Your Guide to the Columbia Icefields

For a truly otherworldly experience, you need to visit Canada’s Columbia Icefield. Ancient and ethereal, this striking landscape is the amalgamation of thousands of years of the earth’s movement. It has become a popular destination for visitors to Canada, who are looking for a different kind of excursion. Here, are some of the questions asked about the Columbia Icefield and how you can make the most of your trip.

Where can I see glaciers in Canada?

Canada is home to a massive number of glaciers. Predominantly located in Arctic Canada and the western mountain ranges – with 17,000 in BC and Alberta alone, few of them are as accessible as those in the Columbia Icefield where six major glaciers come together to form a place of wonder and beauty.

What is the difference between an icefield and a glacier?

Mainly size – an icefield is generally larger than a single glacier as it usually a combination of multiple glaciers. Where the landscape is flat, an icefield can form. Glaciers form when layers of snow compress over many years, creating a thick sheet of ice; they often form towards the edge of an icefield.

Is it safe to walk on a glacier?

It’s fine to walk on a glacier as long as you have the proper clothing and equipment and with an experienced guide. The main issue insofar as safety is concerned is that crevasses can form underneath the snow, which could lead to a fall. This is why a lot of glacier tours use a rope to connect walkers so that if someone should fall they can be easily helped back up.

With a Discover the World tour, you will have an experienced driver-guide who will not only teach you how to safely traverse the glaciers, they can also give you fascinating information about the history of the glacier itself.

How long is the Columbia Glacier tour?

The Ice Explorer Glacier Tour takes one and a half hours, and operates between April and October. During the tour, you’ll enjoy a ride on a specially designed vehicle, called the Ice Explorer. You’ll be taken across the icefield atop 333 metres of ice, where you can see incredible views of the ice stretched out around you.

Blues, greys, and sparkling whites give the icy world around a beautiful colour palette that make for an unforgettable excursion during Canadian adventure.

How do I get to the Columbia Icefield?

The Columbia Icefield is located one hour south of Jasper and two and a half hours north of Banff along the Icefields Parkway. This is hailed as one of the most scenic drives in the world. From the road, you can see glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. There are also many spots along the way where you can stop for a picnic or just to have a moment to take it all in.