The Wilcox Viewpoint Trail is a 9.6km return hiking trail in the Athabasca Glacier area of the Icefields Parkway (400m elevation gain).
The final destination of the trail is a spectacular viewpoint over the Athabasca Glacier and surrounding mountains. The journey is impressive too, with expansive panoramas over the Parkway. There's a chance to see bighorn sheep as well. Allow around 4 hours.
For a shorter version, hike to the Lower Viewpoint, signified by two Parks Canada red chairs. The panoramas are also wonderful from here and yet the return distance is only 3.4km return with 180m elevation gain. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
The first part of the trail is steep at times and then uneven with many exposed tree roots. It continues uphill to the Red Chairs.
The hiking stats (level 3, 1-2 hours) reflect the shorter version of this trail.
A Parks Canada parks pass is required to drive the Icefields Parkway ($22/day for a vehicle of up to 7 people).