Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This will be the highlight of your trip through the Icefields Parkway!
Discover the world of ice with our professional ACMG certified guides. This interpretive hiking tour is perfect for travelers seeking an adventurous and meaningful experience on the lower Athabasca glacier. You will see deep crevasses, waterfalls that cascade into the depths of the ice, and learn about the formation of glaciers and how they shape the landscape. Enjoy spectacular views of the icefall and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Tours depart daily at 9:45am and 2:00pm, boarding time is 20 minutes prior to the departure time. Don't be late or you will miss your tour!
Considered moderate difficulty with some short, steep sections of trail to approach the glacier and uneven ground. You should be able to hike 5km (3 miles) on uneven ground in order to do the tour.
Tours are family friendly. Bring your own snacks & warm layers - we supply all other gear required to comfortably explore the glacier.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Athabasca Glacier
IceWalks' ACMG certified guides will meet you in the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre parking lot and gear you up for an unforgettable 3 hour interpretive glacier adventure. You will be shuttled a short distance to the trailhead. This 5 km roundtrip walking tour will take you onto the Athabasca Glacier and into the incredible landscape that is the Canadian Rockies. You will learn the rich history of the glacier and you will have spectacular views of the glaciated mountains. You will learn about and explore the many incredible ice formations on the glacier, which include: crevasses, mill wells (waterfalls into the depths of the ice), meltwater streams, and icefalls (from a safe distance). This will be the highlight of your trip on the Icefields Parkway. The pictures you take will capture the memories of a lifetime. No technical climbing experience required! Our tours are moderate in difficulty, suitable for young children who enjoy hiking and active seniors.
Options
Classic Half Day Glacier Hike
What‘s Included
Rain coat & waterproof pants can be borrowed for no cost
You will be provided micro-spikes (crampons for added traction on the ice) If you don't have your own: Rain gear, hiking boots, gloves, and hat
Warm layers - bring your own insulating layer
Snacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
370 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not to be missed!
Bitsie H,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Who knew you could hike on a glacier? What a wonderful and different experience made better by our guide, Mike. He was informative, encouraging (it’s alot of time and effort!) and taught us a lot of the history of the area and the natural elements that make the glacier what it is. A truly enjoyable experience! And an accomplishment!
Fantastic experience
ButtercupOwl,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We didn’t want o join the crowds going on the Athabasca Glacier on a Snocoach so chose to do the ice walk. Our guide Simon looked after us very well and we all had a great time on the ice. At no point did we feel unsafe. We were given cleats (crampons) and walking poles. There is a bit of a strenuous (depending how fit you are!) walk to get onto the ice due to how far the glacier has receded. We spent about an hour actually on the ice looking at various features. During that time Simon told us about the glacier and the area. Wear layers as we were actually warmer than we thought we would be on the ice. There were stops so we there’s time to add or remove layers.
Thrilling tour and guide
Ruchika D,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was our first time to hike glaciers with family of 3 having 12 year old , the guide was knowledgeable , showed us many textures at the glaciers , kept us safe and overall made it fun as memorable experience.
1/2 day IceWalk - highly recommend!
663nickig,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family of 4 highly recommends Antoine, our guide, and the 1/2 day (3 hr) IceWalk on the Athabasca Glacier. The tour group is small (10 people) and paced well. Our guide made lots of time for questions and answers as well as safe, free exploration within boundaries. Great mix of glacial history and science information. Go out with the first morning tour - before the crowds arrive and the glacier gets slushy with more free water flow which limits the areas you can traverse. Does require some easy rocky hiking; is about 4 miles round trip on foot. Walking with the tour-provided spikes (crampons) is great - very stable footing. Follow the tour's recommendation on clothing layers.
Very informative
758kerrih,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great experience doing the 1/2 day tour. Connie was so informative and was just wonderful chatting with our kids. Our 3 year old (who rode in Dad’s backpack carrier) has asked all week when we’re “going walking with the lady again.” We learned so much about the glacier—would do again!
Awesome!!
Anusha F,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an awesome experience! Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and friendly. Even as people struggled with the hike, he went out of his way to be considerate and help them.
Don’t skip this!
Brandy s,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible hike with Adam. He was very knowledgeable and just an amazing tour guide all the way around. I would recommend this hike as a must if you are in the area. I would consider this a moderate hike, but not terrible.
Great experience!
mplaneaux,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of the glacier was fantastic! Our guide, Nick, was fun and very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend.
Incredible experience! Once in a lifetime
Gal R,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had the best experience hiking the Athabasca glacier. So much more meaningful to take the challenging way up rather than just ride the ice bus up to take pictures. Nick was such a great guide, super knowledgeable and caring for the group. You actually get to walk on ice!!! Not an easy hike (intermediate) but definitely worth every step!
Absolutely awesome
Steven P,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Moderate hike to glacier. Weather for us in early June went from snow blizzard to sunny day. They provided weather resistant pants covers, jackets, gloves, and hiking poles. Our guide CC was great! Very memorable experience, but wish we had more time for taking pictures. .
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