Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
3.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Your Columbia Icefield experience begins here. Check in for your trip, relax in one of the restaurants and learn more about the icefield through interpretive displays inside the Glacier Discovery Centre. You’ll then begin your 30-minute trip to the glacier, travelling by bus before traversing off-road terrain that includes a steep moraine slope aboard a purpose-built Ice Explorer.
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- Stewarts Vacation1,543 contributionsMore than just a ticket office!This large purpose built centre is the ticket office and gathering place for the Icefield Explorer Glacier tours. However, it also operates as an information centre with a display area (downstairs) providing detailed facts and particulars about the glacier and surrounding area. There is also a movie available to watch. There is a large deck upstairs which affords lovely panoramic views of the area. Amenities include: a cafe, washrooms, seating and a gift shop.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 December 2023
- Natalie Perth33 contributionsLoved It - Really Special DayWe loved our visit to the ice fields and our trip out on the ice explorer. Our fabulous driver Jackson was just wonderful. He was not only professional but a lovely guy who not only gave us so much information about the glacier but also talked about his family - hi Peggy - who he misses. We were in awe of the glacier and the interesting facts. Highly recommend 😊Hello, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad to hear you loved your visit to the ice fields and the Ice Explorer experience. Jackson is indeed fabulous, and it’s great to know he made your trip even more special with his insights and personal touch. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you back for more adventures in the future! Cheers, Sam L Guest Experience Supervisor Columbia IcefieldWritten 28 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 24 June 2024
- Jasodra P6 contributionsGreat ExperienceHappy we were part of this experience. The bus was very comfortable and air conditioned. Roland was very knowledgeable about this area and shared lots of experiences as well as Noosa, a kind and wonderful lady always ready to help with a smile. Ashley at the Icefield was amazing with her driving skills , she is a safe driver !Hello, Thank you for the 5-star review! Cheers, Sam L Guest Experience Supervisor Columbia IcefieldWritten 30 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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3.5
1,074 reviews
Excellent
320
Very good
354
Average
225
Poor
110
Terrible
65
Randy M
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
Columbia Icefield Glacier tour:
Pass up that expensive and time consuming tourist trap!
Lot’s of waiting, standing in line, 4 bus changes. Tour took too much time that could be better used seeing other sights. Good glacier views and hikes can be done without the $130/ person cost of tour. The tour “glacier experience” is walking around a very small area of slush with lot’s of people and buses that are damaging to the glacier.
The “Skywalk” bridge is not worth the time or money. The view is very similar to views you can see at many of the pull offs &/or short hikes. Not nearly as high or “spectacular” as advertised.
Pass up that expensive and time consuming tourist trap!
Lot’s of waiting, standing in line, 4 bus changes. Tour took too much time that could be better used seeing other sights. Good glacier views and hikes can be done without the $130/ person cost of tour. The tour “glacier experience” is walking around a very small area of slush with lot’s of people and buses that are damaging to the glacier.
The “Skywalk” bridge is not worth the time or money. The view is very similar to views you can see at many of the pull offs &/or short hikes. Not nearly as high or “spectacular” as advertised.
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HSElawyer2022
Breda, The Netherlands13 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
The Center itself is quite nice. The beds are A bit to small for 2 adults or teenagers. But the Food is decent and the views from your table are simply astonishing.
What is really disappointing however is the company that is making tons of money from this operation. They claim to be green, but that is greenwashing, because all buses they use are dieselengines. And the buses are running their engines even when in neutral in the Parking lots. To me it would be the only logical choice to have electrical buses for the short trips to the glacier and the skywalk. I consider this A serious reputational issue: you cannot complain about fading glaciers and still drive dieselbuses. Unbelievable. I would recommend Brewster or whoever is making big profits dat in dat out from this miracle of natural beauty to invest in Carbon neutral buses immediately. Shame on you!
What is really disappointing however is the company that is making tons of money from this operation. They claim to be green, but that is greenwashing, because all buses they use are dieselengines. And the buses are running their engines even when in neutral in the Parking lots. To me it would be the only logical choice to have electrical buses for the short trips to the glacier and the skywalk. I consider this A serious reputational issue: you cannot complain about fading glaciers and still drive dieselbuses. Unbelievable. I would recommend Brewster or whoever is making big profits dat in dat out from this miracle of natural beauty to invest in Carbon neutral buses immediately. Shame on you!
