Jasper Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre Hours of Operation

The Columbia Icefield is located in the Canadian Rockies, specifically within Jasper National Park and Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is one of the largest ice fields in the Rocky Mountains and covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometers (125 square miles). The icefield is a significant tourist attraction, offering stunning views and the opportunity to explore the icy landscape.

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

Located on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre serves as a visitor center and gateway to the icefield. It provides information about the icefield's formation, glaciology, and environmental significance. The center offers various amenities and services, including parking, restaurants, gift shops, and guided tours.

From the Discovery Centre, visitors can embark on tours that take them onto the icefield. On the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, visitors board specially designed buses called "Ice Explorers" that transport them onto the Athabasca Glacier; a tongue of the Columbia Icefield. Columbia Icefield visitors can walk on the glacier and learn about its geological features.

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre Facility

The Discovery Centre is a large facility that features educational exhibits, displays, and interactive presentations. Exhibits provide information about the formation of the icefield, the surrounding glacial environment, and the importance of preserving these natural landscapes. Visitors can learn about the unique geology, wildlife, and climate of the area.

The Discovery Centre also offers various amenities to enhance visitors' experiences. There is lots of parking facilities available, as well as restaurants and cafés where visitors can grab a bite to eat. Gift shops allow visitors to purchase souvenirs, books, and other items related to the Columbia Icefield and the surrounding area.

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre Hours of Operation

Discovery Centre Opening Season

May 3 - October 13, 2025

Hours of Operation:

May - June: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
July - August: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
September - October: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Jasper Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is Closed from mid-October to mid-April.

Altitude Restaurant Dining Hours of Operation

The Altitude Restaurant provides breakfast and dinner services, featuring Canadian inspired and locally sourced cuisine. Guests can enjoy panoramic glacier views while dining. Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre Altitude Restaurant dining operates seasonally, which runs from early May to mid-October.
This Year, the Discovery Centre is scheduled to be open from May 3 to October 13.
During this period, Altitude Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner:
Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Dinner: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Please note that these hours may vary, especially during the shoulder seasons (early May and late October).

Discovery Centre Chalet Dining Hours of Operation

Chalet Dining is a casual, self-serve dining option that offers freshly prepared hot items, ideal for a quick meal before or after your Icefield adventures.

Chalet Operating Hours Vary Throughout The Season

May 6 – May 19: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
May 20 – September 30: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
October 1 – 9: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Discovery Centre Starbucks

For those seeking familiar coffee and snack options, a Starbucks is available within the Discovery Centre. The Starbucks at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre offers grab-and-go items for visitors. Book the Columbia Icefield & Glacier Skywalk