Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk
4.7
Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk
By Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure
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About
Discover the Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Glacier aboard an ice explorer vehicle equipped to handle the rugged ice landscape. Frequent tour departures and flexible scheduling mean you won’t be tied down to a single tour time; that means you can secure your tickets in advance then show up on your own schedule.
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Ages 0-99, max of 14 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Ride an ice explorer across the Athabasca Glacier
- See top landmarks in a dramatic, frozen landscape
- Stroll the glass Glacier Skywalk after the ice explorer tour
- Show up at any time during the day for a hassle-free departure
- Guided drive to Athabasca Glacier
- Access to Glacier Skywalk
- Guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Infant Tickets are free but are required for Attraction
- Entry/Admission - Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
What's not included- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from Glacier Discovery Center
- Start:
- 93 Icefields Pkwy, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, CanadaColumbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Center. Latitude 52°13.220 N and Longitude 117°13.441 W.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3026P48- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
- Most travelers can participate
- Infant Tickets are free but are required for Attraction
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3026P48
From
$83.38
per adult
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Itinerary
- 93 Icefields Pkwy, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, CanadaColumbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Center. Latitude 52°13.220 N and Longitude 117°13.441 W.
- 1No trip to Jasper is complete without a visit to the famed Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies. Jaw-dropping views of towering mountains, rocks, ice and pure white snow as far as the eye can see. From the Discovery Centre, you will board a specialized Ice Explorer that will take you down a frozen roadway to the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way, your driver will provide commentary about glaciers, their impact upon the local ecosystem, and the environmental changes rapidly transforming these massive scenic wonders. Once you reach the Athabasca Glacier, you will have the opportunity to hop out, walk along the glacier and even fill up your water bottle with pure, pristine snowmelt. Once the tour is complete, you will head over to the Glacier Skywalk, where you will walk along the glass bottom walkway out over the cliff's edge. After stopping to appreciate the incredible view and capture a few photographs, it's back to the Discovery Center.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 885owenh0 contributionsDisappointed Global TravellerWe will be in Jasper 13-15 June 2025. we wanted to do the Ice Explorer tout without the Skywalk due to my wife suffering serious vertigo and couldn't do the Grand Canyon one as well. Is there any possible way I doing the Ice Explorer only?Written February 20, 2025
- Amr32100 contributionsLovely lovely experience.What an amazing experience. Let’s start with the drive there, WOW. Such beauty for miles and miles. Most beautiful drive I’ve ever made. Just stunning. You go through several micro weather patterns as you ascend. Once there, we were glad to see a Starbucks on site where we got a nice hot beverage. Because it was much much colder than Banff. The tours are extremely well organized, like to the t. The experience was lovely and we felt extremely fortunate to have seen a glacier. They are receding at such fast pace, doesn’t seem like they will be around very much longer. That part was sad and heartbreaking. Guides were super knowledgeable and courteous. The big trucks are comfortable to ride, try to get a window seat on the right side of the bus while going there so you can see the glacier as you travel there. We were only able to be on the glacier for a short amount of time before it started snowing so hard it was white out conditions. But even that changed several times during our time there. So be ready for multiple weather changes.Written January 12, 2025
- jsd260 contributionsWell worth the tripAn efficient and well-run operation. Buses take you from the Discovery Centre to the edge of the Athabasca Glacier where you transfer onto the massive Icefields Explorer for the 15 minute trip on to the Glacier. Our driver Cassie might have been the shortest of all the Explorer drivers but she made up for her lack of height with a big, fun personality. She concentrated hard when she needed too - on the 28° incline - and got us safely on and off the Glacier. Plenty of time is available on the Glacier before the transfer to the Skywalk. The Skywalk is well designed with an approach full of interpretative boards before you reach the Skywalk itself. With great views, a glass floor and as much time as you want to take there is plenty of fun to be had on the Skywalk before the bus journey back to the Discovery Centre.Written January 3, 2025
