Canada Athabasca Glacier

Athabasca Glacier is the busiest tourist stop along Icefield Parkway. Years ago, we took the snow coach ride onto the glacier which was a really cool experience but now you have to reserve a seat well in advance or wait 4 hours or more to get a seat. It’s also possible to take a guided hike onto the glacier. You may walk to the toe of the glacier but should never walk onto the glacier without a guide. It is very dangerous. People have died after falling into deep crevasses. You can also view the glacier from the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre. There’s a museum there as well as a restaurant, cafe, gift shop, picnic tables, and the Glacier View Inn.

You’ll want a telephoto as well as a wide angle lens and polarizing filter.

Located in Jasper National Park on the Icefields Parkway 4 km from Sunwapta Pass, the Columbia Icefield Discovery centre is about 104 km from Jasper town, 128 km from Lake Louise, and 49 km from Saskatchewan river crossing. The Discovery Centre is located on the opposite side of the Columbia Icefield. Parking is free at the huge parking lot.