1. The Columbia Icefield is situated in the Canadian Rockies and straddles the border between Alberta and British Columbia. It is one of the largest icefields in the world, covering an area of approximately 325 sq km. The ice on the Columbia Icefield is up to 365 meters (1,200 feet) deep in some places. The Athabasca Glacier, which is part of the icefield, is accessible to visitors who can take a tour onto the glacier’s surface through the use of specially designed vehicles called ice explorers. The Columbia Icefield is also home to other notable glaciers, including the Castleguard Glacier and the Saskatchewan Glacier.
2. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is open from May to October and operates from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. The phone number for the center is (877) 423-7433.
3. Admission to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre costs $44.95 CAD for adults and $22.50 CAD for children aged 6-15. Children under 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the center upon arrival. The Columbia Icefield is accessible by car or shuttle bus from nearby towns such as Banff and Jasper. Shuttles are available at an additional cost.