- Beachcomb_330 contributionsDo it!Just do it! Yes, it is pricey but totally worth it. You get to ride in an ice explorer and then get to walk out onto the glacier for pictures. For me, it was a once in a lifetime experience. Nice sized gift shop and coffee shop on site. Do it!Written December 31, 2024
- 808travellove0 contributionsGlacier AdventureThis is a very well organized establishment. The bus drivers were so fun and friendly, it actually made the ride feel like part of the tour. The glacier portion was ok. It was slushy and very windy making it quite difficult to "walk". However many people seem to be having a blast. The sky walk was fine. Once we headed back, we were pretty famished and made our way to the cafeteria to one of the most disappointed food I've had. The price was very inflated and food quality poor. it was the last day of service so maybe that contributed to the quality.Written November 2, 2024
- BigSsxy0 contributionsVery nice glacier experience & informative tour but...Sick kidsOur kids were feeling sick & nauseous after finishing glacier tour, due to this we wanted to skip the sky walk but there was no direct shuttle or any transportation back to the main building so we're had to sit throughout the skywalk then ride drop everyone off then finally back to main building. The bus could have dropped us off at the side of the road or even create a safety/drop off point/zone? beside the parking lot as it was heading down and passing the main building. There really should be a courtesy/safety shuttle that can take people back to the main building what if someone was injured or had an medical emergency? That would be more terrible PR news that would spread over worlds social media. (We were already hesitant to doing the tour with the bus roll deaths that happened in 2020)Written October 18, 2024
- Doug G0 contributionsGreat timesThe trip out onto the glacier was amazing, our guide Logan was very knowledgeable and open to answering any of our questions.we had a warm sunny day that was excellent for pictures.Written October 17, 2024
- Sharon S0 contributionsAmazing!!It was amazing. We had a good time, it was the most worthy tour we experienced during our 3 weeks Canada trip. We would like to have it 2nd time when we next time to Jasper.Written October 16, 2024
- francJ2285VM0 contributionsSuch a cool, fun excursionThis was one of the highlights of our trip! Loved it!! Jackson, our driver to the glacier was so personable and gave a great talk on the glacier before we arrived! Enjoyed his humor & personality!!Written October 10, 2024
- Hrvaidya0 contributionsAmazing experience of Ice fieldAmazing experience, strongly recommend taking ride with Jackson. Ice field is one of it’s kind of experience, that cannot be missed.Written September 30, 2024
- MineolaKMaher0 contributionsThe Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, made even better by our driver Jackson!My Globus Tour booked us on the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure and I wanted to give a shout out to Jackson, the driver/guide for the Ice Explorer, who made the experience so great! Jackson was full of interesting information and had a great wit that kept us all entertained!! Being on the Glacier was a thrill, and we got wonderful pictures. Jackson truly made this a very memorable experience.Written September 30, 2024
- MaartenSNetherlands0 contributionsAmazing trip towards a special placeA big thanks towards Ewel! Our tour guide towards the Glacier! Funny guy, lots of knowledge and good driver! The trip was very special and worth any centWritten September 29, 2024
- gutierrezkaleigh0 contributionsAshley is the BEST!!We had an amazing time exploring the glacier with Ashley. She was so knowledgeable and funny and it created a fantastic experience for us. P.s. Hi Ashley's mom!Written September 29, 2024
- Debasis D0 contributionsIcefield adventureIt was an experience of the lifetime. Fantastic guide. Fantastic glacier experience. Recommend anyone coming to Alberta to visit here.Written September 28, 2024
- jamesjK3809MX0 contributionsAmazing hospitality shownGreat service and hospitable nature displayed by the altitude restaurant supervisor Liam as well as the servers. 10/10 would go agan.Written September 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
1,006 reviews
Excellent
839
Very good
103
Average
32
Poor
17
Terrible
15
Cindy D
Tallahassee, FL86 contributions
An incredible experience even in cloudy and cold weather! Breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. We booked through Brewster tours a month ahead of time and drove from Banff, about 2-1/2 hour drive to the Icefield Center. The drive is awesome even if you don’t do the glacier tour. On the drive there were several pull-overs with port-a-potty type bathrooms, and a little over half way there was large rest stop with food, store and gas. But…the glacier experience is worth the price. . We were there Oct 4 so we needed heavier jackets (recommend down filled) gloves, hats, etc. so…we did not stay out on the ice very long, but they give you plenty of time to look around and take photos if you want to. The Skybridge is a must see too. Everything went smoothly from ticketing to finishing the tour. The Icefield Center is large with restaurants, gift shop, and a Starbucks! Employees were friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Cudos to our Glacier bus driver Ashley. Amazing.
