Jasper: Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Ice Explorer Ticket

Experience the incredible beauty of the Columbia Icefield in Alberta, Canada with this comprehensive tour, priced at $96 per person. Spanning one day, it combines an exhilarating Ice Explorer ride, a walk on the Athabasca Glacier, and the vertiginous Skywalk above Sunwapta Valley. This tour is perfect for those eager to see glaciers up close and learn about their impact on the landscape, with a mix of adventure, education, and spectacular views.

From the moment you arrive at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center, the adventure begins with a guided tour led by knowledgeable guides. The Ice Explorer, a specially designed vehicle, takes you onto Athabasca Glacier for a ride that is both thrilling and informative. You get 20 minutes on the glacier to walk, touch, and drink glacier water, offering a once-in-a-lifetime connection to this ancient ice. The tour also includes a visit to the Skywalk, where a glass-bottomed platform provides breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and surrounding mountains.

While this tour offers many highlights, it’s worth noting that parking can be limited at the Discovery Center, which might affect some plans. Also, weather conditions can influence the experience—tours may be rescheduled or canceled if weather turns poor. This tour offers a well-organized and engaging way to explore the Columbia Icefield with experienced guides and a variety of memorable activities.

Key Points

• Includes guided ice field tour with the Ice Explorer vehicle ride
• Walk and touch the 25,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier
• Experience the Skywalk’s glass platform with spectacular views
• Taste glacier water straight from the ice
• Learn about glaciers’ role in shaping the landscape from expert guides
• Accessible and well-organized, with multilingual audio guides

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Center: Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center in Jasper, AB-93. Travelers must make their own way to the center, which serves as the main hub for the excursions. Shuttle services to the glacier and Skywalk are included, ensuring smooth transfers between stops. The center also provides restrooms and a café, though food and drink are not included in the tour price.

Visitors should arrive prepared with passport or ID, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. The tour departs frequently, every 15-30 minutes, so booking ahead is recommended, especially in peak seasons. Wheelchair accessibility and multilingual audio guides enhance the experience for a diverse range of visitors.

Riding in the Ice Explorer: A Glacial Adventure

The Ice Explorer vehicle is a massive, specially designed transport that takes visitors onto Athabasca Glacier. The guided ride lasts around one hour, during which the driver shares fascinating facts and stories about the glacier’s geology and climate change impacts. The vehicle’s unique design allows for safe travel over the uneven ice, providing a stable platform for sightseeing.

Once on the glacier, visitors have about 20 minutes to walk, touch the ice, and drink glacier water directly from the source. Guides encourage you to appreciate the glacier’s size and fragile beauty, emphasizing its importance to the region’s water supply. The walk offers an unparalleled perspective on the ancient ice, which is 25,000 years old.

The Experience of Walking on the Athabasca Glacier

Walking on the Athabasca Glacier is a highlight that makes this tour stand out. The thick ice underfoot creates a surreal environment, with the chance to touch the cool, dense ice and savor glacier water. The guided walk is designed to be informative and safe, with guides sharing insights into glacier melting patterns and climate change.

This activity takes place directly on the glacier, giving visitors a rare opportunity to connect physically with a world-famous natural wonder. The 20-minute time allotment allows for a meaningful visit without feeling rushed, though it’s best to dress warmly and wear comfortable, grip-soled shoes.

The Skywalk: A Thrilling Viewpoint Over Sunwapta Valley

After exploring the glacier, the tour proceeds to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, which is perched 918 feet (279 meters) above the Sunwapta Valley. The glass-bottomed platform extends outward, offering spectacular vistas of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. It provides a dizzying perspective on the rugged landscape below.

The Skywalk includes a multilingual audio guide to enhance understanding of the scenery and geology. While some reviews note that the Skywalk can feel smaller than expected, the views remain breathtaking, especially when the weather is clear. The experience is designed to be accessible, with information and pacing suited for most visitors.

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Guides and Commentary: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Throughout the tour, guides and drivers are praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and engaging storytelling. Many reviews highlight guides like Andy, Rocky, and Morgan for their humor, insights into glacier history, and ability to make complex topics understandable. Their enthusiasm helps make the experience educational and fun.

Live commentary is provided in English, with multilingual audio guides available at the Skywalk, enriching the experience for international visitors. The guides’ passion for the natural environment and local history shines through, adding depth to the visit.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Columbia Icefield

Visitors should bring warm layers, including gloves and a waterproof jacket, as weather atop the glacier can be unpredictable. Comfortable shoes with good grip are essential for walking on ice. Taking a bottle to fill with glacier water is a small but memorable touch.

Note that food and drink are not included in the tour, so packing snacks or a light meal is advisable. The Discovery Center offers options, but some reviews mention overpriced meals, so plan accordingly. Parking at the center can be crowded, so arriving early or later in the day might improve chances of parking.

Duration and Flexibility of the Tour

The entire experience lasts about one day, with tours departing at various times throughout the day. Visitors can spend about 20 minutes on the glacier and have as much time as desired at the Skywalk. The tour duration allows for a comprehensive visit without feeling hurried.

Because weather can affect the schedule, booking on your first available day provides flexibility for rescheduling if needed. The activity includes shuttle transfers from the Discovery Center, ensuring smooth movement between stops.

Overall Value and Who Will Appreciate This Tour

At $96 per person, this tour offers a rich mix of adventure and education. The guides’ expertise, stunning scenery, and the unique activities—walking on a glacier, riding the Ice Explorer, and standing on the Skywalk—make it a worthwhile investment.

It suits anyone interested in nature, glaciers, and scenic views, especially those who enjoy learning about climate change and geological formations. The accessibility features and multilingual guides make this tour inclusive for a broad audience.

The main limitations are parking availability and the potential for weather-related cancellations. Still, the organized nature of the tour and the enthusiastic guides ensure a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about one day, with time on the glacier and at the Skywalk included.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided Ice Explorer tour, entry to the Skywalk, live English commentary, multilingual audio guide at the Skywalk, and shuttle transfers between stops.

Is there an age limit for walking on the glacier?
The official data does not specify age restrictions, but walking on the glacier requires comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Always follow guide instructions.

Can I spend more than 20 minutes on the glacier?
You can stay on the glacier for up to 20 minutes but are free to spend additional time exploring the scenery or taking photos.

Is the Skywalk accessible for everyone?
Yes, the Skywalk is designed to be accessible, with multilingual audio guides enhancing the experience.

What should I bring for the glacier walk?
Warm clothing, gloves, comfortable shoes with good grip, and a camera are recommended. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included; visitors can purchase at the Discovery Center or bring their own.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours may be rescheduled or canceled due to inclement weather. Booking early allows flexibility in case of rescheduling.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is accessible to wheelchair users, and guides assist to ensure a smooth experience.

How crowded does it get?
The site can become busy, especially in peak season, so early or late visits might offer a quieter experience.

Can I visit the Columbia Icefield during winter?
The data indicates availability usually in the morning, afternoon, and evening, but weather conditions can influence accessibility year-round.

This Columbia Icefield tour combines adventure, education, and breathtaking views into a well-organized experience. Whether you’re walking on ancient ice, riding the Ice Explorer, or standing on the Skywalk, it’s a memorable way to connect with one of nature’s most impressive glaciers.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby