Climbing the Iconic Icefields Parkway Peaks in Banff National Park, AB
Climbing the Iconic Icefields Parkway Peaks in Banff National Park, AB
Banff National Park’s Icefields Parkway is home to some of the most striking peaks in the Canadian Rockies, offering climbers world-class alpine challenges and breathtaking landscapes. The region's rugged terrain, dramatic glaciated summits, and diverse climbing routes make it an essential destination for experienced mountaineers. Whether climbing steep rock faces or navigating glacial approaches, the Icefields Parkway peaks provide an unforgettable adventure.
Adventure Guide to Climbing the Iconic Icefields Parkway Peaks
Mount Athabasca (3,491 m)
- Why It’s Special: One of the most popular and accessible alpine peaks, Mount Athabasca features multiple routes, including the classic North Glacier route, a great introduction to glaciated mountain climbing.
- Notable Features: The peak is heavily glaciated, with breathtaking views of the Columbia Icefield. Routes vary from intermediate snow climbs to technical ice and rock challenges.
- Local Insight: Early morning starts are crucial to avoid deteriorating snow and ice conditions later in the day.
Mount Andromeda (3,450 m)
- Why It’s Special: Known for the sketchier and more technical North Face routes, this peak offers serious alpine challenges for experienced climbers. The Andromeda Strain route is a coveted ice and mixed climb.
- Notable Features: Steep rock, hanging glaciers, and dramatic cornices make this an adventurous ascent for alpine enthusiasts.
- Local Insight: Due to rockfall and crevasses, seekers of this climb require strong route-finding skills and experience with ice protection placement.
Snow Dome (3,456 m)
- Why It’s Special: Situated near the hydrological apex of North America, this peak feeds three major watersheds. It offers a less technical but rewarding climb, with stunning panoramic views.
- Notable Features: A long, glaciated approach with a mixture of crevasse navigation and sustained snow slopes.
- Local Insight: Due to its relatively moderate difficulty, Snow Dome is often used as a winter ski-mountaineering route as well.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Climb: Late June to September, when snow conditions are stable.
- Gear Essentials: Glacier travel equipment, climbing harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, and avalanche safety gear.
- Driving Directions: From Banff, drive north on the Icefields Parkway (HWY 93) for approximately 2.5 hours to reach the Columbia Icefield area.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Janek JJ2 years ago
The Glacier Athabasca slowly disappears 5 meters per each year. In 1890 it was 5 times bigger than today. If you want to see that amazing place you have to hurry up…
Andy Smith3 weeks ago
This mountain and the area around it is amazing, not only for the views, but for the fact it’s the only place in the world where the continental divide splits 3 ways, with water going to the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. The way the snow sits on the edge is really impressive and the whole area is full of astounding scenery. Well worth a visit.
Bryan M4 months ago
Mount Athabasca is a moderate ski mountaineering objective during the winter that features phenomenal skiing in good conditions when the snow provides proper bridging over the crevasses. The ascent takes you under active seracs, avalanche terrain, over glacier, and up a very narrow section of snow in order to get up to the sliverhorn (which is technically a distinct peak). We were not able to ski from the top of the silverhorn as there was not enough snow cover so we donned our crampons and hoofed it on foot to the summit of Athabasca.
The descent was absolutely amazing, but featured a lot of hidden rocks that added some extra spice into the mix. We were able to ski from the ridge below the silverhorn all the way to the service road.
1000% reccomend for anyone looking for a challenging ski objective and an 11er in one go.
Valeriia Kamenievaa year ago
We went to the glacier in the middle of September. I enjoyed the tour, costly but I guess it was worth it.
It is very cold there even in summer and a cold wind blows, so it is better to take some kind of jacket and hat.
Ali Abid Syed8 months ago
I really like the glacier walk and its tour. Banff and Jasper is about lakes, mountains, and hikes. Glacier and sky walk were different.
Take an empty bottle and fill it up with Glacier fresh water and drink it. It was such an amazing experience.
