Columbia Icefield Skywalk Review: Worth the Stop or an Easy Skip?
Wondering if the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is worth it? Here’s my honest review after visiting, including what to expect, photos, tips, and whether I’d do it again.
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
I’ll be honest.
If I had been driving the Icefields Parkway on my own and someone had asked whether I wanted to pay extra to walk out onto a giant glass platform hanging over a canyon, I probably would have said no.
Not because I’m afraid of heights.
Not because it didn’t look interesting.
It just seemed a little… manufactured.
The Canadian Rockies are full of incredible lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and mountain viewpoints. A giant steel-and-glass observation deck felt like something that belonged in Las Vegas more than Jasper National Park.
Then we visited.
And while I still don’t think the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is the best attraction along the Icefields Parkway, I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected.
The key is knowing what you’re getting.
This isn’t an adrenaline attraction.
It isn’t a hike.
It isn’t one of those experiences that completely changes your trip.
What it is is a surprisingly scenic stop that gives you some fantastic views of the Sunwapta Valley, a chance to stand on a glass floor 900 feet above the canyon below, and an easy way for almost anyone to experience a dramatic part of the Canadian Rockies.
If you’re already visiting the Athabasca Glacier, I’d absolutely do it.
Quick Snapshot
Location: Columbia Icefield, Icefields Parkway
Time Needed: About 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Required: None
Good for Families: Yes
Good for Seniors: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
My Rating: Worth doing if you’re already here
Would I Visit Again? Yes, but as part of the glacier experience
What Exactly Is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk?
The Skywalk is a glass observation platform that extends over the edge of the Sunwapta Valley.
You can’t drive directly to it.
Instead, everyone boards a shuttle at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and rides several minutes south along the Icefields Parkway.
Once you arrive, there’s a short walking route with interpretive exhibits before you eventually reach the famous glass platform.
The entire attraction is designed to be easy and accessible.
No hiking boots required, or climbing… or elevation gain.
And you won’t have to worry whether Grandma or the kids can make it.
You simply stroll along the path and enjoy the scenery.
Honestly, that accessibility is probably one of the attraction’s biggest strengths.
My Expectations Were Pretty Low
The funny thing is that the glacier was the experience I was excited about.
The Skywalk was just sort of… included.
I viewed it almost like a bonus attraction.
Something we’d do because we were already there.
When we arrived, the first thing that surprised me wasn’t the glass platform.
It was the scenery.
Photos online tend to focus on the structure itself.
But standing there in person, my eyes kept drifting toward the mountains.
Huge peaks covered with snow.
A broad valley stretching into the distance.
The winding river far below.
Dark evergreen forests climbing up the slopes.
The platform was interesting.
The landscape was spectacular.
The Best Part Isn’t Actually the Glass Floor
That probably sounds strange in a Skywalk review.
But it’s true.
The glass floor is cool.
For about five minutes.
Maybe ten.
You step onto it.
You look down.
Your brain briefly argues with your feet.
You take a picture.
Then what?
You start looking around.
And that’s where the experience becomes worthwhile.
The views are genuinely beautiful.
In fact, some of my favorite photos from the entire stop weren’t taken on the glass section at all.
They were taken looking out across the valley and toward the distant glaciers.
The scenery completely steals the show.
Is It Scary?
This is probably the question I see most often.
Not really.
At least not for most people.
Now, if you absolutely hate heights, you may feel uncomfortable.
I watched several people slowly inch their way onto the glass.
One woman grabbed the railing and refused to let go.
A few kids ran straight out without even thinking about it.
Most people seemed somewhere in the middle.
The glass is incredibly thick and obviously engineered to handle huge numbers of visitors.
You know it’s safe.
But your brain still notices that there’s nothing but air underneath you.
It’s a weird feeling more than a scary one.
What I Loved About the Experience
The Mountain Views
This was easily my favorite part.
The Skywalk sits in a gorgeous location.
Every direction offers something different.
Snow-covered peaks.
Steep canyon walls.
Forested valleys.
The braided river system below.
Even after spending several days in Banff and Jasper, I found myself stopping repeatedly to take photos.
It’s Easy
One thing I’ve talked about throughout this Canadian Rockies series is that not everyone wants to spend vacation days hiking ten miles into the backcountry.
Some people simply want incredible scenery without turning the experience into an athletic event.
That’s exactly where the Skywalk shines.
Anyone can do it.
It Doesn’t Take Long
Some attractions eat half your day.
This isn’t one of them.
Even moving at a relaxed pace, the entire experience is relatively quick.
That makes it easy to combine with other Icefields Parkway stops.
What I Didn’t Love
Let’s be honest about the downsides.
It’s Expensive If You Only Do The Skywalk
This is probably my biggest hesitation.
If someone asked me whether they should pay specifically for the Skywalk and nothing else, I’d probably tell them to save their money.
There are free viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway that are every bit as beautiful.
What makes the Skywalk worthwhile is pairing it with the glacier adventure.
It Can Feel Crowded
The platform isn’t enormous.
When several shuttle loads arrive close together, things can get busy.
