Athabasca Glacier is located in Jasper National Park, right off the Icefields Parkway and is one of the few glaciers where you can walk right up to with minimal effort.

There are a couple of ways to experience it. The easiest option is the Toe of the Glacier Trail — a short, 1 km uphill walk from the parking lot that brings you to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier’s edge. Along the way, you’ll pass markers showing how far the glacier has retreated over the past century, which is a stark visual reminder of climate change. In our opinion, in summer, the glacier retreats quite a lot and is kind of underwhelming. There's not much too it, and the rocky, barren landscape does not add much. We've seen it in winter and it was a whole different experience. The glacier and surrounding peaks are fully packed with snow, hiding the gray earth and revealing an untouched world of ice and silence. You're also much more likely to have the whole area to yourself. With the right gear and conditions, it’s an incredible time for photography, snowshoeing nearby trails, or simply soaking in the frozen landscape. Just be sure to check road conditions and come prepared.

Back to summer, for a closer look — or if you want to actually step onto the glacier — you can book a Guided Ice Explorer tour or an Icewalk tour (usually only available May - October). The Ice Explorer is a massive all-terrain bus that drives you right onto the glacier surface for a short walk, while the Icewalk is a more intimate, guided hike that lets you explore the ice on foot with crampons and a knowledgeable guide. Both options give you a much deeper appreciation of the glacier’s scale, texture, and history. These tours are only offered from May to October.

The nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre offers washrooms, a café, interpretive exhibits, and sweeping views from the deck — a great place to warm up and take it all in. A few minutes down the road is the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored lookout suspended high above the Sunwapta Valley, offering dramatic views year-round.

All the tours are kind of expensive so be sure to only book if this is something you would like to do.