Walk on Athabasca Glacier

People can walk on the Athabasca Glacier, but only through guided tours for safety reasons. The Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible in North America, is part of the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park. Visitors typically board a specialized Ice Explorer vehicle that transports them up onto the glacier’s surface. Once there, they are allowed to step out and walk on the thick, ancient ice under the supervision of trained guides. These walks offer a chance to touch pure glacial ice, view deep crevasses, and learn about the glacier’s movement and rapid retreat due to climate change. Independent walking on the glacier is dangerous and prohibited due to hidden crevasses and unstable terrain.

Walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a certified guide. Located along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park, the glacier is one of the most accessible in North America. However, it is also riddled with hidden crevasses and unstable ice, making unguided access extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.

Guided glacier hikes are offered by companies like IceWalks, which provide half-day (5 km) and full-day (8.5 km) tours from mid-May through mid-October. These tours are led by certified guides and include safety equipment like crampons. No prior experience is needed, but participants should be prepared for cold, windy conditions and bring layered clothing and sturdy footwear. Indigenous-led tours are also available on select dates, offering cultural insights alongside the adventure.

Alternatively, the Columbia Icefield Adventure offers a less physically demanding option. Visitors ride in a massive Ice Explorer vehicle onto the glacier, where they can safely step out and walk on the ice.

If you're interested in booking a glacier hike or Ice Explorer tour, both options are available. It is advisable to reserve in advance, especially during the busy summer season.

Book Glacier Skywalk and Athabasca Glacier Tour