Columbia Icefield, Alberta, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Columbia Icefield, Alberta, Canada? If you're planning to go to Columbia Icefield, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Columbia Icefield, Alberta, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in Columbia Icefield, Alberta, Canada, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Columbia Icefield, Alberta, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Columbia Icefield, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Columbia Icefield, Alberta, Canada by month

January

January here is biting cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

February

February in Columbia Icefield is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in Columbia Icefield is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

April

If you go to Columbia Icefield in April, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

May

If you are traveling to Columbia Icefield in May, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June in this region is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

July

July in Columbia Icefield is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

August

If you visit Columbia Icefield during August, you may notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

September

If you are traveling to Columbia Icefield in September, you will notice that it is chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you are traveling to Columbia Icefield in October, you will notice that it is cold. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

November

November for Columbia Icefield is frosty. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

December

December in Columbia Icefield can be dangerously cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Columbia Icefield. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Columbia Icefield, Alberta, Canada

Located in the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Icefield is one of the world's largest non-polar icefields, covering an area of 325 square kilometers. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alberta, Canada, attracting millions of visitors each year. This natural wonder offers numerous attractions and activities that showcase the beauty and grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.

Here is a list of the top tourist attractions in the Columbia Icefield:

1. Athabasca Glacier: The Athabasca Glacier is the most accessible glacier in the Columbia Icefield. Visitors can walk onto the glacier and experience the breathtaking beauty of the icefield. The glacier is six kilometers long and covers an area of six square kilometers.

2. Glacier Skywalk: The Glacier Skywalk is a thrilling experience that involves walking on a glass walkway suspended 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. The skywalk offers a breathtaking view of the Canadian Rockies and the Columbia Icefield.

3. Sunwapta Falls: The Sunwapta Falls is a must-see attraction in the Columbia Icefield. The waterfall drops over 75 meters into a gorge, creating a beautiful misty spray that is a delight to behold. Visitors can hike around the falls and enjoy the scenic landscape.

4. Jasper National Park: The Columbia Icefield is located within the Jasper National Park. The park covers an area of over 11,000 square kilometers and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing, and skiing. Visitors can explore the park's majestic mountain peaks, lakes, and rivers.

5. Ice Explorer: The Ice Explorer is a unique vehicle that takes visitors onto the Athabasca Glacier. The vehicle is specially designed to traverse the rough terrain of the glacier and provides an unforgettable experience of the icefield.

6. Glacier Skyline Trail: The Glacier Skyline Trail is a favorite among hikers and offers stunning views of the Columbia Icefield. The trail is 44 kilometers long and takes visitors through alpine meadows, forests, and mountain peaks.

7. Peyto Lake: Peyto Lake is another scenic attraction in the Columbia Icefield. The lake has a brilliant turquoise color that is caused by sunlight reflecting off the glacial silt in the water. Visitors can hike to the viewpoint and enjoy the stunning view of the lake and surrounding landscape.

In conclusion, the Columbia Icefield is a natural wonder that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. From experiencing the beauty of the Athabasca Glacier to hiking the Glacier Skyline Trail or enjoying the breathtaking views from the Glacier Skywalk, the icefield has something for everyone. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a serene vacation spot, the Columbia Icefield is definitely a destination worth exploring.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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