We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Banff?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Banff each week.

  • Save Columbia Icefield
  • E-mail this page

Columbia Icefield


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #8 of 36 attractions in Banff
Traveller Description: Like snow? Come to the biggest glacial field in the northern hemisphere.
Familiar with Columbia Icefield? Write your own description and share what you know with other travellers.
Attraction type: Geological formation
Activities: Hiking

Traveller Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
it was ok
4 Jul 2009

My son said it reminded him of a ski lodge parking lot, he was right. it was interesting that we were on 1000 feet of ice, but it did just seem like you were in the sno coach parking lot. There are much better things to see in the Canadian Rockies. more

2 Jun 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

You get the impression that this is set up for way more people than are visiting today (biggest women's washroom in North America apparently). Good facilities including interpretive exhibit and huge self service restaurant. Pay $40 per person and board a standard coach bound for the Icefield. Driver provides some poor humour to keep us all entertained. After 10 minute... more

26 Nov 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

I was disappointed with an awful lots of things in the Rockies but this walk was superb. Rather than viewing the glacier from a bus this enables you to be part of the glacier and take some fantastic photos. The long walk which we did takes about 6 hours and is about 8kms round trip. The guide was fantastic and... more

22 Oct 2008
4/4 found this review helpful

If you're travelling from Jasper to Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway you cannot fail to see the Columbia Icefield. But good as that is, you really do need to experience it on one of the snowcoaches. There are days when it is sunny and calm but likely as not you will see how harsh it can be on a... more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Sydney
21 Aug 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

I did a Glacier helihike in New Zealand and there is no comparison. They have the right idea, it should be hard to get onto the glaciers!!! To protect them and not distract from their awe inspiring beauty we shouldn't be turnng them into roads! The glaciers of the Columbia icefield are huge and certainly worth a look, but after... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
Ottawa, Canada
19 Jul 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

Before I start my review, I want to tell you to take a coat even if it is summer time! Better to take off your coat and hold it if it is too warm, than get too cold and have your experience diminished because of chilly bones. We were there in July 2008, stopping at the Columbia Icefields after driving... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
Vancouver, BC
15 Jun 2008
3/3 found this review helpful

This is one of those "to say I did it" type of trips, but I'm glad I did it. As the glaciers are melting away, it's good to see one up close while you have the chance. The information about glaciers on the bus ride up was good, but on the way back we had some kind of a total... more

Must see
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Georgia
15 Jul 2007
6/7 found this review helpful

I wouldn’t miss this on your trip to Banff/Jasper. The Athabasca Glacier is cool, do the Ice Explorer. The Num-Ti-Lodge has an incredible restaurant. Dinner was splendid. The lodge looks like a great place to stay overnight too. Definitely make the hike to Bow Glacier Falls from the Lodge. About 3 hrs roundtrip. Exquisite sights and photos await. Take your... more

Different
Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Worland, Wyoming
1 Aug 2006
10/13 found this review helpful

I was pretty excited because the experience was suppose to be very different. Overall, the views of the glaciers were beautiful. MAKE SURE to WEAR a Winter Coat. It gets chilly up there. When we went, it also started to rain a little. Add that to the cold air and wind, yeah...it was chilly. But luckly, they let us back... more

18 Aug 2005
28/39 found this review helpful

No doubt about the fact the Icefield Parkway between Jasper and Banff is probably one of the most impressive road in Western Canada. Every mile let see another beautiful side of the Canadian Rockies: glacier lakes, mountains, etc. One of the major attraction on the road is the visit of the Columbia Icefield. There are at least two different ways... more

Travellers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Banff, Banff National Park
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Banff, Banff National Park
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Banff, Banff National Park
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Columbia Icefield? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Columbia Icefield: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Columbia Icefield Address

Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada