Columbia Icefield Adventure Review: Glacier Tour + Skywalk Guide

Planning a visit to the Columbia Icefield in Alberta? Here’s what to expect from the full Columbia Icefield Adventure, including tips for booking, what the glacier tour is really like, and if the Athabasca Glacier Skywalk is worth it.

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Standing on a glacier had always felt like one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments, the kind of travel experience you hear about, file away, and quietly hope you’ll get to do someday. On my recent Alberta road trip, that moment finally happened. I visited the Columbia Icefield in early May, just as the season was beginning. The air had that crisp bite you only get in the mountains, and the crowds were thin. I booked the Columbia Icefield Adventure, which takes you out onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer vehicle and ends with a walk on the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform hanging over the Sunwapta Valley.

And just to make the day even more dramatic? It snowed, hard. Visibility came and went in waves, the wind picked up over the ice, and everything felt a little wilder than expected. But honestly, that made it even cooler (literally and figuratively). It felt like I got a glimpse of the glacier in its rawest, realest form.

If you’re planning a trip to Alberta and wondering if this experience is worth adding to your itinerary, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect, how to book it, what to pack, and whether the Skywalk lives up to the hype. Spoiler: it kind of does.

Don’t forget to check out all of my Alberta blog posts to make the most of your roadtrip!

Columbia Icefield Adventure Review

What Is the Columbia Icefield?

The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle, a massive frozen expanse tucked high in the Canadian Rockies, straddling the border between Banff and Jasper National Parks. Covering nearly 325 square kilometres, it feeds eight major glaciers, including the famous Athabasca Glacier, which is the one most visitors see and experience up close.

The Athabasca Glacier itself is about 6 kilometres long and roughly 90–300 metres thick, but it’s also rapidly retreating. Since the late 1800s, it’s lost over 1.5 kilometres in length, and continues to shrink more each year. Seeing it in person feels like stepping into a frozen moment in Earth’s history, one that might not look the same for future generations.

This is why the Columbia Icefield Adventure is such a powerful experience. It’s not just about the scenery (though the scenery is stunning). It’s about standing on ancient ice, formed thousands of years ago, and realizing just how dynamic and fragile these landscapes really are.

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What Is the Columbia Icefield Adventure?

The Columbia Icefield Adventure is a guided experience run by Pursuit that lets you explore the heart of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic glacier: the Athabasca Glacier. It includes two parts:

1. A ride in a massive Ice Explorer vehicle that takes you right onto the glacier, where you can get out, walk around, and take in the surreal landscape.
2. A visit to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored viewing platform that extends out over the edge of the Sunwapta Valley, with nothing but mountain air beneath your feet.

The full experience is about 2.5 to 3 hours long and starts at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, right off the Icefields Parkway, halfway between Jasper and Lake Louise. You’ll board a regular shuttle bus at the Discovery Centre, then transfer to the Ice Explorer for the glacier portion. After your time on the glacier, another shuttle takes you to the Skywalk, and eventually back to the centre.

This is one of the only ways to safely and responsibly access a glacier in Canada without doing a technical tour or a long hike. The glacier is constantly shifting — and walking on it without proper training is dangerous — so this tour makes it possible for most visitors to experience it up close.

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How to Book Your Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour

If you want to stand on the Athabasca Glacier and walk the Glacier Skywalk, you’ll need to book the Columbia Icefield Adventure, which is the official tour run by Pursuit. You can also buy your ticket in person at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, located along the Icefields Parkway. That said, it’s smart to book ahead, especially in July and August, when tours often sell out (even in early May the tour was full).

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices can vary slightly depending on the season, but as of 2025:

• Adults: around $105 CAD
• Children (6–15): around $65 CAD
• Children under 5 are free, but must sit on an adult’s lap in the Ice Explorer.

Tour Schedule + Duration

Tours typically run from May through early October, depending on weather and glacier conditions. The full experience, including the Ice Explorer, time on the glacier, and the Glacier Skywalk, takes about 2.5 to 3 hours in total.

When I visited in early May, the tour had just started up for the season, and there were still plenty of snowy moments, but everything ran smoothly.

Where to Park

There’s free parking at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, and that’s where all tours begin. Once you check in, you’ll board a standard shuttle that takes you out to the glacier access point.

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Part 1: The Glacier Tour

Once you check in at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, the first leg of the tour begins with a short shuttle ride to the base of the Athabasca Glacier. This is where you’ll transfer to the Ice Explorer, a massive six-wheeled vehicle specifically designed to drive on glacial terrain.

The Ice Explorer looks and feels a bit like something out of a sci-fi movie: huge tires, steep angles, and slow-but-steady momentum as it climbs onto the ice. The descent onto the glacier is surprisingly steep, and a bit of a thrill, but it’s all incredibly smooth and safe. Did you know that there are only 23 Ice Explorer in the world? Columbia Icefield has 20 and the 3 remaining are in the Arctic. Pretty cool right?

What It’s Like on the Glacier

Once you’re parked on the glacier itself, you’ll have around 20–30 minutes to walk around, take photos, and just… absorb it. I visited in early May, and even though the snow was falling hard, it didn’t take away from the moment. If anything, the weather added to the drama of it, the mountains felt moodier, the wind colder, the glacier even more otherworldly.

You’re standing on ice that’s been building for thousands of years, and as cliché as it sounds, it really does make you feel small in the best way. The guides are available to answer questions, and there are cones set up to keep everyone in the safe zone.

What to Wear and Bring

• Dress warmly. Even in summer, it’s cold on the glacier. Bring layers, gloves, and a waterproof jacket, especially if there’s wind or snow.
• Good shoes. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with traction are best. The surface can be slick and wet, especially early or late in the season.
• Camera/Phone. But be prepared to tuck it away between shots, your fingers will freeze quickly.

