Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park: Everything You Need To Know

The Columbia Icefield is a region located in the southern portion of Jasper National Park. Nearly 75% of the Parks highest mountain peaks are located in this region - it is sure to leave you breathless!
The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies and covers more than 230 sq km (89 sq miles) and reaches depths up to 365m (1,200ft).
Here you can find: the famed Athabasca Glacier - the most famed and easily accessible glacier in the region, some great campgrounds, two remarkable lodges, beautiful hikes and views, and some wonderful tourist attractions.
If you’re visiting Jasper National Park the Columbia Icefield is an absolute must visit!
Table of Contents:
Getting To Columbia Icefield, Jasper

Getting to the Columbia Icefields can prove to be quite difficult without your own vehicle. The distance is too much to cover on foot, and other transportation methods could be quite expensive. Please note there is no public transit that will take you to the region. There are however Brewster Express Busses that can provide a roundtrip!
The drive to the Columbia Icefields, along Highway 93, lasts approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes and covers 142km (88mi). The speed limit along the drive can be heavily reduced at times due to traffic and wildlife crossings - please drive safely!
The drive from Jasper to the Columbia Icefield is absolutely beautiful and passes several famed viewpoints. Checkout our list of the best viewpoints in Jasper National Park and don’t hesitate to visit a few of them along the way.
Please note there is no gas station or EV charger at Columbia Icefield, or along Hwy 93 - so make sure you have enough! There is a gas station and 2 J-1772 charging plugs at the Saskatchewan River Crossing - roughly 50km (31mi) further. But this area usually closes in winter!

1. Personal Vehicle
By far the most preferred way to get to the Columbia Icefield, a personal vehicle will provide you all the flexibility needed to get the most out of the trip and certainly at the cheapest price!
2. Rental Vehicle
If you don’t have your own vehicle, renting a vehicle for the day is the next best option. Offering the same convenience and flexibility of having your own vehicle with you, but just at a higher cost with the rental fee.
3. Taxi Services
Taxis are not a viable option for getting to Columbia Icefields, the distance is simply too great to cover.
4. Brewster Express Bus

If you’re travelling without a vehicle - or maybe you just want to sit back and relax throughout the drive - there is an Express Bus offered by Brewster that will provide roundtrip service. The Columbia Icefield Bus has flexible pick-up/drop-off locations and cost only $55 roundtrip.
Please note they only operate this shuttle in the summer periods which typically spans
early May to early October.
Columbia Icefield Adventure

By far one of the most popular activities in the Columbia Icefields, the Columbia Icefield Adventure offers you a chance to see the Athabasca Glacier in a truly unique fashion. You’ll get to ride in an Ice Explorer (very large trucks) that effortlessly traverse up the icy and rocky landscape on your Athabasca Glacier Tour.
You’ll spend roughly 30min traveling from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center (Columbia Icefield Center) towards the exclusive walking area. Here, you will provided with some remarkable views and enjoy roughly 20min to walk on Athabasca Glacier - and of course drink right from the glacier itself! You’ll then enjoy a 30min ride back to the discovery center.
These tours are wheelchair accessible (please ensure the staff are aware at least 3 days prior to your adventure date) and free to children under the age of five - provided they share a seat with a parent. Pets are not welcome.

The Columbia Icefield Adventure typically operates from early May - mid October - weather depending. Be sure to check their online schedule to ensure it fits your travel plan. It is recommended that you arrive at 30min prior to your start time. Be sure to book your adventure well before your arrival date because they sell out very fast.
It should be noted as well that all Columbia Icefield Adventure reservations include reservations on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. You can book the Skywalk by itself - but not the glacier Adventure. Make your reservation.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is probably the 2nd most popular tourist attraction in the Columbia Icefields. It offers truly amazing views as you walk along a 400m (1/4 mile) platform and gaze down at the drop more than 280m (918ft) below.
You can book the Skywalk in person at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center or you can book it online to save some time. The tickets are reasonably priced at around $40 for adults and $25 for children.
You must park at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center and then take a shuttle to the Icefield Skywalk - shuttles depart every minutes and you are permitted to spend as much time as you need at the Icefield Skywalk.
The Skywalk usually operates from 10am - 6pm from early May to mid October and it wonderful way for tourists and explorers alike to experience the jaw dropping beauty that Jasper National Park affords. Pets are not welcome.'
It is also one of the very few places in the Rockies where, if you’re lucky, you will be able to spot some mountain goats!
Columbia Icefields Activities
Regardless of your age and skill level, there are several attractions - other than the Skywalk Icefield Adventure - that are guaranteed to please everyone.
1. Visit The Waterfalls

