Skydiving, bungee jumping and swimming with sharks… what’s the first thing that springs to mind when you hear these? Crazy, awesome or perhaps, terrifying! These are just a few examples of “bucket list” experiences that many adrenaline junkies around the world love to enjoy! Do you enjoy living life on the edge or do you prefer something a little more relaxing when it comes to “adventure”? We believe that we have found the perfect compromise in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The Glacier Skywalk in Jasper offers an adrenaline rush but without the inherent danger (some may argue otherwise!) that many of us contemplate with those aforementioned activities.
If you are ready to step outside your comfort zone and enjoy a memorable experience, the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper is certainly an attraction for you! During our recent visit to the Canadian Rockies, we had every intention of finding the best things to do in Jasper National Park. After experiencing the Skywalk and also the Glacier Adventure on the Athabasca Glacier courtesy of Brewster Travel Canada, we are convinced that we stumbled across two of the best experiences in the area.
What is it about the Glacier Skywalk that makes this such an incredible experience, especially for those that are in the market for thrill-seeking adventures? Take a moment to contemplate walking out on a glass-bottomed floor with breathtaking panoramic scenes in front of you.
We will share more specific details later which will either seal the deal or perhaps make you think twice! Either way, it’s a “thrill a minute” experience that we think you would be crazy to miss.
Glacier Skywalk Jasper Information
The Glacier Skywalk offers the opportunity for visitors to explore the immense power of glaciology and to admire the beauty of the Columbia Icefield from the summit of a glass-floored observation platform that stands 280 meters (918 ft) above the Sunwapta Valley. If this doesn’t immediately spark your interest, wait until you see the images of this spectacular region in the Canadian Rockies.
Admission Prices
If you book online, these are the rates you will pay, otherwise the “regular” rate should you purchase will be 10% extra!
Adults – CAD 29 (US$ 21)
Children (Age 6-15) – CAD 15 (US$ 11)
Under 5 – FREE
Package Deals
If you read our recent post on the Glacier Adventure, you will know that we mentioned Brewster Travel Canada offers combo packages. For those of you interested in experiencing both the Glacier Skywalk and the Glacier Adventure (we strongly encourage you to do BOTH!), here are the package deals available.
You can save up to 20% on ticket prices if you book in advance and opt for one of these.
- Banff Ultimate Explorer – Includes Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk, Banff Gondola and Banff Lake Cruise (Adults – CAD 173 (US$ 130); Children (Age 6-15) CAD 87 (US$ 65)
- Jasper Ultimate Explorer – Includes Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk, Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake Cruise (Adults – CAD 183 (US$ 137); Children (Age 6-15) CAD 92 (US$ 69)
- Banff Explorer – Includes Banff Gondola and Banff Lake Cruise (Adults – CAD 98 (US$ 73); Children (Age 6-15) CAD 49 (US$ 36)
- Jasper Explorer – Includes Glacier Adventure, Glacier Skywalk and Maligne Lake Cruise (Adults – CAD 133 (US$ 100); Children (Age 6-15) CAD 67 (US$ 50)
Opening Hours
April 14 to April 30 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
May 1 to May 26 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
May 27 to July 7 – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
July 8 to September 3 – 10:00AM – 7:00 PM
September 4 to October 1 – 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
October 2 to October 15 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
***Be sure to check out the website for the latest prices and opening hours. The above information is accurate at the time of publication***
Where to Stay
How to Reach the Glacier Skywalk?
A question that we frequently get asked is where are the best places to stay close to the attractions we visit. I have to admit, the Glacier Skywalk Jasper experience is located in the heart of the Columbia Icefield so you should probably prepare yourself to travel a distance in order to enjoy this. However, don’t worry because there are a couple of options available to you.
- Self-Organized – If you are renting a car to explore Jasper (and Banff) National Park, you can take the short one hour drive from the town of Jasper. Alternatively, if you are staying in Banff, it will take around 2 1/2 hours to reach the Discovery Center where all of the excursions start.
- Organized Tours – No car? Thanks to Brewster Sightseeing Tours, you don’t need to worry about finding your own way to enjoy the Glacier Skywalk. Tours are available from Calgary, Banff, and Jasper while hotel pickup is available at most accommodation options in downtown Calgary and Banff.
