Exploring new area is one of these places. It has been around for awhile, but we had never ventured into this area before. Even though thousands of visitors travel through the Columbia Icefield, this ice cave has not seen many of those visitors. Due to the seasons, it is very difficult to get to in the summer months, plus it is also dangerous when ice melts.
Athabasca glacier can be access by Ice Explorers in the summer months. There is also an outfit that offers hikes onto the glacier, but not to this cave due to the dangers that lurk.
Use caution to explore this area. Do not venture too deep into the cave due to crevasses with in the cave itself. Proper tools to venture deeper is recommended.
Access: Highway 93 south, approx. 105km from Jasper
Parking: Yes
Trailhead: at base of glacier where the summer platform ends
Activities: Sightseeing, Tour, Skiing, Snowshoe, Hiking
RELATED LINKS
- Brewster (Snowcoach Tour)
- Online Sports & Tackle ( Outdoor Store )
- Edge Control (Ski & Outdoor Store)
- Pure Outdoors (snowsports/watersports rentals)
How long is the hike up to the cave from the parking/trailhead? Was it a hard hike up?
Approximately, 2 kilometers. Not too long, easy walk if the snow is firm.
Cheers,
Eddie
Hi Eddie,
I was at Athabasca Glacier approximately two weeks ago and asked one of the Ice Explorer guides about the ice cave you visited. Given that it was summer, he strongly advised against it but gave the same opinion even for winter. Surprisingly, he had very little interest in the cave and had no idea whether it had ever been visited before or was being studied etc.
I wasn’t able to determine whether it was actually prohibited or illegal to go to the cave though… Did anyone try to stop you or advise against it at all? Or is it a case of you take the risk upon yourself?
On the day that I visited, there were a number of other tourists about and I can imagine that somebody probably would’ve raised an alarm had I tried to step underneath the rope to walk to the cave.
Anyone there that is associated with Parks Canada or Brewsters will not mention that cave as it implies liability. So anything you do there will be at your own risk. Plus most of the guides there are spoon fed information around that area, so they don’t really know much as they are summer transient employees, it is unfortunate that they don’t explore more. And they suggest that you do not cross the line, but there is no hard rule for you to explore the area unless it is deem zone 1. You will have to research that at the info center. In the summer, you might have to ford a river to access the cave, even I do not recommend this time of the year. Hope this helps.
This article is great, exactly what I was looking for. South on Hwy 93, is the trailhead marked? I’ve never been to Jasper and am coming from Calgary, I don’t want to miss it!
Thank you so much!
The trailhead is not marked, read the previous comments to find out why. The opening of the cave is determined on the seasonal conditions. Rumors has circulated that the opening has collapsed. I have not been there since last winter, so I cannot confirm the collapse. If you do happen to venture there, please let us know here.
Thanks for the reply, yes I had heard of it’s rumored collapse as well. I saw the previous comments stating about liability etc, that’s why I was wondering if it will be likely a stop I’ll miss having not been in the area before. Can you tell me anything I’m supposed to look for while driving by? 🙂
I’ll try my best!
Very inspired by the photographs! So much that I’d sacrifice the only free day I get at Banff to drive/hike all the way to this cave.
Sad to hear it appears to be no longer accessible. Can anyone share any new info on this or similar caves around the Columbia Icefields? Please.
I can confirm that you would get zero help from paid staff to get to any of these caves. Found out about one in BC last year and had to struggle to find it on my own after no one wanted to give any information about it. Liability appears to explain it.
Good luck!