Banff, Alberta–If there is one thing you should do in Alberta– visit The Athabasca Glacier. The drive on the Icefields Parkway is considered one of the most scenic in the world. It’s an all day trip. You can drive it on your own, or book a tour with the excellent Discover Banff Tours. When you arrive at the ice fields, a special ice bus will drive you to the glacier. For about 20-30 minutes you are allowed to walk on the ice. You can also make arrangements for a longer walk if you like.
The Athabasca Glacier is only about two percent of the 85 square mile Columbia Icefield. It is to Alberta, what the Great Wall is to China, the Pyramids to Egypt and Machu Picchu to Peru. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bottle, because you can drink water directly from the ice melt. The glacier is what supplies fresh water to the area.
Whenever I come to Canada, the only thing that has ever disappoints me is that I don’t have enough time to do and see more. I think Alberta is the most beautiful of the four provinces I have visited. If you haven’t visited yet–what’s stopping you? The people are friendly, the land is stunning and there’s lots to do. And if you’re one of those Americans who can’t find Canada on the map–it’s north of the border stupid!