There are several wonderful waterfalls that are only a short distance from the Discover Center: Tangle Falls, Stanley Falls and the famed Sunwapta Falls are all nearby! Panther Falls - located in Banff National Park - is also only a short 10min drive from the location!
Be sure to visit our Waterfalls of Jasper National Park blog to learn more!
2. Hiking

There are several good hikes located in the region, but our personal favorites are: Wilcox Pass, Parker Ridge Trail, Boundary Lake and the Toe of the Glacier. Some of these hikes are also featured on our best hikes list for Jasper National Park.
5. Grab Some Food
There is only one restaurant located near Athabasca Glacier - Altitude Restaurant - and a couple others located just over a half our drive away: those being the Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge Restaurant and the Mount Wilson Restaurant located in the Saskatchewan River Crossing.
Altitude Restaurant and the Sunwapta Restaurant are fairly expensive but the food is usually pretty good - but possibly not worth the price. The Mount Wilson Restaurant is quite cheap in comparison - but this is reflected in the quality.
There are also plenty of picnic areas in the local area incase you bring your own food - and you can always grab Starbucks in the Discovery Center if all else fails.
Columbia Icefield Hiking - Columbia Icefield Hikes
There are 4 main hikes to do in the Columbia Icefields that we personally just absolutely love: Wilcox Pass, Parker Ridge Trail, Boundary Lake, and the Toe of the Glacier.
1. Wilcox Pass

Yet another one of the best hikes in Jasper National Park, there are ample chances to see wildlife, get some amazing views and get your photos taken in the famed red chairs of Parks Canada.
The trail is 11.6km in length (7.2mi) and contains 411m of elevation gain from point to point - but you can always turn around at the famed red benches (only 1.9mi - 3k).
2. Parker Ridge

A fairly easy, in-and-out hike that takes you near the summit of Parker Ridge and provides some amazing views of the surrounding mountain, lakes, and the Saskatchewan Glacier.
The trail spans 6.4km (4.6mi) and contains only 343m of elevation gain. Be sure you have reliable boots as this trail can be very, very muddy - but so worth it! You should
complete it in less that 3 hours
3. Boundary Lake
While it certainly won’t rival the beauty of Lake Louise, Boundary Lake is a hidden gem in terms of easy lake hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
The trail is only 2.9km (1.8mi) in length and is relatively flat with only 102m of elevation gain. You should be able to complete it in less than 2 hours.

Toe of the Glacier
By far the easiest trail on this list, the Toe of the Glacier provides you a better view of Athabasca Glacier - and the trail continues all the way to the Glacier if you wish. The trail is only 1.4km (.86mi) in length and only has 62m of elevation gain.
Columbia Icefields Accommodations

There are several options that accommodate any budget when it comes to Accommodations at the Columbia Icefields.
1. Hotels
There are several hotels near Columbia Icefields, the primary one being the Glacier View Lodge, the lodge is a perfect place for couples to stay, the rooms are very sleek and modern, and the lodge offers some wonderful dinning. You should expect to pay upwards of $450 for a night.
2. RV Camping
The only RV option is the Columbia Icefields RV Campground- which is essentially a parking lot located right near the Discovery Center. It is a self serve site for about $17 a night.
3. Campgrounds
you have two options - Wilcox Creek Campground and Columbia Icefields Campground - we highly recommend the Columbia Icefields Campground. These are both first come first serve, self payment sites starting around $17.
4. Hostels
If you’re travelling on a budget, but don’t have the equipment for camping, there are a couple to choose from: HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel and HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia Icefield Closer to Jasper or Banff?
The Columbia Icefield is closer to Jasper - only about an hour drive south of the town. Compared to roughly 2 hours from Banff.
When is the best time of day to visit Columbia Icefields?
Can you drive to Columbia Icefields?
Is there cell service at Columbia Icefields?
What is the temperature at Columbia Icefields?
Comments