This part of the experience was absolutely the highlight for me, even with low visibility and snow in my face, it felt surreal and unforgettable.

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Part 2: The Glacier Skywalk

After your time on the glacier, the shuttle takes you to the second part of the Columbia Icefield Adventure: the Glacier Skywalk. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the Discovery Centre, perched high above the Sunwapta Valley.

This stop is less about snow and ice, and more about soaring cliffs, dramatic mountain views, and that feeling of standing on the edge of something huge.

What Is the Glacier Skywalk?

The Skywalk is a glass-floored platform that extends 30 metres out from the cliffside, 280 metres (918 feet) above the valley floor. You can see straight down through the glass , rock, river, and tiny trees far below.

You’ll walk along an interpretive trail first, with displays about geology, wildlife, and the formation of the Rockies. Then you reach the platform itself.

What It’s Like

I’ll be honest: if you don’t love heights, the Skywalk might make your stomach flip. But it’s totally safe, and incredibly cool once you ease into it. The glass is thick and sturdy, and the views stretch endlessly in every direction. That said, the Skywalk is a quicker stop, you likely won’t spend more than 20–30 minutes here. It’s less interactive than the glacier itself, but still 100% worth doing, especially since it’s included in the tour.

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Is the Columbia Icefield Adventure Worth It?

If you’re planning a trip through the Rockies, chances are you’ve seen photos of the Columbia Icefield and wondered, is this tour actually worth it? Here’s my honest take after doing it in early May, in the middle of a snowstorm: Yes, if you know what to expect.

What Makes It Worth It:

• You get to walk on a glacier. That alone is bucket list material. The landscape feels vast and humbling, and the fact that it’s disappearing makes the experience even more powerful.
• It’s accessible. Not everyone can hike deep into the backcountry or book a heli-tour. This is one of the few ways most people can safely step onto glacial ice.
• The guides are great. I learned a lot from the short presentations, and I appreciated that they still ran the tour despite the unpredictable May weather.
• It’s perfect for a road trip break. If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway, this is a fantastic way to stop, stretch, and see something unforgettable.

What to Keep in Mind:

• It’s structured and short. You’ll spend about 20–30 minutes on the glacier, which might feel fast if you’re expecting more of a hiking-style experience.
• Weather is unpredictable. My visit was in a snowstorm, and I couldn’t see the full mountain views. But honestly? It still felt magical in its own way.
• It’s a bit touristy. Yes, it’s popular and polished, but sometimes those experiences are still worth it.

Who Will Enjoy It Most:

• First-time visitors to the Rockies
• Families or travelers who want an accessible adventure
• Photographers (bring your wide-angle lens!)
• Anyone who’s fascinated by glaciers, geology, or climate

If you’re looking for solitude or backcountry vibes, this isn’t that. But if you want to step onto a glacier, learn something new, and soak up a truly wild place, even for just an hour, it’s a solid yes.

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Tips for Visiting the Columbia Icefield Adventure

A little planning can go a long way on this tour, especially when you’re dealing with high elevations, mountain weather, and glacier conditions. Here’s what I wish I’d known before I went:

Book Ahead

The Columbia Icefield Adventure is one of the most popular attractions in the Rockies. Book your spot online in advance, especially if you’re traveling between late June and early September. Same-day walk-up spots are limited, and you don’t want to make the drive only to miss out.

Dress for Mountain Weather

Even in summer, the weather on the glacier can be cold, windy, and unpredictable. Layer up, bring a warm jacket, and don’t forget gloves and a hat, especially in spring or fall. I visited in early May, and it snowed hard the entire time.

Wear Proper Footwear

You don’t need hiking boots, but you do need grippy shoes. Sneakers with solid tread work fine. The ice is slick, you’ll be walking on packed snow and uneven surfaces.

Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of time to park, check in, and use the washroom before your tour. The shuttles run on a schedule, and if you miss yours, you may not be able to join a later one.

Don’t Expect Solitude

This is a guided group tour, and you’ll be sharing the glacier with other visitors. If you’re hoping for a peaceful solo moment in nature, this isn’t that, but it’s still a pretty incredible experience.

Bring Snacks

The Discovery Centre has a café and gift shop, but options are limited and expensive. Pack water and a few snacks for the road, especially if you’re coming from Jasper or Banff.

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What to Do Nearby

The Columbia Icefield Adventure is one of the most iconic stops along the Icefields Parkway, but it’s far from the only one. If you’re driving between Jasper and Lake Louise, there are plenty of other incredible places to stop , before or after your tour.

For a full breakdown of stops, distances, and what to expect on this scenic route, check out my full guide: Best Stops on the Icefields Parkway.

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Final Thoughts: One of Alberta’s Most Unforgettable Experiences

I knew the Columbia Icefield Adventure would be impressive, but I didn’t expect it to feel so otherworldly. Even with the wind howling and snow swirling around me, stepping out onto the Athabasca Glacier felt like pressing pause on the rest of the world. Yes, it’s a polished, guided experience. Yes, it’s popular. But there’s something about standing on ice that’s thousands of years old, surrounded by jagged peaks and shifting weather, that makes you feel connected to something much bigger.

If you’re planning a road trip through Banff and Jasper, this is the kind of stop that turns a beautiful drive into a truly memorable one. Just be sure to dress warm, pack your curiosity, and leave some space in your day to be wowed. Because even in a snowstorm, this place will leave you speechless.

Don’t forget to check out my other Alberta blog posts to make the most of your road trip in the Rockies!

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