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Are you planning a trip to the Columbia Icefields? And wondering where to stay near Columbia Icefields? Then you are right on track because we are here to help you find the best hotels to stay in.
But before finding the answer to “where to stay near Columbia Icefields,” you should know more in detail about the Columbia Icefield adventure. Your stay will only be fruitful when you get the most out of the experience.
The Columbia Icefield hails in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is the largest ice field in North America. While located in the Canadian Rockies, the ice field also lies along British Columbia and Alberta.
Interestingly, the icefield lies half in the northwestern end of Banff National Park, and the other half lies in the southern tip of Jasper National Park.
The ice field is home to six significant glaciers, Athabasca Glacier, Castleguard Glacier, Columbia Glacier, Dome Glacier, Stutfield Glacier, and the last Saskatchewan Glacier.
The icefields parkway is the most beautiful journey you will ever take. This particular stretch of road connecting Jasper to Lake Louise highlights Columbia Icefields. And to explore Columbia icefields at their best, you need to stay at least for a day.
Experience the purest mountain experiences in Lake Louise; stay for a while. Take your time to explore the abundance of wildlife in both National Parks. And the best way to do this is by waiting a few miles from Columbia icefield.
Jasper National Park South Entrance
Visit the South Entrance of Jasper National Park to experience a spectacular mountain hideaway with postcard-perfect views and different ecosystems.
The Jasper National Park South Entrance is the southern entrance of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Its magnificent setting is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. Bike, trek, or horseback ride through pathways framed by waterfalls and flower-filled meadows. Take scenic drives, participate in alpine sports, and look for unique creatures.
In the middle of the national park, Jasper is a pleasant town surrounded by natural beauties and a perfect location for planning trips. On the Jasper Sky Tram, you can get a birds-eye perspective of the town and mountain ranges.
Hike through the Maligne Canyon’s rocky canyons or to the summit of Mount Edith Cavell. Travel along the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff to get up close and personal with over 100 beautiful glaciers.
Make a reservation at the Glacier Discovery Centre for a bus ride to the summit of Athabasca Glacier. Step aboard the Glacier Skywalk, a 918-foot (280-meter) glass-bottom walkway dangling above cliffs and waterfalls.
The Canadian Rockies provide a natural habitat for 69 mammal species. Keep an eye out for black bears, coyotes, elk, and moose sightings.
See over 250 different bird species, including eagles, grouse, and owls. Maligne Lake is an excellent place for anglers to catch pike and rainbow trout, among other species.
Intercity buses connect Calgary and Edmonton to Jasper and other national park locations. You can get around via public transportation, scheduled trips, a rental car, or a bike.
The national park is open all year, though inclement weather may necessitate the closure of some portions during the winter months.
There is an admission cost. However, there are discounts for families, students, and seniors. From July to September, reserve your lodging and camping spots ahead of time.
You can book and start your tour from the Columbia icefield discovery centre. To help you find a suitable and comfortable stay, we list the top-rated 10 hotels.
Where to Stay Near Columbia Icefields? – Your Options!
Check out these Top 10 Columbia Icefield hotels on your next trip. All 10 are worthy of every penny you spend.
Before checking out where to stay near Columbia Icefields, check out the 15 best places to explore on the Icefields parkway.
1. Glacier View Lodge
Address: Highway 93 N, Icefields Parkway, Improvement District No. 12, AB T1L J3 Canada.
First up on the list of “where to stay near Columbia Icefields” is the Glacier View Lodge.
“An experience like never before” is what Glacier View Lodge has to offer. It is a 3-star chalet-style stone building situated near the Columbia Icefield Center. This lodge is just 80 miles north of Lake Louise and gives you spectacular views.
They are known for their overwhelming hospitality. From the moment you enter, they make sure to treat you with the best of everything within their reach.
With great views from every guest room overlooking the majestic glaciers and mountains, they also offer exclusive activities and first-class dining experiences.
