Exit Search

7 things to know about the Athabasca Glacier

May 25, 2023

Get to know one of the world’s most visited glaciers

 

Deep in the Canadian Rockies, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the region’s most loved sights. This icy attraction draws people from across the country, thanks in part to its proximity to the Icefields Parkway – making it easily accessible. Visit between May and early October and you can step onto the glacier itself. Tours introduce people to the glacier’s history, key features and the nearby ecosystems that rely on its existence. If you’re a keen hiker, you can embark on a 5–8.5km trek with a professional guide, enjoying incredible views of the surrounding rockies and an intimate look at the glacial landscape along the way.  

Here, 7 things to know about the Athabasca Glacier. 

 

1. Athabasca is one of the world’s most accessible glaciers, and among North America’s most visited

While many great glaciers are tucked into remote mountain ranges or accessible only by long trek, Athabasca is one of the easiest to reach, located just off the Icefields Parkway. This winding stretch of road running from Lake Louise to Jasper is widely reputed as one of the most scenic highways in the world, and was named by National Geographic as one of their Drives of a Lifetime. If you’ve chosen to hire a car and explore the region independently, there’s a public parking area at the foot of the glacier, where guided tours depart. 


The Icefield Parkway is one of the world's most scenic drives.
The Icefield Parkway is one of the world's most scenic drives.

 

2. It’s part of the Columbia Icefield

Athabasca Glacier is well known across Canada and beyond, but few realise it’s one of six major glaciers fed by the Columbia Icefield – the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. The other glaciers – Castleguard, Columbia, Dome, Saskatchewan, and Stutfield – also flow from the icefield; Saskatchewan is the largest, but none are as accessible as Athabasca.

The sprawling Columbia Icefield straddles the Alberta-British Columbia border, covering approximately 230 sq km with snow and dense ice. It’s believed to have started forming over 200,000 years ago and has continued to evolve with the changing climate.


Exhilarating hiking tours are available at the Athabasca Glacier.
Exhilarating hiking tours are available at the Athabasca Glacier.

 

3. The average snowfall is seven metres per year

The sheer size and altitude of the Columbia Icefield means that the weather is constantly changing. In fact, scientists believe that it can create its own weather systems. Each year, the Athabasca Glacier is thought to receive seven metres of snow, but much of it falls in the winter months, outside of the peak tourist season. Visitors can walk on the glacier between May and early October, but prepare for cooler temperatures on the ice. 


The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is a great place to learn about the natural wonder.
The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is a great place to learn about the natural wonder.

 

4. The nearby Glacier Skywalk is an architectural marvel

Opening in May 2014, the 400 metre long Glacier Skywalk was designed to showcase the majesty of the icy landscape, and encourage visitors to connect with their surroundings beyond simply driving the parkway. Thanks to this feat of engineering, visitors can walk the 1km marked path before stepping onto the glass-bottom walkway, which extends from the cliffside over the Sunwapta Valley. The self-anchored, horseshoe-shaped suspension sits 280 metres above the valley floor, so views below are spectacular.

Along the way, detailed signage takes visitors on a journey, sharing historical tidbits and pointing out notable sights. 


The Glacier Skywalk is an astonishing feat of modern engineering.
The Glacier Skywalk is an astonishing feat of modern engineering.

 

5. The Terra Bus, which takes people to the glacier, is one of just 23 in the world

In order to traverse difficult terrain like the Columbia Icefield, specialised vehicles are required. Enter: the Terra Bus – a six-wheeled, off-road bus, built specifically to withstand freezing conditions. These heavy-duty buses are manufactured in Calgary, and can be found in just two places around the world – the Canadian Rockies, and the McMurdo Antarctic research station.

Terra Buses allocated to the Athabasca Glacier are fitted with large windows for visibility, making the journey onto the ice an exhilarating one. 


Heavy-duty Terra Buses transport people across the glacier.
Heavy-duty Terra Buses transport people across the glacier.