Written October 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had an incredible experience, even with the chilly weather. The Canadian Rockies truly are breathtaking! We appreciate your tips for future visitors and will pass along your kind words to Ashley and our team. We hope to see you again for more adventures!
Cheers,
Sam L Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield
Written October 5, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Niaz P
37 contributions
This was out of the world amazing experience. I would recommend getting the pursuit pass which you can choose a quad a little experience to do in the Rocky Mountains.
This was one of them as well as the skywalk.
I went by myself and my mum stayed in the cafe area.
You need to make sure that you’re there around 15 to 10 minutes prior to your Departure and make sure that you have your passes either printed out or on your phone ready to be scanned.
I would recommend booking as early as you can. However, I just booked the day before and I got a lunchtime spot.
The bus takes you to a spot and then you get onto the actual big truck that takes you onto the glacier. We had an amazing driver Josh who gave us all the ins and outs about the glacier.
You spend about 30 minutes there.
I would recommend wearing enclosed shoes and public bringing a light jacket. I was wearing sandals and I was okay with a T-shirt however it was a bit cold and slippery, but I still enjoyed it.
We then came back to where our bus was and took the bus to the skywalk. It was amazing something that I would never forget specially the view. And then you just take any back to the starting point.
I will definitely recommend it. Once in a lifetime, but I’ll be back.
This was one of them as well as the skywalk.
I went by myself and my mum stayed in the cafe area.
You need to make sure that you’re there around 15 to 10 minutes prior to your Departure and make sure that you have your passes either printed out or on your phone ready to be scanned.
I would recommend booking as early as you can. However, I just booked the day before and I got a lunchtime spot.
The bus takes you to a spot and then you get onto the actual big truck that takes you onto the glacier. We had an amazing driver Josh who gave us all the ins and outs about the glacier.
You spend about 30 minutes there.
I would recommend wearing enclosed shoes and public bringing a light jacket. I was wearing sandals and I was okay with a T-shirt however it was a bit cold and slippery, but I still enjoyed it.
We then came back to where our bus was and took the bus to the skywalk. It was amazing something that I would never forget specially the view. And then you just take any back to the starting point.
I will definitely recommend it. Once in a lifetime, but I’ll be back.
Written July 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Niaz,
Thank you for your detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear you had an amazing experience on the glacier and enjoyed the Skywalk.
It’s great to know that Josh made your glacier tour memorable and that you found the Pursuit Pass valuable. We appreciate your tips about arriving early and being prepared with your passes.
Thanks for the advice on clothing and booking in advance—it’s really helpful for future visitors. We’re glad you had such a memorable adventure and look forward to welcoming you back!
Best,
Jon
Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Written August 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Philip R
Haringey, UK351 contributions
This was included in a one way road tour from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. Our tour bus driver checked us in to the team at the reception centre. The glacier visit was brilliant and full marks to Ewel who drove us down the rather steep path down to the glacier for our 20 minutes or so to walk around and take photos. A truly spectacular experience. Part two once we got back to the top was another bus to the Skywalk. Perhaps less impressive and crowds from a tour group lying on the glass floor to have their photos taken by others caused congestion. Personally I would have not allowed that and would have been a good Idea to have an illustrated sign to request people not to do that. To be honest if paid for alone ($40 per person?) rather than the inclusive glacier plus Skywalk is probably too much. Staff driving the vehicles were great. Souvenirs were expensive but this is an isolated location with all staff employed living close to the site. A must do if visiting the area.
