Walking on Glacier in Canadian Rockies | Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is a vast expanse of glacial ice located in the Canadian Rockies, straddling the border of Alberta and British Columbia. Covering over 200 square kilometers, it is one of the largest ice fields in North America and feeds eight major glaciers, including the Athabasca and Dome Glaciers. Visitors can explore the ice field through guided tours, walk on the Athabasca Glacier, or take in the breathtaking views from the Skywalk.

Reaching the Columbia Icefield from Edmonton:

1. **By Car**: Drive from Edmonton via Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) to Jasper, then take the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) south towards the Columbia Icefield. The drive is approximately 320 kilometers and takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.

2. **By Bus**: Some tour companies offer bus trips from Edmonton to the Columbia Icefield, often including stops at various scenic spots along the Icefields Parkway. These trips typically take longer than driving directly, around 6 to 7 hours, including stops.

3. **By Train and Bus**: You can take a VIA Rail train from Edmonton to Jasper, then transfer to a bus that travels along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield. This option offers a scenic and relaxing journey but will take most of the day.

4. **By Air**: Though there are no direct flights to the Columbia Icefield, you can fly to Calgary and then drive or take a bus to the Icefields Parkway, which is about 3 hours from Calgary.