Improvement District No. 12

Views of the Columbia Icefield from the Icefields Parkway pale in comparison with those achieved along this trail. Few trails anywhere are so instantly and extravagantly gratifying. That being said, be prepared to share the trail with a dozen other hikers as this premier scenery is no secret.Beginning from the Wilcox Campground access road, the trail climbs through a stunted forest of Engelmann...

Starting from the Wilcox Campground, this hike is 12km roundtrip. If you're just looking to stretch your legs a bit, you don't have to go the full distance, you can hike as far as the first opening.Along the route, you'll take in the expanse of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca and Dome Glaciers nestled between Mt. Athabasca and Snow Dome. Once you're ready for a hot chocolate, return to the ...

The Icefields Parkway is without a doubt one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Just off the road, you’ll find one of Jasper’s hidden gems where you can explore this stunning ice cave. Venture inside (with extreme caution) to marvel at the brilliant blue walls and admire epic views of the Canadian Rockies perfectly framed by the cave's opening. The cave is right near the Columbia Icefi...

This is not an advertisement for the guided tour, but you will see so much more of the glacier than if you do a bus tour or just visit the roped off visitor area. Do you research and you can find a company that will take you up onto the glacier safely. It was amazing looking into the crevasses and not being able to see the bottom. It really puts into perspective how small we really are!It is im...

While the drive from Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway is astoundingly beautiful, it's long enough to make even the most seasoned roadwarrior crave the chance to stretch their legs.  At almost the exact halfway point on the lengthy drive lies Parker Ridge, a short but fairly steep hike right at the base of Mount Andromeda. The summit awards expansive views of Mount Athabasca, Andromeda a...

The extraordinary Panther Falls can be found along the Columbia Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Alberta. This 0.3 mile long trail requires a little scrambling and extreme caution. It leads to a breathtaking view of the falls from the top where Nigel Creek descends out from a rock canyon and drops 218 ft. and then takes you back into an alcove behind the falls.  In the winter, Panther ...

The Saskatchewan Glacier is usually seen from above, on Parker's Ridge, but this much quieter trail will give you access to the very base of the glacier. Though much longer than the famous Parker's Ridge, this trail is easy and meanders through morraines and forest before reaching the toe of the glacier. Stunning waterfalls, erratics, and fossils are dotted along the way for your visual pleasur...

Hiking up Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls is a must do summer activity for all those who love waterfalls. In the winter, this canyon gets transformed into a magical winter wonderland full of interesting ice formations. The creek and falls freeze over, but open holes of flowing water are easily found. Within the short 6km hike, you will be able to view 8 waterfalls in a narrow canyon.Getting to th...

This is an amazing hike takes you through the beautiful Sunset Meadows to a towering scramble of Mount Coleman. The 10,000ft peak offers up a challenging scrambling section for a rewarding view of Banff National Park.The trailhead is at the Sunset Pass/Pinto Lake Trailhead. Follow Highway 93, Icefields Parkway, 10 miles (16 km) north of Saskatchewan River Crossing.The hike begins with a well-gr...