Written October 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the glacier visit and appreciated Ewel's assistance. It’s great to know you found the overall experience spectacular. We also appreciate your feedback about the Skywalk and will consider ways to improve the visitor experience. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Cheers,
Sam L Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield
Written October 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Teresa A
20 contributions
Riding the Ice Explorer to the glacier and walking on glacier was awesome. The drive from Banff was spectacular- not to be missed
The Skywalk was part of tour and it was nice to be taken there on our own schedule.
Highly recommend this ‘combo’
We did not know there was a restaurant at the departure point so brought our own lunch
The food looked really good and was reasonably priced.
Be sure to bring a cup to drink glacier water and wear warm clothes! It was 2 degrees C in June!
The Skywalk was part of tour and it was nice to be taken there on our own schedule.
Highly recommend this ‘combo’
We did not know there was a restaurant at the departure point so brought our own lunch
The food looked really good and was reasonably priced.
Be sure to bring a cup to drink glacier water and wear warm clothes! It was 2 degrees C in June!
Written June 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Teresa,
Thank you so much for the review, we truly hope you enjoyed your time with us at the Columbia Icefield. We're very lucky to be located in such a beautiful national park, the drive from Banff is always a treat!
Sincerely,
Jon
Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Written June 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlotte T
1 contribution
Jun 2022
I just did the Icefields tour and Skywalk and had a great time! Our tour guide on the Glacier, Shayne, was hilarious and had a lot of energy (he kept the whole bus entertained and laughing during the entire experience - thanks Shayne!). At the Skywalk, we got a FREE guided tour from Delaney (another super helpful guide with loads of local knowledge). She had everyone on the skywalk jump up and down at the same time to see how much the skywalk would move (she explained that it's designed to move due to the strong weather conditions they can get there etc.) and it was actually a fun little adrenaline rush that no one expected!
The only things that could use some improvement are;
The main entrance to building isn't really big enough for the volume of people and, even if you just want to buy tickets to the tour etc, you HAVE to enter through the lineup to Starbucks (which can be a frustratingly long queue).
The external signage was also very confusing (it doesn't actually say "Entrance" anywhere) and it wasn't clear what level you're actually entering from (there are staircases everywhere since the building is on multiple levels).
It would also be great if they could drop you back at the main building for a short washroom break in-between the glacier tour and the skywalk experience since nearly everyone on the tour was commenting on this (especially the older guests, kids and anyone who'd actually bought a drink from Starbucks on their way in...)
Overall though, it was a really fun day and I would recommend this tour to anyone passing through Banff/Jasper National Parks!
The only things that could use some improvement are;
The main entrance to building isn't really big enough for the volume of people and, even if you just want to buy tickets to the tour etc, you HAVE to enter through the lineup to Starbucks (which can be a frustratingly long queue).
The external signage was also very confusing (it doesn't actually say "Entrance" anywhere) and it wasn't clear what level you're actually entering from (there are staircases everywhere since the building is on multiple levels).
It would also be great if they could drop you back at the main building for a short washroom break in-between the glacier tour and the skywalk experience since nearly everyone on the tour was commenting on this (especially the older guests, kids and anyone who'd actually bought a drink from Starbucks on their way in...)
Overall though, it was a really fun day and I would recommend this tour to anyone passing through Banff/Jasper National Parks!
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear C3807NLcharlottet,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review, we really appreciate the feedback. There is an entrance that does not take you into the Starbucks line, however, it is helpful for us to know that this was not clear - hopefully that will change!
Shayne and Delaney will be happy to know that you enjoyed their tours, we will be sure to pass on your kind words!
Sincerely,
Jon Brennan
Guest Experience Manager
Columbia Icefield
Written June 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Howard L
Park Ridge, IL1,123 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
It was a fantastic experience to actually walk on a massive glacier and also have a drink of the pristine glacial water right from the source (so good, cold, and refreshing!). It was windy and cold for our visit, but we were adequately dressed for it. It was actually a bit slushy by where the vehicles parked and our regular gym shoes got wet but not enough to soak our socks fortunately. Our tour guide told us he had never experienced such slushy conditions, but it got drier after walking maybe 100 feet away from the vehicles and towards the glacier source. You have to stay within a good sized roped off area which is checked every day for deep, dangerous, and potentially deadly crevices.
