Columbia Icefield Tour 2025: A Chilling Glacier Skywalk Review from Calgary

So, you’re thinking of heading over to the Columbia Icefield from Calgary in 2025, right? I get you. That vast spread of ancient ice, with the chance to walk high above a glacial valley that, it feels like, has got something really special about it. I recently had the chance to visit, you know, with the Glacier Skywalk part of the plan. I’m here to give you what I thought about the overall tour and, maybe more importantly, the Skywalk itself. You might even want to decide if the views are worth your time and the money.

Basically, this trip takes you from Calgary up to one of the, possibly, biggest ice accumulations south of the Arctic Circle. Picture this: giant glaciers, the Icefields Parkway — it’s known as one of the planet’s very pretty drives — and that amazing Skywalk hovering over the Sunwapta Valley. We are, really, checking if all this lives up to the hype and how to make your visit go off without a problem. Read our full review: Columbia Icefield Tour Full Review and Details

Getting There and What to Anticipate

Alright, before you get going, let’s just briefly discuss the journey itself. The drive from Calgary to the Columbia Icefield is, like, at least 4 hours, even maybe a little more, just because of the distance and because, obviously, you’re going to want to pause. It’s the Icefields Parkway, and that stretch of roadway is famous for a pretty good reason. You’ll see mountain views that tend to leave you wondering. You might even glimpse a few emerald lakes.

Keep an eye out for wildlife, too. Basically, I’ve seen elk, bighorn sheep, and the infrequent bear – safely from inside the car, just because, you know, best practices. Most trips are full-day affairs due to the transit time and what’s involved, so come mentally willing, basically, for a long day. The coach tours leaving from Calgary sometimes seem a bit more practical. Driving and paying attention is, after all, something to be avoided while all of those views are begging to be taken in.

The Glacier Skywalk Experience

As a matter of fact, the main event, the Glacier Skywalk, is like nothing I’ve personally done. The path juts out over the Sunwapta Valley, just about a thousand feet up. The floor is transparent, of course. Looking straight down at what’s underneath your feet sometimes appears daunting. You get, it seems, incredible panoramic views, where that rugged valley stretches out around you in basically every direction.

Is it kinda scary? To be sure. If heights aren’t your preference, very well, this might feel like a test. In a way, the safety measures are pretty decent, but still, you’re suspended in the air. The views, just maybe, are worth that pit in your stomach, particularly when the weather’s acting normally. I’m pretty sure even people with no fear of height will like your. You’re not going to just be appreciating the height. Also, there’s information panels sprinkled throughout. This will inform the uninitiated on the geology, glaciology, plus some local wildlife.

Walking on a Glacier: The Athabasca Glacier

Alright, alongside the Skywalk, tour packages typically tend to include a trip onto the Athabasca Glacier itself. So, the specially equipped Ice Explorer buses go on to take you right on to the ice. When standing there, that massive field of frozen water tends to be really something. It is very majestic, basically, but you have to think that the facts that tell of glacier retreat are, to say the least, depressing. The guide there filled everyone in about the area’s geological backstory. Additionally, you will get to get off the bus. The experience involves walking on an authentic glacier.

Basically, make sure to have warm clothing; it’s getting cooler when you’re standing on ice. The sun can be very strong up there. Therefore, bringing sunglasses and sunscreen is probably something to think about. I am thinking most excursions allow about 20-30 minutes for exploring on foot, you know, to provide time for taking snaps. The buses, obviously, operate pretty consistently, which means getting around shouldn’t be hard.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

You may think you’ve got it down pat, but preparation can still either improve the entire adventure or be what leaves you stranded, possibly, shivering. Given that mountain weather can vary considerably, maybe layered clothing might be your best bet. Have a windproof jacket. I suggest you get waterproof hiking boots and accessories like gloves and hats. It’s good to keep an emergency bag handy.

Altitude might be a real issue for several people, you will have to take it slowly to adjust. Drink more water than usual, right? Moreover, carry any medication which your personal doctor prescribed. As far as photography gear is concerned, wider angle lenses work really great for grabbing large panoramas. Eventually, your camera will also require some cleaning because glaciers equal very fine particulate. Think to load a high-capacity power bank to, in fact, handle phone recharges. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book your Icefield tour now)

Dining Options and Facilities

Just because you are up in remote landscapes, doesn’t imply having no services accessible. At the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, numerous dining choices and stores can come in very handy. Think about a sit-down restaurant featuring pretty satisfying local meals and simple cafes offering fast food if time doesn’t come cheap. Also, I spotted some people picnicking nearby on clear days, because they are planning their meals this way.

You will have gift shops stocking souvenirs. They sell many mementos. The comfort facilities generally are effectively serviced plus clean. But perhaps brace yourself. It does usually get filled quickly with bus-loads of other travelers on busy times of day. You might think to bring your packed snacks and hydration with because sometimes delays take place. Additionally, outside, tons of places enable stretching, if not photo-taking.