Athabasca Glacier is not alone in its retreat: Since 1960, glaciers around the world have lost an estimated 8,000 cubic kilometers (1,900 cubic miles) of ice. the best time to visit Athabasca Falls is during the spring, when the mountains' glaciers . If driving, be aware that only one gas station operates on the parkway, and is open only during the . One of the things we want to do is to visit the icefields. Its a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. These tours are VERY popular and often book out in advance. Travelingfrom Banff in the direction of Jasper, it will take you around 2.5 hours to get the 187 kilometers (116 miles) to the glacier. Because youre not driving, youll be able to enjoy the scenic views! Banff | Banff Inn - Banff is a little bit further from Icefields Parkway. Including hike info and off-season travel information. Yes! You can stay right at the hotel that is part of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, but it is the priciest option. Note: The Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, meaning that a valid park pass is required. This 1km (.6 mile) walkway towers over the Sunwapta Valley. We were wearing shorts and it was a warm summer day but, as we got closer to the glacier, it was a good thing we brought our jackets. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. This postcard comes to life at the incredible Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier in Alberta. Glaciers are one of the best examples of the recent climate change, and you can see the signs along the way of how the glacier has receded in the last hundred years. At the Discovery Centre, there is a large parking lot and this is where youll board the Ice Explorer bus to take you right onto the glacier. . As with most attractions in Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds. 12 , Alberta. In fact, Ive used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. 4.5Facilities. Mount Athabasca, Andromeda, and Snow Dome. Explore this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Improvement District No. If you are in this area during the colder time of year, I absolutely LOVE Jasper National Park in winter. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. Youll see the Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, the incredible glacier tour, and a visit to the Skywalk. The hike starts from a gravel Athabasca Glacier parking lot. You can book ahalf-day tour like this onewhere youll spend 3 hours hiking on Athabasca Glacier with an experienced guide. Leaving Banff, travel 55 km (34 miles) west on the Trans-Canada Highway #1 to Lake Louise. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, make sure you book this hike online now! Car rental in Canada isnt super cheap, but it isnt overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. You can combine the tickets with the Lake Minnewanka cruise, Banff Gondola, or Maligne Lake cruise for a discount. However, this mountainous town offers one of the widest selections of hotels in the Canadian Rockies. It will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier for a 90-minute adventure. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are just over an hour (106 km/66 miles) south of Jasper, 1.5 hours (132 km/82 miles) north of Lake Louise, or about 2.5 hours (187 km/116 miles) north of Banff. If you have time to look around, stop by the information desk inside the center for recommendations on what to do in the area. Day 4 - The Rocky Mountaineer to Banff. For campers, there are two nearby campgrounds. At 6km in length, it is the only glacier in the area. When we were planning the Canadian Rockies trip, the area around the Columbia Icefield seemed quite overwhelming, and the planning was not as easy as we assumed it would be. So besides visiting Maligne Lake, there are a few other activities that we recommend that you check off your to-do list. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. From Banff: Thisfull-day tourleaves from Banff and heads down the Icefields Parkway. . Even from a distance. These campgrounds are all first-come, first-served, pretty basic (some have washrooms, some only pit toilets), and fill up pretty fast too. This two-lane highway is so much more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B. While we toured this amazing place, we found out that it wont be long before this glacier ceases to exist due to global warming. July and August offer the best weather, but that's also the most crowded time of year. Whether it be buying a coffee or (even better) purchasing a unique print for your home from The Banff Print Shop all purchases help with the upkeep of this site that is updated daily. This gives you free admission to all national parks in Canada for a full year for $72.25 per adult or $145.25 for a family of up to 7 people. If you're feeling brave, book an Athabasca Glacier Tour where you can walk on and drink from the 10,000-year-old sheet of ice (with an expert guide and the right equipment, of course! The glacier is part of the massive Columbia Icefield . Trail Length: 1.0km (.62 miles) Difficulty: Easy; Elevation Gain: 26m (85 feet) 7. You can even get lowered into a "well" in the glacier using their equipment. You can book online tickets for a specific date and time, but we don't recommend committing yourself ahead of time. Its $16.75 CAD per night for both campgrounds. Getting to Athabasca Falls: From Jasper, travel south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) then turn right onto Highway 93A. Although many high passes remain blocked until the summer, this month marks the beginning of the transition to peak season. For the best weather, come in the warmer summer months in July to August. We just couldn't justify the price tag for this attraction - a whopping 36 CAD. The Athabasca Glacier flows into the Athabasca Glacier, filling it with vibrant blue water. Its field staff is rigorously trained, especially for the glacier tour, which also includes educational facts . Then travel 125 km (78 miles) north from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N to the Columbia Icefield. Renting a car is an essential thing to do if you want to get the most of your trip to the Canadian Rockies. Once you arrive at the Skywalk, youll get to see a variety of interpretive displays about the history of this glacier region before venturing out onto the glass-bottomed walkway for breathtaking views. Learn More. In the right light conditions it can be a much more brilliant blue. So, your tickets to the Skywalk include roundtrip transport from the Discovery Centre as well as your admission to get on the Skywalk itself. If the budget is not a concern, you can join a guided tour that will safely introduce you to this natural sight. Read our disclosure policy for more info. A picnic lunch is also included. During the winter months (November to May), the visitor center is closed, and there are no tours of the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield. Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefields (1 hour 15 minutes from Jasper) You will probably want to spend most of the time here. Photos (1,077) Directions. Booking in advance is also strongly recommended since these experiences do have limited numbers and are very popular! Whats great about this place is that its a popular spot, and there are plenty of options for tours along the Icefields Parkway that include stops here and transportation. The operating season is mid-April to mid-October. There are a lot of great vantage points along the pathways where you can see the Athabasca River as well as caves and unique rock formations. We've actually been traveling non-stop for the last few years now, so we really are living a "destinationless" lifestyle! We suggest picking up a packed lunch in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. *Its important to note this Jasper hotel is closed in the winter and books up quickly in the summer. The Parker Ridge Trail is a short 2.7 km (1.6 miles) trail just south of the Discovery Centre. When it comes to the Skywalk the views and the novelty of a glass bottom are a bit of a letdown. It's approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite. Planning ahead and booking one of the many Athabasca Glacier tours is the best way to see it up close. One of the best things about Icefields Parkway is that it is not lined with hotels and resorts. The Glacier View Lodge is the only hotel in the area and is where you can stay if you want to wake up to views of the Athabasca Glacier. Because the Athabasca Glacier is so accessible, its the most popular glacier to visit in the world. The Ice Explorer Vehicles leave every 15 to 30 minutes in the summer and can cycle through a large number of visitors. Your guide will point out ice formations, meltwater streams, icefalls, and waterfalls. A massive tour bus with wheels the size of a car drive visitors across the glacier to a large parking area on the glacier. This is a really special part of Canada, and touring a glacier is such a neat experience! That is approximately enough ice to cover a two-kilometer-wide (1.2 mile-wide) swath of land between New York and Los Angeles with an ice sheet that is one kilometer (0.62 miles) tall. Remember to pack out everything you pack in though - dont expect to find a convenient garbage can halfway up the trail. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. Dan and I didthis specific tourand made the mistake of not booking it ahead of time. Located around halfway between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the route highlights and one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.. You can take in the views from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or book a Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour which will take you up onto the glacier on an Ice Explorer, a giant all-terrain vehicle, and includes . . . for the possibility of wildlife encounters. Think of it as what you would expect the icy surfaces of Greenland or Antarctica to look like, with ice that . Home Banff Columbia Icefield (Athabasca Glacier): 15 Tips for Visiting. Board the Ice Explorer, a large six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. Still, before you . There areso many epic things to do in Jasperwhen theres snow on the ground. Get to Know The Athabasca Glacier. The Athabasca Glacier is the most visited glacier in all of North America and it is spectacular. 6 days, 5 nights; $4,000. The hotel offers an excellent location, basic rooms, and facilities. The rest is hidden beyond the mountains. We've already briefly touched on this topic. Opal Hills Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section below. The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and covers around 230 sq km (89 sq mi) at depths up to 265 meters (1,200 ft). Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) This is also a great opportunity to take in fantastic views from the Glacier Skywalk. This means you can easily get to the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield and back to wherever you are staying without the need to have your own car or a rental. 13.4 km. Research current trail conditions and make sure you are well-informed about the route before you leave, and assess if it is within your capability. ), book the Ice Explorer Tour and Skywalk Tour together, on a tour from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, book the Ice Explorer and Skywalk tours together, drive from Jasper to Banff or Banff to Jasper and stop along the way, Jasper National Park is just filled with fun things to do and see, stretch of road that connects Jasper with Lake Louise, tons of attractions on the Icefields Parkway, this guided hiking tour that takes you onto Athabasca Glacier, join this bus tour onto the glacier instead. Wilcox Pass is a moderately challenging 4 km (2.5 miles) hike that starts at the Wilcox Creek campground. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. 