Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, measuring 230 square kilometers (89 square miles) and stretching for 28 kilometers (17 miles) to a depth of 365 meters (1,200 feet). It receives an average of 7 m (23 ft) of new snowfall per year, draped over the continental divide on a high alpine plateau along the Alberta-BC border.

Columbia Icefield Tour including the Glacier Skywalk from Banff

Because not all of the snow melts during the short summers, it accumulates, converting to ice that flows forth through the surrounding passes, forming glaciers, the most well-known of which is the Athabasca Glacier.

Before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. are the best times to visit the Columbia Icefield. You’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife and benefit from improved experiences like a guided morning tour on the Skywalk.

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