 

6. The Columbia Icefield is nicknamed the Mother of Rivers

As its main accumulation straddles the Continental Divide, and forms what’s known as the ‘hydrographic apex of North America’ or the centre of water distribution on the continent, the Columbia Icefield is commonly nicknamed the Mother of Rivers. The meltwaters from the icefield’s various glaciers travel thousands of kilometres, flowing through many rivers and eventually draining into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. 


The Athabasca Glacier flows into the Athabasca Glacier, filling it with vibrant blue water.
The Athabasca Glacier flows into the Athabasca Glacier, filling it with vibrant blue water.

 

7. In the past 125 years, the Athabasca Glacier has halved in volume

At its most recent advancement 175 years ago, the Athabasca Glacier once reached all the way to where the Icefield Centre stands today. But while advancement and retreat are normal for glaciers, NASA scientists believe that it has receded a staggering 1.5km in the last 125 years, and continues to do so at a current rate of approximately five metres per year. If you visit the site, you’ll see eerie markers denoting where the glacier once reached. While climate fluctuations affect glacial movement, it’s believed that global warming is having a profound impact on this and many other glaciers around the world. 

For now, stepping foot onto the Athabasca Glacier is still a magical experience open to all. But this natural gem can’t be taken for granted.


Date markers at the Athabasca Glacier indicate how much the glacier has receded over time.
Date markers at the Athabasca Glacier indicate how much the glacier has receded over time.

RELATED TOURS
$2,499 Flight Offer
Travel from:May 2025
Travel until:Aug 2025
Canada
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
7 Night Alaska Cruise

7 Night Alaska Cruise

Typically $6,902
Now
$4,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:May 2025
Travel until:Aug 2025
Canada
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
7 Night Alaska Cruise
Leisurely Pace
Typically $6,902
From
$4,499 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Aug 2024
Travel until:Sep 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$4,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Aug 2024
Travel until:Sep 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
7 Night Alaska Cruise
From
$4,999 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jul 2024
Travel until:Jul 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
Typically $14,531
Now
$12,099 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jul 2024
Travel until:Jul 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
Ocean
Typically $14,531
From
$12,099 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:May 2025
Travel until:Aug 2025
Canada
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$2,299 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:May 2025
Travel until:Aug 2025
Canada
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Group Tour - Classic
From
$2,299 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Sep 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Typically $9,295
Now
$7,699 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Sep 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Typically $9,295
From
$7,699 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Sep 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Independent
Leisurely Pace
Typically $7,950
Now
$6,290 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Sep 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Independent
Leisurely Pace
Ocean
Typically $7,950
From
$6,290 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:May 2025
Travel until:Aug 2025
Canada
$99pp deposit
7 Night Alaska Cruise
Partially Escorted
Typically $8,684
Now
$7,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:May 2025
Travel until:Aug 2025
Canada
$99pp deposit
7 Night Alaska Cruise
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
Typically $8,684
From
$7,499 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Apr 2025
Canada
Independent
Moderate Pace
From
$3,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Apr 2025
Canada
Independent
Moderate Pace
7 Days
From
$3,499 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Aug 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Rocky Mountaineer
Partially Escorted
Typically $8,875
Now
$6,899 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Aug 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Rocky Mountaineer
Partially Escorted
7 Days
Rocky Mountaineer badge
Typically $8,875
From
$6,899 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Aug 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
7 Night Alaska Cruise
Partially Escorted

7 Night Alaska Cruise

Typically $8,958
Now
$6,373 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Aug 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
7 Night Alaska Cruise
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
Holland America badge
Typically $8,958
From
$6,373 AUD
pp twin share
Limited Time Only
Travel from:May 2025
Travel until:Aug 2025
Canada
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$5,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:May 2025
Travel until:Aug 2025
Canada
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Group Tour - Classic
From
$5,999 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Sep 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Independent
Leisurely Pace
Typically $14,143
Now
$10,253 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Jun 2024
Travel until:Sep 2024
Canada
$99pp deposit
Independent
Leisurely Pace
7 Days
Typically $14,143
From
$10,253 AUD
pp twin share
Processing...