It is also recognized as one of Fodor’s 5 best hotels in Canada.
They offer you two options to choose from for your stay- Room Only & All-Inclusive Experience. With the “room only” stay, you get cozy, comfortable rooms, evening entertainment, stunning views of the glacier, and stargazing chances.
However, with the “all-inclusive experience” stay, you get not only stunning views or cozy rooms but also a three-course dinner and breakfasts and a significant highlight- a private tour of the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
Glacier View Lodge certainly is the answer to “where to stay near Columbia Icefields.” Because staying at the edge of Columbia Icefields is a lifetime experience.
2. The Athabasca Hotel
Address: 510 Patricia St Jasper, AB T0E, 1E0, Canada.
The Athabasca Hotel in Jasper welcomes you to experience the charm and ambience of the old contemporary days in today’s time.
Located just 65 miles away from Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, this hotel must keep in mind when looking to stay near Columbia Icefields.
This historic hotel offers its guests free access to the Jasper Aquatic Centre, which is within walking distance of just 10 minutes. This 1920’s hotel has an on-site restaurant, a nightclub, and a sports-themed lounge.
The restaurant offers freshly cooked Canadian cuisine. You can certainly have a good time in the sports lounge, as it features a large-screen television and a billiards table.
They are an award-winning hotel in Jasper for their guest services. And as located in central downtown Jasper, the Athabasca Hotel offers you the most serene backdrop.
3. The Crimson
Address– 200 Connaught Dr, Jasper, Jasper National Park, Alberta, T0E 1E0, Canada.
Crimson Jasper is the newest addition to Jasper hotels. In the heart of Jasper, you are in for some fantastic mountain lodging.
The views outside are just as unique as the pictures inside, with modern and new decor. And as you enter the hotel, it gives you a refreshingly youthful vibe, which is why it is best preferred by couples or groups of friends looking out for adventures around.
And most importantly, it is pet-friendly, so you can always bring your favourite ones along.
The best part about the Crimson is it is right on the main street and only takes around 10 minutes to walk to the Jasper Railway Station.
Along with that, The Crimson also offers its guests an indoor pool and a hot tub. After all the day’s adventures, this is the perfect place to come to and get relaxed.
They also offer a fitness centre, which works like a highlight for this hotel.
4. Mount Robson Inn
Address– 902, Cannought Drive Jasper, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.
Next up on the list of “where to stay near Columbia Icefields” is Mount Robson. Situated just 12.3 kilometres from the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure, Mount Robson Inn is what makes your stay in Jasper memorable.
It is located in Jasper’s best-rated area, which is at the heart of Jasper National Park.
Mount Robson Inn welcomes its guest with an amiable vibe with scenic mountain views in the backdrop. The small things always make a difference, and Mount Robson Inn plays an outstanding role.
Small things like cozy and comfortable beds, including a hot, delicious breakfast, and an in-room fridge, make the guests satisfied and happy with their stay.
They offer special stay packages such as ‘Winter Warm-Up In Jasper,’ ‘Ski Jasper’s Marmot Basin,’ ‘Seniors Save This Fall,’ and many more. All these packages are pretty affordable and come with different amenities.
The hotel also offers a seasonal ski shuttle service to its guests. People wishing to enjoy and explore the area’s natural beauty other than the Columbia Icefields should consider this hotel.
They offer you 80 forms of accommodation. And all have access through the exterior corridors. And many on-site recreational activities are also on their list.
5. HI Rampart Creek Hostel
Address- Highway 93 N, Banff National Park Alberta T1L LB3.
HI, Rampart Creek Hostel is like a backpacker’s paradise. It is located between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
Whether you want to go for a hike or a climb, you can find anything you want to do. Get lost in the wilderness of Hi Rampart Creek Hostel and solve all your queries or thoughts on “where to stay near Columbia Icefields.”
If you are in the mood for other adventures around, it’s all just right outside your door.
The main highlights of Rampart Creek Hostel are The Weeping Wall, Saunas, and the Off-the-grid living experience. This experience is not likely to be found everywhere.