Getting to the Athabasca glacier aboard an Ice Explorer vehicle was also very interesting. There are only 23 of these specialized machines designed for glacier travel and 21 of them are located here at the Columbia Icefield and the other 2 are in Antarctica. It's a 6 wheel drive vehicle with 6 monstrous wheels and it can travel up or down a 35 degree incline, granted at only 5 mph, but it was a fascinating and impressive ride going to and fro. Besides the glacier walk, there is also an attraction on the site called the Skywalk. In fact, the way the Icefield tickets are structured, it's a mandatory visit as the bus will take you there from the glacier and not to the visitors center, and you take another bus back to the visitors center from the Skywalk.
Besides these two main attractions, the visitors center has a couple of cafeteria style restaurants and they are quite capable of handling the big crowds here. You can also enjoy some great views of the Athabasca glacier while having your lunch.
Getting to the Athabasca glacier aboard an Ice Explorer vehicle was also very interesting. There are only 23 of these specialized machines designed for glacier travel and 21 of them are located here at the Columbia Icefield and the other 2 are in Antarctica. It's a 6 wheel drive vehicle with 6 monstrous wheels and it can travel up or down a 35 degree incline, granted at only 5 mph, but it was a fascinating and impressive ride going to and fro. Besides the glacier walk, there is also an attraction on the site called the Skywalk. In fact, the way the Icefield tickets are structured, it's a mandatory visit as the bus will take you there from the glacier and not to the visitors center, and you take another bus back to the visitors center from the Skywalk.
Besides these two main attractions, the visitors center has a couple of cafeteria style restaurants and they are quite capable of handling the big crowds here. You can also enjoy some great views of the Athabasca glacier while having your lunch.
Written October 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for your detailed review! We’re glad you had a fantastic time walking on the glacier and enjoyed the refreshing glacial water. It’s great to hear that you found the Ice Explorer ride fascinating and learned about its unique capabilities. We appreciate your tips on dressing appropriately for the conditions and hope to welcome you back for more adventures!
Cheers,
Sam L Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield
Written October 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heeldawg1962
Savannah, GA248 contributions
An amazing experience! We drove up from Banff right after the experience reopened after the Jasper fire. The drive up the Icefields Parkway alone was worth the price of admission (give yourself some time to stop at some of the spots along the way). We combined the Icefields experience with the Skywalk and it was interesting—the guides were entertaining and informative, the views were breathtaking, and the whole thing reminded me of something out of a movie.
That being said, we weren’t impressed with the food at the restaurant. We had the buffet and the selections were limited, the food itself was mediocre, and it was quite expensive. I’d pack a lunch and find a spot to picnic in the way back if I did this again.
That being said, we weren’t impressed with the food at the restaurant. We had the buffet and the selections were limited, the food itself was mediocre, and it was quite expensive. I’d pack a lunch and find a spot to picnic in the way back if I did this again.
Written August 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your feedback and for choosing to explore the Icefields Parkway and the Skywalk with us! We're delighted to hear that you found the drive and the breathtaking views to be highlights of your trip. It’s great to know that our guides made the experience entertaining and informative.
We're sorry to hear that the restaurant didn't meet your expectations. We appreciate your input, as it helps us strive for improvement. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon!
Sincerely,
Jon
Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Written August 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fairycakes
Bristol, UK176 contributions
Firstly the glacier is amazing and it was a privilege to walk on it. This tour is ok but there is a lot of getting on and off buses. You take a bus to the glacier trucks , get on one of them and get taken to the glacier. There is a very small condoned off section to walk around. I understand they can't have hundreds of people walking around a larger area and crevasse can form which are dangerous but there is a lot of people all in a small area. 30mins is more than enough time there.
