Athabasca Glacier full-day hike: icefalls and seracs
Walk the full tongue of Athabasca Glacier to where the ice breaks into shattered pillars
A full-day guided hike on Athabasca Glacier covers the 10 km roundtrip to the icefalls at the head of the valley, with an ACMG certified guide, all technical gear, and stops to study crevasses, meltwater streams and ice formations. Departs at 10:15am from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre parking lot; bring your own lunch and warm layers. Moderate difficulty with short steep sections; suitable for active hikers aged 7 and up.
6h
Step-by-step itinerary
Full day glacier hike and exploration
- Meet guides at Columbia Icefield Centre
- Get geared up for the hike
- Shuttle to trailhead
- Hike 10 km roundtrip on glacier
- Explore icefalls and ice formations
- Enjoy lunch among seracs
- Learn natural history of glacier
- Return to starting point
The Experience
Athabasca Glacier sits on the Icefields Parkway and this tour takes you the full length of it. You meet your ACMG certified guide at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre parking lot, get fitted with micro-spikes for traction on the ice, and ride a short shuttle to the trailhead. From there the 10 km roundtrip walk unfolds across the glaciated landscape—crevasses open beneath you, meltwater streams cut through the ice, and mill wells drop straight down into the depths. The guide explains what you are walking through as you go, pointing out how the glacier moves and how the ice formations shift with the seasons.
The destination is the icefalls at the head of the valley, where pillars of ice called seracs stand on end like a shattered cathedral. This is where you stop for lunch—bring your own food and eat surrounded by broken ice and rock. The 6-hour tour is moderate in difficulty, with short steep sections and uneven terrain underfoot. You'll hike 10 km total, so you need to be comfortable walking that distance and climbing over rough ground. Children from age 7 can join if they are strong hikers; the guide will adjust the pace to keep the group together.
IceWalks provides micro-spikes, rain gear, hiking boots, gloves and a hat if you don't have your own—the only things you bring are warm insulating layers and food. The guide speaks English, French or German depending on the group. Boarding time is 20 minutes before the 10:15am departure, so arrive early; if you're late, you miss the tour.
What’s included
- ACMG certified guide in English, French or German.
- micro-spikes for traction on ice.
- rain gear, hiking boots, gloves and hat if you don't have your own.
- shuttle from the parking lot to the trailhead.
Operated by IceWalks
Is this one for you?This tour asks for 6 hours of continuous hiking over 10 km with short steep pitches and uneven ice underfoot, so it suits active hikers who enjoy sustained walking and don't need a gentler pace. The full-day route reaches the icefalls at the valley head—a destination the shorter half-day tour does not reach—so book this one if you want the isolation and scale of the glacier's interior, not just the lower sections.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 5 similar options
Athabasca Glacier full-day hike: icefalls and seracs★ 4.94 (33)6hEN · DE +1CA$ 208
Athabasca Glacier: Guided IceWalk Hike & Crevasse ViewsFeel the crunch of ancient ice on a guided Athabasca Glacier hike, explore crevasses and waterfalls, and learn glacier stories with gear included. Daily departures.★ 4.89 (419)3hENCA$ 138View ›
Athabasca Glacier: Guided Hike with Crampons & Small GroupStep onto Athabasca Glacier with a certified guide, small group, and all gear included. Walk across ice, hear glacier stories, and maybe even try ropework—book your spot.★ 4.82 (198)4hENCA$ 184View ›
Jasper to Banff: Icefields Parkway, Glacier Tour & SkywalkFeel the chill of Athabasca Glacier, walk the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, and ride along the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff with hotel pickup and picnic lunch.★ 4.90 (93)10hENCA$ 374View ›
Jasper: Evening Wildlife Tour with Hotel Pickup & Local GuideFeel the wild side of Jasper at dusk—spot elk, moose, bears, and more on a small-group wildlife tour with hotel pickup, live local commentary, and flexible stops.★ 4.67 (916)3h–4hENCA$ 97View › 
Top questions
What exactly are the icefalls I'll see at the head of Athabasca Glacier?
The icefalls are where the glacier breaks into seracs—tall pillars of ice standing on end—at the valley head where the ice is most fractured and unstable. This is the turnaround point for the hike and the spot where you eat lunch.
How long is the actual walking on this full-day glacier hike?
The roundtrip is 10 km (6 miles) and takes 6 hours total, including time to stop and study the ice formations, crevasses and meltwater features along the way.
What gear do I need to bring myself?
Bring warm insulating layers (the guide cannot provide these), your own lunch and snacks, and water. IceWalks supplies micro-spikes, rain gear, hiking boots, gloves and a hat if you don't own them.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 7 and up can join if they are strong hikers capable of walking 10 km over uneven terrain with short steep sections. The guide adjusts the pace to keep the group together.
What time does the tour depart and when should I arrive?
The tour departs at 10:15am from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre parking lot. Boarding time is 20 minutes before departure, so arrive by 9:55am; late arrivals miss the tour.
Do I need climbing experience or special fitness to hike Athabasca Glacier?
No technical climbing experience is required. The tour suits active people with moderate fitness; you should be able to hike 10 km and handle short steep sections and uneven ground. It is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or balance issues.
Athabasca Glacier full-day hike: icefalls and seracs
6h · EN · DE +1
from CA$ 208 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.9433 reviews
