The Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure offers an incredible chance to step onto the Athabasca Glacier, one of the largest icefields in the Rockies. Passengers ride in massive, all-terrain Ice Explorers—impressive vehicles designed to handle the steep, icy terrain—before walking on the glacier itself.

While it’s an unforgettable way to experience a glacier up close, the rapid retreat of the ice due to climate change makes the tour a stark reminder of its fragility. Using large, fuel-hungry vehicles to visit a shrinking glacier adds an ironic twist to the experience. As two more experienced mountain people, we aren't the biggest fans. However, for many, it’s a rare opportunity to witness this natural wonder before it disappears further.

A ticket on the Columbia Icefield Adventure includes a visit to the Skywalk. A glass bridge is an architectural marvel extending out over the Sunwapta Gorge.