Winters, especially at HI Rampart Creek, are magical. They offer you self-catering kitchens and free internet access.
And, after a long day of your tour, you can come back and sit around the fire or relax in the sauna.
Situated amidst the mountains and a river, natural beauty can be experienced at its best.
6. Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
Address– Highway 93- Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Falls, Alberta.
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge, located south of downtown Jasper, is one of Jasper’s best hotels.
Photo from Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge website
If you genuinely want to experience nature, keeping everything else away, this hotel is the best answer to “where to stay near Columbia Icefields.”
Their fantastic location is the top reason for their wide popularity, as it features some of the best attractions around the area. Their service is also top-notch, and you will feel it the moment you check in.
They have been successfully doing it for years to provide you with the best of everything in their mission.
Jasper’s top picks as the Glacier Sky Walk at Columbia Icefields are just a 30 minutes walking distance, and the town is about 50 minutes.
Their on-site restaurant also offers regional cuisines.
7. Marmot Lodge
Address– 86 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Canada.
Next up on the “where to stay near Columbia Icefields” list is Marmot Lodge.
Located right on the main street Marmot Lodge is surrounded by greenery and wilderness within Jasper National Park. And it is just 13.5 kilometres away from Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure.
The location of this lodge is its major highlight. Besides being just a few miles away from Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure, it is also near beautiful lakes and great sites.
Such as Jasper Information Centre National Historic Site, Mount Whistlers, and Sunwapta Falls.
The best part about staying in this lodge is it creates a completely homely environment. You have access through the exterior corridors. You get regular newspapers; you can use the refrigerator and the coffee maker.
Along with offering stunning views and sites of the Canadian Rockies, Marmot Lodge features an on-site steakhouse, Ember’s Steakhouse- the perfect place to enjoy delicious dishes.
On top of that, you can enjoy chilly winters in their Fireside Lounge.
8. Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat
Address- Hamber Provincial Park, British Columbia, T3G 3Z9 Canada.
Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat hails in Fortress Lake. It is located inside British Columbia’s Hamber National Park.
This lodge offers seven ranges of accommodation with nightly turndown service. They also provide an on-site barbeque and picnic area. Also, breakfast is included in their packages.
And the Columbia Icefields Parkway is just within 9 miles of the lodge. With stunning mountain vistas behind, staying in the woody cabins feels surreal.
The scenery experience at Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat is like no other experience ever. And that is why it comes down to a list of the top 10 hotels when thinking about “where to stay near Columbia Icefields.”
Even the journey to this lodge is lovely and worth remembering.
9. The White Brick Inn
Address– 201 Geikie Street Jasper, Jasper National Park, Alberta, T0E 1E0 Canada.
Located just 13.1 kilometres from Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure, The White Brick Inn is a new and modern ground suite in a 1942 Brick house.
It’s not exactly a hotel but a hotel-style residential neighbourhood. It is visually so beautiful. One cannot just forget their days in it.
And one cannot choose to miss this place while thinking about “where to stay near Columbia Icefields.”
It is a boutique-style apartment offering guests the best of Jasper. They offer you cozy private rooms and a private patio. It is the perfect place for romantic getaways.
10. Bear Hill Lodge
Address– 100 Bonhomme Road Jasper, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.
Last but not least, on the list of “where to stay near Columbia Icefields” is the Bear Hill Lodge. It is located around 13.3 kilometres from Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure.
Another visually beautiful lodge is the Bear Hill Lodge. Whether you like to stay in small, large, or luxurious rooms, Bear Hill Lodge covers it all. It is the right place for your preference.
Located in the mountain village of Jasper, the lodge offers you a refreshing environment. And from the lodge, the Bear Hill hiking trails are easily accessible.
You will have a great experience staying in the Bear Hill Lodge. You can set the table outside and enjoy a little picnic of your own. Or have breakfast by the fireplace.
