Image shot by and courtesy of © Robert Lemermeyer at Design Father
The Glacier Skywalk, located in Jasper National Park, is an attraction unlike any other. This transparent walkway juts out 70 feet above the Athabasca River and gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the glacier-fed waterfalls below. This spectacular walkway is part of the larger Jasper visitor experience, which also includes several other attractions. Here’s a look at what you can expect when you visit The Glacier Skywalk in Jasper, Canada.
What is the Glacier Skywalk?
The Glacier Skywalk is a walkway on top of the Columbia Icefield. This ice field is the source of the Columbia River, which runs through the Pacific Northwest. It’s also the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, and one of the few places where you can walk on top of a glacier. The walkway takes visitors right over the top of the Athabasca Glacier. The Glacier Skywalk is just one part of the larger Jasper visitor experience, which also includes Maligne Lake and the town of Jasper itself. The viewing platform of The Glacier Skywalk is made of glass, giving visitors a panoramic view of the ice below. Along with visiting the walkway, you can also take a tour that goes down to the base of the glacier. You can also visit the nearby Icehouse, which offers ice-related exhibits and activities.
Sturgess Architecture: Behind the Design of the Glacier Skywalk
The Glacier Skywalk was designed by Sturgess Architecture. This architectural firm has designed many notable buildings and structures, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg and the Seattle Central Library. The Glacier Skywalk is one of the firm’s most popular designs. It was designed to be transparent, giving visitors an unobstructed view of the ice below. The walkway was designed to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. The railing is made of tempered safety glass, which is three times stronger than regular glass. It took more than five years to complete the design and construction of the walkway. The final walkway was 20 feet longer than the original design, and it cost $19 million to build.
How to Get to The Glacier Skywalk
The Glacier Skywalk is part of the Jasper National Park, which is in Alberta, Canada. Getting there is simple. You can either fly or drive. Flying is the recommended option, since the airport is just 18 miles away from the park. Jasper is also easily accessible by road. From Vancouver, it’s a six-hour drive. From Edmonton, it’s a four-hour drive. Both flying and driving are easy and convenient ways to get to The Glacier Skywalk.
What to Expect at the Glacier Skywalk
The Glacier Skywalk is truly a one-of-a-kind attraction. You can walk right on top of the Athabasca Glacier and get a view of the river below. The transparent walkway extends 70 feet out from the face of the glacier, giving you a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. You can also take a tour down to the base of the glacier and learn more about the formation and history of the Columbia Icefield. The surrounding area contains many other attractions, including Maligne Lake, the Icefields Parkway, and the nearby towns of Jasper, Banff, and Lake Louise. If you have time, you should also visit the Icehouse, which is located near the Glacier Skywalk. This interactive exhibit explores the formation and history of glaciers like the one you’re standing on top of.
Tips for Visiting the Glacier Skywalk
The Glacier Skywalk is a must-see attraction in Jasper. To make the most of your trip, you should plan ahead. Here are some tips for visiting The Glacier Skywalk. – The park is open year-round, but it gets much more crowded during the summer months. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons. – The best weather conditions are from June to September. These are the months with the least precipitation. – The walkway is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. During the winter months, you can only visit the walkway by taking a tour. – The walkway is accessible to wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. You can also bring your pets, as long as they’re on leashes. – There are plenty of nearby hotels and other accommodations, ranging from budget to luxury. – The walkway is outdoors, so even though you’re indoors, you’ll still need to dress for the weather. Bring a jacket, and maybe even a hat, gloves, and a scarf.
Final Words
The Glacier Skywalk is one of the most scenic and unique attractions in the world. Visitors can walk on top of the Athabasca Glacier, get a panoramic view of the river below, and even visit the Icehouse to learn more about glaciers. The Glacier Skywalk is part of the larger Jasper visitor experience, which also includes Maligne Lake, the Icefields Parkway, and nearby towns. If you’re visiting the Canadian Rockies, you don’t want to miss The Glacier Skywalk in Jasper, Canada.