Columbia Icefield Highlights
Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. An icefield is a broad area covered with ice, like a plain. It spans Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
Several glaciers flow from the edge of the Columbia Icefield. Athabasca Glacier is the one accessible by tour. Stepping onto the glacier from a snowcoach isone of the highlights of sightseeing in the Canadian Rockies.
Sold as a package with the Athabasca Glacier tour is the glass-floored observation deck, Columbia Icefield Skywalk. It is also called Glacier Skywalk.
Athabasca Glacier Tour
We depart from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and travel part of the way in a regular sightseeing bus.
Once you get close to the glacier, you switch to a snowcoach. It has 6 large tires.
We travel up a steep slope, almost as if we were riding a cable car.
At last, we arrived at the Athabasca Glacier. The ice is said to be up to 300 meters thick. Since the temperature drops significantly, it is a good idea to have 1 extra layer of clothing ready.
Since you can also drink water melted from the glacier, you may want to bring 1 cup. Some people even bring alcohol to mix with the water.
Unfortunately, the area covered by glaciers is said to be decreasing year by year due to global warming.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk opened in 2014 as a new attraction following the Athabasca Glacier tour. It is also known as the Glacier Skywalk.
This arch-shaped observation platform seems to float in midair, with a completely glass floor. It is not recommended for people with a fear of heights.
Icefields Parkway
The Columbia Icefield lies along the Icefields Parkway, which connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. The surrounding area features valleys and mountain ranges carved by glaciers over long periods, and the road follows glacial landscapes, including the icefield.
The Icefields Parkway article provides detailed information about attractions along the route, road conditions, and driving time.
Columbia Icefield: Essential Information
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- The operator’s official website provides the tour’s opening hours and visitor information.
Columbia Icefield | Tour Location & HoursFind the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N), 1.25 hours south of Ja...www.banffjaspercollection.com
- 🔗 National park fees
- Entrance fees for Banff National Park are listed on the official Parks Canada website.
FeesCost of daily park admission, Parks Canada Discovery Pass, camping fees, backcountry permit, fishing permit, guided...www.parks.canada.ca - 📍 Location
- Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N)
- 🕒 Opening hours
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- Columbia Icefield Adventure (September 7–30, 2026)：9:00〜17:00
- Columbia Icefield Adventure (October 1–12, 2026)：10:00〜16:00
- Skywalk (October 1–12, 2026)：11:00〜17:00
- 🚫 Closed days
- The published operating period for the Adventure and Skywalk is May 1–October 12, 2026, and operations are subject to weather conditions. Ice Odyssey has ended operations for the remainder of the 2026 season.
- 💶 Admission fees
- For the Columbia Icefield Adventure on September 22, 2026, the regular-slot adult price (ages 16 and over) was CA$141. Prices vary by visit date and departure time, and a national park entry pass is required separately. Ticket prices by ticket type and purchase methods are explained in detail in the following section, “Columbia Icefield Tickets.”
- ⏱️ Duration
- The estimated times listed on the opening-hours page are about 2–3 hours for the Columbia Icefield Adventure and about 1–2 hours for the Skywalk.⚠️ Allow extra time for parking and preparing to participate. The time spent on the Skywalk varies depending on how you explore it.
Columbia Icefield Tickets
The Columbia Icefield Adventure includes a glacier tour aboard an Ice Explorer and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. The Skywalk can also be purchased separately.
Check in at the boarding hall with your ticket no later than 15 minutes before departure. The operator recommends arriving at the Discovery Centre 30 minutes before departure. If you miss the departure, you can rebook for 1 person at CA$15 if space is available.
Online, select the date of use, number of people, and departure time, then purchase your tickets. Purchased tickets are generally non-refundable. According to the information provided, the reservation time can be changed via the link in the confirmation email up until before the scheduled time.
Getting to the Columbia Icefield
From Jasper to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre take the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N) south for 108km.
By car
Services and cell phone coverage along the route are limited. Save the information you need in advance, and check road conditions with 511 Alberta before setting out. From November 1 to March 31, and whenever the road is covered with snow or ice, snow tires marked with a snowflake or M+S, or chains, are required. You also need a valid national park pass to drive the Icefields Parkway.