Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This will be the highlight of your trip through the Icefields Parkway!
A great way to explore a glacier. The Athabasca Glacier is easily accessible and the tours are moderate difficulty suitable for active people seeking a meaningful experience.
Great value for families, we supply all the gear required to comfortably explore the glacier.
IceWalks' guides are ACMG certified. Your friendly and informative guide will explain the natural history of the area and show you the many ice formations on the glacier.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
You will be provided micro-spikes (crampons for added traction on the ice) If you don't have your own: Rain gear, hiking boots, gloves, and hat
Warm layers - bring your own insulating layer
What To Expect
Athabasca Glacier
IceWalks' ACMG certified guides will meet you in the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre parking lot and gear you up for an unforgettable 3 hour interpretive glacier adventure. You will be shuttled a short distance to the trailhead. This 5 km roundtrip walking tour will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier and into the incredible landscape that is the Canadian Rockies. You will learn the rich history of the glacier and you will have spectacular views of the glaciated mountains. You will learn about and explore the many incredible ice formations on the glacier, which include: crevasses, mill wells (waterfalls into the depths of the ice), meltwater streams, and icefalls (from a safe distance). This will be the highlight of your trip on the Icefields Parkway. The pictures you take will capture the memories of a lifetime. No technical climbing experience required! Our tours are moderate in difficulty, suitable for young children who enjoy hiking and active seniors.
Options
Classic Half Day Glacier Hike
Reviews
319 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The hike was beautiful...
Todd R,
Sep 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00The hike was beautiful and our guide (Mike) was very informative and enjoyable. The experience and scenery were both excellent and something you may only get to do once in your life. The information about the hike was not extremely thorough, with the hike being longer than we expected which was a pleasant surprise. Everyone was very accommodating and they had plenty of extra clothing in case you are not sure what to bring.
Amazing way to explore...
Christie G,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing way to explore the glacier and see the magical formations in the ice. The hike was a little more strenuous than I thought. Well worth it! Remember dress in layers as the weather quickly changes throughout the adventure.
Exceptional Glacier Ice Walk tour - Jasper National Park
Laura A,
Aug 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour guide provided walking sticks which was necessary!! You might not think you need them but you will be glad you have them. Our guide Ana was knowledgeable and friendly. Keeping a good pace and answering all questions. It was a good hike to get to the glaciers. I expected just to walk on them for a short time, but we were hiking on the glacier for over an hour. Ana took us to so many interesting places on the ice. Waterfalls running through the glaciers. She took us to a place we refilled our bottles with clear glacier water. This tour far exceeded my expectation and will remain a highlight of our trip to the Canadian Rockies. Highly recommend the Glacier Ice Walk. Do not opt for the bus tour - we saw them up on the glacier and they only got out of the bus on the glacier for a few minutes - that group did not explore at all.
Highlight of our Banff trip!
Karthik E,
Aug 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is hands down one of the best experiences of our Banff trip. Nick is an amazing guide who helped us with the necessary gear, kept us entertained with the history & facts about the glacier and his expert guidance. He adjusts the hike pace to make sure everyone in the group is comfortable. He ensured we were safe while having fun. 10/10 recommend this.
Our guide Larry was great...
Sarah P,
Aug 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide Larry was great - informative and funny! We had a great time and learned a lot. Would definitely recommend.
Related Experiences
Operated by IceWalks