We drove all day towards the glacier from lake Louise. The sights along the Icefields Parkway were constantly awesome, a neverending vista of peaks and glaciers. Around every corner was another photostop and although the weather deteriorated as the day wore on[our only day of rain in the whole month] we managed to come out of the rain and the skys began to clear as we got to Peto Lake, [do stop here-the colour of the lake is amazing] and then Athabasca glacier. What an awesome visit that was-a must do. We took the ice bus onto the glacier down an 18*slope-so exciting to see a glacier at such close quaters and actually be able to walk on it. Wear good non slip shoes or take a walking stick like i did!! and your camera-I guarentee you will be awed into silence.We paid less by prebooking at Banff Gondola for 3 attractions,[Lake Minnewanka,Banff Gondola and Glacier bus] but i believe you can do the same from the glacier visitor centre if you are doing the Parkway in reverse to Banff. It does save quite a bit as the tickets are not cheap-$57approx for glacier.Food is good at the visitor centre and not that expensive.We did the glacier tour first then did the walk from the bottom of the glacier car park later. Park first in the visitor centre carpark to dothe tour, then you can drive over to the other carpark, otherwise it is a lot of walking.

I'm so happy I had the opportunity to get this done. We took the bus onto the glacier and it was amazing. We had a small amount of snow cover and had a mini snow fight :) also it was recommended we fill up a water bottle with fresh glacial water and it tasted like so very refreshing and the fact that you're standing on a glacier is a truly memorable experience.

Excellent attraction - worth your time - do no pass it up if you are driving the Ice Fields Parkway!! Full service visitor center (no charge). Allow 1-2 hrs time for the visitor center itself. Another 1 hr for the glacier ride (optional) and well worth the expense. Price for food on the high side - so bring your own snacks. Be sure and use your AAA/CAA/AARP card to get your discount for the glacier excursion which is highly recommended ($45 Canadian with discount). You will need a warm coat and good shoes for the glacier excursion because you will spend 20 minutes walking around the glacier and that is more than enough time to experience the RAW air coming down the glacier from the Columbia Ice Fields. This attraction should be on everybody's "bucket list".

Even if you don't have the kit still go as gloves hats, boots, crampons etc are provided if required. Be prepared for a slight climb to begin, you will puff a bit if you normally live at sea level! Larry, our guide was brilliant, amazing enthusiasm and knowledge, I will never forgot all that I learned on this walk. It is dangerous without a guide, don't even think about going alone. The scenery is beautiful, the streams and mill wells awesome. It was good walking with a group of complete strangers, we all soon started to help each, working as a team. I would highly recommend this trip and drink the glacier water whilst you're up there! Fab