Columbia Icefield: Athabasca Glacier Tour & Skywalk Combo

Summary

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You’ll crunch across ancient glacier ice near Jasper, fill your bottle with pure snowmelt, and step out onto the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk over Sunwapta Valley—all with a local guide who knows every icy secret. It’s not just scenery; it’s that feeling of being tiny in all that space.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—boots squeaking against the ice, like rubber on a gym floor but colder, sharper. We’d just rolled off that big Ice Explorer bus (it’s huge, by the way—almost comically so) right onto the Athabasca Glacier. Our guide, Sam, grinned as he handed out advice about not wandering too far (“crevasses are real,” he said, half-joking). The air tasted weirdly clean, almost sweet. I actually filled my bottle straight from a meltwater stream—icy cold and honestly kind of addictive.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there. The Columbia Icefield just goes on and on—white and blue stretching under this grayish sky. Sam kept pointing out little details in the ice layers, talking about how fast it’s shrinking now compared to when he started guiding here. He seemed genuinely bummed about it, which made me pay more attention than usual. At one point I just stopped listening and watched a raven hop around someone’s backpack. Not sure why that stuck with me.

Afterwards we hit the Glacier Skywalk—a glass walkway hanging over this wild valley. My friend dared me to look straight down (I did, but my stomach hated it). There was this wind that made everyone huddle up for photos but also kind of laugh nervously together. The view is…well, you’ll see. On the way back to the Discovery Centre I kept thinking about how quiet everything felt up there—even with a group around you, it’s like your ears tune into something else for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk tour

• Board Ice Explorer at Discovery Centre
• Travel to Athabasca Glacier
• Listen to glacier and ecosystem commentary
• Walk on Athabasca Glacier
• Fill water bottle with snowmelt
• Visit Glacier Skywalk glass walkway
• Enjoy views and take photos
• Return to Discovery Centre

Top questions

How long is the Columbia Icefield tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Is transportation included to Athabasca Glacier?

Yes, you’ll board a specialized Ice Explorer vehicle from the Discovery Centre to reach the glacier.

Can I walk on Athabasca Glacier during the tour?

Yes, you can get out and walk directly on the glacier surface during your stop.

Is there a guide during the Columbia Icefield tour?

Yes, a knowledgeable local guide accompanies you throughout.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the Columbia Icefield tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What is included in the Columbia Icefield & Skywalk combo?

The tour includes guided drive to Athabasca Glacier and access to Glacier Skywalk with all taxes and fees covered.

What’s included

Your day includes guided transport aboard an Ice Explorer to Athabasca Glacier with time to walk on ancient ice and fill your bottle with snowmelt; entry to the dramatic Glacier Skywalk; all taxes and fees; plus an experienced local guide sharing stories along every stretch of road and ice.