Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure Review: Walking on Athabasca Glacier
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When my friend and I left our chalet that morning, the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure wasn't even on our itinerary.
A flat tire and a change of plans meant we had less time to explore than we'd originally hoped, so we started looking for an activity that would let us experience the Canadian Rockies without spending the entire day hiking. That's how we ended up booking the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure.
I'll admit, I wasn't sure what to expect. From the outside, the Columbia Icefield Center is huge, and my first thought was that this was going to be a giant tourist trap. But, I couldn't have been more wrong.
Instead, we spent the afternoon riding aboard a massive Ice Explorer, walking on the Athabasca Glacier, and learning more about one of the most unique landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.
If you're wondering whether the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure is worth the price, this review covers exactly what the experience is like, who I think it's best suited for, and a few things I wish I'd known before booking.
✈️ Traveling Tessie's Quick Take
Tour: Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Activity Level: Easy
Best For: First-time glacier visitors, families, and multi-generational groups
Traveling Tessie Approved? Yes ✓
What Is the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure?
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure is one of the most popular experiences along the Icefields Parkway, giving visitors the chance to walk on the Athabasca Glacier without needing any hiking or mountaineering experience.
The tour begins at the Columbia Icefield Center, where you'll board a shuttle to a massive Ice Explorer vehicle specially designed to travel across the glacier. After a 20-minute and surprisingly steep drive onto the ice, you'll have about 30 to 45 minutes to walk around the glacier, take photos, and even drink fresh glacier water straight from the source.
Your ticket also includes admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform overlooking the Sunwapta Valley. This was something that I didn’t realize was included when I purchased my ticket, but it’s nice to have it as an option if that’s something you’re interested in. My friend and I decided to skip the Skywalk because neither of us loves heights, and the guides were very accommodating. After dropping off guests visiting the Skywalk, our guide returned the rest of us to the Columbia Icefield Center.
My Experience on the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure
Arriving at the Columbia Icefield Center
When we pulled into the Columbia Icefield Center, my first thought was, "This is going to be a giant tourist trap."
The building is much larger than I expected, and the parking lot was packed with cars. Despite how busy it looked, parking was surprisingly easy thanks to the lot's size. I would recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before your scheduled tour to give yourself enough time to park, check in, and find your departure area.
Thankfully, the crowds never translated into the actual experience. Once our group boarded the shuttle to the Ice Explorer, everything felt much more organized. We never felt rushed or as if we were competing with hundreds of other visitors, which was a pleasant surprise, given how busy the visitor center was. There are about 50 people on each tour, and the tours depart every 15 minutes.
Riding the Ice Explorer
Seeing the Ice Explorer for the first time immediately made me smile. It reminded me of a similar glacier vehicle my mom and I rode in Iceland several years ago, although this one is even more impressive in person. The oversized tires and unique design make it look like something built for another planet rather than the Canadian Rockies.
The ride onto the Athabasca Glacier was easily the most exciting part of the tour. It took a little longer than expected to reach the glacier because the Ice Explorer travels very slowly, but it was a great way to build anticipation.
There's one section where the vehicle descends an incredibly steep hill before reaching the glacier. Even though you know your driver does this multiple times a day, it still gets your attention. It was equal parts nerve-racking and exciting, and I think everyone on board had the same reaction.
Our guide kept the ride fun by sharing interesting facts about the glacier and throwing in a few jokes along the way, making the drive feel just as much a part of the experience as walking on the ice itself.
Walking on Athabasca Glacier
Once we reached the glacier, we had about 45 minutes to explore on our own.
At first, that didn't sound like very much time, but it ended up being just right. There are designated areas where visitors can safely walk, so you won't have to hike long distances or wander far from the vehicle. Of course, one of the first things we did was drink the glacier water.
You can fill up a reusable water bottle or simply scoop it up with your hands. It was ice cold, incredibly refreshing, and one of those little experiences that make the tour feel even more memorable.
Although I've seen glaciers before in both Alaska and Iceland, there's still something fascinating about standing on one. Knowing that glaciers like Athabasca continue to shrink over time makes the opportunity feel even more special.
One thing I did notice was how many people arrived completely unprepared. I saw visitors wearing sandals, flats, dresses, and light clothing, and many of them struggled to walk on the slippery ice or looked cold throughout the tour. Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes, along with a few warm layers, will make your experience much more comfortable.
