There are multiple ways to see the Athabasca Glacier. Most visitors opt for the paid Icefield Explorer experience, which involves riding monster Tonka trucks to a small section of the glacier where you can walk on it and drink glacial water. However, there is a free option that gets you close to the glacier (not actually on it) and takes just an hour on the precious Icefields Parkway, instead of 2-3 hours with a tour.

The best free option is to hike to the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier, which is easily accessible from the parking area. It’s just a short (but steep) walk up about 60 meters, and once you are there, you’ll find a wide open space to take in the views. There are even interpretive signs to learn about the glacier.

At 1.4 kilometres round-trip hike with a decent little uphill climb to the viewpoint, it’s a walk you can enjoy in under an hour. Those with limited mobility may want to just stop at the Icefield Information Centre, though anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to reach the viewing area.

The Toe of the Athabasca Glacier walk is what we’d recommend most people do if they don’t have the time or desire to spend money on a tour.

The area has also been recently expanded, and there are great learning materials and signs that will have you learning about glaciers in no time.

Look for the Trailhead

If you don’t know where the trailhead for this short walk is, it can be easy to miss as you drive along the Icefields Parkway. Once you get close to the Discovery Centre, you will want to keep your eyes out for it. It’s almost directly across the road from the massive building. Right down Glacier Road, near Sunwapta Lake. (GPS POINT).

Trail Conditions

The official trail is less than 2km long with very little elevation gain, though it may feel like a steep walk up to the viewing area for a few minutes. The trail is not paved and has loose rock and dirt, so hiking poles might be helpful for some.

Once you reach the “top,” there is a nice and large viewing area with some infographics about glaciers. You can also see the disheartening signs showing just how much the glacier has retreated in the last century.

If You Want to Step Foot on the Glacier

There are signs and ropes everywhere asking you not to go onto the glacier unassisted. Walking on the glacier without glacial travel experience can be very dangerous. Some years back, a child who ran off actually fell into a crevasse on the Athabasca Glacier and sadly died.

If you would like to walk on the glacier, it’s best to book either the Ice Explorer experience or a guided walking tour with Rockaboo or Icewalks.