Full Day Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks

4.9
(31 reviews)
Jasper, Canada

6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: German and 2 more

This is a classic on the Icefields Parkway - travel the full tongue of the Athabasca glacier!

Ideal for guests wanting to experience a real sense of the isolation and ruggedness of the glacier, this tour showcases everything included in the half-day experience, plus a journey to the icefall at the head of the valley. Have lunch (not provided) among the seracs, (pillars of ice standing on end).

This tour departs at 10:15am; boarding time is 20 minutes prior to the departure time. Don't be late or you'll miss your tour!

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.

Moderate difficulty with short, steep sections and uneven terrain. You should be able to hike 10km (6 miles) in order to do the tour.

Tours are family friendly. BYO lunch & warm layers - we supply all other gear required to comfortably explore the glacier.

What's Included

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
BYO lunch & snacks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    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.

    6 hours Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by IceWalks

Tags

Day Trips
Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Adventure Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 31 31 reviews
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