Jasper National Park : Columbia Icefield
Rocky Mountains : Alberta, Canada
The Columbia Icefield - located south of the community of Jasper, Alberta, Canada - is the most visited glacier attraction in the Jasper National Park. The Columbia Icefield is a sightseeing destination popular for activities like wildlife sightings, all terrain tours and guided ice hiking tours.
Due to global warming and safety issues the only way to access the glacier is via a tour. Tours exploring the glacier are provided by local interpretive hiking guides and an "ice explorer" all terrain company. The "ice explorer" vehicles are enclosed, heated and monster truck-like with 6 large tires.
The tours explore the Athabasca Glacier of the Columbia Icefield which is a small toe of the icefield which is accessible.
The Columbia Icefield is the largest glacial ice formation located south of Alaska measuring over 389 square kilometres and up to 360 metres deep. The glacier is always moving forward and backward with the seasons.
There is a large parking lot located at the end of the access road with an interpretive centre which houses a gift shop, restaurant and coffee shop. The centre is located at the base of the Columbia Icefield.
How to Get to the Columbia Icefield
Travel to Main Street (Connaught Drive) in the community of Jasper, Alberta, Canada. Then travel west on Connaught Drive to the traffic lights on Highway 16. Travel straight through the lights and continue traveling south on Highway 93 for 105 kilometres. Watch for the signs on you right pointing to the access road leading up to the glacier interpretive centre.
Neighbouring Communities
to Jasper, Alberta, Canada.
Hinton, Alberta Banff, Alberta |
Edmonton, AB |
Jasper, Alberta, Canada EH!
www.AlbertaEH.ca
Columbia Icefield - Jasper National Park things to do, activity guide.
