Toe of the Athabasca Glacier hike
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Toe of the Athabasca Glacier hike
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Do you want to see the Athabasca Glacier for Free? While at the Columbia Icefields consider hiking the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier trail. This family-friendly hike is a great alternative to the expensive tour of the glacier. The Athabasca Glacier are sublime.
Getting there
Drive on Highway 93 north to the Columbia Icefield Centre. Instead of turning into the Centre turn left and head on a small road that goes downhill to the bottom of the glacier, passing a small lake en route.
About
| When to do | All Year |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Lollipop |
Toe of the Athabasca Glacier
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Toe of the Athabasca Glacier
Start the hike to the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier from the far end of parking lot. There is an obvious trail across a bridge and up towards the glacier. This hike shows the impact of the retreating glaciers, with signs showing how far the Athabasca Glacier has shrunk over the years.
Continue hiking uphill and then go left as the path makes a circle, you are going around clockwise, and you can read about the glacier at various stops on this hike. There are great views all around during this walk.
Please watch your kids closely and do not cross the roped off area while hiking on this path. There are unobservable crevasses near this trail and the last three people who fell in were not able to be saved. It is particularly easy for children to fall down these crevasses as there care free nature may not allow them to see them until it is too late, as they are quite hidden among the rocks..
As you do your circuit your view continues to change. We particularly like watching people on the glacier, dwarfed by the massive Icefield.
Once you have completed the circuit, hike back the you came.
Insider Hints
If you have more time need the experience of walking on the Glacier, there is an alternative trip with Brewster’s Glacier Adventure (although there is a cost associated with this method!).
There are washrooms and refreshments at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.
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ccharabin 2 years ago
Worth it and very family friendly. It is awesome to see the glacier and a great way to stretch your legs when you have been driving all day. Remember to bring jackets, hats, etc. as everytime I have done this walk, it is very cold near the glacier!
RobCruz 4 years ago
I'm glad my family agrees to this kind of bonding, it's so special to me. Nature really is the most beautiful thing!
JohnCan 4 years ago
No wonder there are loads of people around it. It's so beautiful!
Zina SW. 4 years ago
This hike is classic! The glacier was impressive. There are various stops that offers scenic views as well!
Jackson C. 4 years ago
It was beautiful! Words are not enough to describe its incredible charm.
SebClyde 4 years ago
Possibly the most beautiful thing i saw in my life.
MUCHADVENTURE 5 years ago
Not hard at all but a nice way to see the glacier without paying for the fancy rides. Bring a coat, we went in the early fall and were freezing!
oskareglq 5 years ago
What an unfogettable experience!! For some reason it wasn't crowded when we visited. It was a peaceful and stunning!
Donald J. 5 years ago
It felt great to see this place with my own eyes! What a beautiful wonder!
Frinces L. 5 years ago
This is a special hike for my family. The view of the glacier is stunning.