The Athabasca Glacier is one of several glaciers that originates from the massive Columbia Icefield in the Canadian Rockies. Located along the Icefield Parkway between Jasper and Banff, the Athabasca Glacier is a popular attraction due to its accessibility. Visitors can opt for an icewalk across the 6km long glacier or along one of the many mountain trails in the area. For a spot of fun and thrills, I recommend the Columbia Icefield tour on the Brewster Ice Explorer.
Riding the Brewster Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier
From the Icefield Centre, visitors can hop on the Brewster Ice Explorer – an imposing bus that takes visitors on a thrilling ride atop the glacier. The tour lasts about 80 minutes and provides spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers. Visitors also have the opportunity to hop off the bus onto the glacier for a walk on the ice. Check out the Brewster’s predecessors while you’re at the Icefield Centre.
The ride in the Brewster Ice Explorer to the Athabasca Glacier is a sure highlight as the bus negotiates the steep slope – the commentary from the driver certainly adds to the suspense!
Walking on the Athabasca Glacier
After several kilometers, the bus reached a clearing and we were allowed to hop off. The icy wind was the first thing I noticed before I lost my footing on the ice. The cold, hard ice under my behind was the second thing I felt! The experience of standing on a glacier and being able to view the countless cracks, streams and icy formations up close was simply phenomenal. I walked around and marvelled at the colours and patterns of the ice.
Visitors are advised to watch where they step as it’s slippery and your foot could easily sink through a thin patch of ice. I slipped several times and my foot broke through the ice on two occasions. It’s hard to keep your eyes glued to the ground when the surrounding view is so incredible!
The Icefield Centre is located along the Icefield Parkway – one of the most stunning drives in the world – a short distance from Banff or Jasper. If you’re in the neighbourhood, check out this Athabasca Glacier tour. It’s a unique opportunity to drive onto and walk on a glacier!
Oh yes, dress warm and watch your step! 🙂
Read about the Jasper Tramway, my drive to Maligne Lake and my trip on the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver.
Note: a big thank you goes to Travel Alberta for hosting me in the Canadian Rockies.
[…] the accompanying posts: ‘Fun & Thrills on the Athabasca Glacier‘ and ‘The Drive to Maligne […]
[…] went inside the center to see about taking a bus or tram, the Brewster Ice Explorer, to the glacier. While we were milling around, I saw a plaque on the wall, telling a story about a […]
Hi Fiona,
Thank you for your kind comment. Enjoy the glacier! Oh, and if you’re visiting Jasper, don’t miss the Jasper tramway. Fab views from up there.
Cheers,
Keith
Hi,
Love your blog and your courage to embark on a journey that your heart leads you 🙂
Will be visiting the Canadian Rockies, and will definitely visit the Athabasca Glacier!!!
That looks like an amazing place – thats going on my list
Tristan
Beautiful photos! Glad to know I wasn’t the only one who wondered if you slipped when doing that jump 😉 haha. Great post!
My God daughter used to drive one of those busses…she now works for Canadian Pacific organising very high class trips…. her father took us to Athabasca Glacier…. Two things excited me. Seeing a hanging glacier looking just like the one my geography teacher dew on the chalboard using coloured chalks back in about 1960.
And..the treese stunted in their growth by the cold ice wind off the glacier. I couldn’t help but speculate what wonderful tone wood for violins thwere would be in those trees…. slow grown timber is essential.
brrrrrr, …
Oh wow, how gorgeous!
Great post, I got to do the glacier trek on the Athabasca glacier this summer with Austin-Lehman Adventures. What a trek it was, probably the highlight of my trip to Canada. Its not everyday you get to walk on a glacier, especially when your from Los Angeles!!!
Keep up the great post!
Thanks Keith. Sounds like a great excursion.
Nancy & Shawn
Hehe, thanks Monica! Funny enough, I didn’t slip & fall when I landed. 🙂
Looks amazing. I would love to go here. And I’d definitely take your advice and watch my step, don’t think I’d fancy having a cold, soggy foot in those temperatures. Love that last pic – very brave!
Those vehicles are serious business. Looks like an adventure for sure! 🙂
The Icefield parkway is indeed gorgeous! 🙂 I would definitely do it again… for sure!
Thanks for your comment Donna.
Cheers,
Keith
My husband and I took the excursion to Athabasca Glacier with Brewster while on a Tauck tour. It’s a fun stop along the gorgeous Icefields Parkway. We’d do it again.