Columbia Icefield Tour Including The Glacier Skywalk From Banff
The Canadian Rockies are a treasure trove of natural wonders, including the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. Located in the heart of Banff National Park, the Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk is a must-see attraction for visitors to the region.
What is the Columbia Icefield?
The Columbia Icefield is a 325-square-kilometer (125-square-mile) expanse of ice that straddles the border between Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. It is one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world and feeds eight major glaciers in the region.
Visitors can explore a portion of the icefield on the Glacier Adventure, a guided tour that takes travelers in specially designed all-terrain vehicles across the glacier. Along the way, visitors can step out onto the ice to feel the crunch of snow underfoot and drink from a glacial stream.
What is the Glacier Skywalk?
The Glacier Skywalk is a glass-bottomed walkway that extends 30 meters (98 feet) out from a cliff face, overlooking the Sunwapta Valley. Visitors can look down through the glass to see the valley floor, 280 meters (918 feet) below, and get a unique perspective on the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
For those with a fear of heights, there is a fenced viewing platform, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
What to Expect on the Tour?
The Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk is a full-day excursion, with pick-ups available from Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The tour includes the Glacier Adventure, where visitors can explore a portion of the icefield and the Glacier Skywalk, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. Along the way, guides will provide fascinating insights into the history, geology, and ecology of the region.
The tour also includes stops at Athabasca Falls and the Weeping Wall, two of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Canadian Rockies.
When to Visit?
The Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk is open year-round, with different experiences depending on the season. During the winter months, visitors can experience the magic of the icefield covered in snow and ice, while the summer months offer the opportunity to see the glaciers and icefield in their full glory.
How to Book?
Advance booking for the Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk is recommended, particularly during peak season (June to September). Tickets can be purchased online or through your hotel or tour operator. Prices start at $99 CAD per adult and $50 CAD per child (ages 6-15).
Conclusion
The Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective on the natural wonders of the Canadian Rockies. From the beauty of the icefield and the thrill of the Glacier Skywalk to the fascinating insights of the knowledgeable guides, this tour is a must-see attraction for visitors to Banff National Park.
