Athabasca Glacier

Jasper National Park

Overview

( Rated 5.0 / 2 Ratings )

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RATING: Easy Hike

LENGTH: 1+ hours (1.1 miles)

SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall

WATER: None

roadside

hike

dog friendly

family friendly

access: paved

Athabasca Glacier - Jasper National Park

Athabasca Glacier is said to be the most-visited glacier in North America. A stone's throw from the Icefield Parkway, the glacier is accessible to most and gives a view into geological time. The glacier is about six kilometers long, and 90-100 meters (300-980 feet) thick.

One of the most interesting aspects of visiting the glacier, in my opinion, is the short drive from the Icefield Parkway to the trailhead. Along the dirt road, signs show the edge of the glacier at different times over the last 100 or so years. It is incredible how far the glacier has retreated, and how accelerated the retreat has become in recent decades.

Note: The Icefield Interpretive Centre is just across the road from the glacier. It has a hotel, restaurant, gift shop, and a lot of information about the glacier and area.

Warning: There have been deaths over the years of tourists venturing out on the glacier and falling in crevasses. Stay at the edge of the glacier unless on one of the guided tours!

How far the glacier is receding.

Getting There

From Banff
Travel north on the Trans Canada Highway for about 57km. Turn right onto AB93-N toward Jasper.

Follow AB93 North (Icefield Parkway) 125km to the well signed Athabasca Glacier road on the left side of the road. This is across from the Columbia Icefield Discover Center.

From Jasper
Follow AB93 South (Icefield Parkway) about 102 kilometers to the well signed Athabasca Glacier road on the right side of the road. This is across from the Columbia Icefield Discover Center.

Follow the dirt road several kilometers to its end at the trailhead/large parking area.

Peaks around the glacier

Route

From the trailhead, it is a short walk along the path to the bottom of the glacier. A restroom at the trailhead and stunning views make this an excellent place for a lunch break if passing through.