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
303 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great guided glacier hike
Todd F,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very cool experience hiking out on an actual glacier with our very engaging and informative guide, Rupert. He showed us the cool features of the glacier while always keeping the group on safe footing. He shared the history of the glacier and surroundings as well as providing great suggestions for hikes in the area following our guided hike.
This is an incomparable...
Estelle E,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is an incomparable experience. It was incredible to walk on a glacier and see its different features up close and learn how they were formed. Our guide, Mike, was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and personable. Do not pass up this opportunity!
Great organization and...
Emily C,
Aug 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great organization and guide. Company was very helpful with gear. Wonderful experience and highly recommend.
The walk on the Glacier...
Nancy C,
Jul 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00The walk on the Glacier was awesome and the guide was personable and knowledgeable. It remains the highlight of my trip. Be aware, the hike to the glacier was fairly strenuous.
Choose the operator that takes you to the boat glacier
ElisaMaria D,
Jul 24, 2025
- Viator
4.00Everything is well organized, but we walk on a huge, tiring hill before reaching the glacier. I saw another operator take the people in a small boat straight to the glacier. So I suggest you take the ride with that other operator.
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