How to get to Athabasca Glacier by car?
Canada, north-america
6 km
2,120 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Canadian Rockies, and you're cruising towards a giant river of ice! The Athabasca Glacier is THE glacier to see in North America, a 3.7-mile-long, one-kilometer-wide icy spectacle nestled in Alberta.
And guess what? You can practically drive right up to it! They say it's the most accessible glacier by car on the planet! The road, Snocoach Road, is paved, starting from the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). It's a quick 1.36-mile jaunt, taking you to the Ice Explorer boarding station at a whopping 6,955 feet above sea level. You'll climb 443 feet in elevation, making for a pretty steady incline.
Word of warning: this glacier is melting at an alarming rate, and it has some hidden dangers! There are crevasses—deep, sneaky cracks in the ice. Stay safe and stick to the designated areas. You can only drive this road in the warmer months. It's usually closed from mid-October to mid-April. It is located in the southern end of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Get ready for some seriously stunning views!
Where is it?
How to get to Athabasca Glacier by car? is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.8334, -106.1688
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,120 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 56.8334, -106.1688
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