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kent M
Lively, Canada62 contributions
July 2021 • Family
Great 2 hour excursion to learn about a natural wonder and enjoy the time on the ice. Restaurant hours are breakfast and supper out Maude of that is cafeteria and Starbucks fare. Oh, and speaking of coffee, that magnificent stuff is wonderful going in, but with no washrooms after leaving the center until you return, maybe don’t grab a cuppa until you return. Great, energetic tour guides giving information with zest and flare. Definitely didn’t seem like a lecture on wheels! Bring an empty water bottle and collect some fresh glacier water running by as you make ice angels in the ice. Fun for whole family!
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Talisker55
Surrey, Canada264 contributions
July 2022
If approaching from the South East there are NO signs indicating car or motorcycle parking, only an off ramp indicating "Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre". Then, after you have exited the highway, you will be facing two road entrances, EACH with a "Do Not Enter" sign.
Don't buy anything here. I paid $3.66 for a bottle of water that costs $1.25 anywhere else. Even the sales clerk was apologetic.
Tried to go to the bathroom but only one urinal was in service and the bathroom was filthy even by guy standards.
The North West side is for car and motorcycle parking, but you don't see this until after you've escaped this tourist trap. The Alberta government should be embarrassed at the condition of this place.
Don't buy anything here. I paid $3.66 for a bottle of water that costs $1.25 anywhere else. Even the sales clerk was apologetic.
Tried to go to the bathroom but only one urinal was in service and the bathroom was filthy even by guy standards.
The North West side is for car and motorcycle parking, but you don't see this until after you've escaped this tourist trap. The Alberta government should be embarrassed at the condition of this place.
Written 26 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewarts Vacation
1,543 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This large purpose built centre is the ticket office and gathering place for the Icefield Explorer Glacier tours. However, it also operates as an information centre with a display area (downstairs) providing detailed facts and particulars about the glacier and surrounding area. There is also a movie available to watch. There is a large deck upstairs which affords lovely panoramic views of the area. Amenities include: a cafe, washrooms, seating and a gift shop.
Written 7 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dee H
2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
“Marc with a C”! 😂 it was an absolute treat to ride in style with his 1.3 Mercedes Benz engine and getting to see his “backyard”. ;)
He shared informational comments, comedy, and his communication skills are 10/10 - he had us we’ll entertain. Overall, it’s an educational experience and I’m glad I got to experience it.
He shared informational comments, comedy, and his communication skills are 10/10 - he had us we’ll entertain. Overall, it’s an educational experience and I’m glad I got to experience it.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa L
Melbourne, Australia339 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We were bought here as part of a group for lunch and unfortunately it was a shambles. Rather than the buses being given their own queue we were put in with the general public even though we were all on a very tight schedule. Apparently for some reason the bus queue was closed that day.
Lunch turned out to be a really big unenjoyable rush. Never again. Complaints by all were passed on to the tour group leader.
Lunch turned out to be a really big unenjoyable rush. Never again. Complaints by all were passed on to the tour group leader.
Written 29 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nir W
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
A MUST tour to tourists that want to explore this extraordinary piece of land...
We took the family package.
The bus drivers Jess and Colby had their very very amusement way to provide the interesting educational information.
Thanks Jess and Colby (abd of course Abigail 😂)
We took the family package.
The bus drivers Jess and Colby had their very very amusement way to provide the interesting educational information.
Thanks Jess and Colby (abd of course Abigail 😂)
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashleigh K
6 contributions
July 2021 • Family
Everyone here was so friendly. The servers at the restaurant, the tour guides, and all the other staff in general! Everyone was talkative and excited to be there. We had Karan as our server, and Ariel, Hans, Selena and JB as our tour guides. I would 100% recommend this place to anyone. The drive to get here is long, but absolutely beautiful and very worth it. Out on the ice shield was cool too! This is a very educational tour as well. They teach you a lot about the glacier and why we need to protect it, as well as teaching us about wild life and plants along the way. We also did the skywalk where we say mountain goats and got to take as much time as we wanted soaking in the view.
This was an amazing trip overall!
This was an amazing trip overall!