Whilst there we saw a walking tour which walk people up on the glacier and if you are fit and able I would recommend that instead. If I ever come back I would do that. The skywalk is just an add on. We've been on a few of these type things and again it's a good view and I guess if you're there its worth doing.
The cafe at the centre is a canteen style place, it's quite expensive but food was ok and super fast.
Whilst there we saw a walking tour which walk people up on the glacier and if you are fit and able I would recommend that instead. If I ever come back I would do that. The skywalk is just an add on. We've been on a few of these type things and again it's a good view and I guess if you're there its worth doing.
The cafe at the centre is a canteen style place, it's quite expensive but food was ok and super fast.
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed walking on the glacier and appreciate your insights on the tour logistics. We understand that the bus transitions and the limited glacier area can feel a bit restrictive, but this is in place to ensure safety due to the potential hazards of crevasses. We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance the experience within these safety guidelines.
It’s great to hear you’re considering the ice walks tour for a future visit—it's a unique way to explore the glacier up close. We’ll also take note of your comments on the Skywalk and café for improvement. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts, and we hope to provide you with an even better experience next time!
Sincerely,
Jon
Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Written August 31, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jemma Lovie
Aberdeen, UK132 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We recently visited the Colombia Icefields during our travel from Banff to Jasper. This tour was mainly as a way of breaking up the journey but quickly became one of the highlights of our holiday.
We were taken to the icefields welcome centre and served some delicious food before being driven up to the beginning of the glacier where we decanted into our off-road vehicles which was expertly driven by Abbey. Abbey was a fantastic enthusiastic guide who clearly loves her job, and this shines through in the way she made the trip fun whilst sharing great knowledge of the icefields and glaciers across North America on route, we found it very interesting and informative. When we arrived at the glacier Abbey offered to take photos of all the guests beside our truck, as well as against one of the most amazing backdrops you could ever hope to see, she then offered to take more photos whilst we were there, and travelling as a couple getting photos together is very much a welcome offer and much appreciated.
A particular highlight was having a refreshing, crisp, cold drink of glacial water direct from the source. I'd fully recommend taking a water bottle to fill up as this is encouraged by the guides.
Overall, this tour was a once in a lifetime, full of memories and not to be missed by anyone who has the opportunity to visit.
We were taken to the icefields welcome centre and served some delicious food before being driven up to the beginning of the glacier where we decanted into our off-road vehicles which was expertly driven by Abbey. Abbey was a fantastic enthusiastic guide who clearly loves her job, and this shines through in the way she made the trip fun whilst sharing great knowledge of the icefields and glaciers across North America on route, we found it very interesting and informative. When we arrived at the glacier Abbey offered to take photos of all the guests beside our truck, as well as against one of the most amazing backdrops you could ever hope to see, she then offered to take more photos whilst we were there, and travelling as a couple getting photos together is very much a welcome offer and much appreciated.
A particular highlight was having a refreshing, crisp, cold drink of glacial water direct from the source. I'd fully recommend taking a water bottle to fill up as this is encouraged by the guides.
Overall, this tour was a once in a lifetime, full of memories and not to be missed by anyone who has the opportunity to visit.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi jlovie87, thank you for taking the time to write us a review. I am so glad we were a highlight of your trip! I will pass on your kind review to Abby, I am glad to hear you enjoyed her tour so much! Drinking glacial water is definitely refreshing. Thank you for visiting us, we hope to welcome you back again, and I hope you enjoy the rest of you r trip in the Rockies.
Kind regards,
Grace H
Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield
Written August 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon R
4 contributions
I would have given a 5 but…
CONs: I was really looking forward to take photos of the scenery through the big windows of the Ice Explorer véhicule as it slowly made its way to the glacier… the windows were filthy, foggy with streaks running down! Frankly I had a hard time to see through them and Impossible to take good photos. Quite disappointed. For this I give a 2/3. You would think for the price per person of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, the windows would have been cleaned so guests could have for their money’s worth.
