How to get out Columbia Icefield
There are numerous hiking options in the area. Hiking trails require only a general level of fitness and no special equipment. ALL glacier travel requires special equipment and special training. Some hiking options include:
Wilcox Pass - starting behind one of the campgrounds, this hiking trail climbs up to an alpine meadow with access to Mt Wilcox, a moderate scramble with great views.
Parker Ridge - the trailhead is about 10 km south of the Icefield Centre close to the Hilda Creek Hostel. Quite popular in winter as a backcountry ski location (with attention needed for potential avalanches), it's also a moderate hike in summer to the top of the ridge with excellent views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and Castlegard Meadows.
Numa Pass - the trailhead is a short distance south of Parker Ridge and leads to a very popular backcountry hiking route called the Brazeau Loop. Parts of the trail are quite high elevation and there is a possibility of seeing cariboo and other wildlife like grizzly bears, hopefully at a safe distance.
Saskatchewan Glacier - at the bottom of the big hill and the big bend in the highway south of the Centre, it is possible to find a hiking trail that crosses the North Saskatchewan River and makes its way to the valley that contains the Saskatchewan Glacier. A moderate day hike will take you to the toe of that glacier and back to the road.
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Columbia Icefield