It never felt miserable during our visit, but it definitely wasn’t a peaceful wilderness experience.
The Platform Itself Is Smaller Than You Might Expect
Photos can make it look huge.
In reality, you’ll probably spend more time enjoying the surrounding viewpoints than standing on the actual glass section.
Skywalk vs Athabasca Glacier Adventure
This one isn’t close.
If you only have time or budget for one experience, choose the glacier.
No hesitation.
Walking on Athabasca Glacier felt unique.
It felt memorable.
It felt like something I couldn’t easily replicate somewhere else.
The Skywalk was enjoyable.
The glacier was unforgettable.
Fortunately, most visitors don’t have to choose because the combination package includes both.
That’s exactly how I would recommend experiencing them.
Who Should Skip It?
I know this sounds strange in a review, but I think it’s helpful.
If you’re the type of traveler who loves hiking, chasing remote viewpoints, and finding natural experiences far from crowds, the Skywalk probably won’t be your favorite stop.
Likewise, if you’re trying to stretch every dollar of your vacation budget, I’d prioritize places like Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and Athabasca Falls first.
The Skywalk is good.
Those places are spectacular.
Who Will Love It?
Families.
Retired travelers.
People with mobility limitations.
Visitors who don’t hike.
First-time visitors to the Canadian Rockies.
Basically, the exact audience I write most of these guides for.
The Skywalk delivers dramatic scenery with almost no physical effort.
That’s a pretty appealing combination.
Pro Tips for Visiting the Columbia Icefield Skywalk
- Pair it with the Athabasca Glacier Adventure.
- Bring a jacket, even in summer.
- Don’t rush straight to the glass platform.
- Spend time looking into the valley and toward the glaciers.
- Expect some crowds during peak season.
- Take photos both on and off the platform.
- Give yourself at least an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk worth it?
If you’re already doing the glacier experience, yes. As a standalone attraction, I’m less convinced.
How long does it take?
Most visitors spend about one to two hours including transportation.
Can kids do the Skywalk?
Absolutely. Kids seemed to enjoy it even more than adults.
Is the glass floor safe?
Yes. The structure is heavily engineered and designed for thousands of visitors.
Is it accessible?
Yes. This is one of the most accessible attractions along the Icefields Parkway.
Explore More Icefields Parkway Stops
The Columbia Icefield Skywalk may be one of the most unique attractions along the Icefields Parkway, but it’s only one stop on what is arguably the most scenic drive in the Canadian Rockies. Between glacier views, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain scenery, you’ll find plenty of reasons to pull over throughout the day. These guides will help you plan the perfect Icefields Parkway itinerary and make sure you don’t miss some of the area’s best stops.
- Athabasca Glacier Adventure Review – My honest review after riding an Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier and walking on one of the most accessible glaciers in North America.
- Icefields Parkway Guide – Everything you need to know before driving one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
- Best Icefields Parkway Stops – The lakes, waterfalls, viewpoints, and attractions that are actually worth your time.
- Peyto Lake Guide – Home to one of the most famous and photographed views in the Canadian Rockies.
- Bow Lake Guide – A stunning glacier-fed lake that’s easy to visit and often less crowded than Lake Louise.
- Mistaya Canyon Guide – A short walk leads to one of the most impressive canyons along the Icefields Parkway.
- Athabasca Falls Guide – One of Jasper National Park’s most powerful waterfalls and a must-see stop near the Columbia Icefield.
Planning Your Canadian Rockies Trip
If the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is part of your itinerary, chances are you’re planning a larger Canadian Rockies adventure. From Banff and Jasper to glacier-fed lakes, scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable viewpoints, these guides will help you make the most of your trip.
- Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide – Start here for a complete overview of the region and its top destinations.
- Canadian Rockies First-Time Visitor Guide – Everything I wish I had known before planning my first trip.
- 7-10 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary – A realistic itinerary that covers the highlights without feeling rushed.
- Canadian Rockies Without Hardcore Hiking – Perfect for travelers who want incredible scenery without difficult hikes.
- Best Things to Do in the Canadian Rockies – The attractions, tours, lakes, and viewpoints I’d prioritize on a first visit.
- Banff for First-Time Visitors – Where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your time in Banff National Park.
- Best Things to Do in Banff – My favorite attractions, experiences, and viewpoints around Banff.
- Banff in 3 Days – A practical itinerary for travelers with limited time.
- Jasper for First-Time Visitors – What to know before visiting the quieter and more laid-back side of the Canadian Rockies.
- Jasper in 3 Days – How to spend three unforgettable days exploring Jasper National Park.
Final Thoughts
When I think back on our day at the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca Glacier is still what stands out most in my memory.
But the Skywalk was better than I expected.
Not because it was thrilling.
Not because the glass floor was particularly scary.
And not because it felt like some once-in-a-lifetime attraction.
It was better because it gave us another excuse to stop, slow down, and admire one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.
Would I put it in my top five experiences from the trip?
Probably not.
Would I recommend it to most first-time visitors who are already doing the glacier tour?
Absolutely.
And for casual travelers who want incredible scenery without a strenuous hike, that alone may be reason enough to add it to your itinerary.
