How to Prepare for the Columbia Icefield Adventure!
Explore the Columbia Icefields in Banff with Banff Adventures! Walk across ancient glaciers, discover waterfalls and fossils, and take in breathtaking views on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Book your 2025 Icefield tour today!
Are you planning a trip to Banff in 2025? If you’re visiting between May and October, add the Columbia Icefield to your list of things to see and do! At Banff Adventures, we offer three fun-filled tours of the largest icefields in the Canadian Rockies that can be enjoyed by travellers of all ages.
At the icefields, we’ll be taking you deep into the nature. Without amenities close by, there are a few things you’ll want to pack with you and keep in mind before you get to the tour. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for your upcoming adventure!
What to Expect on the Tour
The Columbia Icefield Adventure is perfect for our fellow adventure seekers who love geographic history! The Athabasca Glacier stretches across the entire Continental Divide, including two provinces and two National Parks. You’ll get to walk across a sheet of ice that was formed over 10,000 years ago!
In addition to the icefields, you’ll also get a chance to explore waterfalls and fossils and possibly spot some wildlife while you’re touring the cliff-edge walkway. Viewing this natural wonder is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss.
This Adventure is not on a strict timetable like some of our other tours. The Icefield is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like! However, we recommend 40-45 minutes for the Skywalk, and guests can only spend 20 minutes on the Athabasca Glacier.
Dress for the Weather
Even in the spring and summer, spending the day near a glacier means spending the day on ice and snow. To maintain your personal comfort, we recommend dressing in layers. Pack items like hoodies, t-shirts, and jeans so you can easily adjust for the temperature. Make sure you wear shoes with good grip and tread, like hiking boots or sneakers- you don’t want to slip and fall on the ice!
Pack the Essentials
The weather at the Icefield can go from snowy and cold to warm and sunny, so keeping sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses on hand is a good idea. You’ll be witnessing beautiful sights and scenery, so make sure to bring a camera to capture all the natural beauty!
Packing a Lunch or Dining Out?
While the Icefield is located 2.5 hours away from Banff’s restaurants, you don’t need to worry about going hungry. The Icefield Discovery Centre offers two sit-down dining experiences. Enjoy an a-’la carte meal at Altitude Restaurant, or walk over to the Chalet Restaurant for pizza and burgers! If you just want a quick snack or a hot drink to keep you going as you explore, you’re only steps away from a Starbucks.
Alternatively, there are plenty of spots to enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch, which you can prepare ahead of time. If you’ve got the kids with you, maybe add a few snacks to your bag for the drive-up to keep them energized and ready to explore!
Sort Out Transportation
Our standard Columbia Icefield Adventure doesn’t include a shuttle bus to and from your hotel, so prepare to drive for the day by planning your departure to align with the Icefield’s open and close hours. If you’re flying into Banff and won’t have access to a car, you can get picked up and dropped off on our Columbia Icefield Discovery Tour!
Book Your Columbia Icefield Adventure Today!
Visiting Banff is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travellers, and the Columbia Icefields are a view you don’t want to miss out on! Get a head start on planning your trip by booking your Columbia Icefield Adventure today.
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