Overview
The Columbia Icefield spans roughly 325 km² and is the largest region of ice and snow in mainland North America south of the Arctic Circle. Melting snow and ice from here drain into three oceans—Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic—making the summit of Snow Dome one of only two hydrologic apexes in North America.
Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Accommodation
Options are limited to one hotel (Glacier View Inn, ~$250/night in summer), two campgrounds, and a hostel 8 km south. Book ahead in peak summer season.
Connectivity
Download offline maps before traveling; cellphone reception is unreliable along the Icefields Parkway.
Money
Cash is recommended for the remote area. The nearest full services are in Jasper, Lake Louise, or Banff. Gas at Saskatchewan River Crossing is seasonal and priced higher due to isolation.
Packing
Bring layers—the elevation averages 3,000 m and weather changes quickly. Even in summer, temperatures can be cool. Stock food and supplies before arriving.
Safety
Do not walk onto the Athabasca Glacier without proper equipment and training—crevasses are invisible under snow. Drive carefully on the Parkway, as there are speed traps and slow vehicles.
Transport
The only access is by vehicle along Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway). No public transit serves this area directly.
Weather
The area receives up to 10 m of annual snowfall. Summer daytime temperatures are mild but can drop significantly. Glaciers are retreating due to warming climate.