Columbia Ice Field
Columbia Ice Field
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,193 reviews
Excellent
3,218
Very good
1,266
Average
489
Poor
143
Terrible
77
conshome4
Alpharetta, GA36 contributions
Sep 2022
We might be last generation of beings, who would get an opportunity to pay respect to rapidly receding one of the largest glaciers in Canada and in N. America.
Pursuit Tours have a done a fantastic job with this excursion with their multi-million $$$ Ice Explorer buses.
Loved when the bus goes through the steep trough and inclines to reach to the glacier bed.
Pursuit Tours have a done a fantastic job with this excursion with their multi-million $$$ Ice Explorer buses.
Loved when the bus goes through the steep trough and inclines to reach to the glacier bed.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pam Jones-Taylor
Blenheim, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
My family and I visited the ice fields on August 11th, 2021. The entire experience was wonderful. It was well organized, timely and fun. The staff of Pursuit was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Colby was our bus driver and made the trip to the ice field extra fun. He was so knowledgeable about the area, quick to answer questions about the glacier and incredibly witty. He delivered the information in such a way that the entire bus was actively engaged.
Walking on an ice field is an amazing experience and we would 10 out of 10 recommend. Hopefully, you’ll also be so lucky as to have Colby drive your bus!
Walking on an ice field is an amazing experience and we would 10 out of 10 recommend. Hopefully, you’ll also be so lucky as to have Colby drive your bus!
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bob L
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Vactions By Rail selected Brewster Sightseeing Tours to take us to Columbia Icefields Adventure. Eise from Brewster was fantastic, and Sam from Columbia was delightful. Witty and informative, he interacted with the tour guests like a seasoned pro, and while safety consciuos and careful, he sprinkled his presentation with interesting facts and funny observations. QBoth drivers gave us an experience we won't soon forget.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
L G
Edenbridge, UK12 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Visited the glacier and Skywalk as part of a one way Jasper to Banff tour. Sad to say we did not enjoy any of this experience. Herded like cattle from bus to bus for 4 hours. Glacier (what is left of it) was crowded and all you do is stand on a bit of ice for 20 mins while someone fakely hoots “are y’all excited to be on a glacier?”. I have done glacier tours elsewhere that include looking at the intricate ice formations but there’s none of that here. Skywalk was crowded and honestly, the views are far better from the pit stops on the road. Worst thing we did in Canada. Save your money and time and spend longer on the drive looking at the beautiful scenery rather than spending 4 hours getting on and off of crowded smelly buses to mostly view parking lots.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colin B
Kelowna, Canada12 contributions
Sep 2021
Unfortunately it was raining when we visited, but we were disappointed in both for the costs involved. The glacier is melting fast and the ice looked dirty. On a cloudy rainy day the skywalk was not worth the coach ride. The restaurant at the centre was closed and the only refreshments were at Starbucks, for which we lined up for over half an hour.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tushar R
Montreal, Canada7 contributions
Aug 2022
This is a must do adventure! They take you on huge custom vehicles used in Antartica expeditions to bring you to the glacier safely. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and so are the bus drivers. They make the entire experience a lot of fun for all ages. The bus drivers were making jokes for the kids on the tour and it really felt like an inclusive environment.
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
remmick1963
Austin, TX28 contributions
Jun 2022
The drive from Lake Louise to Jasper is beautiful with many great animals and sites to see along the way. Personally I would not plan much time, or any, stopping at the Columbia Ice Field. I may be a Glacier Snob but I have seen much better in Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula. To get to the Ice Field you have to either pay or hike a short distance through probably the most unattractive section of the drive. Take a look from the parking lot and then move on. There are much better things to see either way down the road.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah
Halifax, Canada21 contributions
Sep 2021
The best view by far on the Icefield Parkway. Lots of trails in the area to get various views of Mount Athabasca, the Athabasca Glacier, and Mount Andromeda. The discovery centre is a great stopping place on the parkway - pretty pricey food that is okay. The gift shop, facilities, and staff are great. Usually very windy and cold in the area relative to the rest of the parkway so bring layers!
