Right at the top of our do to list while visiting the Canadian Rockies was the Columbia Icefield and for good reason!
The Columbia icefield is the largest in North America outside of the arctic circle and feeds into 8 glaciers including Athabasca , the one we got to visit.
Where is the Ice field
Located along the Icefields parkway, an 181-mile stretch of road, officially called Highway 93, which links Banff with Jasper in Alberta. Along the way, it passes an incredible four national parks and three provincial parks.
Columbia Icefield is around 185 km away from the town of Banff.
Who we booked with
We booked our tour of the Columbia Icefield with Discover Banff. Our guide for the trip was Nick and our transport for the day was Eddie, the old but reliable mini bus.
How much did it cost
Initially, when booking the price of $260 per adult did make my eyes water. However, on reflection and going by prices in Canada this was a good deal.
The cost includes
- Hotel pick up and drop off;
- Transport to and from the icefields;
- Several stop offs at points of interest along the way;
- A wealth of information and entertainment from our guide, Nick who was not only informative but also very funny and friendly;
- Lunch; and of course
- Entrance and transport onto the ice field and skywalk, which was all arranged by our guide when we arrived.
Up to date prices can be found here.
On the tour with us were about 20 other people, from all over the world, everyone was so friendly and made the experience extra memorable. Discover Banff promise to keep the tour groups small and personal, which we really liked.
What we seen and done
The tour itself lasts around 11 hours and had plenty of stops en-route through Banff National Park for the most beautiful photo opportunities and for toilet breaks. Granted 11 hours does sound long! Especially as we had a six year old in tow, but there was so much to see and learn about along the way and with the time spent out on the glacier and skywalk, the day flew in. Before we knew it we were back at our hotel, three tired but happy little ice explorers.
Crowfoot Glacier view point
Our first stop of the tour was the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint in Banff. As you can see the glacier somewhat resembles a crows foot (minus a lobe as the glacier is receding) which is why explorers gave it this name.
Megan was delighted to be able to get out of the bus and stretch her legs, but not so delighted to have to pose for all the photos!
Lake Peyto
Peyto lake is in Banff National Park and is probably the most stunning colour of blue we seen on our whole trip #no filter. This was an unscheduled stop, as the road isn’t always open, but our guide was happy to make the stop and we are so glad he did!
The lake itself is named after Wild Bill Peyto, originally from England he made his way to the Rockies. Bill began work on the rail road before becoming a mountain guide and one of the first park rangers. There is an infamous story of how Bill let a lynx which he had earlier caught free in a bar – Wild Bill indeed!
Saskatchewan Crossing
We stopped at Saskatchewan crossing to eat our packed lunch. I have eaten lunch in a lot of different places around the world, but standing here looking out at the amazing views, will certainly take some beating. Our guide knew the best picnic bench with the best views so took off like a rocket when we stopped to claim it for us!
We ate as a group with Nick our guide, who was full of information about the local wildlife, sharing personal stories of his run in with a wolf late one night on that very road.
Columbia Icefield / Athabasca Glacier
It wasn’t long before we arrived at the Columbia Icefield ready to take our ice explorer to the Athabasca Glacier. The glacier itself is the most visited one in North America due to its easy access. They advise not to travel on the glacier without a guide as it can be very dangerous.
Our guide for this part of the trip was Alek, if you have ever met him, wow, I don’t suppose you will ever forget him. Everything and I mean everything is followed by ‘Excellent’. He certainly added to the experience. He had everyone on the bus in roars of laughter!
Alek was very knowledgeable and passionate and one of the only, if not the only local tour guide at the ice field being from Jasper. He was full of great information about the area and the glaciers. He also shared stories of what it’s like to work and live on the ice!
On the Ice
We were taken right out onto the glacier in the ice explorer as seen above, these trucks have been specially modified to go on the glacier and do it little to no damage. Alek drove the massive ice explorer like an expert and put us at ease even during the 32 degree incline. What goes down, must come up – remember that for the ride back!
Sadly the Glacier is receding at around 5 metres per year and has receded more than 1.5 km in the past 125 years. Our tour guide had plenty of photos to show us of how it used to look until now. If you plan to go, I would advise going sooner rather than later, it wont be around forever.
Now when you book and receive the confirmation email it advises you bring hat, scarfs, gloves and coats – just do it!!!!
I’m not going to lie, it was absolutely freezing and very wet and slushy underfoot. This is probably due to the amount of visitors and the fact the ice is melting. You get 30 minutes out on the ice to walk around and get some pretty amazing photos. We only lasted about 10 minutes, before hopping back on the truck. It is not always this cold up there and being mid July we didn’t know what to expect. My advice would be to layer up and be prepared for anything – don’t forget your sunglasses the reflection of the sun on the ice can be pretty full on.
Skywalk
Daddy is afraid of heights so stood back while Mummy and Megan made the walk. The walkway sits 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley. The skywalk isn’t for the faint hearted especially with it’s a glass floor.
The walk way was very busy with tourist sitting and lying across glass floor desperate to get that perfect insta worthy shot. It also, I am told was built to be flexible so does bounce slightly.
Along the way there are lots of exhibits showing the history of the walk way. You can also pick up a audio guide on your way in, to really enhance your experience.
Getting here is done via the glacier visitors centre on a free shuttle bus, which was included in our tour.
Lake bow
Our last stop of the day was at lake bow on the bow river. The lake is absolutely huge and well worth a stop, in a very peaceful atmosphere. Water in the lake comes from the Bow Glacier.
We couldn’t resist one last photo with our flag.
Bear spotting
Now this isn’t guaranteed anywhere, but the chances of seeing a bear in Canada are good. Our guide was constantly on the look out for wildlife on the drive to the ice fields and back. He knew all the hotspots and places where the last sightings had been. Luckily on the drive back we seen two black bears just walking along the side of the road in search of food.
The tip is to keep your eyes peeled for cars pulling in with their indicators on. Although rumour has it the locals may take part in a little game involving pulling up at the side of the road, just to see how many tourists they can get lined up behind them!! The record I believe is 9!
If you do get lucky the trick is to not get out of your car or bus. The bears will either run away or run at you – either way you won’t get to see them for very long.
Would we recommend the tour
Yes 100 per cent. If you don’t drive this is an ideal option to see and learn about some of the best parts of Banff and Jasper national parks. The information we picked up from our guide Nick , we would never have known had we drove ourselves.
Megan absolutely loved the tour of the Columbia Icefield. If you are in doubt about taking young ones along, we would say go for it. Megan loved looking out the window wildlife spotting on the drive to the ice fields. She brought her ipad along for the drive home and even got a wee pre dinner snooze in also!
Top tips
- Bring snacks and drinks, however there is water on the bus if you run out. The lunch provided is substantial.
- Try not to fall asleep on the drive home this is prime time for wildlife spotting.
- Layer up, even in July we managed to pick a day which was extremely cold on the glacier.
- Ask the guide questions, if they don’t know they will make it up! These guys are really well informed they love their job and they know their stuff.
- Remember not to take anything out of the parks, Jasper is a protected park and nothing should be removed. Also it stops the spreading of disease.
Thanks for taking the time to read our post. If you have any questions drop us a message and we will happily answer.
The Lewis family.
For further posts about our time in Canada click here.
This sounds like a fantastic day out.
Yes, it is sad that glaciers are receding rapidly all around the world.
We would love to do this tour one day.