Alberta, Canada Road Trip: Day 4 (Columbia Ice Field Adventure with Skywalk)
The drive from Lake Louise to Discovery Center of Columbia Ice Field Adventure was an hour and a half of spectacular alpine vistas. Mountains so majestic it's almost too good to be true. I would have taken so much more photos on the road, but we had to eat our lunch while driving so that we can catch our scheduled trip to the ice field slated for 2 pm. It was recommended to book this adventure online before coming here.
Discovery Center on the right.
We arrived at the Discovery Center with just enough time to catch the 2 pm appointment. However, we found out that the appointment time didn't seem to matter because we were all herded outside under the tents to wait for the bus.
On the drive to the ice field we were getting educated about ice fields, particularly, this one. However, none of these are retained in my brain, given that the trip happened in June of 2022. So, Mr. Google to the rescue. What is the difference between ice field and glacier? Ice fields are larger than alpine glaciers, but smaller than ice caps and ice sheets. What are the Columbia Icefields known for? It contains about 30 distinct glaciers, the largest being Saskatchewan and Athabasca. A vestige of the great ice shield that once lay over most of Canada, the Columbia Icefield is the largest accumulation of ice in the Rocky Mountains, covering some 230 km 2 of snow and ice to a depth of 365 m.
When the bus ride ended, we transferred to an Ice Explorer bus which can go on glaciers. It was however very slow.
This ice field adventure was all about walking on glacier. We were all excited.
Our time there was so limited, we had to go back.
Then off to the Skywalk part of this adventure.
Discovery Center on the right.
We arrived at the Discovery Center with just enough time to catch the 2 pm appointment. However, we found out that the appointment time didn't seem to matter because we were all herded outside under the tents to wait for the bus.
On the drive to the ice field we were getting educated about ice fields, particularly, this one. However, none of these are retained in my brain, given that the trip happened in June of 2022. So, Mr. Google to the rescue. What is the difference between ice field and glacier? Ice fields are larger than alpine glaciers, but smaller than ice caps and ice sheets. What are the Columbia Icefields known for? It contains about 30 distinct glaciers, the largest being Saskatchewan and Athabasca. A vestige of the great ice shield that once lay over most of Canada, the Columbia Icefield is the largest accumulation of ice in the Rocky Mountains, covering some 230 km 2 of snow and ice to a depth of 365 m.
When the bus ride ended, we transferred to an Ice Explorer bus which can go on glaciers. It was however very slow.
This ice field adventure was all about walking on glacier. We were all excited.
Our time there was so limited, we had to go back.
Then off to the Skywalk part of this adventure.
Such stunning scenery - wow!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-just-bit-more.html
A great trip Maria -- never know where we'll find you two!! Alberta is so scenic. No worries about looking up facts on Google. I can't remember a lot when I'm blogging about something that happened last week! Usually Bill does, but if he doesn't Google is my friend too!!!
ReplyDeleteScenery just doesn't get any better than this. Wonderful that you were able to visit the ice field!
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adventure to accomplish...walking on a glacier. Too cool!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully captured in pictures and words.
ReplyDeleteAmazing trip - love your photos
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHistoric and wonderful snapshots in time! These snowy mountains provide majestic views. Sadly, glaciers are rapidly melting and icefields, albeit more slowly, are also retreating.
ReplyDelete...a gorgeous trip, thanks for taking me along.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos of the Canadian Rockies and the ice fields ad glaciers! I have Banff and Lake Louise on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteTruly Amazing, Stunning pics, Great trip.
ReplyDelete