FAQs
1. What is the impact of COVID-19 on travel and bookings in Banff and Jasper?
To ensure the safety of all visitors to Banff and Jasper, we have implemented severe cleaning and safety measures. Currently, international travel to Canada is prohibited.
More information on their Safety Promise can be found on their entire information page.
2. What is the best way to get to Columbia Icefield?
The Columbia Icefield is located on the Icefields Parkway, two hours north of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway and one hour south of Jasper. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk can only be reached by taking a free shuttle from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre.
Leaving Banff, take the Trans-Canada Highway #1 west for 55 kilometres (34 miles) to Lake Louise. The Columbia Icefield is located 125 kilometres (78 miles) north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N.
After leaving Jasper, take the Icefields Parkway Highway 93N south for 108 kilometres (67 miles) to the Columbia Icefield.
3. Is the Columbia Icefield Adventure wheelchair accessible?
The Columbia Icefield Adventure is not wheelchair accessible. Their buses do not currently have a wheelchair lift to assist wheelchair customers.
On the other hand, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is accessible and can easily accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
4. Is bringing my camera to the Columbia Icefield Adventure allowed?
Yes! They encourage all visitors to bring cameras, phones, and video recording devices to capture their experiences at the Columbia Icefield Adventure and Skywalk. They would also appreciate it if you shared them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
5. Where does the shuttle bus depart?
Shuttle buses depart at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre for Columbia Icefield Adventure and Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
The queue hallway will be separated into two sections, one for guests of the Columbia Icefield Adventure and one for guests of the Skywalk.
Those who have purchased the Columbia Icefield Adventure will depart directly for the Skywalk when they return from the glacier.
6. How many passengers can the Ice Explorers and shuttle buses transport?
Their specifically constructed Ice Explorers can carry up to 56 people.
7. Is the Columbia Icefield pet-friendly?
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the Columbia Icefield Adventure or Skywalk. The buses transporting passengers are enclosed, and guests with allergies must be accommodated.
While they are confident that the visitors are responsible pet owners with excellent, friendly pets, they would prefer to avoid the possibility of a terrified animal hurting itself or other guests.
They ask that you leave your pets at home for the safety of your pets and our visitors.
8. What should I bring with me to the Columbia-Icefield Adventure? –
Wear layers and flat, comfy shoes with sticky bottoms (e.g. sneakers, hiking boots).
You are suggested to bring sunscreen, and in case you want to collect glacier water, carry an empty water bottle and your camera! You can get a handbag or a backpack if you have one.
The Columbia-Icefield Skywalk and Discovery Trail should be free of ice and snow. In the case of inclement weather, their personnel will try to keep it clean of snow and ice.
However, they are at the mercy of nature. Thus, appropriate closed-toe footwear is advised.
9. Is it feasible to walk on the glacier?
Yes! You can easily step on the old ice of the Athabasca Glacier halfway through the journey. Visitors are asked to keep within the clearly defined area because this section is frequently maintained and declared safe.
10. How will the weather be at Columbia-Icefield?
Prepare for the worst! The Columbia-Icefield is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem where the weather can quickly change from sunny to snowy. Dress warmly in layers and wear closed-toe shoes with firm soles.
Hiking boots and running shoes are the most fantastic options. The temperature on the glacier should be roughly 15° Celsius (27° F) lower than at the Columbia-Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.
11. How high is the glass-floor platform on the Columbia-Icefield Skywalk?
The Columbia-Icefield Skywalk’s glass-floor platform is roughly 280 metres (918 feet) above the valley bottom. The Discovery Vista (glass-floored platform) juts out 35 meters (115 feet) from the cliff face.
Deciding where to stay near Columbia Icefields can be a little tricky. There are several options for you to choose from, but since we have listed the top 10 best alternatives to stay near Columbia Icefields, I hope it makes it easier for you now.
And if you know any other options for where to stay near Columbia Icefields, feel free to share your ideas with us in the comment section.
Last Updated on by alishbarehman
