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As an ardent traveller, you have probably walked on asphalt and cobbles, earth and grass, rock and sand. If you want to have your perspective of the world challenged, however, a terrain you should definitely try out is ice. One of the most tourist-friendly ice masses in the world is the Columbia Icefield in Canada. Holidays in the Rocky Mountains should include a visit to this grand icy expanse stretching a full kilometre in width and six kilometres in length. As your bus pulls into its parking spot, a group of great rocky mounds rises high above you and patches of white ice that lie between the rocks sparkle in the sun. Concealed behind these mountains is the enormous uninterrupted icefield you are about to conquer. Columbia Icefield is composed of a total of six glaciers and its waters, once melted, flow into the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east: one of only two places in the world with such a triple continental divide. This adventure begins by boarding the Ice Explorer – a beast of a vehicle, with giant wheels and a glass roof, which treads any terrain and looks like it comes straight out of a sci-fi film. Over the next 90 absorbing minutes you’ll hear the archaic tale of this land as you travel to the next stage of your tour: the Athabasca Glacier. Here you will be given the opportunity to stretch your legs, to walk on the millennia-old ice and take in the other-worldly beauty of the region. Rugged and stern as they may seem, the breath-taking views you will enjoy will not be lacking in wildlife. Indeed, this region attracts myriad scientists who are drawn by the perpetual evolution of its native creatures as they seek to survive the inhospitable conditions of their habitat. A hair-raising stroll along the Glacier Skywalk is the perfect conclusion to your adventure. A thick glass pane that protrudes from the cliff edge is the only thing separating you from a 280-metre drop to the Sunwapta Valley on this circular catwalk. Take in the glaciers hanging over from the mountains all around at your leisure (if you dare) and observe bird species flying below you which are rare elsewhere in Canada: holiday experiences which your memory will eagerly capture and preserve for good. Good to Know In order to get to the Columbia Icefield you can travel from Banff by heading west on the Trans Canada Highway and watching out for the turnoff sign. Next to the car park at the base of the glacier is the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where you can learn more about local glaciers, buy snacks and warm drinks or simply rest at a picnic table. Before you travel to Canada, holiday tours to the Rocky Mountains can be organised for you by experienced tour operators. Their expert knowledge will ensure that you will enjoy these unforgettable adventures in a safe manner. John Dixon is the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For almost a decade he has been sending his clients on bespoke Canada holidays, handcrafted by his award-winning team. John is an experienced world traveller and tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of the properties he recommends, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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