Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Route Guide
Table of contents
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 for Toe of the Athabasca Glacier
- 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.
Getting to the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trailhead
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.Route Information for Toe of the Athabasca Glacier
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 Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Toe of the Athabasca Glacier
I'm glad my family agrees to this kind of bonding, it's so special to me. Nature really is the most beautiful thing!
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- 01:00
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No wonder there are loads of people around it. It's so beautiful!
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This hike is classic! The glacier was impressive. There are various stops that offers scenic views as well!
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It was beautiful! Words are not enough to describe its incredible charm.
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Possibly the most beautiful thing i saw in my life.
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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!
What an unfogettable experience!! For some reason it wasn't crowded when we visited. It was a peaceful and stunning!
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It felt great to see this place with my own eyes! What a beautiful wonder!
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This is a special hike for my family. The view of the glacier is stunning.
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Stunning hike for minimal effort and expense. Glad it's open to the public but sad that it's quite busy.
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