Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre Levels

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is a multi-level facility designed to offer visitors an immersive introduction to the surrounding glacial environment.

Main Level (Ground Floor)

Ticketing & Information Desk: This is where visitors check in for the Glacier Adventure and Glacier Skywalk tours.
Gift Shop: A large retail area offering souvenirs, local crafts, glacier-themed books, apparel, and postcards.
Icefield Cafeteria: A casual dining area with grab-and-go meals, snacks, coffee, and glacier views.
Tour Departures: Ice Explorer buses and shuttles to the Skywalk depart from outside this level.

Upper Level

Altitude Restaurant: A full-service dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Athabasca Glacier.
Panoramic Viewing Deck: An open-air observation area perfect for photography and glacier viewing.
Interpretive Exhibits: Displays explaining glacier science, local wildlife, and climate change impacts, including the “Journey through the Ice and Time” exhibit.
Restrooms: Public facilities are available on this level for visitor convenience.

Lower Level (Basement)

Glacier Gallery: A quieter interpretive space with historic photos, glaciology exhibits, and models showing the glacier’s retreat over time.
Educational & Group Areas: Sometimes used for school groups or presentations.
Access to Trailheads: Some paths leading toward the glacier viewpoint begin near this level or just outside the building.

Each Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is accessible by elevator or stairs, with signage to guide visitors to various amenities and viewpoints.

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