What to Know Before You Go
Arrive Early
The Columbia Icefield Adventure is one of the most popular attractions along the Icefields Parkway, so expect the visitor center to be busy. The parking lot is large, but it fills with tour buses and personal vehicles throughout the day.
I recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before your scheduled tour to give yourself enough time to park, check in, and find your departure area without feeling rushed.
Dress for Glacier Conditions
Even if it's warm in Banff, don't assume the weather will be the same on the glacier.
My friend and I came prepared with layers and waterproof hiking boots, and we were both comfortable throughout the tour. I was actually surprised that I never felt particularly cold.
Not everyone was as prepared.
I saw several people wearing sandals, flats, dresses, and lightweight clothing who struggled to walk on the slippery ice and looked miserable once we reached the glacier. At a minimum, I'd recommend wearing closed-toe shoes with good traction and bringing a packable jacket that you can easily throw on if needed.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
One of the fun parts of the experience is drinking fresh glacier water straight from the Athabasca Glacier.
You can scoop it up by hand, but bringing a reusable water bottle makes it easy to fill up and take advantage of the opportunity.
Don't Worry About the Skywalk
Your ticket includes admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, but you don't have to visit it if it isn't your thing.
My friend and I both skipped it because we're not fans of heights. Our guide simply dropped off the guests who wanted to visit the Skywalk before bringing the rest of us back to the Columbia Icefield Center, so we never felt like we were missing out or holding up the group.
How Much Does the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure Cost?
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure is one of the more expensive attractions in Banff, but I came away feeling like it was worth the price. Tickets start at around $125 CAD, which is a little under $100 USD.
You're not just paying to ride the Ice Explorer. You're paying for the opportunity to safely walk on the Athabasca Glacier, learn about one of the most unique landscapes in the Canadian Rockies, and experience something that's difficult to do on your own.
I also appreciated that the tour was well organized. From check-in to boarding the Ice Explorer, everything ran smoothly, and we never felt rushed once we were out on the glacier.
That said, I don't think this tour is for everyone.
If you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or an all-day excursion, you may find it a little underwhelming. But if you've always wanted to stand on a glacier without committing to a strenuous hike or technical tour, I think this experience strikes a great balance between accessibility and adventure.
Who This Tour Is Best For
After taking the tour myself, I think the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure is best suited for travelers who want to experience a glacier without the physical demands of a long or strenuous hike.
I'd especially recommend it for:
First-time glacier visitors who want an approachable introduction to walking on a glacier.
Families and multi-generational groups looking for an activity that almost everyone can enjoy.
Travelers who enjoy learning about the places they visit through guided experiences.
Visitors who are short on time but still want to experience one of the highlights of the Icefields Parkway.
I would probably skip this tour if you're looking for a more adventurous glacier experience. While walking on the Athabasca Glacier is incredibly unique, you're limited to a designated area, and the experience is intentionally designed to be accessible rather than physically challenging.
For me, that's exactly what made it enjoyable. On this particular trip, we were looking for something more low-key that wouldn’t drain our energy all day, since we had a lot on our list to see.
Not every traveler wants to strap on crampons and hike for miles across a glacier. Sometimes it's enough to simply stand on one, take in the scenery, drink fresh glacier water, and appreciate just how remarkable these landscapes really are.
This tour is also wheelchair-accessible, which surprised me, as it’s not something you typically see for a glacier tour. There are designated Ice Explorer vehicles with chair lifts, making this one of the most accessible glacier tours in North America.
The Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure wasn't originally part of our Banff itinerary, but I'm glad we pivoted and made time for it.
This isn't the most adventurous glacier experience you can book, and that's actually the point. It's approachable, well organized, and easy to fit into a day exploring the stunning Icefields Parkway. If you're traveling with family, visiting Banff for the first time, or simply want the chance to stand on a glacier without committing to a strenuous hike, this tour is a great option to consider.
I especially liked pairing it with scenic stops like Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Takakkaw Falls, which made the day feel much more complete. If you're planning a longer trip through the Canadian Rockies, you can see how I fit this experience into my full 5-day Banff itinerary, along with where we stayed, what we booked in advance, and the other tours that were worth adding to our trip.
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!