We were 3 on a trip. Lunch was in the cafeteria of the Discovery Centre, very ordinary, very pricey: 3 hamburgers, 2 fries & water that came to nearly $75
PROs: The bus driver and Australian guide that drove us to the Ice Explorer were excellent and very informative. The other chauffeur of the Ice Explorer was also excellent, loved his job and kept us amused, I believe his name was Logan. I loved the experience once outside on the glacier.
The skywalk is a feat of genius, exceptional views, and so worth the visit.
CONs: I was really looking forward to take photos of the scenery through the big windows of the Ice Explorer véhicule as it slowly made its way to the glacier… the windows were filthy, foggy with streaks running down! Frankly I had a hard time to see through them and Impossible to take good photos. Quite disappointed. For this I give a 2/3. You would think for the price per person of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, the windows would have been cleaned so guests could have for their money’s worth.
We were 3 on a trip. Lunch was in the cafeteria of the Discovery Centre, very ordinary, very pricey: 3 hamburgers, 2 fries & water that came to nearly $75
PROs: The bus driver and Australian guide that drove us to the Ice Explorer were excellent and very informative. The other chauffeur of the Ice Explorer was also excellent, loved his job and kept us amused, I believe his name was Logan. I loved the experience once outside on the glacier.
The skywalk is a feat of genius, exceptional views, and so worth the visit.
Written June 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for providing your feedback, we truly hope you enjoyed your experience on the Icefield Adventure tour with Logan!
At the Columbia Icefield, we strive every day to exceed our guests' expectations by providing excellent services and hospitality. We want to make each and every experience enjoyable and to help you make great memories. I'm sorry to read that the Ice explorer windows didn't allow you to capture the photos that you wanted during the trip. I hope the beautiful sights out on the glacier and at the skywalk were able to help make up for this.
I was concerned to read that your experience at Chalet didn’t meet your expectations. Please know that we take your comments seriously. We’re committed to continuously improving how we deliver the best guest experiences. Your comments help us achieve this.
Sincerely,
Jon
Guest Experience Supervisor
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Written June 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I bookied a tour from banff to jasper with the glacier tour. but the weather is bad. whats the plan for this situation?
Written June 15, 2022
I booked for tha tour but the weather is scattered thunderstorm. is the tour never stops even when theres a thunderstorm?
Written June 15, 2022
T F C
Vaughan, Canada
Hi, I am arranging trip for a family of 17 people who would like to do the Ice Explorer Glacier Tour and Glacier Skywalk. Can this be arranged as a private tour?
Cheers,
/tc
Written April 15, 2022
Would the 6pm tour in August be too late / dark? I know sunset is around 930 but still?
Written August 4, 2019
Does anyone know if they will allow pregnant women (28 weeks) to go on this tour?
Written July 11, 2019
Hi again. I think the tour is run by Brewster Sightseeing. Their contact number is advertised as +1 866-606-6700
They should be able to advise you.
Written July 12, 2019
It’s about 2 hours 15 minutes. Jasper is halfway there. That would depend on the weather conditions at the time of the year you intend to go. Winter time could be a bit slower.
Written June 27, 2019
Hello, I am wondering whether to do this tour or the walking tour to the glacier. What are the pros and cons of each, and what is the necessary clothing for each trip? Thank you.
Written June 18, 2019
Hi,
We did the Ice Explorer option. It lasted for about 90 minutes. 30 minutes to get there. 30 minutes on the Glazier in a freshly graded safe designated area. 30 minutes to get back to the centre. It’s a few kilometers on an ordinary bus to get to the Ice Explorer pickup then another kilometer to the stop on the Glazier. We were there at 9:00am early in May. The temperature was less than 5 degrees C but no wind. Jackets, gloves and beanies were a must. Sunglasses also helped cut the glare from the ice. Don’t know about the hike but hopefully it will start/finish close to the Glazier. They might supply strap on spikes for your shoes. It is an awesome place to visit. Have fun.
Written June 20, 2019
Not sure, you would need to check beforehand?
Written July 3, 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 17
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.