Embark on an unforgettable journey to the stunning Athabasca Glacier with the Columbia Icefield Guided Glacier Hike. This 3-hour adventure, led by ACMG-certified guides, promises an up-close encounter with dynamic glacial features like crevasses and icefalls. Discover the glacier’s fascinating history through an informative interpretive program, and explore the icy terrain while staying safe and comfortable in the provided gear. Whether you’re an active individual or a family with children aged 7 and up, this tour offers a truly breathtaking experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. But what makes this guided glacier hike truly unique?
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Guided Tours In Banff National Park.
Key Points
- The guided glacier hike on the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield is a 3-hour, 5 km roundtrip experience with a 200m elevation gain.
- The hike is led by ACMG-certified guides, providing an informative interpretive program about the glacier’s history and landscape.
- The tour is priced from $99.18 per person and includes all necessary gear, such as micro-spikes and warm layers.
- The hike is suitable for active adults and children aged 7 and up, though those with certain medical conditions or under 7 are not permitted.
- Participants have praised the guides’ extensive knowledge and the tour’s breathtaking glacier exploration, making it a highlight of trips to the Columbia Icefield.
Tour Overview
Although the Guided Glacier Hike on the Athabasca Glacier is part of the expansive Columbia Icefield, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore this magnificent natural wonder up close.
Priced from $99.18 per person, the 3-hour experience takes guests on a 5 km roundtrip walking tour with a 200m elevation gain. Led by an ACMG-certified guide, the hike allows visitors to witness crevasses, meltwater streams, and icefalls up close.
The tour also includes an informative interpretive program to learn about the glacier’s history and landscape.
With a reserve now and pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this guided glacier hike is an accessible and flexible way to experience the Columbia Icefield.
Loving the local insights? Here are more guided experiences we recommend in Banff National Park
Pricing and Availability
The Guided Glacier Hike on the Athabasca Glacier is priced from $99.18 per person, offering a flexible and accessible option for visitors.
The tour lasts 3 hours and covers a 5 km roundtrip with a 200m elevation gain. Guests can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour operates at an elevation of 2000m, so some may experience shortness of breath.
Guided Glacier Experience
Exploring the Athabasca Glacier on foot with an ACMG-certified guide offers visitors a captivating opportunity to witness the glacier’s stunning features up close.
The 5 km roundtrip walking tour covers a 200m elevation gain, allowing participants to navigate the glacier’s crevasses, meltwater streams, and icefalls. The interpretive program provides valuable insight into the glacier’s history and ever-changing landscape.
Equipped with micro-spikes, rain gear, hiking poles, and warm layers, visitors can safely explore this natural wonder. The tour’s highlights include learning about the glacier’s formation and witnessing its powerful, dynamic forces firsthand.
This immersive experience is suitable for active adults and children aged 7 and up, making it an ideal adventure for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlights of the Tour
During the guided glacier hike, visitors can marvel at the glacier’s captivating features.
Led by ACMG-certified guides, the 5km roundtrip walking tour takes hikers on a 200m elevation gain to explore the Athabasca Glacier.
Along the way, they’ll encounter crevasses, meltwater streams, and stunning icefalls that showcase the glacier’s dynamic nature.
The interpretive program provides insight into the glacier’s history and landscape, ensuring an educational and immersive experience.
With all necessary gear, including micro-spikes and warm layers, provided, hikers can safely traverse the ice and learn about this awe-inspiring natural wonder.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyMeeting and Starting Point
Adventurers gather at the Icefield Information Centre parking lot, the designated meeting point for the guided glacier hike. From this central location, guests embark on a 5 km roundtrip journey to explore the wonders of the Athabasca Glacier.
| Meeting Point | Icefield Information Centre parking lot |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 2000 meters |
| Duration | 3 hours |
The guided tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the glacier’s captivating features, including crevasses, meltwater streams, and dramatic icefalls, all while learning about the glacier’s fascinating history and landscape from an ACMG-certified guide.
Gear and Equipment Provided
The guided glacier hike tour provides all the necessary gear and equipment for safe exploration of the Athabasca Glacier. Participants will be outfitted with micro-spikes, rain gear, hiking poles, boots, gloves, hats, and warm layers.
These specialized items are essential for traversing the uneven, icy terrain and protecting against the elements at the high-altitude location. The tour operator ensures guests have everything they need to enjoy the experience comfortably and securely.
However, the glacier hike may not be suitable for children under 7, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or other pre-existing medical conditions due to the strenuous nature of the activity and elevation.
Participant Suitability
Suitable for adults aged 19 to 99 and children aged 7 to 18, the guided glacier hike traverses terrain at an elevation of 2000 meters, where some participants may experience shortness of breath.
Unfortunately, children under 7 aren’t permitted on the tour, nor are individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or pre-existing medical conditions, as the hike may be too physically demanding.
The tour operator ensures all necessary safety equipment is provided, including micro-spikes, rain gear, and warm layers, to ensure participants can explore the glacier’s crevasses, meltwater streams, and icefalls safely and comfortably.
Customer Testimonials
With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews, the guided glacier hike on the Athabasca Glacier has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from previous participants.
Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s extensive knowledge and ability to create an engaging, educational experience. Families and active seniors particularly recommend the tour, noting it offers a unique opportunity to explore the glacier’s captivating features like crevasses and meltwater streams.
Many describe the hike as a highlight of their trip to the Columbia Icefield, emphasizing the breathtaking scenery and well-organized logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Hiking Equipment?
You can bring your own hiking equipment, but the tour provider recommends using the gear they provide for safety reasons. This ensures proper fit and condition of the equipment for glacier exploration.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There is no minimum group size requirement for this glacier hike tour. Individuals can book and participate in the tour without needing to be part of a larger group. The tour accommodates solo travelers as well as smaller groups.
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour is intended for human participants only, and does not accommodate animals. Safety and environmental considerations preclude the inclusion of pets on this glacier hiking experience.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour does not have any specific dietary restrictions. Participants should bring their own snacks and drinks as needed. The tour provides all necessary equipment and gear for the glacier hike, but does not include meals.
How Accessible Is the Meeting Point for Those With Disabilities?
The meeting point at the Icefield Information Centre parking lot may not be fully accessible for those with mobility impairments. The tour itself is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues or pre-existing medical conditions.
Recap
The Columbia Icefield’s guided glacier hike offers an unforgettable adventure. Traversing the stunning Athabasca Glacier, participants explore its dynamic features with the guidance of ACMG-certified experts. This 3-hour tour provides an informative and safe experience for active individuals and families, with all necessary gear included. Whether seeking breathtaking scenery or insights into glacier history, this guided hike delivers an exceptional wilderness adventure.
You can check if your dates are available here: