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
294 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Icefield glacier hike - Athabasca Glacier - Columbia Icefield
Steven R,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great hike up to the tongue of the glacier and hike on the glacier surface. Tamara was a great guide - knowledgeable and good humored
A great hike on the glacier with Tyler!
Michael S,
Jul 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Tyler was our guide and it doesn’t get any better than him. Extremely knowledgeable, witty and funny, and took care of his tour group. As for the glacier hike it’s an incredible experience we highly recommend if you truly want to experience the glacier. We did the morning hike and had perfect weather.
Family friendly Canadian Rockies experience must do
Lisa J,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great experience. Our guide, Nick, was very informative and enthusiastic. We went with our 10 and 11 year olds and they had an unique experience with being able to wear cramp-ons and stand on the glacier. Definitely worth it.
The 3 hour ice walk was...
KASEY C,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00The 3 hour ice walk was great! Got to hike a ways up the glacier and see down in several deep crevices. Was pretty strenuous but we we're able to complete with our 8 year old son no problem. Kenton was our guide with Mike assisting. They did an awesome job!
It was an amazing...
Alise d,
Jul 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was an amazing expercience! Great tour with dedicated time for pictures and also explanation about Glaciers.
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