You can walk up to the toe of the glacier: ~30 min walk, slightly steep and rocky terrain, includes markers of glacier recession and lots of informative signs about the glacier and the area.
A ~1 hour hike up to Wilcox Pass red chairs with an incredible view of the Icefield - family friendly trail and one that I highly recommend! Not usually a busy trail, which makes it a nice spot to get away from the crowds below - but make sure you bring bear spray.
Save yourself lots of time and pack a lunch so you can take in the breathtaking views :) a truly unforgettable experience!
You can walk up to the toe of the glacier: ~30 min walk, slightly steep and rocky terrain, includes markers of glacier recession and lots of informative signs about the glacier and the area.
A ~1 hour hike up to Wilcox Pass red chairs with an incredible view of the Icefield - family friendly trail and one that I highly recommend! Not usually a busy trail, which makes it a nice spot to get away from the crowds below - but make sure you bring bear spray.
Save yourself lots of time and pack a lunch so you can take in the breathtaking views :) a truly unforgettable experience!
Written November 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MoretonBoy
Cotswolds, UK398 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Because we arrived right on our departure time we were delayed an hour because they close the gate 2 minutes before departure, we were not offered a ride on the next departure and had to wait an hour for the next one. This was the first of many waits. You get 35 minutes on the glacier, which is about right, the most exciting part is the drive in and out
This attraction is advertised about 60 to 75 minutes from Jasper, it’s 102 km with speed limits of between 35 & 90 km you need at least 100 minutes, plus we were held at the entry point to the park by drivers queuing to pay and as there was no separate lane for prepaid we were held for 15 minutes . This is the stuff no one tells you about
This attraction is advertised about 60 to 75 minutes from Jasper, it’s 102 km with speed limits of between 35 & 90 km you need at least 100 minutes, plus we were held at the entry point to the park by drivers queuing to pay and as there was no separate lane for prepaid we were held for 15 minutes . This is the stuff no one tells you about
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J0nnyb0y1969
Oxford, UK117 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Visited the centre and took the trail to walk to the “toe of the glacier”. Also used Starbucks for a coffee and sat outside with a good view of the glacier. The info centre and the markers showing how the glacier has receded over the years was interesting.
We enjoyed all the activities above. However, by the time we left we were all quite upset at seeing the endless number of buses and trucks belching out carbon and driving onto the glacier itself. Both our daughters ( age 17 and 20) asked to leave as it made them angry to witness. My daughter who is studying a degree in Global Sustainable Development was particularly annoyed. She certainly didn’t view the buses and trucks as sustainable tourism
Overall we would recommend anyone driving the Icefield Parkway to stop here but please take a guided walk on the glacier if you want to walk on it and not a truck & bus trip.
We enjoyed all the activities above. However, by the time we left we were all quite upset at seeing the endless number of buses and trucks belching out carbon and driving onto the glacier itself. Both our daughters ( age 17 and 20) asked to leave as it made them angry to witness. My daughter who is studying a degree in Global Sustainable Development was particularly annoyed. She certainly didn’t view the buses and trucks as sustainable tourism
Overall we would recommend anyone driving the Icefield Parkway to stop here but please take a guided walk on the glacier if you want to walk on it and not a truck & bus trip.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rygig Four
16 contributions
Hi,
I’m wondering if the skywalk is open year round. We’re looking at visiting in December.
Ed P
Middleburg Heights, OH41 contributions
We don’t know p. We were on a train tour with Rocky Mountaineer train. They operate till late fall due to decreasing daylight and weather, we had six inches of snow at Lake Louise, Banff, Canada.
Katie
Sheffield, UK581 contributions
I'm trying to plan our day around a visit here. Can anyone give me an idea of how long a visit usually takes in total, including the ice fields and the Skywalk.