Hotel Recommendations in Jasper
Although we stayed in Hinton, just outside of Jasper National Park, this left us a two-hour drive to the Columbia Icefield. However, if we had booked in advance, we would have certainly considered one of the following options based on feedback from some of our fellow travel bloggers that have stayed in downtown Jasper.
- Pyramid Lake Resort – If you are looking for a hotel in a perfect location with gorgeous surroundings, the Pyramid Lake Resort is situated just minutes from downtown Jasper but in the tranquil setting of this gorgeous lake. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
- Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites – Prefer to stay in a “brand” name hotel? Consider the Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites as a viable alternative given the ideal location and available amenities. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
Hotel Recommendations in Banff
For those of you that are choosing to stay in Banff and consider a day trip to the Columbia Icefield to experience all of these amazing excursions, check out these recommendations.
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Banff Royal Canadian Lodge – Banff is a popular spot, even more so than Jasper so be prepared to book in advance! If you are looking for a stereotypical experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, check out the Royal Canadian Lodge. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
- Moose Hotel And Suites – The name pretty much says it all…when you are in Canada, you just have to consider staying somewhere called Moose Hotel and Suites! Don’t worry, I don’t think you will have any moose popping into your rooms while you are out exploring the spectacular scenery around you. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
- Fairmont Banff Springs – We couldn’t recommend a list of Banff hotels without offering the “ultimate” luxury location! The Fairmont brand is proud to be a luxurious accommodation option and if you want to really impress someone, consider booking a stay at the gorgeous Fairmont Banff Springs. Check out the latest prices and availability here.
Glacier Skywalk Experience
When you read the caption on the Brewster Travel Canada website about the Glacier Skywalk Experience, you know you are in for a real treat!
STAND WHERE EAGLES SOAR
After taking a short shuttle bus ride from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, the first part of the Glacier Skywalk is an interpretative experience where you can learn about the history, geology, botany, and zoology of this region.
There are several viewpoints where you can start to appreciate the scenery across the Sunwapta Valley but all of this is just preparation for the real experience when you reach the glass Skywalk.
As you learn about the waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and much more that can be found through the Sunwapta Valley, you can’t help but look at the gorgeous (or terrifying) sight of the cliff-edge platform that protrudes out across the landscape.
Approaching the Glacier Skywalk, you quickly realize that this is not for the faint-hearted and for those of you that suffer from acrophobia, this is either going to be an opportunity for you to overcome the fear of heights or you will make a choice to turn around and head back to the shuttle (please don’t do this).
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH…the key word to think about before stepping out on the glass platform is TRUST!! You have to trust the engineering masterpiece and also trust yourself. Once you take that first step on the glass, the rest is easy. Be sure to enjoy your time on the platform and appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery in front of you.
Take a moment to peer over the edge of the platform and try to spot wildlife, you will likely see some mountain sheep and possibly a bear or two wandering around the valley. Don’t forget to look down either through the glass, you may be pleasantly surprised at just how cool the view is.
Of course, don’t panic and start over thinking what you are actually doing because the reality is, this glass platform can hold a lot more weight than you could ever imagine!
Summary
After reading this post, you could be forgiven for thinking that we are adventure seekers and love these types of experiences where you live on the edge! I would actually say we are the exact opposite of this and prefer more relaxing adventures but visiting the Glacier Skywalk Jasper attraction is certainly something that we enjoyed and would strongly recommend to folks with a variety of interests.
The views are incredible, the sense of accomplishment is worth the admission fee alone and the overall experience is something that will long live in your memories. As we stood on the edge of the glass platform that extends out 35 meters (114 feet) from the cliff, we couldn’t help but marvel at the impact nature has had on this region.
I realize that may sound a little controversial given that we were standing on a CAD$ 21 million man-made structure but it’s the gorgeous, untouched wilderness surrounding you that is the real reason you are appreciating this experience.
DISCLAIMER – This post contains affiliate links. Should you choose to make a purchase via one of our links, we may receive a small commission. This income helps A Brit & A Southerner continue to explore and share inspiring stories. Although we have not personally stayed at all of the hotels included in this post, we used the recommendations of friends and family as well as detailed research to bring you the very best options possible.
The post Why the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper Is the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush? appeared first on A Brit and A Southerner.
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