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slh1078
Columbus, OH103 contributions
Aug 2023
If you are looking to experience nature up close and personal, this needs to be on your "must visit" list. Especially since the glaciers that make up the Columbia Ice Field are disappearing rapidly (see photos below). I was initially a bit hesitant to actually go out on the glacier ice, but with a good pair of hiking boots and my trusty poles the footing was fine.
Everything is well organized, and you can choose whether you want to visit the Skywalk or not - just stay on the bus and you'll be brought back to the Discovery Center.
I think it does help to purchase tickets in advance, as I noticed a pretty long line at the ticket counter. We didn't have to wait in line for anything.
A note if you are mobility/stairs challenged: there is a graded walking path up from the parking lot, but access to it is not well marked.
Everything is well organized, and you can choose whether you want to visit the Skywalk or not - just stay on the bus and you'll be brought back to the Discovery Center.
I think it does help to purchase tickets in advance, as I noticed a pretty long line at the ticket counter. We didn't have to wait in line for anything.
A note if you are mobility/stairs challenged: there is a graded walking path up from the parking lot, but access to it is not well marked.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we book same-day tours? Driving northbound from Lake Louise to Jasper in mid June. Need flexibility, I don't know time of arrival around Discovery Centre. Just don't want to rush the drive and don't know if we need to commit to a specific time. Thanks!
Written 26 May 2024
We booked a tour that includes buffet lunch. Will there be gluten-free options at the buffet? Thank you.
Written 10 March 2024
Hi is there an RV park near here ?
Written 22 November 2019
Hello
No there is none right at the info centre. They have designated RV parking but it is not a campground.
There are campgrounds around Jasper and area.
Written 24 November 2019
Gostaria de informações sobre o estacionamento. E seguro deixar carro com malas?
Written 24 April 2019
When traveling from Banff to Waterton, is the best scenic route via trans Canada HWY 1 to HWY 22 all the way down to Waterton ? What are the must see and do things along this route ?
Thanks again !!
Clarkb54
Written 31 July 2018
Just thought I’d add that today, Hwy 22 has snow!!! Be sure to watch the weather.
Written 2 August 2018
My wife and I are planning on traveling from glacier to Banff via HWY 93 in one day. The next day we are planning to drive the Icefield Parkway to Jasper and spend the night. The next day drive the Icefield Parkway back to Lake Louise and spend the night. The next day spend time at Lake Louise and spend the night in Banff. The next day drive from Banff to Waterton and spend two nights. The next day drive back to Missoula and fly home. Asking for comments and suggestions.
Thanks !!
Clarkb54
Written 31 July 2018
That sounds great. Google says it’s a 4 hour drive but it will take longer because you will continually stop in awe! Perhaps take in the hot springs at Radium, right on 93. Coming along 93 toward the AB BC border ups Marble Canyon, very nice. Also there are paint pots that you can hike into.
As you go up to Jasper from Banff, be sure to stop at Athabasca Falls.
There’s tons to see and do in both townsites/parks but you can get lots of info on that from the parks or anyplace.
There is a daily park fee.
In Banff, be sure to take the Lake Minnewanka loop drive because that’s where the big horn sheep hang out. And ALWAYS be watching for wildlife.
My son just got back from a camping weekend in Banff.. had a wonderful time. Kayaked and hiked.
You will love it! 😄
Written 31 July 2018
What are the highways like between Missoula and Glacier National Park, such as scenic, winding with steep drop offs etc.
What kind of roads can I expect between Glacier and Banff, scenic, winding with steep drop offs etc. You might have figured out that I am not use to driving
mountain roads and I’m trying to get my mind prepared.
We will be traveling HWY 93 &
crossing the border at the Roosville Border Crossing. I have read that the waits can be extremely long. Can anyone advise the best time to get to the crossing to avoid lengthy delays ?
We will be traveling through this area the later part of August 2018.
Thanks !!!!!
Written 26 July 2018
Forgot to mention: speed limits are lowered in the national parks, at times down to 70 kph where there is usually wildlife but normally 90 kph.
Written 31 July 2018
Hayley k
We are doing the glacier adventure and skywalk in mid-June. How should we dress? What is the temperature like there at this time of year?
Written 29 May 2018
On the glacier you need to be equipped with warm clothes.
In month of May when we visited we encountered very sunny weather but with light cool and breezy temperature.
However the climate tends to be very fluctuating so better be prepared in layers
Written 31 May 2018
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