Question 1

How much does it cost to visit the Columbia Icefield?

Accepted Answer

The combined Ice Explorer and Skywalk tour starts around CA $109 for adults and CA $70.85 for children. Skywalk-only tickets run CA $41 for adults and CA $26.65 for kids. Children five and under ride free, but you should book online at least two weeks ahead because prices rise with demand.

Question 2

Do I need a national park pass for the Columbia Icefield?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every adult needs a Parks Canada day pass, which costs CA $12.25, just to drive the Icefields Parkway and park at the Discovery Centre. Youth 17 and under enter the national park for free.

Question 3

When is the Columbia Icefield open?

Accepted Answer

The attraction operates seasonally from May 1 to October 12. Daily hours run between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during peak summer, shrinking slightly in May and October. Outside this window, the Discovery Centre and all glacier tours shut down completely for winter.

Question 4

How long does the Columbia Icefield Adventure take?

Accepted Answer

The combined Ice Explorer and Skywalk experience takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours round-trip from the Glacier Discovery Centre. This includes 15 to 25 minutes of actual walking time on the Athabasca Glacier. If you only visit the Skywalk, expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes walking the 1-km loop.

Question 5

How far is the Columbia Icefield from Banff and Jasper?

Accepted Answer

Driving from Banff takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 180 km route north. Jasper is much closer. You can reach the Discovery Centre in about an hour by driving 108 km south from the Jasper townsite.

Question 6

What should I wear on the Athabasca Glacier?

Accepted Answer

Bring warm layers and wear flat, closed-toe shoes with grippy soles like sneakers or hiking boots. The glacier surface is about 15°C colder than the Discovery Centre, and conditions often shift from bright sun to a snowstorm in minutes. You should also bring a water bottle to fill straight from the glacial meltwater.

Question 7

Is the Columbia Icefield wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though you must call 72 hours in advance to book one of the two Ice Explorers equipped with a wheelchair lift. The Skywalk features a flat, 800-metre paved loop that easily accommodates wheelchairs and strollers. The Discovery Centre requires climbing 75 stairs from the lower parking lot, but an alternate ramp pathway is available.

Question 8

Can you walk on the Athabasca Glacier without a guide?

Accepted Answer

Walking onto the ice outside the marked tourist zones is dangerous and strongly discouraged. The glacier is full of hidden crevasses covered by snow bridges, which have caused fatal falls in the past, including a child in 1990. To walk safely on the ice, you must take the guided Ice Explorer tour or hire a specialized mountaineering outfitter.

Columbia Icefield Guides

Icefields Parkway: The Complete Guide to the Drive Between Lake Louise and Jasper

Athabasca Glacier Ski Touring: Routes, Season, Hazards, and What It Takes to Go

Ready to visit Columbia Icefield?