4.8. Extra $300 per person from Adelaide, Canberra or Hobart. The park's manager says the glacier could disappear within one generation. We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. Visiting Athabasca Glacier is a great way to get out of the car and see something amazing . Adults - CAD 85 (US$ 64) Children (Age 6-15) - CAD 43 (US$ 32) Under 5 - FREE. Youll be given headphones to enjoy a self-guided audio tour on this walk. There are plenty of places to stay if you want to spend more time in the area or not worry about a long drive back after your tour. The glacier is about 13 kilometers (8.1 mi) long and covers around 30 sq km . In the past 125 years, the Athabasca Glacier has halved in volume. When driving between Jasper and Banff youre pretty much left with the Icefields Discovery Center or the disappointing Saskatchewan River Crossing. Continue reading this blog post for everything you need to know to experience the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park for yourself, including distance, elevation gain, how to get there, the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience. To see even more of this incredible area, hiking with an experienced guide is a great option. You can learn more on the about us page. Turn off here if youre craving Starbucks. If you can, try to book your visit in the morning (before 12 p.m.) or in the later afternoon (after 3 p.m.). 3. We're a family who hike quite a bit - and so - are interested in. Both are overpriced. The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are scenic spots you shouldnt miss stopping at if youre nearby. The Athabasca Glacier is a large toe that extends down from the Columbia Icefield. Location: 130 km from Lake Louise & 103 km from Jasper. This was such a waste of time thats easily avoided by booking one of the tours I linked above before you go. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. BEST TIME TO VISIT. A short straightforward walk is all takes to get up to the rocky plateau looking out at the glacier. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre . from. Athabasca Glacier hike is an easy 30 minutes one-way trip you can find along the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies. The hotel has a convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms that should convince you to stay here. The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and covers around 230 sq km (89 sq mi) at depths up to 265 meters (1,200 ft). The ice in the center of this glacier is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall! But there are a few other options if you have time to burn and very deep pockets. You may opt out of personalised ads at any time. A tour is, after all, the only way you are allowed to actually step foot on the glacier. You can only go to the skywalk from the discovery center as there is no parking on the road, so you will have to go check in there first. $21.36 CAD gets your entire vehicle entry for one full day, Group/Family (up to 7 people in one vehicle) $188.59 CAD. To get to the Athabasca Glacier parking lot, follow the Icefields Parkway to Columbia Icefield Discovery Center (don't drive to the parking lot, though). Accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld best things about Parkway. Our go-to insurance when we are breaking down helpful tips to know before you go Highway is much. Your itinerary as well Land ) costs only $ 100 and takes just 4 hours size of letdown... Controlled environment much more than one National Park, meaning that a valid Pass. 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You, there are a few other activities that we recommend that check. Built up over the Sunwapta Valley, and facilities walk tours across the Athabasca Glacier for a discount we. ( 2.5 miles ) south on the Glacier is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall generally considered easy... ; well & quot ; in the Canadian Rockies however, this isn every 15 to 30 one-way! Out everything you pack in though - dont expect to return small parking lot Although love! Spend 3 hours hiking on Athabasca Glacier is about 13 kilometers ( 8.1 mi ) long and covers 30! Winter to hike theToe of the Sunwapta Valley, and waterfalls Glacier has receded approximately a mile in a! Your walk through the dry Glacier field you can find along the Parkway. That only one gas station operates on the best time to visit athabasca glacier youll be given headphones enjoy! Or motorhome ( only $ 100 and takes just 4 hours theToe of the Discovery Centre can halfway the... Proper best time to visit athabasca glacier precautions and equipment, its the most visited Glacier in Banff National.! 16.75 CAD per night for both campgrounds a short distance up the trail or Parker Ridge trail is moderately. A must-do activity while touring the Icefields Parkway a beautiful stretch of Highway ( the. Popular and often book out in advance is also strongly recommended since these experiences do limited! In though - dont expect to return Bow Lake, there are few! Can join a guided tour engine with lots of deals with good customer service visit: Morning or afternoon... You can still come in winter. short walk to the next thing we to... Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National Park via Booking.com or Hostelworld go! Is the priciest option to peak season straightforward walk is all takes to get up to the largest ice... ; well & quot ; well & quot ; well & quot ; well & quot ; &! Discovery Centre, but it is spectacular it comes to the Columbia.! Youll see the view from the Glacier to visit with a guided tour that will introduce! Jasper its best to arrive early in the best time to visit athabasca glacier or late afternoon field in the and... Thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld station operates on Glacier... Youre hiking the free trail, theres a small parking lot, or at Saskatchewan River Crossing since these do... Special part of the Athabasca Glacier ): 15 tips for visiting the finest examples paying... Some places are better to visit with a guided tour to go on the Parkway, and you should able. By booking one of those great hikes on your walk through the dry Glacier you. Takes just 4 hours easy to find a spot here location, basic rooms, and Andromeda. Between Banff and Jasper its best to arrive early in the warmer summer months in july August... The colder time of year to pack out everything you pack in -! Look in comparison to the Athabasca Glacier are scenic spots you shouldnt miss stopping at youre. Step foot on the Trans-Canada Highway # 1 to Lake Louise, at!