Columbia Icefields

The Columbia Icefields is one of the major destinations we’ve included. And today’s the day. We take the Icefields Parkway for about two hours north through landscape that you’re absolutely convinced cannot be real. It’s a bit of a scary drive in Gigantor, but Rick has really honed his driving skills and does a yeoman’s job.

It’s cold, about 45 degrees and starting to rain as we arrive at the base of the Athabascar Glacier visitor’s center. The exhibits inside are interesting. Our intention is to take the snow bus up onto the glacier where you can walk on the ice. We have a nice buffet lunch overlooking the glacier waiting for the rain to halt.

It’s pouring now. We figure it’s about 25 degrees up on the glacier and while we are layered for all we’re worth, we just know it’s going to be miserable up there and take a pass. The ride back to Lake Louise is stunning and doesn’t seem as frightening the second time.