Cherdud
Port Townsend, WA115 contributions
We had tickets in advance, so we got on the transport bus pretty quickly.
From that moment until we returned to the Center, was one and one-half hours.
Skywalk was closed the day we were there, so no help there.
CLN
2 contributions
Hello, I was not sure if there is access to the Columbia Icefield in June. We are traveling in the area from the Eastern part of the US and would like to experience some of the Icefield sights. Can you direct me to info regarding this. The tours to the glaciers only run from July to October. Is the restaurant open in June? Thanks so much. Cindy
Stuart S
The Woodlands, TX56 contributions
Unsure of the operating months. You might see if they have a website.
Can I drive to the ice field car park and then join a local tour company to see the glacier? If I can, what is the cost please and what is included in the ticket? Thanks.
Paul
gatcha
Manila111 contributions
There are two ways to see the Glacier. One, is through the Ice Explorer tour which you can book with different companies. The 2nd is the Icewalk. This is the one we took. A mountain guide takes a group of 10 - 12, and hike up to the glacier. Total hiking time is 3 hours. For the Icewalk, the parking and meeting place is at the parking at the toe of the glacier, across the street from the Icefield Visitor Center. The Icewalk lets you enjoy the Glacier so much more than the Ice Explorer, and you learn so much about Glaciers and the Icefield. Regardless of which you choose, you need to book in advance.
How practical is it to trek across the icefield in August? I'm mainly concerned about:
- Red tape: Do I need any kind of permit? Where and when do I need to acquire it / how likely is it that I'll get turned away?
- Crevasses: is there a route that avoids them? Is there a route that's even navigable in August when the snowpack is lower?
I have a fair bit of experience climbing mountains in the Cascades with heavily crevassed glaciers, and I have the equipment necessary for it.
MalcolmWW
Milton Keynes, UK259 contributions
Suggest you get in touch with Banff tourist information for correct advise
M
rhianne
Redditch, UK53 contributions
Hi we will be visiting the ice field at the beginning of July. Very confused about what to wear. What do people recommend? Thanks
Howard J
Shrewsbury, UK153 contributions
I went in early September 2018 and wore a thin waterproof It wasn't particularly cold - in fact the ice was melting fast. Doubt if most people would feel cold in July - Take a light coat just in case, then decide when you are about to get out of the vehicle that takes you to the glacier - Enjoy!
hemant292019
Millstone, NJ
1.Is there any hotel accommodation at Columbia Ice Field and restaurant foe lunch and dinner?
2.We want to go to following places while travelling to Columbia Ice Field from Banff
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake
Mistaya Fall
Herbert Lake
Hector Lake
Water Fowl Lake
Glacier Adventure
Glacier Sky walk
Can you please do me a favour to suggest which sequence to follow for the above places starting from Banff?
3. One day is enough or two days are required to visit above mentioned places?
Glacier Adventure
Glacier Sky walk
quebeceh
12 contributions
You will need 2 or 3 days and then some. Not many hotels apart from Banff or Jasper or Lake Louise. You are in a national park and the speed limits are STRICKLY enforced, so you can't just zip around.
Can I drive to the glacier in Jasper and get a ride on the all terrain ice explorer for. The parking lot to the glacier or do I have to take the tour?...thx...kim
Bethk1964
Clermont, FL403 contributions
You have to take the tour to get on the ice explorer vehicle .
Columbia Ice Field (Jasper) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia Ice Field
- We recommend booking Columbia Ice Field tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 20 Columbia Ice Field tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Columbia Ice Field:
- Banff to Jasper One-Way Tour (From $210.32)
- Lake Louise to Jasper One-Way Tour (From $205.85)
- Canadian Rocky Mountains 4-Day Tour from Vancouver Including Banff(Mandarin&Eng) (From $501.94)
- Banff & The Icefields Parkway | Small Group Active Full Day Adventure Tour (From $206.97)
- 7 Day Banff Yoho Jasper Waterton NP and Drumheller Tour (From $1,289.14)